We specialize in helping our business clients give high impact gifts that don't cost hundreds of dollars. How? By creating a personal connection and being truly memorable. Along the way we've picked up some noteworthy new tips and tricks that create great business gifts. We've divided our advice into two sections: trends and research in business gifting and quick tips for business gifting.
The trends and research section will teach you what we've learned about what consumers love and hate in a business gift, and how that has been changing. The quick tips section contains our top favorite fast and easy tactics that you can apply to any business gifting situation.
Forget about the old school way of giving holiday gifts and stand out by keeping these 5 trending strategies in mind.
Research shows that trends in what is valued in a business gift are subtly shifting. Emerging value attributes are trending towards the following:
While some subtle branding can elevate the overall look of a gift, it can also easily go wrong. First, consider that logoed gifts are the least desired of business gifts, making recipients feel less than appreciated and resulting in lower levels of satisfaction. Additionally, recipients perceive these items as marketing collateral rather than gifts. Companies may feel compelled to put their logo on gifts so that the recipients ‘will remember them,’ but ironically the data shows just the opposite.
Memorability and personal connection help create stronger business relationships, which is one of the primary goals of business gifting. Think about how you could tell a story, share a part or yourself, and create a personal connection through your gift. Some interesting ways we've seen it done (and thought were really cool) include:
A tower of treats might sound appealing, but current gifting trends indicate a preference for quality over quantity.
Additionally, people associate gifts with a level of luxury they might not ordinarily splurge on for themselves. A lower quality gift can even create negative feelings when the recipient inevitably purges it.
One aspect of the desire for quantity, however, is valid. It's great to give the recipient an opportunity to create a memorable experience by sharing a gift with colleagues or family and friends. But which would you rather have clients say about your gift:
"I can't stop eating this popcorn, it's not even that great but it's just sitting here, so I guess I'll have a little more. ugh... Hey Bob, come help me get rid of this popcorn!"
"Wow, look, these hand-painted truffles are amazing! Each one is so beautiful, it looks like a gem. I almost don't want to eat them they're so special. Bob, come look at these truffles I just got, would you like to try one with me?"
We started this business to allow our customers to share the best products being made in Colorado with clients and loved ones, so we're partial to gift baskets the perfect opportunity to give unique corporate gifts.
But the typical old school gift basket just won't get the job done. That's why we recommend gifters consider following this format when creating a custom gift set:
These are our fast and easy ideas that you can apply to any client gift. When it comes to giving a business gift, it's not necessary or even desirable to give a personalized gift (for example, a random product with their name engraved on it). Rather, the biggest impact comes from adding that special touch and creating a connection that shows you care.
The majesty of Colorado's Sawatch Range. Words & photography by Wilder Ruth.