AA Gifts & Baskets Idea Blog

Archive for the ‘Corporate’ Category

The holidays are nearing and usually that means one of many things - but ultimately it's time to give gifts. When buying gifts for your family and friends, you usually have a good idea of what you want to give them. It's catered to their tastes and hobbies. So why should giving gifts to your employees be any different? It shouldn't be. Giving gifts to your employees is almost just as important as giving a holiday gift to your family. You see them or work with them every day.

When digging a little deeper on the subject, I took to Twitter. I wanted to know, what are employers giving to their employees to make them feel appreciated? There were a couple bad ideas, but quite a few great ideas. Does the fact that they tweeted about their gifts also stand out to you? It should. Employees were so grateful that their hard work was recognized, so much that they took to tweeting about it. That's pretty impressive, don't you think?

Great ideas that were discovered amongst the tweets:

@cdowell2 - Finally got to use my Starbucks gift card from my boss for the first time. #sleepdeprived #grateful

@Ryanh02 - Boss gave me a @Quiznos gift card for being awesome free lunch today!!!

@robyn_cook - I'm so lucky to have such a fabulous boss @MariaLocacciato! Thank you for my @DavidsTea gift card

@mattperry90 - Gift from my boss at work! Definitely brightened my day She knows how much I love my Starbucks

@RebeccaW2269 - Woo hoo! Got a $25 gift card from my boss today. Love it #workflow

@kRiSSY_kG - My boss is GREAT they bought me a gift set from Bath & Body works and gave me $50 in card for my B-Day Whoo - Hoo !!!!!!

@Facciabella14 - Got such a great bday gift....an ipad! From my boss! Loooooove my job

@garciadiana1 - Got an early birthday card and gift card from my boss and coworkers! How nice and sweet! )

@itcrashed - Surprised by a gift from my boss! (I was helping him out with his computer problems while on vacation). And yes, this is actual Champagne from Champagne

@GaltsGirl - Ribeyes as a belated birthday gift from the boss! Yay!

@Mdb1710 - Just got the book by Deepak Malhotra called I Moved Your Cheese. A gift from the boss and it's even signed.

Here's what not to do:

@Manicornn - My boss gave me a $50 gift card to Milestones. Went to pay and only $2.50 was on it. Thanks *thumbs up*

Moving On

With all this aside, it might also be important to also note that Boss's Day is coming up on October 17th when the tables will turn. Were you a good manager this year? Time will tell!

Do you have any ideas to add? Or maybe an idea that employers should stay away from? Leave your comments below!

Related Articles:

• Tips For Being a Great Boss
• Business Gift-Giving Etiquette
• The Dos and Don'ts of Corporate Gift Giving
• Corporate Gift Basket Ideas

When it comes time for someone special to you to retire, what do you say in the card? Chances are you’ll be at a loss for words to tell your friend just how you feel. Here are some ideas you can use to help you get started.

First, choose a card that’s appropriate. If he’s the office jokester, you may want to select a funny card. If he’s the quiet type who’s always been there for you, you might want to go more serious. It’s up to you. Judge by the situation and the person.

Next, use your best handwriting and a dark pen. Often people can’t read gel pen ink that’s in funky colors. Also, never computerize your message. Hand writing is best here. Finally, don't forget to get them a thank you basket showing your appreciation for all their years of hard work.

So what can you say?

• You’ve worked hard for this day. You deserve all the best in your retirement and for years to come.

• I’m so jealous! You get to go enjoy those grandkids and I’ll still be here in the office. But I am so happy for you! Enjoy every day and think of all of us here. It won’t be the same without you.

• All the very best for a person who showed a true work ethic that is rarely found these days. You will be missed around here.

• Dear Mom, You’ve been a real inspiration to us all with the way you worked and raised us all. We are so thrilled you’ll be able to spend more time doing the things you love now.

• Congratulations on your retirement. It couldn’t have happened to a better guy!

• Thank you for all the years we spent together working side by side. You’ve made it fun to come to work each day. I’ll miss you very much.

• The old office won’t be the same without you. But we are so happy that you’ll be able to start enjoying some of the many hobbies you have.

• As you’re running after the grandchildren, take a moment to remember all of us here at the office. We’ll miss you.

• You gave your all in everything you did. Here’s to the best retirement a guy could have.

• Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Get out there and enjoy every minute of it.

• May you and Margie enjoy many happy years of retirement together.

• As you retire, look forward to all the good things yet to come. Like sleeping late, throwing your alarm clock out, and eating dinner at 4:30 in the afternoon!

• Many happy thoughts go with you as you leave this place. And you’ll always remain here in our hearts.

• Today you retire. We’re so stinkin’ jealous.

• Retirement starts a brand new chapter of your life. Here’s to writing a great one!

• Now you’ll have time to do the things you always wanted to do. Make the most of every single day.

