September 21st is World Gratitude Day – a reminder that a simple “thank you” can go a long way. For companies, it’s more than just a date on the calendar: it’s an opportunity to strengthen employee engagement, build team culture, and deepen client relationships.

But in today’s workplace, where teams are often distributed and sales relationships are built virtually, saying “thank you” isn’t as straightforward as stopping by someone’s desk with a coffee or bringing donuts to a meeting. That’s where thoughtful corporate gifting comes in.

Over 350 Fortune 500 companies rely on the Sugarwish platform to harness the power of gifting to fuel connection and culture. Below, we break down three ways companies can use Gratitude Day (and gifting year-round) to build lasting impact.

Q&A: How Corporate Gifting Strengthens Gratitude

1. How can corporate gifting help remote teams feel more connected?

Remote and hybrid work models have made it harder for employees to feel engaged and appreciated, making HR recognition programs (and employee appreciation gifts!) even more valuable than ever before. 

According to Gallup’s research, recognition remains one of the top drivers of job satisfaction and retention. Gifting offers a simple, scalable solution for showing recognition and building remote team engagement:

• Personalized appreciation → Instead of generic swag, let employees pick a gift they’ll actually love.

• Equal experience, everywhere → Whether they’re in the office, at home, or across the globe, every team member can be included.

• Moments that matter → A thoughtful gift shows employees they’re seen and valued, something especially powerful for remote teams that they may not see on a daily basis.

💡 Pro tip: Sending Sugarwish on Gratitude Day is a low-lift, high-impact way to remind employees they’re not just part of a company, but part of a community – no matter where they’re working from.

2. How does gifting help build remote team culture?

Culture isn’t built overnight: It’s the small, intentional touchpoints that create connection. Gifting can act as a culture-builder by:

• Celebrating milestones together (birthdays, anniversaries, new hires).

• Boosting morale after big projects or busy seasons.

• Creating shared moments of joy – for example, when team members receive a Sugarwish, they share the experience of choosing their favorite treats, sparking conversations about their preferences as well as camaraderie.

When leaders use gifts as a tool for recognition, it reinforces core company values: appreciation, inclusivity, and care. Gratitude Day is the perfect opportunity to put those values into action.

3. How can gifting help strengthen enterprise sales relationships?

Client relationships thrive on trust and gratitude. A thoughtful gift is more than a transactional gesture: It’s a relationship builder.

Enterprise client gifting is an important tool when it comes to showing client appreciation. With gifting, companies can:

• Show appreciation at key touchpoints – from contract signings to project completions.

• Stay top of mind – a thoughtful surprise helps strengthen brand affinity in a way emails can’t.

• Personalize at scale – Sugarwish lets recipients choose what they want, so it feels tailored without requiring deep personalization or heavy research from your team.

On Gratitude Day, sending a gift to clients and partners is an impactful way to say, “We don’t just value your business, we value YOU.”

Why Gratitude (and Gifting) Matters Year-Round

While Gratitude Day on September 21st is a great reminder, gratitude shouldn’t be limited to one day a year. Companies that regularly recognize employees and clients with thoughtful gestures see:

• Higher employee engagement and retention.

• Stronger workplace culture, especially across remote teams.

• Deeper, more loyal client relationships.

And with gifting solutions like Sugarwish, showing gratitude is simple, scalable, and totally fun.

Make Gratitude Day Count with Sugarwish

This Gratitude Day, take the opportunity to thank the people who make your business possible – your employees, your team, and your clients. Sugarwish makes it easy to deliver a personalized, memorable “thank you” at scale. Get started here!