Every company and organization wants to make an impact with their holiday gift. It’s hard to shine in a blizzard of fruit baskets, however, so to select a standout gift you have to think differently from the masses.

Here are four ways to set your holiday program apart:

Think utility. Look for gifts that will linger in your recipients’ possession for the long term. This requires a bit of analysis because you want your gift to be useful. For example, are your customers frequent travelers? If so, consider a comfy travel pillow. Sports enthusiasts will benefit from a pair of stadium binoculars or a duffel bag; golfers a nice divot fixer in a holiday card.

Choose luxury. Executives like to be pampered and there’s no better way to send a message of care than with a luxurious gift. If you don’t have the budget for a gold watch or golf clubs (and most companies don’t), there are many smaller, high-end gifts that will still get noticed. For example, a cashmere scarf or 3-piece wine set will be just as appreciated as a lavish sweater or jacket.

Personalize whenever possible. You can make a statement with modest gifts when you go the extra step of personalizing them. Even mouse pad coasters are special when they bear the name of the recipient. Just make sure that your company’s logo is there as well. Many products are good personalization candidates -- from photo frames (personalized with a family name such as “The Smith Family”) to the traditional pen, a classic that always has a place at the executive or home-office desk.

Adjust your timing. Plan the sending or distribution of gifts so they don’t arrive at the same time as a flood of other seasonal parcels. You can be the first to make a holiday impression by sending a “fall harvest” basket at the beginning of the fourth quarter, accompanied by a note thanking clients for a fruitful year. Or send an imprinted blanket, including a card expressing your “warmest wishes,” as well as the reminder that you’re available to help customers “wrap up” the year’s end successfully.

To get your holiday gift program on track for maximum impact, give me a call at 888-344-6060 or send me an email. It’s never too early to plan a gift that gets noticed.

Best Regards,

Chris Hartley