Corporate Gifts

Be memorable

There are many times when you’ll find it appropriate – even necessary – to offer corporate gifts. However, remember that these gifts are meant to establish and strengthen your business relationships and promote your company. You shouldn’t be handing out gifts all the time, but there are occasions in which you may be helping a fellow business celebrate a success or milestone, or recognizing a holiday or event, which call for gift exchanges.

How to Give a Corporate Gift

Giving gifts in the business environment is different from giving them to your friends and family. The best way to give a corporate gift is to do so in person whenever possible. This makes your gift appear more sincere, and shows effort and consideration.

If you can’t deliver the gift personally, at least make sure you’re giving the gift to the right person or people. If your contact is a manager but most of your business is done with the administrative assistant, get a small gift for both. You should be showing appreciation to those who deserve it!

Make sure you offer the gift at the appropriate time. When celebrating an achievement or milestone, don’t let too much time pass between the event and the delivery of the gift. This makes you appear lazy and demonstrates a lack of respect for the people you’re trying to recognize. If you’re giving gifts for holidays or special events, try to space it out a bit and give it early. You don’t want your gift lost in a crowd, so pick a time to give when it will stand out.

Finally, don’t forget to personalize the gift. Include a card, and if there are multiple recipients, note each person on that card so all individuals feels recognized. If you’re giving a gift from a group, make sure that each giver signs the card. You want to be using the gift-giving opportunity to establish personal relationships with other professionals, and need to avoid coming across as careless.

What to Give as a Corporate Gift

Whatever you do, when you’re giving corporate gifts, don’t be cheap! You don’t want to come across as stingy or appear to begrudge the recipient of the gift. Gift giving isn’t a chore, no matter who the recipient.

You also want to give a gift that lasts and shares a message. Little trinkets may look cute in the catalog, but beware of giving a gift that just creates clutter or isn’t worth holding on to. Office supplies and other items branded with your company name and logo are always great to include in corporate gifts, but make sure they’re of high quality.

Just remember that you’re trying to develop a relationship with the recipient of your gift, while sharing a corporate message at the same time. Pick a gift that you would appreciate receiving and which speaks positively for you and your business.