In the festive season, not only families but business enterprises too go for giving gifts as a note of appreciation to clients and employees.
Subhasis Chatterjee suggests some useful gifts at the work place.
When you are in the service industry, it is important that you stay on top of your client’s mind. It works well to occasionally show your appreciation for your clients in a thoughtful way. Corporate gifts have come a long way and now we have everything – from razors to dog treats to travel coupons and make-up kits on the list. It requires thoughtfulness to plan the perfect gift for a client. However big or small it may be, one would want it to be appreciated. According to a recent survey by office products delivery firm Staples Advantage, the Season for Businesses to Say Thanks’, employees receiving holiday gifts from employers have shown a 75 per cent boost in their morale in the work field. Shakti Nanda, a well-known architect, believes that “Mementos are humble representatives of an individual or a company for showcasing achievements, temperament, quality, values, ethics and responsibility toward society in a compact form.”
The advantages of corporate gifts can never be underestimated. A successful business is one that continuously strives to add credibility to its brand image. Reaching customers and clients individually is the best form of marketing and it never fails. When corporate gifts come with a touch of personal attention, one may establish a long term relationship. As Jitendra Pati, CEO of Draupadi College of Science & Commerce, Bhubaneswar, says, “Corporate gifts are a great idea to promote the brand of any company. Be it a table-top gift or a tee-shirt with message or an embossed pen, it acts as a reminder to the customers of the brand’s presence.”
Be it Durga puja or Diwali , Christmas, or a wedding, business houses have ample opportunities to show appreciation. While it is primarily an exclusive way of marketing a business house and its products, it could also be taken as a sign of special consideration for every stakeholder in the company. Today with the variety of available gift items, you do not have to run out of choices. When ordered in bulk, these gifts also turn out to be a cost effective marketing investment. Be as creative as you can and catch attention.
Here are some affordable but effective corporate gift ideas:
Personalised stationary
Everyone likes something that gives importance to their names. One of the best in this respect is personalised stationary like business cards and individual ‘thank you’ notes with special messages. There is wide range to choose from too.
Personalised mouse pads
When purchased in bulk, each piece will cost almost nothing and yet you can make your employee, client and business associates remember your brand while they work on their computers. Mouse pads could be customised to include personalised messages and images.
Gift basket
Sweets and chocolate pieces make for an effective gift item that people can take back home. When you make the kids and spouse of your client happy, you are probably making the best connection. The gift baskets could be further customised and gift-packed with little investment but would enhance its value. For a touch, add your company ribbon to the basket to add to the recognition value.
Laptop stands
Everyone today uses a laptop or a tablet at the workplace. A complimentary cooling stand should be highly appreciated by clients and employees. This is a device that is almost becoming a necessity in a modern day workplace improving the health and posture of the worker and the overall comfort level. A variety of sturdy designs are available and the best part is you can choose to imprint your logo or brand name with the stand.
Wall calendars
Many professionals have gone digital when it comes to managing schedules but physical calendars still have their own charm. A full wall calendar could be a good idea when sending a gift bouquet to offices. Now the company name pops up with every event that your client plans for.
Green plants
A green thumbs up for you could follow a gift of a green plant showing your concern for the environment. There are many plants to choose from these days. The pot of greens could be a natural air purifier and add a pleasant touch to the office space. You can have your logo on the side of the pot for effective recognition.
Universal charging station
business hubs run heavily on gadgets and devices which are required to be powered up all the time. A universal charging station will take care of your laptop, cell phones, tablets and every other device that need to be kept up-to-date. Now your clients need not wait for one device to get charged up before another one is plugged in if you choose this thoughtful gift.
Relaxation kit
The work environment tends to get a little stressful at times. You can help keep your employees relaxed with a spa kit that could be used after a busy day in office. This kit could include purifying bath products, soy candles, slippers or even a robe. The employee could use some downtime and your kind act would certainly be appreciated.
Fountain pen
Pens have been the most coveted gift items since people learned to write. The trend continues and a fountain pen or ball pen could be a good way to show gratitude and respect. Many corporate houses present customised pens with their brand printed on a side. A useful daily item, you cannot go wrong with this gift item.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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