But before you rush out and have 100 company mugs made up or send a fruit cake in a decorative Christmas-themed tin, remember that corporate gift giving is still customer interaction. Clients are important, and the holiday gift you give them can send an important message about your company.
Even if the economy or circumstance have left a business with little cash to lavish on gifts, many still buy gifts for their oldest or largest customers and partners.
But what should you buy? Here are a few guidelines and tips:
- Avoid specific holiday icons - As a general rule, it is best for businesses to avoid religion-specific holiday appreciation gifts, said Lynn Rogers, owner of Mini Masterpieces, a corporate gift business in Snellville. Sending a Santa or Christmas tree covered gift to a non-Christian client can create an awkward situation. Stick with a Happy Holidays or general appreciation theme.
- Don't be afraid to be creative - Sometimes, the gift that makes your business really stand out is one that is unique.
For instance, Brand Banking Co. sent out fresh, hot slabs of ribs to its clients last holiday season.
"They went over great," said Brand Morgan.
In fact, food-related corporate gifts are more popular than ever, Rogers added. But food or not, a gift that is not traditionally given during the holidays is one way to help clients remember your business and your gift.
- Check on gift giving policies - Some businesses and organizations have a strict limit about the type and value of gifts they can receive, Rogers said.
It's best to check ahead, if possible, to make sure your planned gift can be accepted, she said.
- Go light on the company logo - Conventional corporate-gift wisdom states that gifts to clients should help them keep your business in mind, Rogers said. So for many years, mugs, calendars and pens with business logos were a staple of corporate gift giving.
But times have changed, and many businesses have opted to minimize or leave out company branding from their client gifts, she said. The gift should be more about thanking the client and less about branding your company.
Gift baskets and gifts are more frequently simply adorned with ribbon bearing the company logo, Rogers said.
- Get personal - If you know the clients well, a gift based on their personal likes or hobbies may be appropriate, Rogers said.
Giving a gift specific to a client's interest, such as golf, shows that you have been paying attention, she said. And if you haven't, you could call the client's assistant, she added.
Items like movie gift certificates for a film buff or a sporting goods gift card for a sports enthusiast can also be appropriate.
But don't get too personal. It is generally best to avoid gifts like perfume, roses or lingerie.
