Today – How to Choose Appropriate Business Gifts
How to Choose Appropriate Business Gifts
Giving gifts in the business world isn’t as simple as giving a present to your friend or loved one. Even if you make the wrong choice with a gift for your sister, or brother in law, for instance, you can always laugh it off and forget about it.
On the other hand, when you’re spending every day with a coworker, or a client, it’s difficult to bypass the awkwardness caused by bad gifting. So, how do you avoid those uncomfortable situations?
The best option is to make sure that you choose every present you give with significant caution and care. At the same time, try to avoid getting gifts when it’s not necessary -this could rub some people the wrong way.
Choosing a Gift for Your Boss
There are a handful of people that you might eventually need to give a gift to. Your boss is one of the most common choices. A boss should never expect a gift from their employees, but you might feel obliged to give one if they achieve something great, or they’re leaving for a new role.
The best thing you can do when buying presents for the boss is play it safe. As tempting as it can be to buy gag gifts if you think you have the right relationships with your employer, you don’t want to discover that you read the situation wrong.
Gifts that spruce up your boss’s desk, like a letter opener or a paperweight, are often a good choice. You can also think about buying ties or cufflinks – something that every boss needs. If you’re not sure which direction to go in, consider a fruit basket or some cookies. The same strategies work for buying presents for employees. Employee gifts from Successories.com are great for quality and fair pricing.
Choosing Gifts for Coworkers
If you work closely with a colleague and they accomplish something important, then you might be compelled to give them a gift. For instance, if someone in your team gets a promotion, then you want them to know that you’re happy for them.
Ideally, it’s best to give your coworkers gifts in a private environment, so you don’t set a standard where everyone in your team expects presents. Once again, you’ll want to keep things as professional as possible when choosing the type of gift to give. The same options we mentioned above will work just as well for a coworker.
However, you can sometimes experiment a little more with coworkers if you’re also friends with them outside of the office.
Finding Gifts for Clients
If a client has helped you to accomplish incredible things in your business or spent a lot of money with your brand, then you might send them a “thank you” gift. Presents in the business world can be a good way to maintain or strengthen relationships.
Before you give anything to a client or accept something from them, however, it’s important to maker sure that you understand your company rules. Don’t make the mistake of giving someone something and then discovering that you can be fired for that action.
Avoid anything too personal when buying for clients. You need to keep it as simple as professional as possible. Food gifts are often the best option, like cookies or muffins. However, it’s best to make sure that you understand dietary requirements first.
Picking a Gift for a Mentor
You can give your business mentor a gift ay many different times and on various occasions. For instance, if a boss you’ve already looked up to is leaving, then you might want to give them something to remember you buy. A framed photo of the whole team might be a good choice for this.
Another option could be to give your mentor a thank you present for everything that you’ve accomplished thanks to them. Make sure that the gift is simple and professional, and that it’s not going to embarrass anyone.
Something like an engraved pen or a piece of decorative memorabilia for the desk will often go down well.
Business Holiday Gifts
Often, the best thing you can do when it comes to business holiday gifts, is still to the expectations and rules of your team. If you’re doing a secret Santa gift exchange, for instance, find out how much you’re allowed to spend, and take inspiration from the gifts that other colleagues have given and received in the past.
Make sure that you understand which winter holiday your coworker celebrates before handing out any cards too. Remember that there isn’t just Christmas to consider at this time of year.
How to Choose Appropriate Business Gifts is a feature post