Posted by Mindy Tulsi-Ingram on 13th Nov 2019

The Corporate Giving Handbook

With Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Remembrance Day behind us...that can only mean one thing (cue the jingle bells). It seems impossible that the holiday season is upon us already, but yuletide has arrived! The drug store is playing Christmas carols, TV ads for decorations blast during commercial breaks, and soon it will be time to plan your holiday gifts for clients and colleagues. No need to panic, however! We at Green & Green are here to restore the holiday cheer to your corporate gift giving. Managing budget constraints, cultural sensitivities, and tight timelines can all add pressure to what should be a joyous task, but we have some simple suggestions to streamline your present-planning! Follow these guidelines to ensure an anxiety-free giving season full of seasonal cheer. With these helpful tips, you might even enjoy the experience!

  1. Start NOW. It’s never too early to make your gift-giving plan, even if you have a relatively short list of recipients. The lead up to December 25th will be more relaxed, knowing you have taken care of the gifts, packaging and shipping well in advance. Yes - there are many things to consider so get a Ho-Ho-Hold on the task at hand. Today is a great day to get started! By reading these guidelines, you’ve already begun!

  2. To Booze or Not to Booze? Wine and other alcoholic beverages are a oft-given holiday gift...and for good reason. Who doesn’t appreciate something strong and warm as the days get cooler? However, the addition of an adult beverage is not always necessary and your budget may stretch farther without the inclusion of an adult beverage. Wine is a safe choice, but these days there are many exciting non-alcoholic beverages on offer. For example, local kombucha products can make a big impact!

  3. Cultural Considerations. There is a wide spectrum of cultural and religious affiliations to consider when gift planning, extending far beyond the widely known revelers of Christmas, Hunnukah and Kwanzaa. That doesn’t mean you should be fearful to express your gratitude to everyone during the holiday season, however. For many, this time of year is secular celebration. Just be mindful of the holiday traditions celebrated by your recipients, when possible. And if you’re in doubt, holiday-neutral decorations and gift items are the best bet.

  4. Personalization. Consider adding a personal touch to your gift this year. Whether that means a handwritten card or the inclusion of a small specialty item that you know the recipient is partial to, small customizations go a long way to demonstrate care and gratitude. If your recipient list is too long to devote special attention to each outgoing gift, even the detail of a handwritten signature can endow your corporate gift with a personal feel.

  5. Count Backwards. Decide when you want the gifts to arrive by and plan accordingly. Take it from us - near the end of December, couriers and shipping companies are absolutely swamped. If you plan to courier your gifts, opt for an early arrival date to ensure your gift doesn’t get pushed to the end of the list or get lost in the holiday madness. Additionally, poor weather conditions can complicate matters, especially if the gift is going out of town! And then there are customs to consider, if the gift is crossing the border. Err on the side of caution, and leave extra time for possible delays. And remember, when possible, hand delivering gifts is always the most meaningful option. Consider building time into your December schedule to bring your gifts over yourself.

  6. To Whom It May Concern...Remember, it is very important to be specific about who the recipient is! This is especially true when the gift is going to an office. We have had instances in the past where gifts intended for full staff teams are taken home and enjoyed by the manager alone (because theirs was the only name on the envelope). Be specific about who the gift is intended for...if it’s for the whole team, say so!

With these considerations, you will be well on your way to the most cheerful holiday season ever! Giving presents should always be joyful, and by taking these guidelines into account, you can restore the fun to the powerful act of gift giving. Good luck, present people, I'm sure they'll love it.