Corporate gifts are not only a thoughtful way to commemorate milestones, holidays and other occasions with your clients, but are also an important element in creating positive business relationships. As a business owner and coach, Brook McCarthy of Hustle & Heart understands the effect gift giving can have in the corporate space. “Simply put, people like receiving gifts. A lot of us don’t receive gifts through our jobs,” says Brook. “It’s really easy to put a lot of effort into acquiring the client, but oftentimes when a business acquires the client they stop paying attention.” Discover how you can become memorable in your workplace with these gift ideas for clients and other businesses you work with.
SEE ALSO: Your Questions on Corporate Gifting, Answered
Tips on Corporate Gifting
Before you get to gift wrapping, Brook has two tips when it comes to choosing your corporate gifts. “It’s all worth thinking about through the lens of number one, is this actually useful, valuable, relevant? Number two, is it in line with my business brand? If you’re teaching meditation, you probably don’t want to be sending people gin and beer,” says Brook.
Christmas Gift Ideas For Clients
The silly season can be even sillier if you’re running your own business, with increases in customers, sales, deliveries and admin. Keep things simple and bulk buy corporate gifts everyone is sure to put to good use. “Stationery is always good,” says Brook. “Pens, notepads, Post-it notes; these are things that are in high rotation, so they’re likely to be used.” You can even create custom kits by purchasing a variety of stationery like sticky notes, refillable pens, highlighters and then packing them in a pencil case. This little bit of effort will make for a considerate (and useful) gift. Larger stationery items like this suave vintage-style notebook or fun, floral memo pad are also things people in the corporate space are usually happy to receive.
Whether they work from home or have an office space, bring some greenery to their desk setup with a floral arrangement and vase set, or boost their zen with an ultrasonic diffuser and calming, scented oils (perfect if they love to meditate). A clutter-free desk makes for a clear mindset, so help keep their space organised with some stylish desk and stationery organisers or this cute trinket tray that’s perfect for housing bits and bobs.
Reusable items like cups or tumblers are always useful, whether it’s for their morning brew or to stay hydrated throughout the day. Gift vouchers are another simple gift idea that makes for a useful and fun present like this Everyone gift card which can be used at several different retailers.
What to try:
- Post-it Super Sticky Note Assort Size Supernova Neons 15 Pack
- BIC 4 Colour Retractable Ballpoint Pens 1mm 2 Pack
- J.Burrows Chisel Highlighters Pastel 6 Pack
- Smart Fit 1-Zip Wide Open Pencil Case Purple
- Otto A5 Vintage Journal 192 Pages Brown
- Otto A5 Floral Notepads 3 Pack
- Otto Hydrangea in Round Pot
- Bosisto's Ambience Ultrasonic Diffuser
- Bosisto's Purify Diffuser Oil 10mL
- Otto Floral Trinket Tray
- Smash Blue Stainless Steel Barista Buddy 350mL Sage
- Smash Double Wall Travel Tumbler Lilac
- Ultimate Everyone Gift Card $50
- Otto Manhattan Criss Cross Tablet Holder
- Otto Manhattan Desk Calendar
SEE ALSO: How to Pick the Perfect Office Secret Santa Gift
Kris Kringle-style Corporate Gifts
Though you can’t involve clients in your office Secret Santa, you can still give them fun Kris Kringle-style gifts. As you get to know your clients, Brook recommends taking note of little things you learn about them over time. Do they prefer sweet or savoury snacks, coffee or tea, cats or dogs? In doing so, when it comes time to send a gift, you’ll have a host of ideas tailored to each of your clients.
Is their small talk sportcentric? A deck of office-friendly yoga cards or this desktop mini soccer game will inspire their sporty side. If they’re the arty type, try a new set of coloured pencils and a meditative colouring book. Or, if they’re often trying a new hobby, some fun kits such as this macrame planter making set or DIY jewellery kit could pique their interest. If they’re a cat person, then this mood flip book for their desktop will bring extra cuteness to their day (don’t worry, there’s a dog version, too).
You can never go wrong with some treats. Top up their supply of their favourite brew, whether they’re a coffee or tea fanatic, or stock them up with sweet treats to help them through the afternoon slump.
What to try:
- Otto Officise Yoga Cards 20 Pack
- Desktop Mini Soccer Game
- Derwent Academy Coloured Pencils 12 Pack
- Born 9x9” Adult Colouring Book Animal Mandala
- Born Macrame Planter Making Kit
- Born Jewellery Making Kit
- Daily Cattitudes Desktop Flip Book
- Nescafe Blend 43 Instant Coffee 700g
- Tea Tonic Tea Bags Diamond Chest 32 Pack
- Maltesers Bucket 465g
Personalised Corporate Gifts
If time is on your side this festive season, go the extra mile and create a personalised gift for your clients. If they observe Christmas, a bespoke ornament will make a lovely addition to their Christmas decor. If you know they love a mindful activity or playing games, a personalised puzzle or deck of cards is sure to make a great gift. Custom coasters or a mug will be used every day, whether at home or in the office. Or, some personalised kitchenware for their next company get-together.
Hot Tip: Allow 7 to 10 business days for printing of personalised gifts that aren’t available through Same Day Printing.
What to try:
- Personalised Ornament
- Personalised Jigsaw Puzzle
- Personalised Playing Cards
- Personalised Coaster
- Personalised Mugs
Custom Stationery
You don’t have to plan something extravagant to make an impression when sending corporate gifts to your clients. “I think a handwritten note or handwritten card in the mail is still the biggest and the best, and it requires minimal expenditure,” says Brook. “I remember the first time a business owner sent me a handwritten thank you card; it just made such an impact.”
Simply buy a pack of cards, create a design with Officeworks’ templates or design your own with the Officeworks x Canva design and printing service for any occasion. If you find yourself short on time, you can design and print your cards in a matter of hours with Same Day Printing services. Simply order before 2pm, either online or at selected stores, and pick up on the same day.
Want to make your gift feel extra fun and thoughtful? You can design your own wrapping paper with their favourite things or a photo they love to complete the package.