Home » Guides » Management » Corporate Gifts » Unique Business Gifts

Frances Sharpe

Guide to Unique Business Gifts

Give gifts your customers, employees and suppliers won't forget

By Frances Sharpe

Gift-giving can be stressful, especially when you want to give something that's as unique and original as your business. Typical corporate gifts, such as items with a company logo or gift baskets stuffed with food items nobody wants, simply won't do the job.

Finding unique gifts that will make your company stand out doesn't take a lot of money or a lot of time, just a little creative thinking. Offering unique gifts to your business partners, customers and employees for holidays, anniversaries, special events or employee recognition programs can:

  1. Improve your company image.
  2. Increase customer loyalty.
  3. Improve vendor relationships.
  4. Increase productivity.
  5. Increase employee retention.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Give an experience

For a gift your business partners and customers won't forget, offer an experience of a lifetime. Whether the people on your gift list are thrill-seekers or mild-mannered, you can find an event or experience that they'll always remember.
I recommend: SignatureDays.com and XperienceDays.com offer dozens of adventurous and not-so-adventurous experience gifts across the nation, including hang gliding, scuba diving, hot air balloon rides, gourmet cooking classes, dance lessons, even riding in a NASCAR sports car.

Give charitable donations

Showing that your company cares about more than just profits can improve your image. Giving a donation on behalf of your business partners or suppliers is one way to create goodwill. Tip: Choose a charity that's nonpolitical in nature to avoid offending anyone.
I recommend: Gifts That Count and JustGive.org let you choose from long lists of charities and send a gift certificate to the recipient.

Give the gift of relaxation

In today's chaotic business environment, a gift of relaxation and rejuvenation will thrill busy clients, suppliers and especially employees. Remember, helping reduce daily stresses with a gift that promotes well-being can help your business, too, since workers who aren't stressed out are generally more productive.
I recommend: Gift certificates for all kinds of relaxing spa treatments, such as massages and facials, are available from SpaFinders.com and can be used at thousands of spas around the nation. YogaFinders.com lets you search for peaceful yoga retreats across the nation or around the world. Consider give soothing, meditative gifts, such as a miniature Zen garden or an indoor tabletop fountain for desk-bound workers.

Give personalized gifts

Personalization doesn't mean slapping your company logo on something. Create something that's unique to your company. For instance, take a photo of your staff, have everyone sign it and have it framed. Or write a brief history of your company and turn it into a book with photos showing how far you've come.
I recommend: Make a personalized photo book, calendar or greeting cards with iPhoto for Mac users, MyPublisher.com or Shutterfly.com, where you can also find frames.

Contact corporate sales for volume gifts

If you're planning to purchase in large quantities, it's a good idea to investigate the corporate sales services from retailers who are known for their unique product lines. Corporate sales departments usually handle the shipping and fulfillment of your orders.
I recommend: RedEnvelope.com, Sharper Image and Brookstone have earned a reputation for unique business gifts.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • If possible, give gifts that somehow relate to your industry or business.
  • Unique gift-giving doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Set a budget and stick to it.
  • Consider giving gifts for customer referrals, major orders from a supplier or employee performance.
Best Buy Corporate Gifts
Best Buy® Gift Cards Are the Perfect Gift for Your Company. Shop Now!
Order Form
Best Buy Gift Cards
MY M&M’S® Candies - Corporate Gifts
Build Brand Awareness with Personalized Corporate Gifts & Favors. Add Your Personal Message & Business Logo. Customize MY M&M’S® Today!
Request Quote | Custom Packaging | Download Brochure | Order Now
www.MyMMs.com/Business
Flowers By Michael - Flowers Delivered Worldwide
A Baltimore, Maryland based Florist Delivering Flowers acoss Baltimore and around the World. We charge no additional service fees!
www.flowersbymichael.net
Promotional Products & Promotional Items by Adco
Promotional Items with your custom logo including custom mugs, tote bags, eco promotional items and executive gifts. Rush is our specialty.
Eco Items | Custom Mugs | Tote Bags
www.adcomarketing.com

Recommended Solution Providers

Surpise.com: Unique Gifts
Hand-selected gifts for a variety of clients.

Red Envelope: Unique Corporate Gifts
Provides unique corporate gift ideas for a business associate or client.

Gifts.com: Unique Business Gifts
Choosing the proper business gift is all about striking the proper tone.

Sharper Image: Gift Guide
Specializes in innovative technological gadgets.

Chocolate Pen: Chocolate Business Cards
One ounce of chocolate packaged in a choice of gold or white gift box.

PersonalWine: Custom Label Wine Bottles
Personalized wine, wine gifts, and other unique corporate gifts that can be custom labeled with your personal touch.

Wild Things Online: Executive Gifts
Assists in selecting appropriate gifts to meet business goals and maximize a budget.

Best Sites to Learn More

Buyer's Zone: Gift Buyer's Guide
Suggestions about price, timing, and other etiquette.

Motivation Network: Gift Buying Resource
Describes the many issues to consider if a corporate gift program is to succeed.

Cool Gift Idea: Articles
Get ideas for gifts by reading suggestions and advice.

Wild Things Online: Gift Giving Etiquette
Advice to businesses about giving gifts.

Best Blogs and Forums

Cool Gift Idea: Blog
Browse blog entries for gifts of various occasions.

Brand Republic: Marketing Forum
Try contacting marketing professionals to get suggestions for unique corporate gift ideas.



FEATURED LISTINGS
What Works for Business Newsletter
Get fresh ideas for managing & growing your business.
Click here to view a sample issue

What WorksTM for Corporate Gifts

Sheila Callahan

Small Business Charitable Giving

How to save on taxes, increase your business and also help others
Small business owners all over America make a big difference in their communities and beyond through charitable giving. Some just can't say "no" when solicited; others have pet causes they champion; more than a few give to buoy their standing in the community; still others line up for the business and tax benefits. No matter what the reason, extending a hand to help always creates good will. Keep the following in ... Read more

Free B2B search marketing whitepaper, B2B Search Marketing Strategy Guide: Advice From the Pros.
Download

To advertise on Business.com, click here