In case you haven’t noticed from the large displays at your favorite big box retailer, the holidays are rapidly approaching. No matter what holiday you celebrate this time of year, business gifts are an effective and welcome way to show appreciation to your customers.

Keep in mind that a business gift is a marketing opportunity, so the same strategic decisions apply here too. The right gift can create marketing impressions long after the holiday season. Here are five ideas to get you started:

1. Food Gifts - People love food. Without fail, each year around the holidays I hear someone in the office say “Remember those (insert food item) that so-and-so sent us last year? Those were awesome.” While it may not be as long lasting in a physical sense, the right food gift can leave an impression long after it is consumed. Food items are great for groups as one item can be shared within an office or department.

2. Sets - With a per gift budget in mind, it’s common to begin looking for one item that fits in the budget. But, what if you found several items as the gift? Pairing a few items together or giving a set of something raises the perceived value of the gift, meaning the recipient thinks that you spend more than you did and therefore places a higher value on the gift. Examples include padfolio/pen, pen/USB sets, travel bag/toiletry kit, etc.

3. Calendars - With the New Year on deck, people will be looking for a replacement calendar and the holiday season is the perfect time to give them one. Despite living in smartphone driven world, people still use calendars. For advertisers, calendars work because for a minimal cost, you get a year’s worth of impressions. Throw in a coupon or two and your customers will make sure your calendar is their calendar of choice.

4. Greeting Cards - While maybe not the most glamorous way to spread holiday cheer, the greeting card is a tried and true way to tell your customers that you are thinking of them. Cards are budget friendly and work well when you have a large list to reach, or want to save some of the budget for high priority customers. Instead of getting the generic box of cards, add some perceived value by purchasing custom greeting cards with your logo on them.

5. Gadgets - Everyone (still) loves toys. Something cool or useful will be kept, displayed and used, creating more marketing impressions. Even better, the recipient may show it off to all of their friends, family or colleagues during holiday gatherings. Ideas include electronics, kitchen utensils or desktop accessories, just be sure to keep the recipient’s tastes in mind.

It may sound a little cold and Scrooge-ish to turn gift giving into a self-serving business practice, but the money you spend on gifts comes off of your bottom line. Like any business investment, careful planning is need to get the best return. A promotional consultant can help you find the right gift and we can help you find the right promotional consultant.