Gift giving at the holidays is not just a way to strengthen bonds with family and friends. It can also cement business relationships. But business gifting must be done with care. These gift-giving tips from Small Business Trends (SmallBizTrends.com) will keep everyone merry and bright.
• Make gifts personal when possible. Your clients and colleagues want to know that you appreciate them. Giving an item that is specifically aligned with their interests can mean more than a generic token or promotional item from your company. If a client orders wine during dinner meetings, wine is a safe choice. If you’ve met with the client over golf, then a small token from their favorite course could be more appropriate. These personalized gifts can make your clients feel like they’re special and important to your business. If you have so many clients that you can’t possibly buy for each one individually, pick out a small but useful item or even a gift card. Don’t send inexpensive promotional items or ones that are too specific to benefit each client.
• Know how much to spend. Deciding on a budget for your holiday gifts will largely have to do with your own company’s finances. Even if you can’t afford much, a small token or even handwritten cards will let people know you’re thinking of them. Avoid spending too much on gifts. Certain types of service providers have limits for the types of gifts they can receive. And some clients may not be allowed to accept gifts at all. Do your research before giving gifts to avoid an awkward situation.
• Be sensitive to religious beliefs. Don’t assume that all of your clients or colleagues celebrate Christmas. Giving a holiday gift to someone who can’t accept it because of their beliefs can make both you and them uncomfortable. Be sensitive to each person’s religion or beliefs. If someone doesn’t celebrate Christmas and would be uncomfortable receiving a gift, you can show your appreciation in other ways. Send a small token after they complete a big project or offer an end-of-the-year token for them.
• Include everyone when possible. Don’t offer gifts to only certain team members. Your employees are likely to talk to one another. Even clients within a certain industry or group may talk with one another. A kind gesture meant with the best of intentions, may turn negative if someone feels slighted. You don’t want anyone to feel less important or forgotten. Even a small item or a card can make people feel important to your business.
Bulova Sea King Collection
“The men’s-wear set has recently rediscovered the joy of proper mechanical timepieces,” Michael Williams, founder of the men’s style blog A Continuous Lean, told the New York Times. “Right now there is no clearer indication of cool than wearing a watch.” This chronograph from Bulova’s Sea King Collection features stainless steel with a black ion-plated finish. Additional highlights include Bulova’s exclusive UHF (Ultra High Frequency) movement, sapphire crystal, multi-layer black dial, light green superluminous hands/markers, and a yellow continuously sweeping second hand with light green superluminous tip. Water-resistant up to 300 meters. For more information, contact Adrienne Forrest of Bulova Corporate Sales at bulovacorporatesales@bulova.com or visit BulovaCorporateSales.com.
Vera Hanging Organizer
The Hanging Organizer not only neatly organizes travel necessities, it keeps them accessible as well. When the bag is tied shut, it takes up little luggage space. When the user reaches her destination she can simply unzip the compartments for easy access to cosmetics and toiletries. The top zippered, quilted compartment opens wide when unzipped, as does the gusseted, plastic-lined bottom compartment. Two taffeta-lined, clear plastic compartments are ideal for makeup. The organizer’s metal hanger tucks away for travel. For details, contact Top Brands at 800-431-2127 or visit top-brands.com.
IWC holiday collection
An individually wrapped bite of delicious chocolate brings a smile and a look of joyful surprise to the face of all who receive one. Share the joy of beautifully wrapped GODIVA chocolate with all of your loved ones — all wrapped in colorful foil to make a beautiful display of decadence for all to enjoy. Contact Godiva at 866-888-6095 or email Godiva.special.markets@godiva.com.
Memorable gifts
Omaha Steaks are the perfect gift for loyal customers and hard-working employees. The corporate gift guide offers a variety of exclusive packages from famous steaks, seafood, poultry and desserts. You will find gourmet options for everyone on your list! For details, contact Omaha Steaks B2B at 800-228-2480, email B2B@OmahaSteaks.com or visit OmahaSteaksB2B.com/SMMHoliday.
What they really want
With an Applebee’s Gift Card, rewarding people has never been easier. Applebee’s gift cards are convenient, easy to order, available in plastic and digital formats, and can be used at nearly 1,900 U.S. and Canada locations. For more information, contact Applebee’s Gift Card Fulfillment at 866-812-8543 or email gift.cards@applebees.com or visit https://storefront.wgiftcard.com/applebees.
