Strategic Ideas for Business Gifts and Employee Appreciation During the Holiday Season

The holiday seasons are usually an exciting time for most, but not always for me. Being part of the HR team, I have the enormous task of choosing business gifts for our staff for all the special occasions - from employee rewards to the most celebrated time of the year - X'mas & New Year! My boss makes me feel that the success of the gift is directly proportional to my next appraisal :(

Any suggestions or ideas? I'm utterly and bitterly confused.

Hi Sambhavan,

The problem you outlined is a typical organizational challenge compounded further by the recent economic recession that has shaken every organization across the globe. Most companies who spent lavishly during Diwali last year settled for a sweet box for their employees and top clients. I am not sure if this situation is going to improve immediately, so I wouldn't be very surprised if this Christmas and New Year will also be a "low key" one!

Hi,

I don't entirely agree with that recession bit. There are quite a few organizations that are gaining a lot from the depreciating rupee value. If you happen to be one of these, then Xmas can bring in an even more generous Santa than before. So make sure you put a bigger sock out for your employees... :-D.

Hi there,

You can try customized/creative wallets, mugs, calendars with the name of your company printed on them. You could also try books and sweets. These should be more cost-effective than most options we had before. Happy gifting :)

Cheers,
Bojamma

Pen drives... hmm. I don't think that's the way to go as it's just one of those 'common' items and no longer gift material. When it comes to an iPod, I'd vote for that all the way. Man, the new line of iPod nanos is super cool.

Hi,

I have a small-scale industry, and we are contracted manufacturers of automobile components. We have a few big names as our sourcing agencies. Considering this, we need to send appropriate gifts for this Christmas/New Year. The quantity would range from, let's say, 30-50.

The amount that you have to work with determines what type of gifts you can get. Something personalized like business card holders with their name, a laser pointer engraved, or something for the computer at work, like a fancy wrist pad. If nothing works, then gift certificates are always an option. Keep gifts uniform.

The iPod idea does seem like a very good one. Considering that at times like these when people think twice about spending on extras, getting them a gift like an iPod, which is wanted by most, would invite a lot of appreciation and motivation... both from the employees' and clients' perspectives.

An iPod might do the trick.

From an employee's perspective, an iPod would be considered an out-of-reach luxury, especially during times like these.

Getting a gift like this can very well create a spark in them that keeps them going.

I do agree, iPods fit into the gifting trend this season. They are sleek, stylish, and besides music, act as a great stress buster.

If budget is a concern, the iPod Shuffle would be the best option. A 1GB model comes at an affordable price tag of Rs. 2300, with four different exciting colors to choose from.

Most importantly, it would be something different from the stereotypical traditional corporate gifts like chocolate boxes, photo frames, keychains, etc.

The holiday seasons are usually an exciting time for most, but not always for me. Being part of the HR team, I have the enormous task of choosing business gifts for our staff for all special occasions - from employee rewards to the most celebrated time of the year - X'mas & New Year! My boss makes me feel that the success of the gift is directly proportional to my next appraisal :( Any suggestions or ideas? I'm utterly and bitterly confused.

Choosing business gifts is a big task, eh eh eh eh :-x:-x:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused ::confused:

(Note: The user's input was a mix of correct and incorrect spellings and grammar, so some corrections were made to improve clarity and readability.)

Books - a very nice option. Books like "You Can Win" or other such self-help books come cheap and will stay as a reminder 😊. Or, a book with simple motivational sayings... with pictures and all... a lovely keepsake.