3 Steps to Selecting and Giving Business-Related Gifts

There is almost always a reason to look for gifts for your clients, employees, co-workers, prospective customers, etc.  The most pressing time, of course, is the holidays.  Here are a couple of simple tips to find appropriate, meaningful and impressive gifts.

Start with your list

Supervisor… Regardless of how long you have worked for your supervisor or how well you know each other outside of work, be sure that this gift is of good quality without being overgenerous or excessive. Let your thoughtfulness and attention to detail be the thing that stands out, not the too-personal inspiration, over-the-top price tag or off-the-wall idea.

Employees…If you are giving gifts to your employees, be sure to include all of your employees, this is not the time to choose favorites.

Customers…Most businesses make the majority of their money from doing business with the top 20%of their client list.  Keep your gift-giving to this group of customers.

Budget

Check your company policy.  It may have a select dollar amount that can be spent on company gifts.  The price limit is often $25, which is usually enough to get a few desk accessories, a good pen, a nice leather portfolio or a business card holder.

You need to be able to spend enough to get a quality gift, but not so much as to make the receiver uncomfortable. 

Business gifts can sometimes be tax-deductible.  Keep your receipts and check with your tax accountant.

Selecting the gift

Practical gifts are wonderful because you know the recipient can and will use it.  Some ideas could be an engraved letter opener, a high-quality pen, etc.

Personal gifts have the most meaning behind them.  If you know your recipient well enough, get a gift that matches their personality outside of work.  For example, golf accessories for the golfer, passport holder for the traveler or even gourmet dog treats for the dog lover.   This is not the time to guess, though.  Only choose a personal gift if you are completely confident in the match.

Stick with your business style.  If you work in the music industry, an MP3 player would be a great gift.  If you are in the health & fitness industry, a quality stainless steel water bottle makes a useful gift that also promotes the core value of your business.   Get creative about giving a gift that your business does not actually sell, but that it can relate to.

Finally, whenever possible, hand-deliver your gift, nicely wrapped with a card.  Gift-giving is a perfect way to show your appreciation, but remember it is also an opportunity to leave a long-lasting and distinctive impression.