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  • Creative business gifts

    by
    administrator
    Published on 12-12-2011 11:03 AM
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    Christmas is the season of giving and is a great time to acknowledge those people who have helped or supported us through the year.

    Of course, it is easy to say “I will send a thank you gift to all my suppliers and best clients” but not always so easy to do. Aside from the time involved in arranging the gifts, you have to consider the cost, people’s preferences (giving alcohol to a minor or teetotaller isn’t a good look), your brand (an environmentally conscious business will damage their brand with disposable gifts in excessive wrapping) and delivery (a local supplier is ok, but sending fragile or large items inter state can be difficult and expensive).

    So maybe it’s time to get a bit creative and think of some gifts that will stay in people’s minds (preferably with a smile!) for a long time so they really know you appreciate them. To really get in the spirit, sit and write a list of at least 50 gift ideas your business could give – at least one or two will be worth exploring and the rets will be fun to think of!

    Here are a few ideas to get your list started…
    1. Send a personalised Santa letter – either give the adults an unexpected pleasure or enlist them to delight their children. Either way it is an inexpensive idea that is fun, easy to deliver and will stand out as unusual – most parents will be very touched if you gift their children.
    2. Give a charity gift. On a budget, you may find it hard to give something that will be valued so give the money to those who truly need it and let everyone feel good this Christmas
    3. Give some cupcakes or gingerbreads that are shaped or decorated to suit their business. For example, have their logo in icing or give biscuits shaped as scissors for a hairdresser or a dollar sign for an accountant/bookkeeper
    4. Send packets of magic boomer food to spread out on Christmas Eve (magic boomer food is made of oats and glitter so use your corporate colours for the glitter!)
    5. As a designer, send clients and suppliers a personalised graphic to use in their Christmas emails or a banner for their website on Australia Day or some relevant event
    6. Grab some wine glasses instead of a bottle – they should last longer! Be adventurous and stick on their logo or a personalised message (the sticker can be temporary and therefore cheap and easy to find)
    7. Send them a movie ticket – preferably gold class – along with a review of a movie you think they’d enjoy
    8. Find an inexpensive app they may enjoy and send it to their smart phone (but remember not everyone has or wants a smart phone so don’t send this to everyone on your list)
    9. If you’re crafty, make some Christmas ornaments in their business colours – cross stitch, painting and lace work are good crafts for this
    10. Show you care with some safety things like sunscreen and insect repellent – it may not be exciting but it’s practical!
    11. Encourage them to get outdoors with printed maps of walking and bike tracks in their area
    To me, Christmas gift giving is a pleasure and it’s all about making someone happy and appreciated. It doesn’t have to be about expense so be creative and make this year’s gifts special.


    Tash is honoured to help Santa each year with writing letters to Australian children. Personally addressed, each letter acknowledges the child’s good deeds, gives craft and cooking ideas, and includes a small surprise. www.lovesanta.com.au also provides colouring sheets and a safe place to share Christmas stories and ideas.