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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! |
According to the OPEN Small Business Network
2003 Semi-Annual Monitor from American Express, the most popular
business gifts in 2003 were:
18%
cards or calendars |
8%
food or fruit basket |
8%
retail or restaurant
gift certificates |
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The
Holidays Can Be Less Taxing |
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.
Available from asi/60717
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Share the sounds of the season along with a holiday greeting.
Available from asi/88241
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Unique packaging, like this metallic box, can
add perceived value to a gift.
Available from asi/46161 |
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An Original Swiss Army knife and Cross Solo
pen combine to make a distinctive and useful gift.
Available from asi/90414
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A digital tire gauge is great giveaway for
auto dealers, repair shops, detailers, etc.
Available from asi/73780 |
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An ideal gift for tech-savvy recipients, this
watch also doubles as a USB flash drive.
Available from asi/53411 |
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This card-sized pocket light features an ultra-bright
white LED.
Available from asi/99070
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Calendars are a yearlong reminder
of your company’s
goodwill.
Available from asi/92185
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A
crystal business-card holder will be an elegant addition
to any executive’s desk.
Available from asi/57370
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Holiday-scented tea lights will make any
room seem festive.
Available from asi/84495
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This melted-glass wine-bottle platecomes
with two wine-flavored cheese spreads, crackers and a spreader.
Available from asi/71190
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A
greeting card lets clients or employees know that you’re
thinking of them.
Available from asi/60010
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Some
gifts, like this soft fleece blanket, can be taken home and
shared with recipients’ families.
Available from asi/75647
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Four different coffee-scented
candles (cappuccino, mocha, café au lait and French
vanilla) make up this attractive gift set.
Available from asi/67686
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Packaged in a black paperboard box, this
gift set will impress your best customers or employees.
Available from asi/61005
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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.
Available from asi/63776
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This ornament, featuring painted snowmen
and jingle bells, is one of many stock styles offered.
Available from asi/50890
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Show appreciation to your favorite golfer
with this golf-themed bar set.
Available from asi/93095
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A
stylish photo cube is the perfect complement for your message
and their favorite photo.
Available
from asi/62820
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Made
from wood with zinc-alloy accents, this clock will fit
in with many decors.
Available
from asi/86586
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This
stylish leather frame conceals two albums that hold 12
photos each.
Available
from asi/66887
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Help
make the holidays a little merrier with this combo corkscrew/bottle
opener bar tool.
Available
from asi/37658
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