Promotional gifts can help to cement long term business relationships, show appreciation, and close deals. However, not all promotional items will generate the same response. You want to tailor your offering to the specific persons or organization you are giving it to. Take a look at some general guidelines below (taken from the Advertising Specialty Institute's (ASI) website) of things to think about when giving gifts to customers and colleagues:

"Think you’ve got the perfect gift? You just might. But it helps to keep the following gift giving rules in mind when picking out the ideal present for valued clients.

Practically Speaking.
Want your client to remember you every day? Then give him a gift that he’ll pull out on a daily basis, whether it’s a great pen or a USB port that he can use regularly.

Make It Personal.
No, that doesn’t mean a Victoria’s Secret nightie. But it does mean sending gifts that reflect your client’s personal interests. Leisman Insurance Agency sends baby presents whenever one of their clients has a child.

Watch the Budget.
Some companies still put limits on how expensive a gift their employees can receive ($25 is a common cap). If your client works at one of those firms, you’ll need to watch your gifting budget, but some of the most clever gifts come in way under $30.

Gifts Aren’t Billboards.
Yes, you want to get the message across that your company is valuable to your client, but plastering your logo all over a gift to do so may not be the smartest move. Rather than put off your customer with glaring marketing messages, place the decoration subtly.

Give Gifts Year Round.
Giving gifts during the holidays is nice, but your company might stand out more if you give gifts at other times of the year, such as Valentine’s day or the Fourth of July. Send out corporate gifts in the middle of December and your otherwise memorable item may get lost in the mad gifting shuffle."

Just remember that if you are going to give a gift, you want it to be one that they will remember, and even better, use often. Gift giving is more than just self promotion, it is creating daily top-of-mind presence that can go a long ways towards building and maintaining relationships. If you are interested in starting an employee incentive program, please call call (800) 588-7111, or email us at customerservice@powertexgroup.com.