In today’s fast-paced business world, corporate gifting has often been reduced to a mere formality, a checklist item during festivals or milestones. What was once a thoughtful gesture aimed at strengthening relationships has, in many cases, become a predictable exchange of generic items, lacking intention, emotion and connection. Mass-produced hampers and branded trinkets, often given out of obligation rather than true intent, have replaced the art of meaningful gifting. A coffee mug with a brand name slapped on it is no longer a memento of appreciation; it is something meaningless, transactional and forgettable.
This is where Abila Joseph, a dynamic and imaginative entrepreneur, comes into the picture. Her brand, Gift of the Present, is known for its creative and strategic corporate gifting. It is changing the way companies express appreciation, build connections, and celebrate meaningful milestones through distinctive and impactful gifts. Amid the noise of mass-produced, forgettable options, it delivers gifts that are memorable and meaningful. As the name suggests, each offering encourages us to pause, be present, and let every gift and every moment matter.
Purpose, Thoughtfully Wrapped
After thriving in the corporate world across the USA, Dubai, and India, Abila chose to pursue her true calling when she realised that she has a unique gift to make people feel truly special; something that aligned with her creative instincts, aesthetics and passion for storytelling. She made use of her love for gifting in her entrepreneurship journey and launched her brand. A background in advertising and a natural flair for aesthetics gave her additional advantages.
Today, her creations have found their way to some of the most recognisable names across the globe, from His Holiness the Pope, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to icons like MS Dhoni, Bollywood royalty like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai to name a few. Abila’s dream extends beyond crafting beautiful gifts; her goal is to become one of India’s top gift curators and establish one of India’s most iconic gifting brands. And with every thoughtful present, that vision is realised.
Going Beyond the Gesture
At Gift of the Present, gifting is never treated as an act done for the sake of formality. It is a powerful medium of communication that silently conveys, “We value you.” Each piece is thoughtfully crafted to mirror a brand’s personality, values, and intent. Every gift is intentionally designed and deeply personalised according to the need, ranging from onboarding new clients and marking milestones to honouring employee contributions. The gifts are chosen or created with care and consideration; they leave a positive impression and demonstrate genuine value beyond the transactional nature of business. The goal is not just to impress or simply for vanity, it is to create a lasting sense of meaning and connection.
A House of Purpose-Driven Brands
Abila Joseph has built a thoughtful portfolio of niche verticals, each with its own unique identity and intent, under the brand Gift of the Present. Gift of the Present Legacy is an exclusive line meant for dignitaries, VIPs, and iconic personalities; it offers unique, heirloom-worthy creations meant to be treasured for a lifetime. Then there is The Corporate Gift Co – the Gold Standard in Corporate Gifting, a vertical dedicated to strategic, high-impact gifting that helps businesses nurture relationships, build loyalty, and express their brand ethos with depth, be it an MNC, a national entity or an MSME. God’s Own Treasures – The Signature Gift Collection of Kerala, is a retail line inspired by Kerala cultural heritage and features carefully curated Kerala-themed signature gifts that celebrate local craftsmanship and storytelling. Together, these verticals reflect a brand that is as purposeful as it is creative.
A Creator at Her Core
Abila Joseph isn’t just the founder of Gift of the Present; she is its creative pulse; she has won several awards for her creativity. She is a skilled brand strategist with a multifaceted background in film direction, creative direction, photo shoot styling, and writing. A creative soul, she approaches every project with a vision, aesthetic sense, and meaning.
Abila approaches each creation with passion, creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep sense of storytelling. No matter whether she is curating a bespoke gift for a Fortune 500 executive or crafting a culturally rooted keepsake.
A SheEO in Every Sense
Abila Joseph carries the energy of a true SheEO; she is bold in vision, rich in creativity, and grounded in purpose. Her transition from thriving corporate careers across global markets to building a brand that crafts thoughtful gifts for some of the world’s most influential names shows the strength of her entrepreneurship. For women aspiring to build with heart and intent, Gift of the Present is more than a business; it is a beacon of inspiration, proving that when women lead with clarity, creativity, and conviction, to build meaningful ventures.
Why It Matters
By reinvesting gifting with emotion, strategy, and meaning, Abila Joseph reminds the business world that corporate gifting is not a formality; it is a connection that holds a purpose. It has the power to elevate brand loyalty, nurture internal culture, express gratitude and bridge gaps, geographic or otherwise, with human warmth. In a world that races forward, she encourages us to slow down and recognise what matters. And in every heartfelt gift, that message finds its most beautiful voice.
