Key facts for Dominican Republic
Christmas is the main corporate gifting occasion, in a festive season that starts as early as October.
How companies in Dominican Republic give year-end gifts
The Dominican Christmas season starts unusually early, with decorations and music appearing from October. Employees are entitled to the salario de Navidad, a legally mandated thirteenth payment by 20 December, and many companies also give a canasta navideña or caja navideña with wine, cider, sweets and holiday foods. Office parties and 'angelito' gift exchanges (secret Santa) are common. Client gifts are typically canastas, wine, chocolates and branded items, delivered in the first half of December with a card in Spanish. Hospitality and tourism companies are among the largest corporate buyers. December temperatures are warm year-round, so chocolate needs quick transit. Gifts for hotel and resort clients should arrive before the high season peaks in late December, and personal relationships matter, so gifts addressed to named contacts are preferred.
Gift occasions in Dominican Republic
Christmas season
Main occasion; employees receive the legal salario de Navidad (double salary) by 20 December.
Three Kings Day
Public holiday and the traditional end of the season.
Good practice
- Deliver in the first half of December.
- Consider an 'angelito' exchange box for teams.
- Plan for warm temperatures when shipping chocolate.
Avoid
- Avoid gifts to public officials unless their institution's rules clearly allow it.
Design and wording
Christmas wording and imagery are fully appropriate.
Delivery to Dominican Republic
Imports clear Dominican customs with duties and ITBIS (VAT); the EU–CARIFORUM agreement can reduce duties for EU-origin goods. Food products are subject to sanitary rules. Warm temperatures require fast transit for chocolate.
Planning dates for Dominican Republic
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 6 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Fully custom calendars for 2027 — order between | 01.2027 – 08.2027 |
Indicative planning dates; exact dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Recommended formats for Dominican Republic
Chocolate advent calendars
Twenty-four chocolates and your brand on the front from 1 to 24 December.
Tea & coffee calendars
A tea or coffee advent calendar with your logo is a measured, practical gift for clients and colleagues who prefer to avoid sweets.
Plush & merch calendars
A merchandise advent calendar distributes your branded items across 24 doors: socks, pins, stickers, small plush and treats, each carrying your logo.
Empty calendar boxes
For companies that already have the filling: custom printed advent calendar boxes in bulk, designed around your products and delivered flat or…
Christmas hampers
Corporate Christmas hampers with your logo on the box, ribbon or card, composed to your budget band and delivered to one office or to individual home…
Baubles with logo
Most promotional items are discarded within weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salario de Navidad?
A legally required thirteenth salary paid by 20 December; gifts are given in addition.
What is an angelito?
The Dominican name for a secret Santa gift exchange, common in offices.
Can we send chocolate to the Dominican Republic?
Yes, generally, with fast transit because of warm temperatures; duties and ITBIS may apply.