There are some who say gift baskets, regardless of what form they come in, are old news. Others love receiving a collection of unique gifts packaged together invitingly. If you’re a business owner, there may come a time when gift giving to your business partners and clients is expected.
Here are some variations on the old tried and true gift basket to wow your contacts and boost your business.
Wine and Chocolate
Chocolate gift baskets have been done a million times before. However, if you throw in some wine, you’ve just become the life of the party. Find high-quality chocolates from a local chocolatier or well-respected brand. Pair the wine accordingly, as to enhance the overall experience. You can complete the package by adding a couple of wine glasses.
As with any gift-giving experience, it is important to know the recipient well. Whether it is a client celebrating the anniversary of working with you or a business partner’s birthday, you should have enough of a rapport to determine if the gift is appropriate. If the recipient doesn’t drink alcohol or is known to be training for a fitness competition, this option isn’t the way to go.
Relaxation to Go
If you have a contact who is constantly indicating how stressed they are– either directly or indirectly– create a relaxation basket for them. Include bath bombs, lotions, face masks, candles, and even a nice pair of slippers or a robe. Partnered with a handwritten note that shows your appreciation for their hard work ethic can make this simple basket a thoughtful and well-received gift.
While you’re putting this gift basket together, you may want to procure a few of these items for yourself, too!
Coffee, Tea, or Me?
Caffeine is a driving force in the working world. Find out if your client or business partner prefers coffee or tea. Then, put together a package based on their preference. A coffee lover’s basket could include a few bags of gourmet coffee beans, a French press, a stylish mug, and some biscotti.
For the tea lover, add in different varieties of tea, a container of honey, an infuser, some cookies, and a small teapot or teacup. The more personalized you can make these baskets, the better.
Feed the Masses
Food-themed baskets always go over well with recipients. For the client who loves firing up the grill in the summer, create a barbeque basket. Include an apron, different rubs and sauces, and some basic barbeque tools. For the pizza lover, include some hearty marinara sauce, dough mix, seasoning, and a pizza cutter. For your pasta-loving business partner, serve fresh pasta, gourmet sauce, a spaghetti scooper and wine with a colander instead of a basket.
If the recipient is a sushi lover, you may want to forgo the basket idea and stick with a gift certificate.
Family Oriented Gifts
If you know that the recipient has a family that they often struggle to spend time with due to their workload, prepare a gift that creates an experience for the whole family. A movie night basket could include bags of theater popcorn, treats, popcorn seasoning, and a gift card for a movie rental. Alternatively, swap out the gift card for a board game to create a family game night.
Remember to include a handwritten note explaining that you appreciate the hard work and relationship you have with the recipient, and that you hope they will enjoy some carefree fun with their family.
The common theme among these gifts is that they cater to the likes of the recipient. This approach is intentional, as it reiterates the importance of developing a strong rapport and good working relationship with your contacts. Make sure to think of each customer and instill proper etiquette and thought into every gift you give clients. Furthermore, personalizing gifts shows the recipient that you care about them and appreciate what they do for your business, more than a mass produced item ever will.
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