Find the right holiday gift this season

Gift giving in the business world is more than just a formality—it’s also a powerful way to show appreciation and grow relationships. A recent holiday gift-giving survey found nearly half (45%) of respondents struggle to select the right gift opens in new window, while 10% grapple with finding the time to shop. As you begin planning for the approaching holidays, pencil in some time to find meaningful gifts for your employees and clients, now and in the new year.

The best gifts for employees

Your employees are the backbone of your company. Their hard work and dedication deserve to be noticed. Thoughtful gifts show recognition and appreciation, and they can go a long way in boosting morale and enhancing job satisfaction opens in new window.

Gifts should be heartfelt but still appeal to many kinds of people. Consider selecting items recipients can use in their homes over the holidays. Colorful ornaments can hang in a window or on a tree, while a cozy fringe blanket is a crowd-pleasing way to add a touch of elegance. An item that repeatedly lands on the top gifts list is drinkware. Studies show that recipients are likely to keep branded mugs, water bottles and tumblers for more than a year (PDF) opens in new window. Help to keep their drinks warm this winter with a vacuum tumbler, or go big with a 40-ounce mug with a straw.

Great client gift ideas

When it comes to building and maintaining strong customer relationships, show them you value their business by presenting them with audience- or event-specific gifts. You could go for something that promotes celebration or something that encourages an active lifestyle. A sleek wine cooler or whiskey stone set is an elegant and useful way to set them up for the party season. If your brand appeals more to an athletic crowd, a gym bag or golf kit with a sport towel could land well with your valued customers.

For your VIPs, you may consider items in a slightly higher price tier. Tech gifts, like wireless ear buds and compact charging hubs, can be very useful. Or speak to your brand’s luxury by gifting a quality leather laptop bag or passport holder. The holidays are often a busy time, and your top clients may have received many thoughtful gifts, so ensure that they remember yours by including a greeting card to wish them well and propose a date to catch up in the new year.

Gifts for special occasions

Beyond the winter holiday season, there are many occasions and milestones throughout the year that warrant gift giving, such as birthdays, work anniversaries, promotions, weddings and new babies. When these times pop up, you want to be prepared.

Keep engraved clocks or pens on hand to commemorate milestone anniversaries or especially successful projects. If you have team members who are expecting, ordering a stock of stylish diaper bags or onesies can set you up for success.

Personalizing gifts can make the gesture even more impactful. Create a gift basket filled with local and personalized items tailored to each individual recipient. Or toss in something everyone can enjoy, like a pre-prepped party snacks that recipients can share with friends and family. Alternatively, you could stick with a sweet treat just about everyone is sure to enjoy: a box of chocolates.

Make gift giving easy this year

In the world of business, giving is receiving. By planning ahead and choosing thoughtful gifts for your team members, customers and other professional connections, you are expressing gratitude and paving the way for long-term partnerships. Happy holidays!

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