4 Corporate Gift Giving Practices to Always Remember

Do you worry that your best intentions for giving corporate gifts will backfire?

It's only natural to worry whether the recipient will appreciate your gift or whether it is the right timing for you to hand in a present. Whatever your concerns are about giving corporate gifts, it's good that you are considering doing it.

First things first, always refer to your company policy. If you're in Singapore, offering a corporate gift is usually a good way of expressing gratitude. But the again, you need to ensure you're not violating any rules or offending anyone.

Here are more business gift-giving etiquette tips to consider.

1. Look into local customs and norms. Giving gift items to your colleagues or clients is not always a welcome gesture. Though you have the best intentions for doing so, not all countries embrace it. Avoid putting yourself in a compromising or awkward situation. Get to know the recipient first, as well as the culture from where they are. If giving a gift is inappropriate for them, think of other ways to show your appreciation or gratitude.

2. Choose useful and relevant gift items. If you are giving away gifts to your employees, colleagues, or clients, you might as well invest in the good quality ones. You don't have to spend a huge amount of money for premium gift items. You don't want your gift to be seen as a bribe, nor do you want to insult the recipient. Hence, you may want to do away from expensive or branded items that are not related to your business. Stay professional by choosing useful corporate gifts.

3. Don't leave anyone out. If you want your gift to be unique, consider personalized corporate gifts.  And if you intend to give out gifts to a team, don't make just one item personalized. If one gift has the recipient's initials printed on it, be sure to do the same for everyone else. If you are giving a gift to a single person only, be sensitive of others. Let your purpose for giving the gift be known. If it's for a job well done, you might want to announce it during break and have the recipient open the gift in front of everyone.

4. Say thanks the right way. If you are the recipient of a gift from your colleagues or clients, take the time to send your thanks. Avoid doing it the electronic way especially if it's obvious the person has exerted effort in ensuring you will love their present. Write a note, instead, and deliver it to their desk or office. In case you have received several gifts, take note of the person's name and which item they sent. Don't just say thanks. Mention the gift itself and how you see yourself using it.

Giving gifts is a common practice in the corporate world. But you need to ensure that your purpose for and manner in doing is aligned to your business goals. You're representing your business with every gift you extend so if you must find a supplier, go to the corporate gift company that businesses trust.