Business Gifting : Domestic (US)
Gifts in Business : United States
Gift Giving to Co-Workers and Other Businesses
- Gifts in business are given to demonstrate good faith, usually to celebrate the closing of a deal, but they can also be given on an ongoing basis to foster good will.
- Check with the recipient's company for their policy on gift giving before you give a gift. Some businesses have specific restriction or guidelines on employees giving and receiving giving. Check with the Human Resources department in your company and theirs for details.
- Giving gifts to your boss can look like you are kissing up unless there are only a few people who work in the office.
- Don't give a gift to a co-worker (or to just a few co-workers) at work unless you are giving something to everyone.
- Gag gifts are not appropriate under any circumstances (especially those of a sexual nature). Gifts that are potentially going to make the recipient uncomfortable are not advised.
- Don't give intimate or personal items (scented lotions, perfumes, underwear, etc.).
- Don't give alcohol.
- If you are giving food or non-alcoholic beverages, make sure the recipient/s are not allergic to any of the items. Make sure the food and beverages are something they would enjoy and something that fits their lifestyle (i.e. don't give a basket of candy to a diabetic, don't give a box of steaks to a vegetarian, etc.).
- Don't buy excessively expensive things but also don't be super cheap. Put some thought in to the gift, make it a generous gift tailored to the recipient.
- If you are giving gifts year after year to the same individuals, be consistent in the amount you spend. Don't spend $75 for a gift one year and then $5 the next.
- Check out GiftStasher for great gift ideas. Find out if your business partner or client has a GiftStasher registry and get to know their likes and dislikes!
- Don't give cash, it might look like a bribe. If you can't figure out what to buy, gift cards or gift cheques are acceptable.
- Don't put your logo on a gift. A gift shouldn't appear as a marketing ploy. If you must include a logo, make it small and put it on the packaging, not the gift itself. If you choose a thoughtful, memorable gift you won't need a logo.
- Wrap all gifts (with the exception of retirement gifts) and include a handwritten note or card.
- You don't need to wrap retirement gifts. Present them unwrapped at the retirement party.
- It's best to present gifts in person, but gifts are often mailed around holidays due to the amount given. Mailing gifts is acceptable.
- Determine the amount to spend on a gift according to hierarchy. The higher up a person is, the more expensive the gift should be. Doesn't sound very politically correct? Well, it is what's expected in business and is an important concept related to "saving face". You wouldn't want to give the same gift to a Chairman, CEO, or President as you'd give to the Vice President. And you wouldn't want to give the same gift to the Vice President as you'd give to the Office Manager. Especially when giving gifts to a group of people (like in the closing of a deal), make each gift a little different depending on the hierarchy of the individuals. This is for them, so they don't loose face by all receiving the same generic gift. But this doesn't mean to give the lowest person a piece of junk. Put thought in to each person's gift to make it special, personalized, and unique.
Gift Giving to Customers
- When sending gifts out to customers, be unique. Choose items that set your business apart from others and make you stand out in the crowd.
- Be careful with the over usage of logos. Don't make your gifts an obvious marketing ploy. If you make the gift unique and well-thought-out, the customer will remember who sent it without the logo to remind them. Gifts are meant to thank the customer for their business, as opposed to marketing tools handed out to potential customers.
- Consider your client base; think about their backgrounds and interests. Tailor your gift to your customer's likes. Target their interests and they will appreciate the thought and extra effort you made to learn about them.
- Don't give cash. It you can't think of something unique to give, consider gift cards or making a donation in the name of the customer to a cause they care about.
- Wrap all gifts and include a card. The extra details make your gift appear more sincere and thoughtful.
