How much can you give tax-free, do gift cards count — and what should you choose so the gift gets used rather than put in a drawer? A guide for those responsible for corporate gifts, with the rules first and the gift ideas afterwards.
Corporate gifts are one of the easiest ways to show employees that they are valued — and one of the most common areas where things go wrong, both in terms of tax and in the choice of gift itself. Here are the rules first, and the gifts that actually get used, afterwards.
The tax rules: what you can give
The main rule is straightforward: employees can receive gifts of up to 5,000 kroner per year tax-free, as long as the gift is not cash. Gift cards count — provided the card cannot be exchanged for money. The limit applies collectively to all gifts throughout the year, so a Christmas gift and a summer gift share the same allowance.
For milestone birthdays — 50, 60, 70, 75 and 80 — you may additionally give a token gift of up to 4,000 kroner tax-free. Long service and company anniversaries have their own rates, so check with Skatteetaten as the occasion approaches. Flowers and confectionery of modest value can always be given.
If you stay within the limits, the gift is tax-free for the employee and requires no reporting — above the limit, the excess becomes taxable as salary. If in doubt, have a quick word with your accountant.
Gifts that actually get used
Our experience over nearly four decades: gifts that stand up to northern Norwegian weather get used. Wool jumpers and base layers from Devold and Aclima, hats and mittens from Hestra, rucksacks, flasks and outdoor kit — these are gifts people wear and carry with them, as opposed to yet another gadget in a drawer.
Think practical value over logo impact: a quality jumper that an employee actually wears builds more pride than a cheap promotional item ever will.
With or without a logo?
Either can be the right choice. Discreet embroidery makes the gift part of the company identity — but for personal items such as wool garments and hats, many choose to leave out the logo precisely so it feels like a gift rather than equipment. A good middle ground: a logo on practical items such as rucksacks and flasks, and plain garments without.
Christmas, anniversaries and milestones
Christmas gifts are the big occasion — and the one everyone orders too late. If the gifts are to carry a logo, the supplier needs time for printing or embroidery: place the order well before December, and you will avoid both last-minute pressure and out-of-stock sizes.
And beyond Christmas: a summer gift, anniversaries, milestone birthdays and tokens of appreciation when someone has gone the extra mile. Several small, well-chosen gifts throughout the year build more goodwill than one large one in December.
How we make it simple
We put together gift packages within the budget you choose, arrange logos where required, and deliver collectively — to the business or directly to employees at home. Gift cards from us work well too: the employee chooses for themselves, and the card cannot be exchanged for cash, so it stays within the tax rules.
Browse the range on our corporate gifts page, or request a specific proposal within your budget — or ring us on 77 68 64 85.
