Holiday Gifting is Different This Year. Here’s How to Do It Right.
2020
has been a year like no other, and as we approach the holidays, it’s time for
integrated marketers to start thinking about corporate and employee gifting. As
you would expect, this year calls for sensitivity, restraint, and taste. Gifting
expert Sofiya Deva told Forbes, “Whether it’s a holiday gift, a
token of thanks, conference swag, or even simply t-shirts at an internal event,
make it count as a touchpoint. It’s not enough to put your logo on an item. It
needs to stand for something, have genuine value, and feel special.”
Even
though the fundamentals of the workplace may have changed, there’s still an opportunity
to spread joy, give heartfelt thanks, and stay in front of clients and
prospects. Here’s how to do it right.
A
Warm, Personalized Card is a Must
This
year, many companies are eschewing lavish displays in favor of simple gifts
that emphasize connection. Whatever, and to whomever, you give, a customized
holiday card should be a part of this package. You can make it branded, but it
should still be beautiful and sincere. Sorry, but this is not the time or place
for a sales pitch – but it is the time for a personalized, hand-written note.
Including client support staff is also a nice touch.
Try
an Alternative to the Usual Corporate Food Basket
People
may be reluctant to bring food that isn’t prepackaged into their homes or
offices right now. Not everyone is in the same place, so don’t send a big
basket that only one person will have to eat or let go to waste. Since we’re all cooking at home, a gift basket filled with gourmet
kitchen staples such as olive oil, seasonings and spices, or cooking implements
and accessories is tasteful (in every sense of the word) and practical. These
gifts are sure to get repeated use, and clients will be reminded of your
generosity, again and again.
Wellness
and Self-Care Gifts Will Be Big This Year
Help
your clients take care of themselves with thoughtful health-related gifts.
Custom-printed yoga mats, pedometers, and logoed water bottles are practical
and appreciated. If you know your recipients would be receptive, a short-term
subscription to a meditation app would also be an intriguing, well-received
gift. Self-care goodies are also a nice treat for employees if you make it
clear that these items aren’t compulsory.
Don’t
Miss an Opportunity to Reach Out
At
a time when so many of us are feeling anxious, depressed, or isolated, one of
the best things you can do is reach out. Call your customers and associates to
verify their mailing address and start a conversation. This could be one of the
best gifts you can give, and it benefits you, too.
Remember
Your Employees
There
are so many easy ways to express gratitude for your employees. While we’re
probably all pressing pause on the traditional all-hands holiday luncheons and
parties, you can still give creative gifts and packages.
- Arrange
for snacks during your next Zoom meeting.
- Everyone
loves gift cards. Even $5 for a cup of coffee is a nice pick-me-up.
- Give
a generous assortment of quality swag. Pens, thumb drives, and mugs can
read as too impersonal, but there are plenty of other branded promotional items
that your employees will value and use – including t-shirts, tote bags, calendars,
speakers, and journals. A card and unboxing-worthy packaging will elevate the gift
and make it fun to open.
Stress
Less: Let Us Help
The
United States Postal Service recently released its holiday shipping guidance, warning that the big crush will happen
around December 14. Don’t wait until the last minute: call us and put us to
work. Even if you simply need a few gifting ideas, we’re here for you – now and
through the rest of the year, too.