FDB Incentive

Bejgli, wine or an experience? What do employees really want for Christmas?

December. The company Christmas party is in full swing. Fairy lights, festive music, and under the tree, rows of identical, carefully wrapped gift boxes bearing the company logo.

The marketing team was still working late the night before. The gingerbread arrived at the last minute, which meant reopening hundreds of boxes, adding the missing treats, closing them again and tying the ribbons. But it would be worth it, they thought. Bejgli, a traditional Hungarian Christmas pastry, a bottle of wine and a few festive treats. Everyone gets one. They’re going to love it.

Except one colleague falls ill, and their gift is left waiting at the office. By the time they return in January, Christmas feels like a distant memory – and the bejgli may not have survived quite as well. Another employee opens their box at the Christmas party. Bejgli – they’re gluten intolerant. Wine – they don’t drink. “I’ll give it to someone else,” they think, forcing a smile.

Everyone had the best intentions. HR wanted to thank employees for their hard work throughout the year, while the marketing team wanted to make sure the gift looked thoughtful and reflected the company well. Time, effort and money all went into it – and yet, it still didn’t make everyone happy.

One gift, many different people

The more people you are buying for, the harder it becomes to get everyone’s individual preferences right. A carefully chosen physical gift can be perfect for one person, but across an entire organisation, it is almost impossible to know everyone well enough to choose something that feels personal to each of them.

Experience gifts work differently. Instead of adding another item to the shelf, they give us something to look forward to, something to enjoy and something to remember afterwards. A dinner, a weekend away or an unusual activity can eventually become a story or a shared memory. And when it comes to corporate gifting, there is another important advantage: the freedom to choose.

One box, a different experience for everyone

That is the idea behind Feldobox experience gift boxes, celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. HR chooses the gift box, while employees choose their preferred activity from the experiences available within it. Gastronomy, wellness, short breaks or leisure activities – everyone can choose the experience that suits them best.

Is October too early to start thinking about Christmas?

When it comes to corporate gifting, this is actually the perfect time to start planning, before the end-of-year rush begins. Feldobox experience gift boxes are valid for 15 months from the date of purchase, while Feldobox Gift Cards are valid for 12 months. So a Christmas gift purchased in October could turn into a winter wellness break, a spring getaway or even a summer adventure.

What if you want to offer even more freedom of choice?

For companies that would like to offer shopping options alongside experiences, AJI Gift Cards from the FDB Incentive portfolio provide a flexible alternative. Recipients can decide for themselves which product or service they would like to spend the value of their gift on within the AJI partner network. Feldobox offers experiences and time to unwind, while AJI gives recipients even more freedom to choose what suits them.

Plan ahead this year and make choice part of the gift. Discover FDB Incentive’s corporate gifting solutions and request an offer for your employees or business partners.

If you are interested in our incentive solutions, ask for a tailor-made offer for your company!

More information about Feldobox experience gifts (website in Hungarian): www.feldobox.hu

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FDB Kft. 10.2026. – Konrád Péter  (Chief Operating Officer)