Article - Comprehensive Corporate Branded Gift Selections
10 Jan 2018
Comprehensive Corporate Branded Gift Selections
The giving and receiving of gifts is a practice usually enjoyed by both parties. There is as much joy in giving as there is in the act of receiving. A present given to another person in the pure, true spirit of giving sincerely and freely carries no expectation of a return favour or getting a gift in return.
The same spirit normally applies to corporate branded gifts, or should do so, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. Those with ulterior, unscrupulous motives may seize the opportunity of giving prospective clients so-called gifts, which are actually disguised bribes and attempts to influence the recipient’s future decisions or actions in favour of the donor.
Such unpleasantness aside, sincere gift giving is the norm and a joyous affair. However, selecting a suitable gift on behalf of a corporate concern isn’t always easily accomplished. Moreover, the item should be suitable for branding too, albeit not too bold to be tacky, but tastefully if somewhat subtly branded.
The Gender Gift-Giving Question
More often than not, ladies find it relatively easy to choose corporate gifts for other women, but less so when buying for men whom they may not know particularly well. It’s a process which may be daunting and time consuming, and fraught with uncertainty. When selecting a present for female recipients, women tend to get an item which they’d like to own themselves.
It’s possible that menfolk may experience a similar dilemma. Fortunately, there are several possible solutions.
•Try to establish the person’s interests or hobbies. This can be done in casual conversation, by asking one of his/her colleagues or by observation of items within the intended recipient’s office, such as photographs, trophies, sports paraphernalia and things which may offer clues. In a longstanding business relationship, relevant information emerges gradually anyway.
•Select items which are universally popular, somewhat unusual, and great or handy to have. This may include unisex gifts. Men like to be in charge of lighting the fire and braaing, so a good quality braai lighter could be a much appreciated gift. By the same token, women prefer to light candles with a lighter which has a long nozzle.
•Those in charge of sourcing and acquiring corporate branded gifts will undoubtedly be given a budget with which to purchase, brand and package the items. Their cost or value should not be excessive, irrespective of the gender or position of the recipients, in order to avoid any suggestion of underhand dealings.
•Ensure that the company has no policy in place which prohibits the receipt of presents.
•If allowed, branded gifts may be given at the end of the year, just before the commencement of the festive season, on birthdays, anniversaries and weddings, as a congratulatory token for an exceptional achievement and for a really special occasion or successful new product launch.
Gift giving is nothing new. According to the New Testament in the Christian faith, the three wise men travelled to Bethlehem with gifts. At weddings in medieval times, the bride’s parents made gifts of sweet treats to wedding guests.
The delicacies were eaten during the celebrations following the marriage ceremony. This practice continues today. Yesteryear’s presents are now known as wedding favours.
Today’s top corporate branded gift selection can be found at XCO Sport, a leading corporate clothing, gift and corporate branding specialist, catering for all your relevant corporate needs.