Tag: holiday gifts

photo credit: wuestenigel Geschenkbox für Schmuck / Heiratsantrag via photopin (license)

The holidays are almost here! Although we haven’t seen many decorations go up yet here in New York, that will likely change right after Halloween. If you’re thinking of giving corporate gifts over the holidays or if you’re beginning to plan a holiday party, you might be at a loss for what type of gift to select. Never fear! We’re here to help. Here are 5 gift-giving tips for the holiday season that will help make sure your present is met with a warm smile of appreciation.

5 holiday season gift-giving tips:

Get them something they’ll like. Gifts are most appreciated when they speak to someone’s unique interests. Does your client or employee has a favorite sport, a special hobby, or a pastime that they particularly enjoy? Then select a gift to match, like a Moleskine journal for a budding writer, a cheese plate for a foodie, or a power bank for a gadget-loving techie whose batter is always running low.
Take care with the presentation. Although the gift itself is the star of the show, presentation also matters. Make sure to have your gift festively or stylishly wrapped so that it will make a positive impression, and don’t forget to add a personalized, handwritten note to show you’ve taken special care in selecting the present.
Take cost into consideration. No one wants to receive a cheap-looking gift, but it can also be awkward to receive an excessively expensive present. Aim instead for a thoughtful, quality gift that is not ostentatious but in good taste. If you have a corporate gift-giving policy, it may spell out precisely what you are allowed to spend on holiday gifts.
Be careful about regifting. Although regifting is becoming more commonplace, many people still prefer to receive an original gift that was selected just for them. You want to convey genuine feeling and sincerity, so make sure that the gift is still something they will like. It’s also wise to avoid regifting a present if the original giver is either likely to be there or could somehow find out. For more etiquette tips, check out our post on etiquette for corporate holiday gift giving.
Be the life of the party. If you’re giving a gift to a group of people in an office, make sure there’s enough of it for everyone to enjoy. Generosity is always appreciated at this time of year, so you may want to opt for a nice gift basket, chocolate truffles, or a cookie tin that is loaded with tasty goodies.

Are you wondering how you can surprise and delight someone with the right gift this holiday season? We’d be happy to recommend some fitting choices that will thoughtfully express your gratitude and appreciation. Check out our holiday board on Pinterest, reach out to us on Twitter and Facebook, or call us at 877-881-6845. We’ll be glad to advise on ways you can make a positive impression through well selected gifts.

Holiday Gift-Giving Part Three: Gifts For Those Who Love the Written Word

December 16, 2015 Events & Holidays

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Don’t Panic!

The holiday shopping season is in full swing. If you’re wondering what kind of gift to get for someone who’s hard to buy for, we have some suggestions that might come in handy. For the gadget-lovers, we’ve got a list of great tech gifts; last week we shared some great gourmet gifts for food aficionados. This week we’d like to share our top gifts for people who love the written word. Anyone who appreciates journals, fine writing instruments and stationery will likely enjoy one of these thoughtful choices:

Moleskine notebook – Known for their quality, sturdy and elegant Moleskine notebooks come in a variety of sizes and can be enjoyed for everything from recording travel notes and drawing sketches to logging daily observations. A Moleskine weekly planner is also a great option for those who wish to stay organized in style.
Writer’s log – Many people who enjoy writing particularly appreciate the tactile experience involved—opening a smooth leather or soft wool cover, touching the pages, and putting pen to ink. An attractive writer’s log would be a fine gift for them.
Pen gift set – A beautiful pen, presented in a classy case, is another thoughtful choice. There are a range of pen gift sets available, some fashioned with maplewood or rosewood. For those who prefer a clean, modern aesthetic, metal pen sets are a good choice. Some sets also include letter openers, key tags, and business card cases. Pen and journal gift sets are also a great pick, as they come with everything needed to start writing on the spot.
Stylus pen – Some people are avid tablet users while still maintaining an interest in writing by hand. They might appreciate a writing instrument that works well in both worlds: a stylus pen that performs beautifully on a tablet and doubles as a pen for writing on paper. Some even come with LED flashlights or laser pointers, and they are available in a variety of materials from colorful metallic options to stylish bamboo.
Desk set – A fine desk set is always a great choice. When putting in long hours at the office, it’s nice to work with beautiful desk accessories that are pleasing to the eye. There are myriad options in this category, from memo pad holders to pen stands, desk blotters, paperweights, desk clocks, picture frames, and more.

Looking for more holiday gift ideas? Check out our holiday gift board on Pinterest for additional inspiration. And don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you have a special case that might benefit from some creative brainstorming, we’d be happy to recommend some tasteful holiday gift choices for the occasion. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook—or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise on ways you can share your holiday spirit through well selected gifts.

Holiday Gift-Giving Part Two: Gifts for the Gourmand

December 11, 2015 Events & Holidays

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As the holidays draw near, you may be searching for a special gift that your clients or colleagues will appreciate. Last week we shared some great tech gifts that digitally-minded folks might enjoy; this week we’d like to introduce gifts for gourmet food lovers or those with a sweet tooth. When you’re not sure exactly what type of present would be most appreciated, a special or indulgent gourmet treat is often a fine option (just be sure to confirm it fits with any dietary restrictions your recipient may be observing, of course). Here are a few tasty options that food aficionados will love:

Chocolate truffles – Want to give your colleague or client something truly indulgent? You likely can’t go wrong with chocolate truffles. While chocolate itself is a popular option, truffles (particularly those made from Belgian chocolate) up the ante on decadence with their delicious, luxurious taste.
Gourmet cookies – Always a crowd-pleaser, gourmet cookies are a fine choice for a holiday treat. They especially make a great gift for a client, who can then share them with colleagues at the office. You can choose from collector tins, brightly wrapped bags, or attractive gift boxes when picking the assortment of cookies that you think your recipient will most enjoy.
Fine cheeses – Many gourmet food lovers appreciate a nice cheese tray, which is ideal for entertaining during the holiday season. Whet their appetite with a gourmet cheese set. Many cheese platters come with attractive cutting boards and serving utensils, ready to enjoy upon arrival.
Food towers – Another great gift option for food lovers is a food tower filled to the brim with a carefully selected assortment of treats like Belgian chocolates, truffles, nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, and even biscotti or licorice. With an array of tasty bites like that, there will be something delicious for everyone to savor.

