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Most smart
businesspeople know the benefits of giving gifts to clients and
employees. Not only do gifts show recipients that they’re
appreciated, but they can serve as lasting reminders of your
company’s goodwill.
According to a
semiannual gift-giving study from American Express, small
businesses spend an average of $5 billion each year on holiday
gifts for clients and employees. The survey, the OPEN Small
Business Network 2003 Semi-Annual Monitor, also found that 41% of
business owners planned to send out holiday gifts in 2003.
But with
nearly half the business world showing their appreciation during
the holiday season, you may wonder what your company can do to get
noticed in the crowd. First, you can take a look at the various
products over the next few pages. We’ve gathered a variety of
gifts to fit nearly any function – whether you’re looking to
thank employees, top clients or even your entire client base.
They’re sure to stand out among the deluge of holiday wishes
people receive at this time of year.
Next, consider
the following when considering your holiday-gift plans:
- Avoid
religious-themed gifts unless you are completely sure that
your audience practices that faith.
- Wine
and champagne make great gifts, but it’s best to reserve
alcoholic gifts for clients who you know will appreciate them.
- Food
gifts are always popular choices – they’re something that
everyone in an office can share.
- If
you’re unsure about sending gifts during the religious
holidays in December, try sending them for Thanksgiving or New
Year’s instead. It’ll help you avoid potentially awkward
situations as well as the holiday clutter. (Check “Day
Tripper” in this and every issue of Imprint for more holiday
gift-giving opportunities.)
- Don’t
forget the wrapping. Much of the excitement in receiving a
gift stems from the desire to open it. The right packaging can
make a great gift even better.
- Think
about how you want your company’s gift to be used: Would you
like the recipients to always have something on their desks as
a constant reminder of your message? Or, would you prefer
themed items that they can display every year during the
holidays?
- Collectible
items, such as ornaments, pins, clocks, etc., are ideal for
continuity-based programs where you send out related items to
the same recipients year after year.
Finally, give your promotional products consultant a call.
He can help fine-tune your objectives, implement your message and
set up a successful program using one of our featured products, or
help you find something else appropriate for your company and
message.
Whatever you decide, your clients and employees are sure to
appreciate the gesture and will remember your well wishes for
years to come.
Karen Akers is associate editor/multimedia of Imprint.
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They’re The Tops!
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According
to the OPEN Small Business Network 2003 Semi-Annual Monitor
from American Express, the most popular business gifts in
2003 were:
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18%
cards or calendars
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8%
food or fruit basket
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8%
retail or restaurant
gift certificates
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The Holidays Can Be Less Taxing
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The IRS
allows businesses to deduct up to $25 per recipient for
business gifts. So, if you haven’t taken advantage of your
allowance for this year, the holidays are the perfect time
to do it.
From
U.S. Chamber’s Online Small Business Center:
The IRS
will let your business deduct only $25 or less for business
gifts you give to any one person (“donee”) during your
tax year. This means that any number of your employees,
co-owners or business partners may give a client business
gifts. However, the deduction will be limited to $25 per
recipient. Any amount in excess of $25 is disallowed as a
deduction. So, if you give a client a $50 watch as a gift,
you can only deduct $25. …
The $25
limit for business gifts doesn’t include incidental costs
– for example, packaging, insurance and mailing costs, or
the cost of engraving jewelry.
The
following items are excepted from the $25 limit as business
gifts and their cost is deductible without limitation …
items that cost $4 or less, have your name clearly and
permanently imprinted on them and are one of a number of
identical items you widely distribute.
Please
refer to IRS Publication 463 and consult your tax
professional for more information.
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Party packs offer tasty treats a whole office
can share.
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Share
the sounds of the season along with a holiday greeting.
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Unique packaging, like this metallic box, can add
perceived value to a gift.
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An Original Swiss Army knife and Cross Solo pen combine
to make a distinctive and useful gift.
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A digital tire gauge is great giveaway for auto dealers,
repair shops, detailers, etc.
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An ideal gift for tech-savvy recipients, this watch also
doubles as a USB flash drive.
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This card-sized pocket light features an ultra-bright
white LED.
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Calendars are a yearlong reminder of your company’s
goodwill.
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A
crystal business-card holder will be an elegant addition to
any executive’s desk.
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Holiday-scented
tea lights will make any room seem festive.
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This
melted-glass wine-bottle platecomes with two wine-flavored
cheese spreads, crackers and a spreader.
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A
greeting card lets clients or employees know that you’re
thinking of them.
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Some
gifts, like this soft fleece blanket, can be taken home and
shared with recipients’ families.
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Four
different coffee-scented candles (cappuccino, mocha, café
au lait and French vanilla) make up this attractive gift
set.
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Packaged
in a black paperboard box, this gift set will impress your
best customers or employees.
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Whether
you prefer the funky Disco Drive or sleek Executive Pen
Drive, these portable USB drives make transporting large
files quick and easy.
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This
ornament, featuring painted snowmen and jingle bells, is one
of many stock styles offered.
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Show
appreciation to your favorite golfer with this golf-themed
bar set.
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A
stylish photo cube is the perfect complement for your
message and their favorite photo.
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Made
from wood with zinc-alloy accents, this clock will fit in
with many decors.
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This
stylish leather frame conceals two albums that hold 12
photos each.
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Help
make the holidays a little merrier with this combo
corkscrew/bottle opener bar tool.
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