| Holiday Season is approaching, but with sales down, | | | | opt for a large tin of cookies or candies that many |
| and company budgets cut, what's a business to do | | | | people can share. |
| about giving gifts this holiday season? That's a | | | | 3) Does the recipient(s) drink alcohol? |
| question many companies are asking themselves. | | | | Alcohol can be tricky. Giving alcohol to a recovering |
| One of the best ways to spend your business dollars | | | | alcoholic or someone who doesn't 'drink' because of |
| is to thank your customers for their continued support. | | | | religious reasons is in bad taste. When in doubt...don't. |
| Especially in these difficult financial times, thanking | | | | Beautiful gifts can be created without the use of |
| those customers is more important than ever. A gift of | | | | alcohol. |
| thanks need not be expensive. Obviously, a beautiful | | | | 4) Special dietary requirements? |
| $200 gift basket would be ideal but not all clients need | | | | Does the recipient have special dietary needs such as |
| to receive such an opulent gift. Creative gifts can be | | | | diabetes, kosher, low sodium, etc? If so, be sure to |
| found for as little as $20. But before selecting client | | | | customize his/her gift so that it can be enjoyed by the |
| gifts, consider the following: | | | | recipient. |
| 1) How much is your budget? | | | | Buying gift baskets and gifts at the big box stores can |
| If you have a generous budget, great! The sky is the | | | | be tempting, but remember that if you want your gift |
| limit! However, if you're looking for gifts in the $20-$35 | | | | to be a standout, that may not be the best way to go. |
| range, you need to get a little more creative, but gifts in | | | | Besides, doesn't food taste better when it's freshly |
| that budget are absolutely doable. | | | | packed in October, November or December than |
| 2) Will this gift be for an individual; a family; or for an | | | | when it was packed in April? Even if you find a great |
| office to share? | | | | bargain there, remember that your customers shop |
| An individual's gift could be anything from a gift basket | | | | those same stores and will know exactly how much |
| filled with upscale chocolates to a selection of food | | | | you paid. Show them that you've spent time on your |
| items such as cheese, crackers, cookies, candies, etc. | | | | gifts by having your company name imprinted on the |
| However, an office gift that needs to be shared by | | | | ribbon, or custom designs created for your business |
| many, might have more snacky items that can go | | | | that no one else will receive. |
| further. If you have a limited budget for your office gift, | | | | |