For decades, workplace gifting has followed a predictable script: grab a generic product, slap on a logo, and hope it doesn’t end up forgotten in the break room. But one ice cream brand is flipping the corporate gifting genre and redefining what it means to send a memorable present.
Cold Case Ice Cream, a luxury small-batch creamery with a flair for mystery, has become an unexpected favorite among companies looking to stand out. Each of their curated gift boxes reads like evidence in a sweetly suspicious case file: black-and-gold packaging, noir-themed flavor names like Slay Ride or Crime & Punish-Mint, and even an in-box “incident report” with each pint.
Yes, the product is good — addictive, even. But what’s really catching the attention of HR teams and employee experience leads is how the brand has turned appreciation gifting into a fully immersive, story-driven experience.
From One-Off Treats to Scalable Gifting
While Cold Case Ice Cream first made its name in the direct-to-consumer space, its evolution into the corporate gifting world feels like a natural next chapter. The brand now offers dedicated tools for business buyers, making it easy to send one gift (or hundreds!) with the same signature flair.
Their self-service gifting portal allows users to send gifts to multiple recipients by uploading addresses. The less stressful route? Send e-gifts and let recipients fill in the details. For larger-scale or more bespoke needs, Cold Case has a gifting concierge team for that extra support. Companies can work directly with the brand to design custom gifting experiences, whether that means branded packaging, personalized cards, or curated boxes for team wins, virtual events, or end-of-year celebrations.
The setup lets companies flex between simple thank-yous and fully branded appreciation campaigns, making Cold Case an unusually versatile pick for people-first teams.
What’s Inside the Box?
Each Cold Case delivery includes six pints of limited-edition ice cream with pun-filled flavor names and high-end ingredients. Depending on the season, you might find notes of brown sugar bourbon, strawberry cheesecake, or even black sesame. Also available: a gold “shovel” spoon, a mini cold case game, flavor profile cards, and space for a handwritten note.
There’s even a “gift now, deliver later” option for corporate senders who want to let recipients schedule their own delivery date (a particularly useful feature during holiday chaos or unpredictable travel seasons).
The Rise of Experiential Gifting
As workplace culture evolves and teams become more distributed, companies are rethinking the role of gifting. It’s no longer just about handing out holiday swag. The best gifts create a moment — something memorable, shareable, and genuinely appreciated.
That’s where experiential gifting comes in. Instead of generic items that disappear into a desk drawer, brands are opting for gifts that tell a story, invite interaction, or offer a break from the everyday. Whether it’s an ice cream mystery game, a curated wellness ritual, or a sensory-driven home upgrade, these kinds of gifts deliver connection and not just more stuff.
Cold Case fits squarely into this shift. The gift boxes are designed to be experienced: opened with curiosity, shared with family or coworkers, and talked about long after the last bite. It’s gifting that brings emotional value — and helps reinforce culture, appreciation, and belonging.
A Gimmick, or a Genre-Bending Brand?
It’s easy to write Cold Case off as a novelty brand. But that misses the point. The company is succeeding precisely because it understands what most workplace gift boxes forget: people don’t remember generic swag. They remember moments.
In an environment where retention is culture-driven and team recognition matters more than ever, giving employees a reason to laugh, indulge, or feel seen goes further than another branded notebook. If employee gifting is a strategy, Cold Case Ice Cream is one of its cleverest tools that brings storytelling, delight, and just enough mystery to keep people talking.
