Your company isn't family and friends though and they can't give you a personalised gift that your closest people can do.

It's strange to expect the same treatment here.

I also wouldn't expect them to give a gift that has derogatory meaning in the area.

Definitely regional/cultural because in my region, socks would be something given within family or close friends. I've never seen an acquaintance or a company give socks here. (Not that I would mind to receive some, good socks are a great gift, it's just that it's not done here).

Yeah. I would be weirded out if my company gave me socks. Cups and coats are more the norm. Well, cash has been the go to recently. Cash doesn't offend anyone.