Key facts for Iceland
Christmas is the main business gifting occasion; the season runs from late November to 6 January.
How companies in Iceland give year-end gifts
In Iceland, employers commonly give staff a Christmas gift in December, and gift cards and food products are popular choices. The Christmas season is long, with festivities from late November and the 13 Yule Lads arriving one by one in the days before 24 December, so advent-style countdown gifts fit local traditions. Client gifts are modest and personal. Business is informal and first names are used, so a short, warm card in Icelandic or English is appropriate. Because Iceland is outside the EU customs union and remote, shipments need customs clearance and longer transit times, so order early.
Gift occasions in Iceland
Christmas
main occasion for staff and client gifts
New Year
greetings are common
Good practice
- Order early to allow for transit time and customs
- Keep client gifts modest and personal
- Use Icelandic or English on cards
Avoid
- Do not ship alcohol or meat products without checking import rules
Design and wording
Christmas themes are fully appropriate.
Delivery to Iceland
Iceland is in the EEA but outside the EU customs union: shipments require a customs declaration, Icelandic import VAT applies, and some food products may carry duties. Duties and VAT can be quoted in advance.
Planning dates for Iceland
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 13 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 24 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 Iceland
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.
Beauty calendars
A beauty advent calendar is a premium December gift.
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…
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from Poland to Iceland take?
Longer than within the mainland EU, because of the distance and customs clearance. Plan for orders to ship in November for December delivery.
Do we pay import VAT on gifts sent to Iceland?
Yes. Iceland is outside the EU customs union, so import VAT and possibly duties apply. They can be quoted in advance.