Get Gifting! Our Tips for Avoiding Dreaded Gifting Gaffs and Being a Great Gifter
Get Gifting! Our Tips for Avoiding Dreaded Gifting Gaffs and Being a Great Gifter
Nov 28, 2024
NO Hiding Under the Desk...The Holidays are Here!
With the sight of the Turkey and Garfield and Snoopy balloons floating down the streets of NYC for the Macy's Parade... so come the Holiday Panics! YES! The holidays are here and there is NO avoiding what's next-Gifting! Yes, there is still time, but not to add to the panic-Get Busy!
We know this season of giving can also be a season of gifting gaffs. Just to cross gift shopping off the To Do list, Dumb Gifts Happen!
We DO NOT believe in gifting dumb...especially when it comes to custom-branded gifts for your staff, team, valued vendors, clients and potential clients. We simply will not allow you to give a gift that:
1. Does not represent your brand
2. Does not connect with who you are gifting to
3. Ends up shoved in the back of a drawer...or in the trash
No way!
So what can you do to be sure:
1.Your $$$s are well spent
2. Your giftee appreciates your thoughtfulness
3. Your brand is seen and remembered
We start with our best advice-Keep it Simple!
Folks are inundated with "Stuff" -Don't add to the "stuff" pile!
We ask 3 Questions to help build a gifting profile:
1. What is your brand known for?
2. How do you want your brand to be viewed?
3. Who are you giving to?
Question 1 helps narrow the categories of gifts to give. If you are an Insurance biz then a custom-branded umbrella reflects your goal of protection and peace of mind. If you are a healthcare company for example, then lean into well-being, caring, comfy. Gifts like blankets, yoga kits, mindfulness, and aromatherapy...even a cute stuffed toy -everyone needs a hug these days!
Question 2 helps define the impression you want to leave. If you are in fact a healthcare company do you really want to be remembered, or forgotten, for sending chocolate caramel-covered popcorn? If you are a brand that focuses on family engagement,however, then a "Movie Night" box with the popcorn might be great. Did you have a memorable event this year? Commemorate that with a gift that recognizes a memory that everyone enjoyed...add a "Thanks for joining us" to the imprint.
Question 3 helps zoom in on your giftee profiles. Are you giving to folks who always attend your charity golf outings? Are you giving to a group you want to sign on as new clients and customers? Are you gifting to your staff? All these may be on your list BUT they should not receive the same gift! Be thoughtful about who gets what and HOW your gifts will be received and used. For staff, for example, think about how your folks work-in office, remote, hybrid? Select ideas that compliment their work styles and that they will pick up each day...be sure to add in a "treat" gift such as coffee gift cards to go with a cool new mug, fitness gift cards to local health centers to go with the earbuds and pedometers or custom sneakers...
And ALWAYS ALWAYS be sure you include a note of Thanks-hand signed!!
Tip: Unless you are 100% sure about sizes-avoid apparel. While polos, fleece, jackets, hoodies are all great you need to know sizes. Think about Knit Beanies and Baseball Caps, Gloves, Scarves, Socks (not ugly socks!) instead for staff.
OK, now that we asked the questions...where is your list? Be sure to separate out the categories of folks and then let's get shopping. The clock is ticking but we got this!
Finally, in this season of Giving, be sure to share what you can with organizations making a difference for so many others all year-round! Make your donations in honor of your staff, clients, and organization members. They certainly will remember your kindness and.. kindness is infectious!