Merryvent helps companies choose gifts compatible with gift policies and anti-bribery rules such as the UK Bribery Act, the US FCPA and French Sapin II (general information, not legal advice): modest branded gifts, alcohol-free options, neutral Season's Greetings designs, food labelling in the local language where required as standard, and sustainable options such as FSC cardboard, plastic-free inserts, Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance chocolate and rPET plush, with certificates and EN 71 test reports for plush on request.
Gifts and anti-bribery rules
Most large companies have a gift and hospitality policy, and many of their clients do too. These policies exist because anti-bribery laws treat gifts as a possible way of gaining improper advantage. Well-known examples are the UK Bribery Act 2010, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the French Sapin II law. None of them bans ordinary seasonal gifts; they focus on intent, value, timing and transparency.
In practice, policies tend to favour gifts that are of modest value, clearly branded, given openly to many recipients at a customary time of year, and not linked to a pending decision such as a tender. Many companies also set value thresholds or require registration of gifts above them, and public officials are often subject to stricter rules.
This is general information, not legal advice. Please check your own policy and, where needed, the recipient's policy and local law.
Gift choices that usually pass review
Points to check before you order
| Question | Why it matters | How we help |
|---|---|---|
| What is the value per recipient? | Policies and tax rules often set thresholds | Formats across budget bands; see gift limits |
| Are any recipients public officials? | Stricter rules usually apply | Low-value branded items, or a card only |
| Is a tender or contract decision pending? | Gifts during a tender are often prohibited | Plan timing; postpone to New Year if needed |
| Does the recipient's company accept gifts? | Some companies refuse all gifts | Consumable or shareable items for the team |
| Diet, faith, alcohol? | Inclusion and policy | Alcohol-free, vegan or neutral options on request |
General information, not legal advice. See also the gift limits guide for tax-related thresholds in selected countries.
Food labelling and local requirements
Chocolate, tea, coffee and other food items must carry the information required in the destination market, which in many countries includes labelling in the local language. Where this is required, compliant local-language labels or stickers are part of our standard service, and we provide ingredient and allergen lists, so recipients with allergies can check what they receive. For destinations outside the EU, food import rules can limit what can be sent; we check this before quoting.
Sustainability options
| Cardboard | FSC-certified cardboard for calendar boxes and gift boxes |
|---|---|
| Inserts | Plastic-free inserts instead of plastic trays |
| Chocolate | Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance certified chocolate; certificates on request |
| Plush | rPET plush fabric (recycled polyester) |
| Documents | FSC, Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certificates and EN 71 test reports for plush on request |
Including compliance in your brief
Share the policy limits
Value thresholds, alcohol rules, design restrictions.
Name sensitive groups
Public sector recipients, regulated clients, multicultural teams.
Get matching options
The quote proposes formats that fit those limits.
Document the decision
Quote and specifications support your internal gift register.
Request a proposal
Send us your gift policy limits with the brief. We propose formats that fit them, including alcohol-free and neutral options.
Request a proposal or email hello@merryvent.com, phone +48 577 723 719.
Frequently asked questions
Are corporate Christmas gifts allowed under the UK Bribery Act or the FCPA?
These laws do not prohibit ordinary, modest, transparent seasonal gifts; they target gifts intended to gain improper advantage. This is general information, not legal advice; check your policy and local law.
Do you offer alcohol-free hampers?
Yes. Hampers and gift boxes can be put together without alcohol.
Can the design avoid religious motifs?
Yes. Neutral Season's Greetings or New Year designs work well for multicultural teams and international client lists.
Can you label food in the local language?
Yes, as a standard service: where it is required for the destination we arrange compliant labels and provide ingredient and allergen lists.
Which sustainable materials are available?
FSC cardboard, plastic-free inserts, Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance chocolate and rPET plush, with certificates and EN 71 test reports for plush on request.