Top Ten Tips for the Corporate Christmas Gift Buyer

Those of you who know me well, know that I "don't do Christmas!".

However, I am aware that in the corporate world Christmas can be just as stressful! Therefore, we have put together these top tips for the corporate Christmas gift buyer:

1. Did you know that an individual gift can be given up to the value of £75 inc vat before it becomes taxable? 
2. Originality is the name of the game. A unique corporate gift will ensure you the best chance of standing out from your competitors - the easiest way to do this is make it personal, include the recipient's name or interests wherever you can.
3. Don't wait until the eleventh hour to confirm your order, commission your suppliers as soon as possible - ideally no later than the end of October.
4. As a supplier of seasonal promotional items we do sometimes quickly run out of stock, especially of items such as calendars and diaries, festive chocolates - so make sure you plan and order early!
5. A seasonal corporate gift, although given at Christmas, has the opportunity to continue to promote your far beyond the yuletide season if it becomes used frequently by the recipient. When selecting a product ensure it has the longest possible shelf-life - desk items are ideal for this.
6. Make sure your gift is appropriate for the recipient - consider their culture, age, etc.
7. If part of the contents of the gift are perishable, and they come into your possession prior to the dispatch ensure they are stored in a cool, dry place. Also check that the sell-by dates do not expire before they get to the recipient.
8. Having selected your goods ensure that the packaging is adequate to avoid breakages or damage and thus maximum impact when the recipient opens it.
9. Check the recipient will be available to receive the gift, i.e. they have not started the Xmas break early.
10. When giving gifts to clients clarify their company policy on receipt of gifts by individuals. Your carefully selected gift could end up in the hands of the office junior if the company policy is to pool all gifts and raffle them. Some companies perceive gifts as a bribe and therefore they are banned.