• We may not see you every day anymore, but we’ll be thinking of you out there sunning yourself during business hours.

Retirement cards are not hard to write. Get everyone in the office to go in together on a card and a retirement gift so you can all express your well-wishes together. If it’s a family member, consider gifting them with a day out with you or a special trip rather than just a present.

It’s the holiday season, and you’re not sure what to do about corporate gifts. Maybe you’re new to the company or the industry. Or maybe you’re just not sure what’s appropriate. It’s good to get advice before you send any gifts, so here are some things you should think about.

Before a single gift goes out your doors, make sure to check with each recipient’s company policy. Are they allowed to accept gifts? If gifts are under a certain dollar value (such as $25) is it okay? Each company is different, so assign an employee the task of calling each company to find out. It may take someone all day to call every company on the list, but it will save you embarrassment in the end. Even if you’ve got the greatest gift in mind and can’t wait to send it, you’ll find it’s returned to you if the recipient is prohibited from receiving it.

Do you have to give gifts? No. No one is expecting, or has a right to expect, a gift from your company. The reason you’d want to give a gift is purely because you value the relationship with the recipient. Have they been a good client all year? Have they helped you with rush orders? Have they been an indispensable part of your supply chain? Then by all means, recognize their good work with a gift.

This is the only good reason to send business holiday gifts. Any gift sent with the intention of “buying” a client’s allegiance is wasted. You’d be better off taking that account to lunch instead to talk business. People will see through your less than honest intentions if you send an expensive gift as a way of wooing them.

So, you’re sure you want to give gifts, now what should you give? This all depends on your unique situation. Are you a new company with little cash flow? Then you’re not going to be able to do the same sort of gifts a large corporation could. Nor should you have to. A simple, thoughtful gift is fine. Send a fruit basket the entire office at the recipient’s end can enjoy. Make sure the card includes  all those who are owed a thank you. A sentiment such as, “For everyone at XYZ Company, Thank you for making this our best year ever. Enjoy!” is perfect. In fact, even if your company has tons of reserve cash, you may still want to send food. Office workers love an unexpected treat like long stem cookies, gourmet brownies or exotic coffees. Splurge a little and recognize each department that’s helped you out.

Include a hand written note. Never print out a note. It may come off as impersonal. Take a few minutes to hand write on nice card stock a heartfelt note. It may make all the difference in whether you’re still in business with the recipient when the next budget cuts come around.

While giving a business gift won’t ensure that you retain clients or accounts, it will help others to see you as generous and grateful for their relationship with your company. If you can’t send something nice, don’t send anything at all. It’s better to just send a thoughtful card than a shoddy gift.

If you have special working relationships with certain business colleagues, you’ll want to do something at holiday time to let them know you value their business. Loyalty in business means a lot in today’s rapidly changing “here today, gone tomorrow” climate. Foster goodwill and show your generous spirit by offering your clients something meaningful this holiday. Tailor it to them and you’ll really impress them with your thoughtfulness.

A Cruise

Organize a company cruise with clients this year. Just about everyone lives near some waterway even if it’s a lake. It doesn’t have to be the Atlantic Ocean, although that would make for a spectacular site. You can hire a charter boat to accommodate as many people as you like. Offer the invitation to all your employees as well as all of your recipients if the numbers aren’t overwhelming. Offer a dinner cruise with live band. You’ll be remembered for it long after the holiday decorations come down. Another way to do the cruise is to invite just the head executives at your client’s company and the tops of yours. You can have a more intimate cruise that way. Limit it to three or four hours, however, so you can enjoy yourselves but not tire of each other’s company. Make a toast or speech thanking your clients for joining you and for their business.

A Simple Treat

Sometimes it’s the simple things that mean the most. Sending over a frozen turkey for each employee at your client’s business is a nice idea. It shows you have holiday spirit and the delivery time will be fun as everyone will be invited to come and pick up their gift. You can also do a frozen ham. These foods will keep until the employees can get home and refrigerate them.

Send Lunch

Pick a day near the holidays to send over a catered lunch for your client’s employees. Make sure to schedule it well in advance with the secretary so that someone knows to expect it. They’ll want to get the word out on their end that you’re providing lunch for them on a certain day. If you want to keep it a surprise, have the client’s secretary announce it that morning before everyone makes their lunch plans. This can be a real treat for people especially if they are in an industry that gets busier around the holidays. They may not even have time to go out to get lunch during very busy days, so your treat will be extra inviting.

Play Santa

Visit your client in person with a gift for everyone on his staff. Even if it’s just a gourmet cookie or a custom chocolate bar, the fact that you showed up in person and took the time to distribute it will make all the difference. Whether you decide to go in full Santa costume is up to you!

