When you give business gifts, how do you give them? Do you present a client with an item in a fairly casual manner, or do you make the effort to present the gift in a way that adds to the importance of the occasion? The way in which you present a business gift is important, simply because if you choose the right method of presentation, you’ll make a bigger impression on the recipient of your gift.



Consider the following two scenarios, in which you are giving a business gift to thank a client for placing a large order with your company. In the first, you rummage in your desk drawer and pull out a business gift item, and hand it over to the client. In the second, you package up the gift in attractive wrapping, and have it hand delivered along with a handwritten thank you note to the client at their own place of work the morning after the meeting. In both cases you’re giving the same gift, but with one of two very different methods of presentation. This illustrates the importance of presentation—just a little more effort on your part can make a big difference in the impression you make when you give business gifts.

Choosing the right method of presentation can even make giving the simplest business gifts a more special event. If your budget for business gifts is small, you probably won’t be spending much money per item—but you can still make the presentation of the gifts a special occasion by packaging the gift attractive. Handing over an unwrapped bottle of wine seems fairly mundane, but by wrapping the wine in colored cellophane and adding a ribbon tied around the neck of the bottle, you’ve turned this simple item into a special gift that will have a bigger impact on the recipient. Even if your budget only stretches to a promotional mug, you can make the giving of the item special by including a selection of gourmet coffee or tea and wrapping the mug and the added goodies in tissue paper or cellophane.

The packaging you choose for your business gifts does not need to be elaborate—often, tissue paper or cellophane and perhaps some ribbon is all that is needed. This is usually the most appropriate option for professional business gifts for your clients. If your business gifts are personal gifts for staff, wrapping paper is usually the best option. Gift baskets are a popular way of packaging gifts, particularly as the basket you give can be reused by the recipient, who will be reminded of your gift each time they use or view the basket. Don’t forget to choose an attractive method of presentation for gifts you send by mail. Choosing packaging that differentiates your gift from junk mail, bills and the every-day mail that people get will transform even the most mundane mail-out business item such as a calendar into an unexpected gift.

No matter what business gifts you give, and when you give them, always remember that, just as “clothes maketh the man", the “packaging maketh the gift"! Choosing a memorable method of delivery will ensure that your gift is valued by its recipient.