Corporate Holiday Gifts Industry Overview

Show appreciation with company holiday gifts

Corporate holiday gifts are an important way to show appreciation to clients and employees. While not mandatory, many in business expect to receive a gift - at least a greeting card. Sending gifts to people who matter to your business reiterates how important their relationship is to your success. It's also a great way to keep your name in front of customers and improve employee morale.

The holiday business gifts industry has responded to the digital age, and much business happens online. Many gift sources have sprung up on the Internet, while longstanding mail-order companies have responded to stake their claim among the upstarts. Some companies only supply promotional business products and business holiday gifts, while other companies sell to consumers while offering a business line.

When researching business holiday gifts, consider the following points.

1. Consider the wrapping for your business holiday gifts - the fancier the better to add to the excitement.

2. Plan ahead for set-up time, shipping time and delivery to the customer - make sure your gift is timely.

3. Research the recipients' gift policy to make sure they can accept your gift. Some companies cannot accept a gift that costs more than $50.

 

Conduct a corporate holiday gifts industry overview

Within the promotional products industry there are thousands of suppliers and distributors who offer business holiday gifts. Two major associations for advertising specialties or promotional products represent the corporate holiday gifts market. The two biggest organizations in the industry are Advertising Specialties Institute (ASI) and the Promotional Product Association International.
Try: Advertising Specialties Institute gives an overview of the industry and ranks the top 40 suppliers and distributors. Type in your zip code to locate a promotional consultant from Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). Mac Mannes is a promotional products distributor, handling many different well-known brands, and can help you find appropriate employee holiday gifts or client gifts.

Choose suppliers of business holiday gifts with a proven track record

Several top distributors in the company holiday gifts market have built their success by consistently serving their customers well. Online ordering remains important, but you may want to work with a representative to help you decide the best corporate holiday gift ideas. Popular gift categories include candy, chocolate, food, flowers, wine, desk items and small electronics.
Try: Williams-Sonoma offers a 10% discount for volume business holiday gift orders over $1,000 in select categories of candy, chocolate and monogrammed bar items. Call 1-800-332-1648 for corporate pricing. Harry & David has built a reputation for delectable corporate gift baskets of food, perfect for employees or clients.

Consider adding a logo to your executive holiday gifts

One of the most popular areas for client holiday gifts are logo-branded items. You can put your company logo on just about anything. Leaders in this business holiday gift category find success selling calendars, clothing, and greeting cards to barware, coffee cups and desktop distractions.
Try: Make sure your choice is high quality, and if you choose to put your company logo on it, make sure it's something your employee or client will appreciate (think, "Would I really want to receive this as a gift?"). NEBS generates great employee holiday gift ideas, including company logo clothing, personalized greeting cards and chocolate personalized with the company logo. GiftTree has many upscale offerings for their Fortune 500 corporate clients, offering everything from monogrammed "part of the team" mugs to a monogrammed antique pub game packaged with a bottle of Merlot.

 

• Your employees may appreciate a gift that makes them feel as if they are helping a cause, such as choosing gifts from eco-friendly companies or American-made products.

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