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Sure-Fire Holiday Gift Categories
Choosing an appropriate business gift doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tried-and-true gift categories you can use to help you locate what’s best for your clients and employees.
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Food
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There are literally thousands of options available to you when you’re giving a food gift, from national gourmet retailers to “food-of-the-month” clubs to local caterers and specialty food purveyors. When choosing a food gift, ask yourself these questions:
- Can it be shipped? Make sure the items arrive in “edible” condition.
- Will it get eaten? Be sensitive to dietary restrictions.
- Can it be shared? Many people put out food gifts and share them across the office.
- Will it get noticed? Send your food gift early; if you’re not first, then your food basket could get lost in the crowd.
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Entertainment
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Tickets to a show, movie, concert or sporting event are often appreciated. Determine the person’s interests and availability — this kind of gift will require the recipient to block out time to attend the event. As an alternative to choosing specific tickets, many clubs and concert halls offer gift certificates that can be redeemed for a future performance, and movie theater chains commonly offer gift packages that include tickets and refreshments.
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Books, music, videos
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Have a customer or employee who has the passion for a certain topic, music group or type of movie? Coffee table books, art books, CD or DVD boxed sets, and the like are all tried-and-true options. Business books and inspirational stories are other common gift ideas. Magazine subscriptions are a similar option.
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“Creative” gift baskets
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Gift baskets can be constructed to meet any gift recipient’s interests. Catalogs, gift shops, and markets can put them together for you. Or, if you want to take a more personal approach, assemble your own.
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Flowers and plants
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A stylish floral arrangement, or a flowering plant is a way of saying thank you that can brighten the recipient’s surroundings. Remember that plants require the person to manage its upkeep — there’s nothing quite so un-holiday as a shriveling ficus.
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Technology and gadgets
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While not everybody wants the latest or greatest gadget, you still need to be able to meet the needs of the technophile on your list. Stylish accessories for computers and PDAs, travel accessories, and other cutting-edge appliances can fill the bill.
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Gift certificates
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If you're unsure what to give, or want to give the client the choice of what to buy, consider a gift certificate or Gift Cheques and Gift Cards like those offered by American Express.
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Donations
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Donations to non-profit charitable organizations can be made in a client’s or employee’s name. Memberships to museums, arts groups, zoos or other cultural organizations are a similar option. Remember to observe basic gift giving etiquette when giving to charities.
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And stay away from…
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Some gifts to steer clear of include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- “Personal” gifts, including anything that might be found in a bedroom or bathroom
- Poinsettias, fruitcakes, and other holiday ephemera
- Anything with your logo on it
- Your own products or services, which can seem self-serving
- “From the boss” gifts like mousepads, sticky notes, or books about working harder
- Very expensive gifts, which could be perceived as a bribe
- Cash
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Click here to return to the Holiday Center
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