Holiday gift-giving tips for the business world

Since this is a gift-giving season, allow me to coach of those business gift-givers who still have a few business associates on their list.

It is hard to be precise on gifts that requires a person’s size, personal style or taste. Therefore, I suggest staying away from those types of gifts.

Timing is important in gift-giving. This year we have nearly a full work week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. A gift that has not arrived in time for Christmas can easily be offered as a New Year’s gift with a similar positive impact. Also, Christmas sales may offer an upgrade opportunity and still remain within your budgetary constraints.

I have had good experiences giving restaurant gift certificates. Those certificates were typically handwritten and fit well in a holiday card or in a letter of appreciation.

Gift cards have been around for years. Technology has provided us with specific locations or ubiquitous gift cards in various denominations and designs. A gift card can be a safe bet and may offer the recipient the opportunity to have a new experience.

Although not as purposeful as they once were, writing pens are still fine gifts. It is not uncommon for business people to have a collection of pens. As technology has changed, so have pens. Quality pens can be found with soft tips which can be used as a stylus. Even if the recipient is not a pen person, the first touch of a quality pen might start them on the path to pen appreciation and perhaps collecting.

There has been a resurgence in fine writing paper and journals. It is a retro experience of writing a remembrance, idea or new design on a piece of fine paper or in a journal. The texture and physical connection with paper may be new to some of your gift receivers and for others it might bring back fond thoughts of yesteryear.

Subscriptions are a nice way to be brought to memory, in a positive way. Magazine subscriptions offer periodic reminders that you cared enough to share this information. National Geographic, Smithsonian and Natural History are three of my favorites. Aside from great articles and amazing photography, the magazines are well suited for display in the waiting area.

As a gift, I prefer nonbusiness-oriented subscriptions. Business information can be sourced from many locations but a conversation about a topic from your subscription can be unique to your relationship.

Last on the list today, but not in order or preference, are flowers or plants. Flowers will wilt so the delivery timing is important. Also, many people will appreciate flowers and there is usually a place in the work location that will benefit from a touch of color. Live plants can be a challenge to keep alive, so don’t ask how the plant is doing. If the plant is well the plant’s recipient will gladly offer you an update.

Gift well. Happy Holidays!