Key facts for United States
Year-end is the main corporate gifting window, usually framed as 'the holidays' rather than Christmas alone.
How companies in United States give year-end gifts
In the United States, corporate gifts cluster between Thanksgiving and mid-December, and most companies prefer inclusive 'Happy Holidays' or 'Season's Greetings' wording over explicitly Christian messages. Clients and partners typically receive branded food gifts, gift boxes or desk items; employees receive gifts, gift cards or bonuses depending on company policy. The $25 per-recipient federal deduction limit for business gifts has not changed for decades, which shapes many client gift budgets, although companies often spend more and accept the non-deductible portion. Many corporations and all government bodies have written gift policies with low caps or outright bans, so procurement and compliance teams may need to approve gifts to their staff. Advent calendars have become a recognized retail product and work well as December-long brand touchpoints for teams. Gifts are usually shipped directly to recipients, including home addresses for remote workers, with a printed card in English signed by the sender.
Gift occasions in United States
Thanksgiving
Marks the start of the corporate gifting season; some firms send thank-you gifts instead of Christmas gifts.
Holiday season
Main window for client and employee gifts; 'Happy Holidays' covers Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
Hanukkah
Relevant for some recipients; neutral seasonal designs avoid assumptions.
New Year
Some companies send New Year cards or gifts after the December rush.
Good practice
- Order early: carriers are busiest from late November, and imports need customs clearance.
- Use inclusive wording such as 'Happy Holidays' or 'Season's Greetings' unless you know the recipient's preferences.
- Check the recipient company's gift policy, especially for public-sector, healthcare and financial clients.
- Collect home addresses with consent if teams work remotely.
Avoid
- Do not send gifts to US government officials without checking the applicable ethics rules.
- Avoid cash-like gifts for employees if you want to avoid payroll tax treatment.
- Do not ship alcohol from abroad; alcohol imports require licensed importers.
Design and wording
Neutral 'Happy Holidays' or 'Season's Greetings' designs are the safest default; Christmas imagery is common but not universal.
Gift policies
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibits giving anything of value to foreign officials to obtain business, and US federal, state and local officials are bound by their own strict gift rules.
Tax rules on business gifts
| Clients and partners | Business gifts are deductible up to $25 per recipient per year (IRC §274(b)); engraving, packaging and shipping costs do not count toward the limit. |
|---|---|
| Employees | The $25 limit does not apply; de minimis items (for example a holiday turkey or a logo mug or T-shirt) are not taxable, while cash and gift cards are taxable wages. |
General information, not tax advice. Check with your accountant. Sources: [1] [2]
Delivery to United States
Shipments from Poland clear US customs; the de minimis duty exemption has been suspended and tariffs on EU goods have changed several times since 2025, so duties are quoted at the time of order. Food items such as chocolate and tea require FDA prior notice, which the courier or broker files with the shipment.
Planning dates for United States
| 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 United States
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.
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
How much can a US business deduct for client gifts?
The federal deduction for business gifts is $25 per recipient per year; costs such as engraving, packaging and shipping are not counted toward that limit. This is not tax advice.
Can chocolate advent calendars be shipped to the US from Poland?
Yes. Food shipments require FDA prior notice, filed with the shipment, and import duties may apply; they are quoted in advance.
Should corporate gifts in the US say Merry Christmas?
Most companies use 'Happy Holidays' or 'Season's Greetings' to stay inclusive unless they know the recipient celebrates Christmas.