Skip to content
AppFolio: A Custom Pickleball Gift Set That Scored Big with Employees

AppFolio: A Custom Pickleball Gift Set That Scored Big with Employees

Article: AppFolio: A Custom Pickleball Gift Set That Scored Big with Employees

AppFolio: A Custom Pickleball Gift Set That Scored Big with Employees

When a company prioritizes team engagement and work-life balance, employee gifts should do more than sit on a desk—they should inspire connection, activity, and lasting memories.

About Our Client: AppFolio

AppFolio, a forward-thinking technology company that believes in celebrating its people with biannual team events, wanted a summer gift that would encourage outdoor fun, quality time with family, and authentic experiences. They needed a solution that was fun, sustainable, and reflective of their values—without excess packaging or waste.

Bestowe Gifting partnered with AppFolio to design a custom pickleball gift set featuring branded paddles, gear, and a unique at-home treat. The response was so overwhelmingly positive that AppFolio placed an additional order for 100+ more gift sets immediately after the initial delivery.

The Challenge:  A Memorable, Sustainable Gift That Encourages Connection

AppFolio needed a solution that could:

• Encourage activity and connection, promoting outdoor fun and engagement for employees and their families

• Prioritize sustainability and functionality, focusing on high-quality, reusable items rather than excessive packaging

• Feel memorable and custom-tailored, avoiding generic corporate giveaway territory.

• Align with company values, reflecting their love for outdoor activities, family time, and eco-conscious practices.

• Scale quickly based on demand, with the flexibility to fulfill additional orders as enthusiasm grew.

Bestowe’s Solution: A Custom Pickleball Experience Designed for Lasting Enjoyment

Bestowe worked closely with the AppFolio team to design and deliver a custom pickleball gift set that prioritized quality products and meaningful experiences over unnecessary packaging:

• Custom-Designed Pickleball Paddle: A uniquely branded paddle created exclusively for AppFolio, adding a premium, personalized touch that employees couldn't find anywhere else.

• Coordinated Branded Hat: A stylish, functional hat perfect for outdoor play, extending the brand experience beyond the game itself.

• Complete Pickleball Gear: High-quality pickleball balls included to create a ready-to-play experience right out of the box.

• Unexpected At-Home Treat: An individual popcorn popper paired with gourmet kernels—a fun, thoughtful surprise that encouraged employees to enjoy quality time with family beyond the event.

• Minimalist, Sustainable Approach: Packaging was intentionally minimal, investing in the quality of products inside rather than excess materials, reinforcing AppFolio's commitment to eco-conscious gifting.


Results: Overwhelming Employee Enthusiasm and a Rapid Reorder

AppFolio saw results including:

• Massive employee engagement, with team members raving about their pickleball gear and the thoughtful extras included

• A rapid second order of 100+ additional gift sets, driven by overwhelming enthusiasm after the initial shipment

• Long-lasting brand impact, with employees using gifts well beyond the event, ensuring appreciation was felt long after the summer gathering

• Reinforced sustainability values, demonstrating that thoughtful design and eco-conscious practices can coexist with premium gifting.


Client Feedback:
“This was one of the best employee gifts we’ve ever given! The custom pickleball paddles were a huge success, and employees loved the thoughtful details like the popcorn popper and branded hat. The response was so strong, we had to place another order! Bestowe made the process seamless, and their commitment to quality and sustainability is exactly what we look for in a gifting partner.”


Looking for a Smarter Corporate Gifting Solution?

Whether you're managing a few gifts or scaling across hundreds of clients, Bestowe Gifting can help you streamline operations, delight recipients, and elevate your brand.

Every organization has unique needs, and "one size doesn't fit all."

If you (or your team) are frustrated by your current gifting operation, we recommend booking a Discovery Call. It's a 30-minute, relaxed, no-pressure Zoom chat to explore your challenges, share examples of projects we've run for other clients, help you identify the best strategy for your situation, and discuss if Bestowe is the right fit.

Book a Discovery Call



Trusted By

Our Gifting Projects

A Founder's Thank You: Launching a New Chapter Through Client Appreciation
case study

A Founder's Thank You: Launching a New Chapter Through Client Appreciation

When Lighthouse Planning launched as a new independent financial firm, the founder partnered with Bestowe to create a meaningful client appreciation gifting experience. The goal was sim...

Explore more
An Elevated Reset: A Luxury Client Appreciation Experience
case study

An Elevated Reset: A Luxury Client Appreciation Experience

RumbleUp partnered with Bestowe to design a refined client appreciation gift centered around rest, indulgence, and thoughtful detail. Created as a reset moment heading into the new year...

Explore more
How Revamp Turned a Rebrand Into a Memorable Employee Experience
case study

How Revamp Turned a Rebrand Into a Memorable Employee Experience

Most rebrands don’t fail because the design is off. They fail because no one actually cares about the change. When Revamp jumped into a full brand refresh, they were, at the same time, ...

Explore more

Trusted By Brands Who Obsess Over Experience

The Bestowe Gifting Platform has been a game-changer for us. The ability to send beautifully branded gifts on demand—without managing inventory or fulfillment—has made gifting effortless. Our clients love the thoughtful touch, and our team appreciates the ease of the process.

Working with Bestowe has been a dream. Their team handles everything—from sourcing products to managing logistics—with precision. The gifting platform makes it simple to track orders, and the feedback from our clients has been phenomenal.

We wanted to try something different this year, and Bestowe made it happen. The summer wellness kits were a hit with our clients—fun, thoughtful, and totally unexpected. As always, they nailed the branding and made the process feel effortless. We love working with them!