The holiday season is the perfect occasion where goodwill can help build company spirit and continued patronage. You should spare no expense in presenting a nice token of your appreciation for all the hard work and loyalty displayed throughout the year.

However, playing Santa in the corporate world does come with a few problems. Especially if you're a boss or employer who procrastinates or puts everything off until the last minute. You may find yourself scrambling at short notice to come up with some appropriate gifts for the people in your company.

The holidays are especially hectic for those businesses in the retail trade, getting around to buying gifts for your employees or boss can sometimes be overlooked in all the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

Unless you want to look like Scrooge to all your employees, clients, or colleagues; here's a quick list of some last minute corporate gift ideas that will quickly put you back into everyone's good light.

* Gift Certificates & Gift Cards

Still the old standard, gift certificates will always do in a pinch. Find a favorite merchant or store of your employees or clients and give them some gift certificates. Don't forget about ONLINE gift certificates, everything is moving online these days, so finding good quality stores or merchants who offer gift certificates or gift cards is an easy task. For example, Amazon now has Gift Certificates, ranging from $5 to $5000.

* Concert/Sporting/Theatre Tickets

Tickets are another last minute item or gift that can be ordered at the last minute with one phone call or a click of the mouse. Creating a company outing to a favorite sporting event or theatre show will always be appreciated by the receivers.

* Restaurants/Meals/Entertainment

Likewise, a night out to a favorite restaurant or nightclub could be a quick last minute gift for your important clients or workers, easy to arrange at the last second.

* Trips/Vacations/Cruises

For more upscale gifts you can consider trips or cruises as corporate gifts to reward your hard working employees. Weekend cruises are not that expensive if you're close to the departure point. Cruises have grown in popularity and are an excellent surprise gift.

* Gourmet Gift Baskets

Perhaps, the grand-daddy of the last minute gift is the traditional gift basket. Still one of the most appropriate and easy gifts to buy, everyone will enjoy a gourmet gift basket filled with their favorite quality treats.

* Wine Baskets

Along the save line, wine gift baskets have become increasingly popular as the interest in fine vintage wines have risen in recent years. A wine gift basket will always be enjoyed and well received.

* Final Tips

Although time is short, if you can, try to personalize your corporate gifts in some way. Always send a personal card and message. Some stores even offer last minute engraving so check it out. A personalized gift will always be more appreciated and remembered.

Needless to say, be fair and even in your corporate gift-giving. Don't favor one employee or one group of employees over another unless you have your corporate gifts tied in with an incentive program and everyone knows the rules.

Keep in mind the Internet is an easy last minute solution to your gift-giving woes. Many online stores and gift shops will offer unique gifts that can be delivered in one business day. In addition, the Internet will quickly supply you with the store or shop closest to your location where you can pick up your gifts. In many large cities, you can order online and then pick up your order at a local branch or franchise, saving you valuable time in the process.

Last minute gift buying doesn't have to be a major problem if you take some of the gift suggestions listed above and pick the most appropriate gifts for your company. You'll be saving Santa and face at the same time!

Copyright (c) 2006 Titus Hoskins