Last time, we heard from vendors about trends in corporate gift giving. In this second article in the series, we hear from business owners about their gifting strategies.
Showing employees gratitude, giving to charity
For Chris Creter of Creter Group, an employee engagement and development firm, she makes sure to show appreciation to the people who help run her programs and delight clients. She likes to give her gratitude gifts around Thanksgiving as often as possible to tie in that concept of “thanks.” Each year has a theme based on how they felt the year had gone. Past themes were about abundance, stress reduction, and honoring the “crazy” of the year.
“In some years, my employees received feel-good gift items and gift cards; other years, when the business had been on a bit of a roller coaster, I’ve sent them something more humorous or off-color to share a laugh,” said Chris. Each comes with a gift card so recipients can buy something personal for themselves as well, and a handwritten note from Chris expressing her appreciation for their hard work.
As for the key employee who handles it all, Chris takes her out for a private dinner to thank her.
For client gifts, Chris has moved to a charity-driven approach since the pandemic, noting that since clients were not in the office as often, it was difficult to ensure tangible gift items were reaching them.
She now embraces a “pay it forward” model for year-end corporate gifts. She selects a handful of charities and in the company’s fourth-quarter newsletters, invites clients to “give” to the charity of their choice from the list. Creter Group makes the donations on their behalf. This year’s charities are Feeding America, American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen.
“Our clients like the idea of helping others, and our gift to them is that all they have to do is make a selection,” she noted.
Employee swag for the win all year
Maria Rollins, managing partner of KRS CPAs, feels strongly about year-round gift giving to her team to keep them engaged and motivated. The accounting and advisory firm used to do more in-office events, but with everyone working a hybrid schedule, part of that budget now goes to “merch.”
“We’ve been giving out apparel, which our staff really likes. We started with logo golf shirts for trade shows, but then other employees wanted them, and the apparel gifts grew from there,” said Maria. “Our group likes that all these items are official KRS shirts, so they can wear them to work as well as to conferences, expos, and college fairs. Plus, they look great when team members are on video calls.”
At holiday time last year, the staff all got branded phone chargers and branded laptop backpacks. “These items were great firm swag. We always try to select gifts of good quality that they’ll use and appreciate.” Branded water bottles are also seen on many desks at the office.
During the firm’s busy seasons, the partners support the team with self-care or competitive events to keep everyone motivated (and perhaps win a gift card). Past events include a charcuterie board contest, cupcake wars, and games. Nutritionists have talked about the best foods to eat during stressful periods and the benefits of organic foods. One popular tax season stress buster was getting different treatments at the physical therapy suite across the hall.
Client gifts are now charitable donations in the client’s honor. KRS CPAs sends out a fourth-quarter letter telling clients about the charities that received a donation. Some offices with whom KRS team members work closely get gift baskets with treats to share, but as Maria noted, “Logistics are difficult with so many people traveling at that time.”
What’s your gift-giving strategy or go-to items?
If you’re struggling to come up with something that conveys your appreciation, we’re here to help brainstorm some ideas.
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