Gift-giving in Nigeria is more than just a tradition; it’s a heartfelt expression of connection, culture, and care. Oyinkansola Odiase, the visionary behind The Gift Sorter, has taken this cherished practice and turned it into a thriving business that combines personalization, sustainability, and thoughtfulness. What started as a passion for creating meaningful gifts has grown into a brand that’s setting new standards in corporate and souvenir gifting.
In this exclusive interview, Oyinkansola shares the inspiration behind her journey, the challenges of staying innovative in a competitive market, and her forward-thinking vision for the future of gifting. With her dedication to supporting local artisans and delivering quality with every package, The Gift Sorter is proving that the right gift can make a lasting impression.
- What inspired you to start “The Gift Sorter,” and how has your vision for the company evolved since its inception?
I’ve always loved giving and receiving gifts—it’s one of the purest ways to show thoughtfulness and connection. Growing up in Nigeria, I noticed how much we value gift-giving, whether it’s souvenirs at events, corporate gifts, or even small tokens of appreciation. But one thing always stood out: many souvenirs would either be forgotten at the venue or end up unused.
I started “The Gift Sorter” because I wanted to change that. My goal was to create gifts that people would actually use and appreciate—things that could remind them of the person or event that gave them. Over time, my vision has grown from just creating thoughtful gifts for individuals to helping businesses and event organizers make a lasting impression with items that truly resonate with their recipients. It’s all about making gift-giving more meaningful and impactful.
- In the competitive landscape of gifting, what strategies does “The Gift Sorter” employ to distinguish itself from other souvenir and corporate gifting companies?
We focus on personalization and emotional impact. Every gift we create is designed to feel unique and thoughtfully tailored, whether it’s a custom souvenir reflecting a city’s culture or a corporate gift that aligns with a company’s values.
Another differentiator is our emphasis on eco-friendly practices. We strive to source sustainable materials and partner with local artisans wherever possible, which not only supports small businesses but also resonates with customers who value ethical gifting.
Lastly, our communication sets us apart. From understanding the recipient’s preferences to providing a seamless client experience, we aim to make gifting stress-free and joyful.
- Can you share a particularly challenging moment you’ve faced in running “The Gift Sorter” and how you navigated through it?
One of the most challenging moments I’ve faced was handling a large corporate order for custom gift boxes. The client kept emphasizing that we came highly recommended, which made me feel even more determined not to let them down.
Everything seemed on track until one of our key suppliers had an unexpected delay. I felt the pressure mounting because the deadline was non-negotiable, and I knew I couldn’t afford to disappoint. I quickly reached out to alternative suppliers, made a few adjustments to the design to fit the materials we could source, and worked closely with my team to assemble everything as soon as the materials arrived.
We delivered just at the nick of time! Seeing the client’s excitement and satisfaction made all the stress worth it. That moment reinforced the importance of staying resourceful, calm under pressure, and doing everything possible to uphold the trust clients place in us.
- How does “The Gift Sorter” ensure that its products not only meet but exceed customer expectations, especially in terms of personalization and quality?
We start by deeply understanding our customers’ needs. Whether it’s a corporate client or an individual, we invest time in learning about their preferences, the occasion, and the message they want to convey through their gift.
In terms of quality, we work with trusted suppliers and artisans who share our commitment to excellence. Every product undergoes a thorough quality check before it reaches the customer.
We also encourage feedback and review. Listening to our customers helps us continuously improve and innovate, ensuring that every gift we create not only meets expectations but also leaves a lasting impression.
- Looking ahead, what trends do you see shaping the future of corporate and souvenir gifting, and how is “The Gift Sorter” preparing to meet these changes?
In Nigeria, I’ve noticed a growing demand for gifts that reflect thoughtfulness, sustainability, and local culture. People are becoming more conscious of supporting homegrown brands and choosing eco-friendly options, and we’re aligning with that. At “The Gift Sorter,” we work with Nigerian artisans to incorporate locally sourced materials and designs into our offerings, which not only supports our economy but also resonates with clients looking for meaningful gifts.
Another trend is the rising use of technology to personalize gifts. For example, people love items with custom engravings, digital messages, or QR codes linking to videos. We’re exploring ways to blend technology with our gifts, making the experience even more special.
With the increase in remote work here too, especially in tech and corporate spaces, there’s a demand for gift packages that make employees feel valued from a distance. We’re preparing by offering curated boxes that can be delivered anywhere, filled with items that promote a sense of connection—think branded notebooks, custom mugs, or snacks from favorite Nigerian brands.
Ultimately, we’re staying ahead by listening to what our clients and the market want while celebrating the richness of Nigerian culture in our gifts.