Believe it or not, the holiday gift giving season is just around the corner. And, as painful as it can get, presenting gifts to loyal employees, valued clients, faithful vendors and hopeful prospects is a must. Besides, it presents a great opportunity to stand out and be remembered – and it’s a wonderful advertising vehicle.
Because of the importance of corporate gift giving, it’s essential to put some thought into your choices. Here are a few guidelines that I find useful when helping our customers choose the perfect promotional items for holiday giving.
Consider the tastes of your recipients. Ask yourself what your clients value. What would they perceive as a great gift? Is there something that would compliment your product or service that would provide the WOW factor? You don’t want to give a gift that will be junked or recycled to someone else.
Make Sure Your Gift Sends the Right Message
Given with the wrong message, a gift can actually turn off your recipient. Keep in mind the concept of perceived value. The goal (especially during the holidays) is to choose subtle messages that do not come off as an advertisement for your business, but rather a message or sentiment that reflects good will, gratitude, recognition, and appreciation for the relationship, the accomplishment, or for their business.
Consider Cultural Differences
Choose gifts with sensitivity to a diverse workforce, global economy and differing cultures. Do a little research to avoid offending or overlooking anyone.
Don’t Get Too Personal
Avoid giving gifts that are too personal, such as intimate apparel or accessories, sleepwear or lingerie - including robes and slippers. If you’re trying to encourage relaxation and wellness, loungewear such as warm ups, yoga pants, sweats, sport shirts, tees, hoodies, etc., are more appropriate than intimate items. Robes given as part of a spa package can also work if you know your recipient well enough. If you want to avoid the apparel category, there are several promotional products that encourage wellness such as a yoga mat or tranquility spa kit.
Choose Food Items Carefully
Food and beverage items are good gifts during the holidays, but make sure that your recipient is not allergic to the food or an ingredient in the food. Make sure to review food labels well. Also include an alternative for people that need sugar free or salt free items.
Of course, every situation is different and there are exceptions to every rule, but using these guidelines may help you make the best impression with well-chosen gifts.
If just the thought of picking out the perfect corporate gift makes you moan, then this year consider relying on your promotional products vendor to help you wrap up your gift giving early so you can sit back and enjoy the season. At The Icebox, our creative team can help you easily choose the perfect gifts to fit your budget and taste. Our Holiday eCatalog is filled with great ideas to get you started. Browse through it and then give us a call and let us help you wrap up your corporate gift giving in a snap.
