You probably mean well with a bottle of wine or box of chocolates, but these gifts aren’t always appreciated by your employees. Research shows that more than three in four employees now prefer a gift card to a more traditional gift.* Opt for a gift card to show your appreciation in a way that feels personal, works efficiently and is suitable for everyone. Because the best gift today is the freedom to choose.
*Research by IVOX among 1,000 Belgians – July 2025
In a nutshell
- 77%* of employees prefer a gift card to a physical gift.
- Freedom to choose boosts relevance and inclusion.
- The Kadonation Gift Card is tax-efficient, works internationally and is valid for three years.
- With Kadonation Select you can easily design your own personalised gift card.
Why employees prefer a gift card
With a gift card, there’s something for everyone: books, wellness, fashion, items for the home, or a day out, that’s what freedom to choose is all about. The recipient gets to choose their own gift, and you get to avoid buying the wrong thing, proving that you really can please everyone. It’s the perfect way to tailor your appreciation to the recipient’s preferences.
Critics argue that a gift card is playing it safe and too impersonal. But the freedom to choose offered by a gift card actually makes it the best way to ensure the recipient feels truly appreciated. And thanks to the range of personalisation options, the gift can be tailored to both giver and receiver.
What makes the Kadonation Gift Card different
Getting a gift card is always a nice surprise, but the Kadonation Gift Card takes it a step further. Instead of being limited to a single shop or brand, it offers real freedom of choice. The recipient decides how, where and when to redeem their gift card, and can even split it over multiple purchases and different shops.
A quick overview of the advantages:
- Ultimate freedom to choose: the recipient chooses from more than 100 partners.
- Works internationally: easily available in 30+ currencies.
- Tax-efficient: fully in line with the rules for employee gifts.
- Personalisation options: add a personal message or video.
- Flexible to use: spend the value in one go or split it over multiple purchases.
- Validity: valid for 3 years, no pressure or rush to spend.
- Digital and physical: ideal for organisations with a hybrid or remote working policy.
The smart combo: gift card + personal gift
Nowadays, the most popular approach to showing your appreciation means you don’t have to choose: a flexible gift card combined with a meaningful gift.
Customers who choose this combo put most of the budget towards the Kadonation Gift Card, so employees can choose something they really want. On top of that they also receive a small, personal item tailored to the message the customer wants to convey: a symbolic item or a playful detail that aligns with your company culture.

Why the gift card + physical gift combo works
- Freedom to choose + emotion = maximum appreciation
The gift card leaves room for personal preference, while the physical gift adds warmth and sincerity. This combination creates a gesture that is both relevant and meaningful. - Efficient and memorable
HR no longer has to choose individual gifts, but employees still feel like their gift has been tailored to them. A memorable experience, without any extra work. - Brand identity and recognisability
Reflecting your company branding or values in your gift, for example a card with your logo or a small gadget that symbolises teamwork or growth, is a subtle way to strengthen your brand identity. - Long-lasting and flexible
No more unwanted gifts shoved in a drawer. The gift card gets spent, the gift used or shared.

Real-life examples
- Classic & stylish: a beautiful envelope with personalised card and Kadonation Gift Card with video.
- Creative & light-hearted: a mini Lego figure or plant with a ‘Thank you for all your teamwork’ card.
- Seasonal: a winter gift with heartfelt message, together with a digital gift card offering them the freedom to choose.

New: How to design your own gift card using Kadonation
Use Kadonation Select, our online gifting platform, to create your own personalised gift card:
- Upload your logo or campaign image and choose your brand colours throughout the process: from gift card design (digital or physical) to the landing page where the recipient can activate their gift card.
- Personalise with a message or video.
- Consistent branding.
Design your own gift card with Select

Frequently asked questions:
- Do employees really prefer a gift card?
JYes, research carried out among 1,000 Belgians indicates that 77% prefer a gift card for their company gift. A gift card gives the recipient complete freedom to choose and increases the chance they’ll actually use the gift. - Isn’t a gift card impersonal?
Not if you add personalisation. A written message or video makes the gift feel warm and sincere. - Which shops accept the Kadonation Gift Card?
Our partners include Bol, Zalando, HEMA, Coolblue, Torfs, Standaard Boekhandel, Ici Paris XL, Filou & Friends, and many, many more. You can see all our partners here. - What are the tax benefits?
The Kadonation Gift Card complies with the relevant rules for employee gifts. To find out more, read this blog. - Can we use the gift card internationally?
Yes. The card can be used with 30+ currencies, making it ideal for teams spread across multiple countries. - How long is the gift card valid for?
3 years. Employees can choose when to spend it. - Can we use our own design?
Of course! With Kadonation Select it only takes a few minutes to design a gift card in your own company branding.
Isabel
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