The Wrong Gift, Prented The Wrong Way, Can Be Worse Than No Gift At All!

The holidays are here which means -- and I know you've been waiting for these words -- get ready to shop!

However, if you’re going to pull it off with sanity and fun, a certain amount of organization is necessary. Only by being organized can you be sure that you have a gift for everyone you want (or should) give a gift to -- and that the gift is thoughtful and appropriate.  

Holiday gifts are seasonal year-end remembrances.  It’s important to remember that not all people celebrate Christmas, so you want to make it clear that your gift is for the season rather than a specific holiday. Actually, you can give these gifts any time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day and be appropriate.

Crucial:  if you plan to give a gift to a person of another culture, do a little research for appropriateness.  For instance, don’t send your Chinese client a clock.  It’s a symbol of bad luck in their culture.  And in the Japanese tradition, the manner in which the gift is wrapped is just as important as the gift itself.  As a successful businessperson in today’s global society, you need to be tuned in to such subtleties.

Think about what would please the recipient, not you.  You may need to talk to the person’s spouse or secretary to learn about their hobbies or what kinds of music, books, or foods would be a special treat.  Is the item appropriate for the occasion?  Is it presented attractively?  Do you feel good about giving it?

Joke gifts may work for family or close friends; but for business associates or clients, successful gift-giving requires discretion, tact and propriety.  If you doubt the appropriateness of something, err on the side of caution and make another more conservative choice.

Gifts Suitable for Just About Anyone

These gifts are almost always appreciated:

• Gourmet foods and candy, geared to the recipient’s taste.
• A bottle or case of wine (especially champagne) -- provided the recipient drinks alcohol.
• A flowering plant.
• A gift certificate to any fine store, particularly one devoted to the recipient’s favorite sport, hobby or art form.
• A current CD or DVD, according to the recipient’s taste.
• A newly published book, either one that is supposed to hit the bestseller list immediately or one of special interest to the recipient.
• Two tickets to a major sports event that you know the recipient would enjoy attending.
• Two tickets to a play, opera or ballet for a fan of the performing arts.
• Dinner for two in a local leading restaurant.
• A subscription to a magazine.
• A silk scarf—a universally appealing gift for a woman.  Or, a silk tie for a man if you are confident you know his taste.
• A box of luxury notepaper with matching envelopes.  A nice pen accompanying the paper is a terrific finishing touch.

Presentation Tips

A gift should always be accompanied by a greeting card and envelope with a short handwritten note.  NO BUSINESS CARDS!

The gift should be beautifully wrapped.

Try to present your gift in person.  But if you must send it by mail, send it to the recipient’s home, not the office.  

Holiday Greeting Cards

Non-religious greeting cards are an easy, inexpensive way to wish clients and other business associates a happy holiday season.  Always address them by hand and stamp with seasonal postage to add a festive flair to your envelope.  Do not put them through a postage meter. 

Always sign the card in ink and include a brief personal greeting even if the card has been pre-printed with your name.  A short note should accompany your signature.  A holiday card is meaningless unless it contains the human touch. 

Finally, start today! Make your list and begin your gift-giving research.  By starting now, you’ll have more time to enjoy your holiday season!

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This article was provided by Marion Gellatly, AICI, CIM, image and etiquette expert, speaker and author of Your Powerful Presence: 125 Tips to Amplify Your Professional Image..
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Copyright © 2007 Powerful Presence. All rights reserved worldwide.