Christmas is the perfect holiday to show your appreciation and gratitude to your employees, customers and colleagues. Corporate gifts allow employers not only to recognize their patronage and hard work, but also to strengthen the important connections between the recipients and the company.
Promotional gifts are not only an emotional bond, they are also crucial and effective for the growth of your business.
You can easily browse many corporate gift ideas online; However, choosing the right one can be quite difficult. Luckily, there are important factors that can guide you in choosing the right holiday gift that can make a lasting impression.
1. Consider the price
Many companies use gifts as a subtle marketing strategy that strengthens the bond with their customers. It’s best to spend generously on gifts you plan to give patrons and prospects, as this can ultimately increase sales and build brand reputation.
When giving gifts to customers, the price range and type of gift will depend on your relationship with them and how relevant they are to your business.
You can have leather bags or expensive fountain pens personalized, or send flowers or gourmet gift baskets.
Developing the community is just as important as building connections to the outside world. When preparing gifts for employees, you should make sure that the items are in the same price range to avoid giving them preference within the company.
While you don’t have to give them the same gifts, it’s best to avoid jealousy among your teammates by giving them items of equal value. You can offer popular tech-based gifts like cable holders, waterproof tech bags, or a power bank.
Coolers and microfiber towels are also ideal for those traveling for work. Giving functional gifts will surely please your employees.
Whatever you choose, it is important that these gifts promote good and lasting relationships with your customers or employees.
2. Pay attention to gift giving
It goes without saying that internal and external corporate gifts require different approaches.
Internal gifts can mean giving gifts to a few of your team members or to an entire department. Consider giving them items that are really useful to them.
Some practical but thoughtful ideas include office supplies, home appliances, and everyday personal items. It is also safe to give larger gifts to employees who have been with the Company for many years, as long as the nature and value of the gifts are consistent.
External recipients include customers, prospects, suppliers and business partners. Not giving gifts in bulk, opt for refined and personalized items that your recipients will appreciate.
Once you’ve chatted with them about their hobbies, buy them something that can get them more involved in their passion.
You can also gift them an experience, perhaps a luxurious dinner at a famous restaurant or a weekend getaway to a popular tourist destination.
Whatever gift you choose, keeping it in mind will make the experience more intimate and authentic.
3. Comply with compliance laws
Corporate gifts may require you to follow specific gift etiquette when choosing gifts. By considering compliance laws, you can avoid serious legal issues like bribery.
Here is a short list of acceptable freebies:
- Articles bearing the company logo
- Gifts approved by manager
- Perishable items such as groceries
- Meals that can be shared by giver and receiver
- Gifts that comply with company limits by law
On the other hand, avoid giving them away to employees or customers:
- Unnecessarily lavish gifts
- Gifts that may be considered a bribe
- Gifts intended to influence business decisions
- Requested or preferred gifts
- Gifts in exchange for expedited services from government officials
- Multiple gifts to one person
- Gifts soliciting charitable donations
You can consult your company handbook for detailed restrictions or seek advice from your HR manager or compliance officer to ensure your gifts are acceptable.
4. Consider the best time to send your gift
It is worth noting that sending gifts at the right time will help you avoid difficult situations and bad impressions.
While the holidays give you some room for corporate gifts, you may still want to consider where you stand in your dealings with existing clients and potential business partners.
It’s best to give gifts after you’ve met and struck a good deal with them, which can be a sign of appreciation for their trust. Giving them tokens before they make business decisions can appear like a bribe to them and may not bid well for your business.
Conclusion
Giving corporate Christmas gifts can take more time and effort compared to personal gifts; However, careful planning pays off.
Your gifts will not only improve social ties and morale, but also create fruitful avenues for business growth.
With this simple guide, your gifts will surely be appreciated by both your customers and your employees.
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