Quill’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays: The Challenge of Corporate Gift Giving

December can be a very overwhelming month. While you're at home planning parties, mailing cards and finding gifts for all your loved ones, you're also managing the stress from within the office. Companies are working hard to end the year with a bang, while also planning for the upcoming year. This should be a time to celebrate, but sometimes the hustle and bustle of year-end events can drive you nuts!

So, why worry about what to give co-workers, employees or customers? Corporate business shopping can be simple and fun! The winter holidays offer a great opportunity to strengthen business relationships, but it shouldn't become a hassle. Here are some tips for tackling your office shopping:

• Ask your Human Resources department if your company has a policy on gift giving. Some companies have guidelines that must be followed including the types of gifts and the maximum amount of money that can be spent per gift.
• Like all great gifts, the recipient should be kept in mind, and the gift should reflect their interests and tastes. Choosing the appropriate gift can be tricky depending on the closeness of the business relationship and could be misunderstood if the gift is too personal.
• It's very important to consider appropriateness when deciding on a gift. Extravagant gifts can be misinterpreted or could make the recipient feel uncomfortable accepting it.
• Consider whether or not including your corporate logo with your gift is appropriate. In most cases, it is appropriate and can double as free advertising. Try customizing a gift that the recipient uses daily such as mugs, key-chains or pens.
• Some great gift ideas, especially for your corporate clients, can include desk accessories such as stylish pens, fancy business card holders, letter openers or calendars.
• Festive gift baskets with fruit, candy and cookies are always a welcome treat for any associate. Gift baskets can contain anything from simple snacks to fruit baskets arranged to look like a bouquet of flowers.

Use the convenience of mail order and online shopping, and make gift giving fun, fast and simple. Many gifts can be ordered last minute and still arrive to its destination on time, or gift cards can be purchased online and even e-mailed to the recipient in minutes.

Check out what is new on Quill's Office Living community for December! Learn how to do a little something extra for your holiday houseguests to make them feel welcome and comfortable in your home.