Gift-Giving Etiquette: Corporate Gifts

Giving gifts within or between businesses serves many purposes, and following corporate gift etiquette is essential to effective gift-giving. Corporate etiquette takes into consideration not only the occasion for giving, such as commemorating a deal between companies, thanking clients for their business, or praising employees at the year’s end; it also considers the person(s) receiving the gift, his or her status within the company and his or her personal tastes.

To make a lasting impression, the giver must first be aware of the recipient’s guidelines on accepting gifts, as some corporations have rules against accepting any gift or donation from another person or firm; the giver must plan ahead and order gifts early, especially in the major holiday seasons, so as not to appear hasty or impersonal; and finally the giver must be thoughtful of the intended receiver’s personal interests and cultural/religious values, such that the gift given does not offend his or her beliefs or practices.

Corporate gift etiquette emphasizes personality, not only with regard to the gift complementing its receiver, but also with regard to the gift’s presentation (wrapping a box or arranging in a basket or bag) and accompanying card. The hand-written card is especially effective for acknowledging employee positive accomplishments and hard work.

Corporate Gift Etiquette: What to Avoid.

While corporate gift etiquette can seem like common sense, there are a couple things to avoid. First, keep in mind that in gift-giving, one must always consider the recipient and his or her tastes, not the tastes of the giver. Gift-giving is not intended to be a marketing strategy, and one should avoid giving items that bear a logo. Second, when giving to employees, either gifts or bonuses, the gift should be appropriately tiered for the employee’s level of expertise and contribution to the company. In other words, the CFO is not equal to the mail clerk. Finally, in the event that someone gives you a gift and you have not bought something for him or her, it is best to send a thank-you note only, since reciprocation will be obvious.

• plan early,gift-giving should be intentional, ship early
• be aware of perceived value
• avoid reciprocal gifts; always send a personal thank you
• clients
  • make a lasting impression
  • target person’s interests
  • observe person’s corporation’s guidelines on accepting gifts
  • be aware of cultural/gender/religious differences
  • avoid overt marketing efforts
  • make it personal with wrapping and card
• colleague/employee
  • make it personal
  • appropriate for employee tier
  • personalize the note/acknowledge positives and extra work during holiday time
  • observe office trends in terms of amount and circumstances of giving

© GiveAGift.net 2006