Joe Girardi, whom the Guinness Book of World Records names as the ?World's Greatest Retail Salesman,? knew just the way to a client's heart. Every month, he sent out a handwritten card to clients and prospects. These cards didn't offer any discounts or pitch a sale. They were simply a way of getting in touch.

What did Girardi get from these? He strengthened customer relationships, and when any of these people were ready to buy a car, Joe Girardi was the first person they thought of.

Aside from keeping in touch through cards, you can further cement your relationship with clients by remembering them on their birthdays. Do you still recall how it felt like opening a birthday present? It made you feel good and special, right?

Give a client, a co-worker, a boss, or an employee the same special feeling. Here are some tips to guide you as you scout around for custom presents and wholesale birthday gifts for everyone:

- Select practical gifts. The best gifts that people keep are those they use every day. It can be anything such as a bag, a collector's edition fountain pen, or a monogrammed leather-bound journal. Be guided by what you yourself would use and enjoy every day and step it up by finding something a bit more special. For example, what makes a leather Italian journal better than an ordinary notebook? The former has the connotation of being extravagant and ostentatious, while the latter sounds, well, ordinary.

- Find unique, memorable gifts. You probably have had these funny experiences of getting 10 different mugs during Christmas, so learn from it. The popular saying of ?It's the thought that counts? is true, but giving a custom calendar and planner like everyone else won't make you any more memorable. At the start of the year, make it a custom to buy wholesale giveaways, and select unusual birthday gifts that stand out.

- Personalize, personalize. There's nothing extraordinary about unwrapping a birthday gift and realizing that everyone in the company is getting the same present on their special day this year.

- Know your recipient's preferences. Once you start making it a custom to give presents to people you do business with, make sure that when you order wholesale birthday gifts, these do not go against your recipients? religion or personal beliefs or dietary restrictions.

- Give responsibly. Choose gifts that do not go against what your company believes in. Handicrafts made under best fair trade arrangements, gifts that are made from environment-friendly materials, and products that are not manufactured through child labor. Request your supplier to custom-print a logo or a message when you order wholesale birthday gifts.