Looking for more holiday gift ideas? Check out our holiday gift board on Pinterest for additional inspiration. Also stay tuned for the next post in our holiday gift-giving series, in which we’ll introduce gifts for writing aficionados. And if you have a special case that might benefit from some creative brainstorming, we’d be happy to recommend some tasteful holiday gift choices for the occasion. Reach out to us on Twitter and Facebook—or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise on ways you can share your holiday spirit through well selected gifts.

Holiday Gift-Giving Part One: Tech Products

December 2, 2015 Branding / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations / Technology

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With the holiday season in full swing, many of us are drawing up shopping lists and trying to find the right gift for that valued colleague or client. Tech products and accessories are some of the most popular choices this season as always. Here are a few gadgets that are sure to inspire warm smiles of appreciation this winter:

Phone chargers – Smartphones are becoming a ubiquitous part of the business landscape—an indispensable communication tool. We all know too well that sinking feeling that happens when battery life shrinks below the double digits. There are a lot of excellent power banks on the market now that will recharge not only your smartphone but also your other devices so you can stay connected on the go. With so many people traveling for the holidays, they’re an especially thoughtful and timely gift.
Mobile accessories – Ever lost your smartphone charger or your earbuds? A mobile accessory kit can come in handy in just that kind of situation. Some also come equipped with USB car chargers, which are also useful when traveling around this time of year.
Headphones – A pair of stylish, quality headphones might be a good pick for the music lovers that you know. Everyone’s familiar with the standard issue earbuds, but those who want a higher-definition experience might appreciate a proper set of headphones. More comfortable than earbuds, many headphones come with noise canceling features that allow you to block out distracting ambient sounds so that you can focus on enjoying the harmonies in your favorite song or the sound effects in the latest blockbuster you’re watching.
Bluetooth speakers – Music lovers and especially party hosts may appreciate a set of snazzy Bluetooth speakers that can wireless deliver the high fidelity sound to a celebration anytime, anywhere. Small, compact and portable, they’re a great choice this holiday season.
Lap desks – Many of us like to unwind while catching up on our shows and movies over the winter break. Rather than awkwardly propping up a tablet or laptop on a pillow, it can be extra comfortable and cozy to curl up with a lap desk. Although it’s ideal for the couch or bed, a lap desk is a fine option for travel as well.

Did you find a gift that matches some of the people on your holiday shopping list? If so, terrific! If not yet, stay tuned for the next posts in our holiday gift-giving series, in which we’ll introduce gifts for gourmet food lovers as well as writing aficionados. And if you have a special case that might benefit from some creative brainstorming, we’d be happy to recommend some tasteful holiday gift choices for the occasion. Reach out to us on Twitter and Facebook—or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise on ways you can share your holiday spirit through well selected gifts.

Surprise and Delight with the Right Gift This Holiday Season

November 18, 2015 Events & Holidays

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photo credit: Present via photopin (license)

With the arrival of the holiday season, many businesses are beginning to plan holiday parties and end-of-year festivities. You may also be thinking of giving gifts around this time of year. Gifts are a wonderful way to improve employee morale, reward someone for a job well done, show appreciation to a client, or simply to keep your business top of mind in a tasteful way. Though a well-timed and well-chosen gift can be a wonderful gesture, there are a few guidelines worth considering so that your expression of appreciation is well received.

Be Thoughtful and Aware

When writing the card to go with the gift, make sure to spell the recipient’s name correctly. You’d be surprised how often people miss getting this part right.
Consider the gift’s suitability for the recipient. You want to be sure that the gift will be well received and that it will be a match for them. Does the person have dietary restrictions, for example? If so, make sure the gift is suitable from that standpoint.
If you are gift giving across cultures, it is worth taking a moment to read up on the gift giving practices in the recipient’s culture. You could find that the cultural norms are quite different from your own. If you feel it is appropriate and comfortable to do so, you might gently ask if there are specific types of gifts that most interest the person to whom you’d like to give a gift.
Consider a charitable gift to honor an employee or client. This can be a great way to show appreciation for someone while also making a positive difference in the world.

Give the Right Impression

Above all, when giving a gift, particularly to a client, make sure that it could not be construed as a bribe. There should be no expectation of business, favors, or special consideration in return for the gift.
Depending on your industry, there may be specific rules and regulations governing gift giving and when it is permitted. If you think your business may be regulated in this way, make sure to familiarize yourself with the appropriate rules.
Some companies have set price ranges for gifts or have banned gift-giving altogether. Check with your company’s HR team to see what the policies are.
Timing is everything: to avoid the appearance of an ulterior motive, don’t give your gift during a sensitive business exchange. For example, giving a gift to a client during contract negotiations would be considered inappropriate. Likewise, giving a gift to an employee in lieu of a raise at the time of a promotion might not send the right message.

Are you wondering how you can surprise and delight someone with the right gift this holiday season? We’d be happy to recommend some fitting choices that will thoughtfully express your appreciation. Reach out to us on Twitter and Facebook—or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise on ways you can make a positive impression through well selected gifts.