Visiting Company of Gifts: to Eindhoven during the heatwave

Sometimes you plan a company visit and it turns out afterwards that you chose exactly the hottest day of the year.

That is how it went for us: 36 degrees, a full heatwave, and the four of us (Nelson, Lisa, Jordy and I) got into the car to Eindhoven. Destination: Company of Gifts (COG). Despite the heat, it was a day that stayed with me, especially because of their showroom.

What COG does

Company of Gifts is a bespoke corporate gifts company. They think along creatively about everything related to appreciation: Christmas hampers, their own Christmas market, corporate gifts, and a digital selection concept where recipients choose their own gift. What appealed to me is how far they go in personalisation, such as a custom bauble with your company logo on it.

I also liked their idea of an "annual appreciation plan": not a one-off gesture around the festive season, but appreciation that you spread throughout the year. Perfect for a company anniversary, for example.

The showroom

The highlight was definitely the showroom. It is one thing to leaf through a catalogue, but seeing and holding the products in person makes all the difference. The showroom is open from May to 15 November, and a visit is possible from an order value of €7,500 (excl. VAT).

What struck me were the trends for this year. The gifts clearly align with how people live today: a handy trolley, an under-seat bag, outdoor cooking equipment, a trendy cooler bag (on a 36-degree day, I certainly appreciated that), padel-related items, a tapas board, and the theme of vitality.

Sustainability that makes sense

What pleasantly surprised me is that sustainability is not an afterthought at COG. They deliver green, cooperate with a sheltered workshop, and take surplus products to the food bank. It felt genuine, not just a tick in a box.

And how they get customers

Interesting from my own profession: COG does not do Google Ads or paid online marketing. They grow mainly through word-of-mouth, supplemented by outbound sales from their account managers. An approach that shows a strong product and personal contact still go a long way.

Finally

Despite (or perhaps precisely because of) the scorching hot drive, it was a valuable visit. Lovely people, an inspiring showroom, and a fresh perspective on what appreciation can be. Thank you Nelson, Lisa and Jordy for the company, and COG for the hospitality.