We’re getting into that busy period where Spring has sprung, the nights are getting lighter and warmer and Christmas is drawing closer. Gifting is on everyone’s mind, ughhh it’s such a stressful time especially when you already have so much on your plate!
I recently read the book, Giftology, by John Ruhlin, he is the master of gift giving.
Here is what he had to say on the topic of Client gifting;
Take a quick look around your workspace - how many boxes with random edible goods and half-eaten hampers with odd bits and pieces are lying around? How many crap bottles of wine and containers of quince are gathering dust in your kitchen?
The key focus for giving great corporate gifts and reaping the benefits is simple and single minded - just be more thoughtful about the gifts you give.
The underlying custom of giving gifts has an important purpose - appreciation. We give people gifts to show them that we are grateful and value the role they play in our lives be that business or personal. How appreciated do you feel when you receive a box of cheap chocolates? Get it? Spend a little time thinking about what is suitable, don’t buy something just because it’s in budget and you can get your own brand big and bold on there, that’s not thoughtful.
Here’s a couple of tips to help get the gift giving process right.
A handwritten note goes a long way, make it personal
Is there any better feeling in the world than getting a handwritten letter or card? I know I’m not alone: More than eight in 10 New Zealand adults see handwritten notes as more thoughtful than emails or texts. You don’t need to spend a lot of time on it, either. It only takes a sentence or two to tell the recipient why you appreciate them.
Pay Attention To Packaging
The first thing your recipient sees about your gift isn’t the gift itself; it’s the wrapping. A good gift deserves good presentation. Don’t ruin a great gift with bad packaging (and watch the amount of plastic, no one feels great sending swathes of wrapping off to the landfill).
Gifts Are Not Ads
If there’s anything that turns someone off a gift, it’s when the giver tries to make the gift do double duty as an advertisement. I can’t count the number of logo-covered caps, pens and diaries I’ve received. Dont ruin a great gift with plastering your brand all over it - be sincere.
It’s all in the psyche
The rule in gift giving that generally works every time is, don’t give something you wouldn’t want to receive...ever. You’d be better off spending the money on a really nice card and hand written note than sending an impersonal box with crappy wine and a random assortment of food products. Who wants a hat with a businesses logo emblasoned across the front...not you, so don’t go there, make the gift count.
Make it count
Chances are you are spending a decent wack on Client gifting so make the gifts count, don’t be cheap - spending somewhere between $50 - $200 will ensure you get something that’s decent quality but doesn’t look like you’re being frivolous. Can’t stretch that far? Cut down the amount of gifts you are giving (choose some beautiful cards and write personal notes to those that miss out) and increase the budget for those on the list.
All the right intentions but don’t have the time? Leave it to The Duo, we handle everything from chic packaging to beautiful gift choices to handwritten cards and notes email the team at enquiries@theduo.co.nz.