Seasonal holiday such as the Christmas and New Year period are a time when many companies, both large and small, give business gifts to clients and members of staff. At these times the gifts you give should usually be personal gifts that do not include the types of company branded promotional items you give on more informal occasions. However, if you really want to give branded gifts for the holidays, or if your budget does not stretch to holiday-oriented gifts, you can make your gifts more appropriate by creating gift packages that contain a variety of gifts, along with a few more personal items.



One great branded gift to give during the holidays is a bottle of wine. Approximately seven percent of small business owners give this gift during the holidays or on other occasions, so there is considerable precedent for giving this gift yourself! The wine you give can be personalized with a printed label that includes your company name and perhaps a seasonal message to customize the gift to the occasion.

Other gifts can include promotional items such as a coffee mug, travel kit or similar leisure item. Just remember that the business gifts you give for the holiday season should not be work related gifts such as mouse mats—when giving company branded business gifts for the holidays, choose leisure or luxury items that can be used outside the office. A good rule of thumb is to use business gifts that a recipient might not buy for themselves in day-to-day life. It is fine to include one or two more mundane company branded gifts as long as you add one or two extra gifts that fit in these luxury or leisure categories.

Even if you’re giving some company branded gifts for the holidays, you can make them special by collecting several gifts and packaging them in a gift hamper or basket. Include, for example, a bottle of wine and chocolates or other edible goodies such as fruit or cheeses, or a coffee mug with a selection of gourmet coffee and biscuits or cookies.

When creating your holiday gift packages, don’t underestimate the value of presentation. Wrap the basket in cellophane and add some ribbon—this is a great low-cost way of adding some pizzazz to a business gift basket. Add a hand-written personal note for each basket, and include some personal information that is relevant to the recipients. For example, in your hand-written notes, send holiday wishes to the families of your recipients, and mention each family member by name. This adds a wonderful personal touch that any client will appreciate.

Of course, getting all of your gift packages delivered to each client might be expensive—the cost of shipping or hand delivery for these types of items will add up quickly. Why not save some money and create a great impression at the same time by delivering these gifts yourself? This makes an already special gift package even more so, and it’s the little personal touches you add to holiday gifts that make it more appropriate to give company branded business gifts at this time.