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Gifting isn’t one-size-fits-all, and our latest data proves it. To find the best gift ideas for employees and clients, you have to look at the rhythm of the city they live in.
We’ve analyzed thousands of data points to identify the most in-demand gifts across the United States. Whether you’re looking for unique client gifts or remote employee appreciation ideas, this 2026 city-by-city guide is your shortcut to ensuring your gift is actually kept and enjoyed.
New York City: Minimalist Luxury & Clutter-Free Living
New Yorkers prefer intentional, high-quality gifts that fit seamlessly into urban life without taking up too much space. They also love to support home-grown brands founded in New York, like Levain Bakery sweets or Apotheke home goods.
Top picks:
- APOTHEKE – Charcoal Fragrance Collection Candle Duo
- Jenni Kayne – Everyday Sweater (Taupe)
- Boy Smells – 8.5 oz Essential Candle
- Levain Bakery – Cookie Tin Gift Set
- Dossier - Room Diffuser
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Los Angeles: Aesthetic Wellness & Creative Lifestyle
In LA, the top corporate gifts support busy, social lifestyles with a focus on self-care and "shelfie-ready" design. LA-founded brands like Boy Smells candles or Brightland olive oil are always welcome.
Top picks:
- Halfday – The Roamer Backpack
- Brightland – The Olive Oil Duo Gift Set
- FUJIFILM – Instax Mini Evo Instant Film Camera
- Brightland – The Olive Oil Duo Gift Set
- Supergoop! – PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 with Sunflower Extract, 2.4 oz
Chicago: Nostalgic Rituals & Cozy Home Goods
Chicago trends balance artisanal food gifts with cozy, well-made home essentials perfect for the Midwest climate.
Top picks:
- Devoción – House Blend 10oz 4 pack, Whole Bean
- Parachute Home – Classic Turkish Cotton Slippers, Dusk
- Northwind – Monogrammed Sewn Leather Luggage Tag
- Larissa Loden – Margot Huggie Hoops
- Gry Mattr – Espresso Cup, Set of 2
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San Francisco: Tech-Savvy Utility & Bay Area-Based Options
San Francisco favorites offer a mix of luxury experiences and high-utility everyday upgrades. The ultra-cozy SF-founded brand clothing Marine Layer is a perennial favorite as well.
Top picks:
- Virgin Experiences – Sunset Catamaran Cruise for Two
- Levain – Cookie Tin Gift Set
- Marine Layer apparel
- Huron – Dopp Kit
- Le Creuset – Tapas Dishes, Set of 3
- Bala – The Hourglass Roller
Seattle: Quality Essentials & Functional Utility
Seattleites favor durable, high-quality gear that supports an active, outdoorsy lifestyle. And, of course, coffee.
Top picks:
- Bombas – Performance Compression Socks
- Coleman – 400 Lumens LED Lantern with BatteryGuard™
- Ridge – MagSafe Cardholder
- Canon – IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer
- Blue Bottle Coffee – Craft Instant Espresso and Kinto Tumbler Bundle
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Miami: Luxury Wellness & Home Essentials
Miami recipients gravitate toward high-end home upgrades and items that elevate their daily routines and wellness.
Top picks:
- Beast Health – Beast Mini Blender
- Pure Over – Espresso Cup Set of 2
- Snowfox – Ice Bucket and Rocks Glasses Barware Set
- Baublebar – Gold & Mother of Pearl Initial Necklace
- Yogasleep – Kids Dreamcenter with Night Light
Portland: Comfort-Forward & Outdoorsy Favorites
Portland recipients lean toward sustainable, cozy gifts with an independent, adventurous spirit.
Top picks:
- JLAB – Studio ANC Wireless On-Ear Headphones
- Quince – Organic Cotton Fisherman Collared Cardigan
- Coleman – Portable Camping Oven
- KitchenAid – Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender
- Trek Light – The Everyday Fanny Pack
San Diego: Recovery & Low-Effort Relaxation
In San Diego, the most popular gifts prioritize physical wellness and laid-back comfort.
Top picks:
- Homedics – Shiatsu Foot Massager
- Dagne Dover – Mara Phone Sling
- TRUFF – White Truffle Hot Sauce
- Coalatree – Wanderer Double Hammock
- Quince – All-Season Premium Down Alternative Comforter, Queen
Houston: Hosting, Hospitality, & Shared Moments
Houston recipients prioritize home entertaining gifts and items that enhance shared spaces.
Top picks:
- Nearly Natural – Boho Chic Handwoven Basket
- Loftie – Night Lights
- Uber Appliance – Slate Charcuterie Board
- Goode – Goode Signature Seasoning Blend, 12.6oz
- Line of Trade – Weekender Dopp Kit 2.0
What This Tells Us About Gifting in 2026
Across every city, one trend stands out: people want gifts that fit their lifestyle.
The most successful gifts aren’t trendy for trend’s sake—they’re thoughtful, usable, and flexible.
That’s why Goody’s Gift of Choice works so well: recipients can choose what actually makes sense for them.
If you’re planning gifting in 2026, let the data guide you, and let recipients decide.
About the author
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