Think about the individuals you want to thank. Instead of sending something generic that could be for anyone, consider the client’s work environment, product line, tastes and location. By personalizing your thank you gifts to the individuals, you’re giving the positive impression that you value working with them. And in today’s business climate, every relationship counts.

This year send out gifts to your colleagues and business associates that are fun, interesting and different. Have your logo embossed or engraved on an upscale product that your business associates will use and want to display. Any reputable company you order from will be glad to send you samples of the products before you order. Always check on the quality of the item before sending it ordering and especially before sending out. Order online from promotional gift companies who specialize in placing logos on products for the best deals.

Here are ten ideas to get you started.

1. Luxury Wine Accessories: You can have your logo engraved on a handsome box that contains a rabbit-type bottle opener, wine bottle stopper and foil opener. The presentation case is wooden and it looks much more expensive than it really was.
2. Spa Sets: You can get a high end cotton robe and slippers personalized with your logo. If you’re in the hospitality industry these are an especially good choice. But even if you’re in an unrelated industry, your recipients who travel on business will love having these.
3. Auto Safety Gift Set: Your recipients will keep this gift in their glove compartment and your logo will be top of mind. Purchase kits that include tire gauges, flashlights and other essentials for on the go travelers.
4. Chocolate Gift Basket: There are few people who don’t love the excitement of opening a basket full of chocolate goodies. Send a huge basket over when you want to thank a whole office or several people. They can open it right away and share it. Be sure your basket includes high end chocolate and not discount brands. Go with Ghirardelli or Godiva for the most impact.
5. Grill Master Set: Order a set of tongs, forks and carving knives in a sturdy presentation case. Every time your recipients take it out to barbecue with friends, your logo will be right there in front of them.
6. Chocolate Logo Bar: Have your company’s logo molded into a real chocolate bar. Not only will this be surprising, but delicious too. When your recipient opens the wrapper, they’ll find a real full size bar of delicious chocolate with your name on it. They’ll be sure to show it around the office.
7. iPod Dock: Every hip executive these days has their iPod at the ready. Why not have your logo put on an iPod Dock that also has speakers and a radio. It will end up on the desks of many of your recipients for top of mind recognition.
8. Wine Bottle Thermometer: If you have wine enthusiasts on your list, this handy stainless steel thermometer will be just the thing they need. Add your logo to it and you’ll be remembered every time they grab a bottle of wine out of their cellar or refrigerator.
9. Optical Mouse: Have your logo set on a mouse so you’ll be seen every day. You can go cordless or corded, but make sure you choose a high end product so it does its job.
10. Personalized USB Flash Drive: Everyone transfers documents from home to work and from computer to computer these days. So why not proclaim your company’s name on a USB stick? They’ll think of you every time they transfer files.

It was snowing. The snow came down in white sheets that went yellow in the street lights. At the end of the boulevard there was a monument to the wall. It was a great block of plain cement. On one side the back end of a big American car from the 1950s stood out in the circle of the street lights. There was a similar tail end coming out on the other side. The cars were covered with snow.

We walked down the boulevard. At one end there was the ruined church and the new church stood next to it. They left it, she said, from the war. She didn’t say, which war, because it was clear and everywhere you went the war was there even if no one spoke abut it.

At the train depot you looked at the names of the stations and that was the war as well but no one spoke about it and it was as if you were in a crowded elevator but no one said anything.

Every day the news was about the wall. There were crowds at the wall and people coming and going, but no one knew what was happening.

I waited with her and she became impatient. We went for a drive. There is no speed limit on the freeways and she drove very fast. She drove fast but other cars went by us in a humming-blur. You heard the hum, like a massive, bloated wasp, angry and determined was coming at you, and then there was the elongated blur of a car going by you.

We are Germans, she said, smiling with wry humor, we don’t know what to do, so we try to do everything perfectly.

We walked in the woods. It was bitterly cold. The ground was frozen. We walked down to a lake and the water was very still and sharply blue. We went to a restaurant that looked over the lake. We drank hot cocoa favors and spoke about nothing in particular. The waiters were gathering around the television behind the bar.

The next day she was up early, watching the news. She turned from station to station. Then she said, she couldn’t wait any longer and that we should go see it for ourselves.

There were people everywhere and barricades and television crews. On top of the wall, a lone East German guard stood, forlornly, looking at everyone. He was wearing a forest green winter jumpsuit. In his hands he held an automatic rifle. He looked confused.

We walked down the length of the wall. She translated the graffiti. Far down the wall, away from the crowd, we passed two young boys. They had a small pick and they were taking turns hitting the wall. She spoke to them. They laughed and the one with the pick handed it to her and she said it was a great gift to say thank you.

She hit the wall and the metal echoed in the crisp winter air. She hammered out two pieces of the wall. She smiled and handed the pick back to the boys.

Here, she said, this is for you.

She handed me a piece of the wall.

A gift, she said, from history, to you.