Why Social Stories Club Is Edinburgh’s Best Gifting Company

If you’re seeking a local Edinburgh gift-hamper provider that creates sustainable gift boxes for teams, then Social Stories Club is exactly what you need. Established in 2018, we launched this Edinburgh-based social enterprise- with backing from The Big Issue Invest and having won £65k via Scottish Edge in the social-enterprise category - to generate meaningful social impact. Our gifts are filled with products made by social enterprises, assembled by individuals facing employment barriers, and encourage teams to come together to learn about social enterprises and sustainability. Below you’ll learn how corporations are using a sustainable employee gift box to create change in the world and within their offices. So if you’re looking for sustainable gifts from Edinburgh or a scottish gift hamper company - Social Stories Club is what you’re looking for.

How can an employee gift box support social enterprises?

Our sustainable hampers feature soaps, teas, chocolates and more-all of which carry an inspirational social story of how they are changing lives. We collaborate with over thirty social enterprises and social businesses across the UK who supply the products for our sustainable gift boxes. We continuously add new items to our offering, to support more social causes and to provide high-quality products in all of our corporate gifts.

Because storytelling is a powerful means of educating people about social impact and encouraging mindset change, each hamper includes a story booklet, describing for example how teas are supporting refugees. These stories help recipients envision a future where businesses play a leading role in creating social value. Family-owned suppliers make up 23 % of our network, while 59 % are run by women.

Sustainable packaging and corporate gift hampers

We at Social Stories Club are committed to reducing our environmental footprint. We constantly seek ways to lessen waste and improve our carbon impact in the delivery of our sustainable boxes and hampers. All of our boxes are made from recycled material and are either biodegradable or reusable. We print the message “This Box Supports Different Social Causes” on all of our boxes. We also include illustrated images of individuals engaging in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals - ideal for educating all ages about social issues. Our eco-friendly boxes are shipped in eco-friendly mailer bags that are easier to open for people with disabilities. Our hampers use paper-rope baskets (which can be reused for storage or gifting), with wood-wool filler (sourced from responsibly harvested trees) replacing plastic packing peanuts.

How an employee gift box is delivering jobs where they’re needed most

At Social Stories Club we hire people who are just as passionate about our sustainable gifts as we are. When we founded the company we wanted to be so much more than a corporate-gifting business – we wanted to be the most impactful and sustainable corporate-gifting company possible. As we grew, we created meaningful job opportunities for those who need training the most. Many of our team members come from a wide range of backgrounds, many with barriers to employment. We value diversity and inclusivity. We were proud to receive our Living Wage Employer accreditation last year, which signals how much we value our staff’s effort.

How firms are using sustainable gift boxes to unite their teams

Employee engagement is one of the vital drivers for companies aiming to achieve sustainable business outcomes. It means employees feel invested in the company’s mission and are committed to its goals. Companies can show they care about sustainability in a few ways: first, by clearly communicating their mission and vision to staff; second, by showing how each employee’s work directly contributes to that mission (for example via volunteering, donation campaigns, CSR programmes); and third, by giving staff a voice in decision-making around sustainability, making them feel valued and engaged.

We’ve supported over 100 corporations in creating positive social impact through our sustainable corporate hampers. According to a survey in October 2021 by PLAY, around 77 % of UK employees wanted their employer to be more transparent about environmental impact, yet only 15 % felt that their employer’s sustainability initiatives were always authentic and effective (34 % and 9 % respectively among business-leaders vs others). Sustainability is increasingly important to employees, who want to be part of a company that cares about its impact. Many firms already do a lot for their communities-but their workers may not know much about those efforts because internal messaging isn’t always effective.

Companies can start by looking into their supply chain: one of the most effective approaches is to choose products from suppliers that staff interact with directly. For example, social-enterprise drinks provided in a shared fridge or our Social Stories Club gift box sent to team members, in place of a generic corporate hamper.

Five examples of gifts from our best-sellers collection

Hug In A Box

£32.00

A beautifully curated gift designed to lift someone’s spirits and make them feel appreciated. Inside, you’ll find treats like ethically sourced hot chocolate, handmade soap, and a bar of fair-trade chocolate, each crafted by UK social enterprises. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for colleagues working remotely or as a thank-you for clients.

Build Your Own Gift Box - 6 Treats

£37.00

This customisable hamper allows you to choose six items from our wide range of sustainable products. Whether you select snacks made by community bakers, teas that support refugees, or candles that fund youth employment projects, you can design a gift that reflects your company’s values and the recipient’s taste.

Conscious Collection

£28.00

A smaller, minimalist box ideal for welcoming new staff or sending sustainable gifts on a budget. It contains a thoughtful mix of feel-good essentials - such as upcycled coffee-bean chocolate and eco-friendly stationery - showcasing the power of ethical sourcing without compromising on quality or design.

Original Social Stories Gift Hamper

£61.00

Our signature hamper and a favourite among corporates. It features a luxurious selection of teas, snacks, candles, and bath products, all made by pioneering social enterprises. Every product has a story of impact, and the hamper includes our signature story booklet, making it as meaningful as it is elegant.

Vegan Treats Gift Box

£31.00

Created for plant-based lifestyles, this hamper brims with vegan snacks and self-care items that give back. Think rich vegan chocolate, fair-trade tea, and natural soap bars - all wrapped in fully recyclable packaging. It’s a favourite for inclusive corporate gifting and shows that sustainability can be both ethical and indulgent.

Conclusion

There are several reasons to choose Social Stories Club’s sustainable corporate gift hampers for employees or clients. First, they represent a truly unique gift that recipients recognise as thoughtful and special. Second, they bring people together - whether a team member shares the story booklet with colleagues or family, the gift fosters connection. Third, they serve as a reward for good work, helping your team feel seen and valued - everyone loves receiving something meaningful. Fourth, they help change the world by providing jobs to individuals with employment barriers who are paid fairly. Finally, they inspire recipients to purchase more from social enterprises themselves and become part of the movement. If you are seeking bespoke corporate gifts or branded gifts for Christmas or other occasions, we’d love to help.

At Social Stories Club we believe great gifts tell true stories. If you want corporate gifting that reflects your values, start with our Corporate Gifting hub. Choose thoughtful Gifts for Employees, memorable Gifts for Clients, or create something unique with Build Your Own Gift. Prefer a faster route. Browse our ready to send Pre-Curated Corporate Gifts, add your brand with Branded Corporate Gifts, or commission Bespoke Corporate Gifts. When you are ready, Book A Call With Us or keep things flexible with our digital Gift Cards.