Top Ten Corporate Holiday Gift-Giving Tips

The gift-giving season is right around the corner and its fast approaching. Finding the perfect gift for friends and family is stressful enough, let alone trying to find corporate gifts to send out to clients. But have no fear; CS Designworks is here to provide the top ten helpful holiday tips that will take the pressure of the gift-giving season off your shoulders.

1. Don’t procrastinate.

Leaving planning and gift giving to the last-minute is a fast track to a stressful holiday season. Do yourself a favor; start early.

2. Make a list, check it twice.

On a spreadsheet, list clients and individuals you plan to give a gift to. If the company is large, divide into departments. Human memory is feeble and it’s embarrassingly easy to forget someone, so put it on paper.

3. Useful gifts trump over-the-top gifts.

The best gifts are those that clients can use throughout the year. Skip flashy or easily breakable gifts in exchange for helpful tools or supplies that people will likely use and keep. 

4. Know the gift-giving policy of the client.

You might be tempted to go above and beyond but moderation is key. Large companies, associations, and government agencies will most likely have a policy on what kind of gift they can accept. Give the personal office of the recipient’s company a call to inquire about what fits the policy to avoid any encroachments.

5. The "Early Bird" gets the worm.

Send your gifts early as possible, as early as Thanksgiving, to be noticed first. Conversely, if you want to be remembered, send your presents on New Years. While this is late, it’s unique and you’ll leave a lasting impression with your clients.

6. If you choose gift cards, package it in a personal way.

Gift cards are a good alternative that can be appreciated but can sometimes feel a tad impersonal. Make sure that if you go the gift card route, you package it in a personal way that sends your giftee your gratitude and thoughtful intentions.

7. Food is a safe bet…until it spoils.

Food is a classic and almost always well received. It could be a bottle of wine, box of chocolates, or even a monthly snack subscription. However, when giving food gifts make sure to send them before clients start to take their holiday vacations (dates after then 12^th-15^th of December). This will keep all your thoughtful and delicious gifts from going spoiled and unacknowledged.

8. Don’t expect your E-greeting to make it past the spam filters.

While your dancing elf E-card might be amusing, they are not a reliable form of greeting card. Most corporate spam filters will block them and chances are they’ll never make it to the recipient.

9. Personalize it, but keep it tactful.

Including your business name on corporate gifts could be a nice touch especially if you give an item your client is likely to use every day, they’ll be constantly reminded of your business every time they use the item. But remember; it’s a gift not an advertisement.

10. Be sensitive to religious beliefs.

This may seem like an obvious tip, but something as what holiday a person celebrates can easily slip the mind of anyone dealing with the hastiness of the holidays. Avoid phrases like “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukah” and stick with “Happy Holidays” instead and stay away from religious iconography.

In the end, it’s the clichéd “thought that counts”. Choosing effective and impactful corporate gifts can be easier if you take into account these considerations. It’s a great way to send your appreciation and gratitude to fellow businesses and leave an enjoyable impression with your clients.