Promotional gifts are those trinkets, toys and useful items that are given out by companies in an effort to publicize their business, increase their name recognition, attract new customers and increase their sales. Promotional gifts can be used in many different ways, but one of the more common ways is to give them as business gifts to clients.



When you choose to use promotional gifts as business gifts to clients, you could be walking a fine line. Business gifts are a part of the game, especially in sales occupations, but there are rules – both written and unwritten – about giving business gifts in the course of doing business. Here are a few things to help you give appropriate and appreciated business gifts and avoid blunders that can damage business relationships.

1. Be aware that many companies put a monetary limit on gifts that may be accepted by their employees. A common limit is £25. While it may be tempting to give sumptuous gifts to those business clients who are most important to you, it might be best to limit your business gift spending to items that fall under that limit.

2. Give promotional gifts as business gifts outside usual holidays. Everyone gives gifts during the holiday season. Stand out from the crowd by making it a tradition to give gifts on your own occasions – in celebration of your company’s founder’s day, perhaps. Occasions such as this make it much more acceptable to give promotional products as business gifts – no one will fault you for putting your company name on a gift meant to celebrate the company’s birth.

3. When you put together contact info on a client, make sure you make a note of such items as his or her birthday or anniversary. A small token of remembrance on personal occasions will go a long way toward cementing a professional relationship. Promotional products from the executive gift section of a promo products supplier will almost always be appropriate on these occasions.

4. Remember that you can take advantage of other opportunities to enhance the image and reputation of your company with promotional gifts. Promotional products can offer a way to say “Thank you" and “I’m sorry" as well as showing respect and acknowledging special occasions for the recipient.

When using promotional products as business gifts, it’s important to take the time to make it personal. If you don’t, you risk your gift being seen as self-serving rather than thoughtful. Some things that will help personalize a promotional product given as a business gift include:

1. Always accompany a promotional product intended as a business gift with a personal note. The note personalizes the gift and makes it memorable. Take the time to write the note by hand, and have the gift delivered by post or messenger.

2. Add an extra touch to the gift. Even something as small and blatantly promotional as a printed coffee mug can become a special gift if you include a pound of locally roasted specialty coffee beans and a personal note.

3. Take time and care with the wrappings. Packaging is a major part of the impact of the gift. Never send a business gift out in a plain cardboard box. Presentation boxes and gift wrapping will make all the difference in the world between a promotional product and a valued corporate gift.