| Selecting appropriate business gifts is often | | | | |
| more challenging than selecting gifts for | | | | To keep things safe and professional, gift |
| family and friends. There are more forces at | | | | baskets make a wonderful corporate gift idea. |
| work and the stakes are usually higher. | | | | Opt for generic baskets that do not tie in |
| Etiquette, corporate policies, and leaving a | | | | with a certain theme, hobby or interest. For |
| positive lasting impression are all key | | | | instance, gourmet gift baskets are a |
| considerations. Before sending a gift to a | | | | one-size-fits-all solution for corporate |
| business associate or a client, it's | | | | gifting. They typically contain a selection |
| important to follow all corporate guidelines | | | | of savory foods such as crackers, cheeses and |
| and to find out what the restrictions are on | | | | nuts, as well as an assortment of sweets and |
| the recipient's side. Some companies have | | | | candies. Other alternatives to the gourmet |
| strict policies concerning gift giving. For | | | | food basket are fruit baskets, cookie baskets |
| instance, gifts that surpass a certain | | | | and organic baskets containing dried fruits, |
| monetary value may be restricted. Companies | | | | nuts and different types of granola mixes. |
| also place restrictions on situations in | | | | |
| which gifts can be exchanged or accepted. | | | | For a unique idea, try a state inspired |
| Ask your clients directly or contact their | | | | basket. Some suggestions are a Blueberry |
| personnel department to find out what | | | | Basket from Maine, a Northwest Gift Basket |
| limitations and guidelines are in effect. | | | | made in the State of Washington or a |
| | | | Wisconsin Cheese Basket. For the holidays, |
| Once the boundaries are determined, keep in | | | | many Canadian nurseries will wrap up a fresh |
| mind that corporate gifts need to be | | | | wreath with a basket full of goodies. |
| memorable in order to generate goodwill and | | | | Whatever type of basket you decided on, don't |
| foster word-of-mouth referrals. Look for | | | | take a do-it-yourself approach. This is not |
| items that are unique, distinctive, and | | | | like painting the walls in your hallway. In |
| convey a professional image. Etiquette is | | | | the corporate world, its better to let a |
| essential. For example, it wouldn't be | | | | professional handle what they're good at - |
| appropriate to give a female client clothing | | | | especially gift baskets! |
| or jewelry. This may be construed as too | | | | |
| intimate. On the same note, it would be | | | | Business gift baskets are an ideal way to say |
| disastrous to give a business partner a | | | | "thank you", "your business is appreciated" |
| vintage bottle of wine without realizing | | | | or "happy holidays." Your clients and |
| first that he or she is a recovering | | | | business associates will remember your |
| alcoholic. Don't send a personal gift unless | | | | professionalism and generosity. And your |
| you know the person's interests, likes and | | | | bottom line will appreciate it, too! |
| dislikes. | | | | |