The Christmas gift is a gift chosen for the Christmas season. Today, the Italian term “strenna” is mainly used for carefully presented packages, food hampers and gift boxes bringing several products together in a single present.
It can be a small token for a loved one or a gift for customers, employees, colleagues and partners. The value of the package is not the only difference: the recipient, message and presentation also change.
At a Glance: a Christmas gift, or “strenna”, is a present for Christmas, often made up of food specialities. For companies, it can become a coordinated package for customers, employees or partners, with the budget, personalisation and delivery arrangements agreed in advance.
If you are organising gifts for your company, go straight to Sicilus corporate Christmas hampers and gifts.
What is a Christmas “strenna”?
In everyday Italian, a “strenna” is a present given for the festive season. Over time, the term has become particularly associated with Christmas and gift packages of products chosen to share.
A Christmas gift can take many forms: a box with a few products, a sweet assortment, a complete food selection or a prestigious business gift.
Its value does not necessarily depend on the number of items. A well-designed package can be simple yet thoughtful when its products, presentation and recipient fit together.
Christmas gift, hamper and gift box: what is the difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but can describe different presentations.
- Christmas gift: the broadest term, describing the Christmas present as a whole.
- Christmas hamper: suggests a more traditional, varied food selection.
- Gift box: generally describes a more compact, contemporary package, often built around a theme or a particular selection.
You do not need to start with the packaging’s name. It is more useful to decide the recipient, budget and experience you want to offer first.
Sicilian Christmas gifts: what they can contain
A Sicilian gift can express the island through recognisable products and combinations that are easy to share. Depending on its contents, it may include panettone and artisan sweets, biscuits, Modica IGP chocolate, pistachio creams, preserves, pasta, extra virgin olive oil, wines, liqueurs and other seasonal specialities.
At Sicilus, we prefer selections with a unifying theme to adding products merely to increase the number of items. A sweet package, a selection for the table or a box devoted to a particular region can express Sicily in different ways while retaining a restrained, thoughtful presentation.
How much should you spend on a Christmas gift?
There is no amount that suits everyone. Set the budget according to the number of recipients, your relationship with them and the occasion.
Under €20
This range suits small gifts, events, large teams or gifts for many recipients. A compact package with a few recognisable products is often the best choice. For examples, explore our corporate gifts under €20.
From €20 to €50
This allows a more varied selection without making the gift excessive. It is often used for employees, colleagues, customers and sales networks. See also our corporate gift ideas under €50.
From €50 to €100
This offers greater variety and a more substantial presentation for customers, suppliers or partners.
Over €100
This range covers fuller selections and prestigious business gifts. Balance, product origins and presentation are particularly important.
Corporate Christmas gifts
For a company, a Christmas gift is more than a seasonal purchase. It must suit a specific number of recipients, respect a budget, arrive on time and, when needed, match the company’s message.
Before choosing, define at least five elements:
- the number of packages;
- the approximate budget per recipient;
- the customers, employees, colleagues or partners receiving them;
- any personalisation;
- whether delivery is to a single location or several addresses.
For orders starting from 25 packages, Sicilus can prepare a tailored proposal based on quantity, contents and the services required.
Explore the selection of corporate Christmas hampers and gifts or request a corporate proposal.
Christmas gifts for customers, employees and partners
For employees and colleagues
For a large team, consistency, ease of distribution and budget become particularly important. Subject to availability, consider alcohol-free packages or specific dietary requirements.
For customers and partners
For an important business relationship, a more varied selection may represent your company without feeling promotional. A Sicilian gift communicates through the region, products and care taken in its composition.
For suppliers and external colleagues
A food package can be a simple expression of appreciation for work shared throughout the year, particularly when its contents are easy to share.
How to personalise a corporate Christmas gift
Personalisation does not necessarily mean printing a logo on every item. A well-written message, coherent packaging and a selection chosen for the recipient are often enough.
Quantities, timing and available materials determine how much personalisation is possible. For more detailed projects, consult the guide to personalised corporate gift hampers and Sicilus personalisation options.
Should you buy a ready-made gift or assemble it?
A ready-made package is the simplest solution when you want to compare contents, price and style immediately. For smaller quantities, it lets you buy directly online without designing every detail.
If you prefer to choose the items yourself, start with empty packaging and add your favourite products. For example, Sicilus offers an empty Large gift box to fill yourself.
For corporate orders involving quantities, personalisation or multiple shipments, define the project first, then choose the contents.
Shipping to a single address or several
A Christmas gift can be delivered to a central location or shipped directly to multiple recipients. For orders with several addresses, collect complete, consistent details in advance to check costs, destinations and timing.
Timing depends on the season, destination, product availability and level of personalisation. Especially for complex corporate projects, plan the order between September and October.
Corporate Christmas gifts and tax considerations
The tax treatment of a corporate gift can vary according to its value, recipient and the nature of the transaction. To avoid generalisations that may not suit a particular case, check your circumstances with your accountant or tax adviser.
For a dedicated overview, read the Sicilus guide to tax considerations for corporate Christmas hampers.
Frequently asked questions about Christmas gifts
What does “strenna natalizia” mean?
It is a gift given at Christmas. Today, the term is often used for Christmas hampers, food packages and gift boxes.
What goes into a Christmas gift package?
It depends on the recipient and budget. A food gift can contain sweet products, savoury products or both, with wines or liqueurs where included in the selection.
Does a Christmas gift need to be expensive?
No. A small, thoughtfully assembled package can be more coherent than a very full hamper with little thought behind it. Perceived value also depends on the quality of the selection and its presentation.
Can companies order personalised Christmas gifts?
Yes. Options depend on quantities, materials, availability and timing. Communicate corporate order requirements well in advance.
Can you ship to several addresses?
Yes. Feasibility and costs are checked according to the number of destinations and countries involved.
When should Christmas gifts be ordered?
For corporate projects, large quantities or personalisation, start planning between September and October to allow more choice and flexibility.
Choosing Christmas gifts for your company?
Start with the number of recipients and the budget. Sicilus can help identify a Sicilian selection that fits your project and delivery arrangements.
Explore corporate Christmas hampers and gifts · Request a Proposal
