The Gift That Matters Most: Why M3 Chose Donations Over Corporate Gifts This Year

Every year around this time, businesses everywhere begin the scramble: corporate gift lists, fulfillment schedules, shipping deadlines, branded swag… all the things. And usually, M3 is right there in the mix—finding memorable experiences, curating thoughtful gifts, and showing appreciation to clients who trust us with their events, their people, and their brand moments. 

But this year, we felt something different. 

We’ve spent the last few years building a company rooted in purpose: giving back, strengthening community, and making meaningful connections. We’ve also watched our clients do the same—supporting nonprofits, lifting up underserved groups, and investing in causes that align with their values. 

And so this year, instead of sending physical gifts we hoped would be used, we chose something we knew would be: 
We made charitable donations on behalf of the clients we’re grateful for. 

Why We Made This Choice 

We’ve been slowly shifting our own family tradition toward “experiences over things”—fewer wrapped gifts, more giving back, more time, more intention. Choosing donations for corporate gift-giving felt like the natural extension of that. 

Here’s what we believe: 

✔ Less is More 

A thoughtful gesture means more than a branded item that may or may not find a place in someone’s home or office. 

✔ Alignment Matters 

We selected organizations that reflect the values and passions of our clients—surf accessibility, women’s empowerment, community support, veterans, and more. 

✔ Impact Beats Packaging 

Every dollar donated goes directly toward making life better for someone who needs it. That feels far more meaningful than gift boxes and bows. 

✔ We Practice What We Preach 

In our own families, we exchange charitable donations instead of gifts. We walk this talk—at home and at M3. 

✔ It’s Giving Tuesday 

Today is the single biggest charitable day of the year. What better time to say “thank you” than by helping good organizations do exceptional work? 

We Hope Our Clients Feel the Heart Behind This Choice 

We know this is different. And anytime you step out of tradition, there’s a moment of wondering if people will understand. 

But here’s what we hope: 

That our clients see this for what it is: 
A genuine reflection of who we are and the type of partners we love working with—people who value impact, purpose, and doing the right thing even when it’s not the usual thing. 

We hope no one feels short-changed; instead, we hope they feel seen. We didn’t choose random charities—we chose organizations that fit their values and the way they show up in the world. 

Giving Is Part of Our Culture at M3 

From the Community Christmas Store to supporting veterans, women’s initiatives, youth programs, food insecurity, and the arts—M3 has always tried to show up where we’re needed. 

Giving isn’t something we do once a year. 
It’s part of our identity. 

So gifting through giving felt not only appropriate… it felt right. 

Corporate Gift Giving Is Evolving—And That’s a Good Thing 

More and more companies are moving toward: 

• Mission-based gifts 

• Charitable donations 

• Experiences over objects 

• Sustainable gifting 

• Employee-chosen causes 

• Community-focused impact 

The world doesn’t need more things, but it definitely needs more kindness, support, generosity, and connection. 

That’s the path we’re choosing. And it’s a path we can help our clients walk, too. 

At M3, we believe corporate gratitude can go beyond a single moment and ripple outward, into neighborhoods, communities, and even across the globe. As part of our event and travel design services, we help organizations build meaningful give-back opportunities directly into their programs. 

Imagine this: 

• An incentive trip to Africa where top performers experience an unforgettable safari—and spend a day helping drill a well that provides clean water for generations. 

• A retreat on a tropical island where your team unwinds and reconnects—and brings school supplies, supports local artisans, or helps build safe playground equipment for underserved children. 

• A corporate cruise with leadership workshops and team bonding—paired with hands-on environmental support like restoring coral reefs or participating in sustainable coastline projects. 

These moments change people. They deepen team culture. They transform communities. And they turn “corporate gifting” into something far more powerful: corporate impact. 

Whether close to home or halfway around the world, M3 can help you curate a give-back program that fits your goals, your values, and the communities you most want to uplift. 

To Our Clients: Thank You for Letting Us Honor You Through Impact 

Your partnership has allowed M3 to grow, to build, to create, and to serve. 
This year, your support also allowed us to uplift organizations making a real difference. 

We are grateful – deeply - and we hope this gift feels meaningful, heartfelt, and aligned with the values we’ve shared throughout our journey together. 

Here’s to giving more, stressing less, and making the world a little brighter—today and every day.
Happy Giving Tuesday from M3.

Cheers,

Bethany & Kelly