Corporate Gift Ideas

Whether you've been charged with finding the items your company will give away during the holidays or you need to locate just the right gift for a special client, make no mistake, the job is a big one. Should you be required to find gifts appropriate for a number of different people, all of different faiths or beliefs, the prospect can be even more so daunting. Finding the right corporate gift is bigger than making a gesture, too, it needs to be classy and leave an impression on those who receive it.

With the gravity of what a gift can mean for your company, it's a good idea to consider your client base before rushing out and buying the first gift baskets that strike your fancy. If there is a great deal of diversity involved, you may want to first set a spending limit per client and then choose individually within that range. Or, at the very least, select a few different standards gifts and send the one that is appropriate for each different client. A Christmas gift box might not be appreciated by your Jewish clients and non-drinkers may frown on a wine selection.

Once an approach has been set, it's time to start looking at corporate gifts. There are a number of great ideas available and many provide the option to have the company's logo emblazoned on the box, card or even within the gift itself. Whenever possible, it's a good idea to go this route otherwise the impression left could be too self-promoting. No one really wants to wear a T-shirt with your company name on it, but they might appreciate a chocolate box with your logo on the top.

Keeping in mind these ideas may not be good for every client, here are some different ideas on what can be sent to say "thank you for your business:"

* Flowers. This is a timeless classic that really helps brighten up a client's office, but remember the impression will be a short one. Flowers don't last forever. These are appropriate, however, if you know the client has a particular passion for a certain kind of flower.

* Chocolates. Chocolate boxes and chocolate gift baskets from gourmet makers work well for just about any client. Although the chocolates inside may be eaten up quickly, specialty wood boxes with logo name plates can have some serious staying power.

* Fruit, cheese or preserve baskets. These also are appropriate for just about everyone. The staying power isn't always that great though.

* Wines. These can be great selections for clients you know well enough to know they'll appreciate it. Since not everyone drinks and not everyone appreciates wine, it's a good idea to reserve alcoholic gifts for those you know will enjoy them.

* Gift cards. Whether for a night out or a specialty store, these will be used up, but the client's likely to remember where the item came from.

Choosing corporate gifts can be tough, but if you apply a little common sense and try to put some thought into what each client receives, the gifts can say thank you while also reminding customers of your products and services.