Company gift giving tips

Not sure what corporate gifts you should be giving? Here's a pile of tips and suggestions.

Consider food. About half of those surveyed in a recent American Express corporate gift-giving survey give food-related gifts. But be creative about the food if you can. If you're from Wisconsin, send some sausage and cheese. New England dwellers might want to send lobster to midwesterners.

If you're a boss and have received a gift from an employee, returning the courtesy is a must.

Thinking about buying on sale? If it's from a boutique or a crafts fair, that's probably OK, since it usually can't be returned. But you're probably taking a chance that the recipient will find out that you skimped if you buy from a major chain.

Keep in mind that charitable donations are not always appreciated, especially if people are already used to receiving personal gifts.

For a client to continue remembering you throughout the year, try a gift-of-the-month club. Beer, wine, desserts, pasta sauce--the possibilities are growing steadily and easily available.

Unless a person is a fitness buff, avoid health-related gifts (even if you are a fitness buff).

When sending a gift or card to someone who has been ill, it's OK to refer to their health in the card only when wishing them good health in the new year. However, avoid giving gifts designed to help make the person well.

If you're an employee and you've received a gift from a boss, you are not required to return with a gift. A nice holiday card and a verbal or written thank-you is fine.

Try to always keep a couple of extra gifts on hand. You never know who will give you one.

If you want, and you're able to, you can deliver your gift in person. But don't make recipients uncomfortable by waiting for them to open the package in your presence.

Always acknowledge that you have received a gift. Being polite has never gone out of style. Although a handwritten thank-you note is preferred, reality dictates that a quick email or phone call is fine.

If you've sent a gift via mail or courier, don't confirm arrival by asking the recipient if they've received it. Call the vendor instead.

Time and effort rarely goes unnoticed. Taking the time to make sure gifts are packaged creatively will reflect well on you.

If you're sending food, make sure to include some non-perishables just in case the recipient is not in town to receive the gift.

Be careful with cool gadgets. Don't send one unless you know it will work--and last. If it breaks after a few uses, it's a poor reflection on you.

New in the office? If you're unsure of the gift-giving policy or etiquette, definitely ask around. You don't want to be in a position where you set new trends unilaterally--and you equally don't want to come off like a grinch.

Try standing out in the off-season. If you truly want to be noticed, avoid the December rush altogether and send your gifts, for example, in the summer. Or try sending Thanksgiving greeting cards.

Ties are tricky unless you know the recipient very well. If you must give one, be careful and make them easy to return. He may not like your taste and significant others may take offense.

Try to avoid sending gifts that reflect your interests rather than those of your recipients.

Ordering from a boutique store that is not used to preparing corporate gifts? Make sure that order forms--especially those that include pricing or brochures--are not included in every box. (I have heard of this happening, and more than once. Horrors!)

When ordering from a vendor for the first time:
--If ordering in quantity, order one for the office to make sure the quality and presentation is up to snuff.
--Confirm that the gift will be sent without a receipt, order form, or anything indicating the price.

Ask for a gift receipt if you want to give your gift recipient the ability to return the item.

Avoid making people feel left out. If you are personally giving gifts to only some colleagues who are friends, do it outside the office.

A great way to make a gift distinctive is to top it off with a related item. For example, if you're sending a gift like chocolate or wine, add a mini-book on the history of chocolate or a funky corkscrew.

If your gift is to be consumed, try to make it last by sending it in a nifty container that is a keeper.

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