Corporate gifting has evolved. Today’s clients expect more than logoed merchandise, they want gifts that reflect shared values, sustainability, and personal choice.
Turning corporate swag into a personalized, sustainable experience
Corporate gifting has evolved. Today’s clients expect more than logoed merchandise, they want gifts that reflect shared values, sustainability, and personal choice. When CarGurus partnered with Ethical Swag, the goal was clear: empower recipients to choose gifts they’ll actually love while staying true to CarGurus’ brand philosophy of confidence and control.
This approach became a model for choice-based gifting, combining personalization, purpose, and ease of execution and it outperformed traditional gifting programs in every way.
Why Choice-Based Gifting Works
Traditional swag often takes a one-size-fits-all approach: bulk items, minimal personalization, and plenty of waste. Choice-based gifting flips the script by giving recipients the ability to select their own gifts from a curated, brand-aligned collection.
Here’s why this approach stands out:
Personal connection: Recipients choose something they truly want, turning a logoed item into something they’ll actually use and value.
Sustainability in action: Fewer unwanted gifts means less waste and more intentional purchasing.
Ease for organizers: A digital pop-up shop automates the process from selection to shipping.
Brand alignment: When your clients feel empowered, your brand promise like CarGurus’ “putting people in control” becomes tangible.
Inside the CarGurus Pop-Up Experience
CarGurus, known for helping people make confident car-buying decisions, wanted their gifting program to mirror that same sense of empowerment.
“Initially, I was searching for a Canadian gifting company that had the capabilities to let each of my clients choose their own gift,” says Chris Ramey, Manager of Client Partnerships at CarGurus.
“Ethical Swag checked both boxes, plus they provided high-quality, ethically sourced products.”
Ethical Swag curated a premium collection of sustainable, useful merchandise from cozy apparel to practical deskware and built a digital pop-up shop for CarGurus’ clients across Canada. Each recipient received a custom invitation to select their gift online, and Ethical Swag handled the fulfillment and shipping from end to end.
The result?
100% fulfillment success rate
High engagement and positive feedback
Zero leftover inventory
And most importantly, stronger client relationships built on trust and thoughtfulness
One client even shared a photo of himself “wearing the CarGurus hat and zip-up, with a branded mug in hand and a blanket on his lap”, proof that thoughtful, well-made swag has staying power.
Read the CarGurus Impact Story.
Lessons for Companies: Rethinking Swag with Impact
CarGurus’ gifting story offers valuable takeaways for any brand ready to elevate its approach:
Put recipients in the driver’s seat – Offering a curated selection turns gifting into an experience, not an obligation.
Make it seamless – A digital pop-up shop saves hours of coordination and makes participation effortless.
Choose quality over quantity – Useful, well-crafted products extend brand visibility and reduce waste.
Partner with a values-aligned supplier – The right partner can simplify the entire process while sourcing with integrity.
How Ethical Swag Supports Choice-Based Gifting
At Ethical Swag, we help companies turn gifting into a values-aligned experience that’s both effortless and impactful.
Custom online pop-up shops for client or employee gifts
Ethically sourced merchandise curated for your audience and brand
Reusable, recyclable packaging that minimizes waste
Guidance on local and sustainable product choices
Our mission is to make swag meaningful, connecting people to purpose while helping companies reflect what they stand for through every touchpoint.
Explore more inspiration in our related posts:
5 Ways Corporate Gifts Can Strengthen Client & Employee Relationships
Top 10 Products for Gen Z in 2025
Beyond the Gift: Why It Matters
Choice-based gifting isn’t just a logistical upgrade, it’s a brand storytelling opportunity.
It communicates respect and trust.
It reduces environmental impact through waste prevention and responsible sourcing.
It creates emotional connections that last far longer than a transactional gift exchange.
As companies look for ways to align gifting programs with sustainability and inclusion, choice-based swag represents a simple, scalable way to do it.
Learn more about sustainable sourcing in our Sustainable Buyer’s Guide.
FAQ: Choice-Based Corporate Gifting
Q: What is choice-based gifting?
A: It’s a model that allows recipients to select their own gift from a curated online store, blending personalization with brand control.
Q: How is it different from traditional corporate gifting?
A: Instead of sending the same item to everyone, you empower recipients to choose what fits their preferences, ensuring higher satisfaction and lower waste.
Q: Can choice-based gifting support sustainability goals?
A: Absolutely. With fewer unused gifts and ethically sourced products, it supports waste reduction and circular economy principles.
Q: What kinds of gifts work best for this model?
A: Useful, high-quality products like recycled drinkware, organic apparel, and Made in Canada gift packs that align with your company’s sustainability standards.
Q: Does Ethical Swag manage the logistics?
A: Yes. From digital shop setup to delivery and tracking, we handle every step so your team can focus on connection, not coordination.
Ready to Make Your Gifting Program Personal and Purposeful?
Choice-based gifting proves that sustainability and personalization can go hand in hand. Whether you’re planning a client appreciation campaign, event giveaway, or holiday gifting program, Ethical Swag can help you make it effortless, ethical, and unforgettable.
Explore our Corporate Gifting Collection
Want to build your own pop-up gift shop? Book a free Swag Project Intro Call
Let’s make corporate gifting personal again and make it matter, together.