It's a gift; Special feature: Grab your Santa suit and load your sack with all the useful gadgets and goodies that will help your clients remember you in the new year

Entrepreneur, Nov, 2001 by Christopher Elliott

Presentation is key to a successful gift. This includes the box, the wrapping, the message and even the timing. A creative customized present delivered a day late is less effective than a trite present given on time.

Even if your client doesn't reciprocate with a gift (or more business), Uncle Sam will reward your generosity. You can deduct the value of a business gift up to $25 per person annually. Keep records of all your gift purchases, and consult with an accountant before declaring these items on your taxes.

Of course, if you're giving presents just to take a deduction on your income tax return, you're probably missing the point. "We don't give [gifts] for the sake of a deduction, but for their powerful effect to create a warm feeling about our company," says Phenix. "So rarely do [entrepreneurs] remember to sincerely say 'thank you.' These two words are extremely powerful and work wonders in creating long-term, mutually satisfying relationships."

For more help with your holiday shopping, plan a visit to www.entrepreneur.com/giftguide.> CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT is Entrepreneur's "Biz Travel" columnist.

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HELP DESK

Please desk-dwellers with accessories that gracefully combine form and function.

The GOLDEN ARCH COMBINATION CLOCK AND BUSINESS CARD HOLDER (www.ashford.com, 888-922-9039) is an elegant place to store business cards and tell the time. PRICE: $30. (ALL PRICES STREET)

AVERY'S DOUBLECLICK (www.avery.com, 800-462-8379) is a two-in-one writing instrument with pencil and pen, but it also functions as a stylus for use with a client's personal digital assistant. PRICE: $8.95.

An inexpensive DESK CALENDAR (www.calendars.com, 800-366-3645) will entertain its holiday recipients with the cartoon misadventures of corporate antihero Dilbert or any number of other wacky characters and topics. PRICE: $10.99-$12.99.

MONT BLANC'S ELEGANT MEISTERSTUCK LETTER OPENER (www.montblanc.com, 800-995-4810) features a gold edge and a sleek, black finish. It can be personalized. PRICE: $245.

An elegant CUSTOMIZED CRYSTAL COBALT VASE (www.corporategiftshowcase.com, 888-249-0420) by the Martin Glass Co. makes a particularly nice gift. Etch your company's logo onto the vase for $100 extra. PRICE (WITHOUT ETCHING): $664.

ROAD GEAR

Cushion the potholes along a road warrior's path with these gifts that make travel a pleasure.

The BUCKWHEAT PILLOW (www.thebenjamin.com, 800-813-7624), a small pillow filled with buckwheat hulls and covered in all-natural fibers, conforms to the head and neck to reduce stress and tension. PRICE: $55.

No more early-morning wake-up calls from the front-desk staff. The TRAVEL ZEN ALARM CLOCK (www.now-zen.com, 800-779-6383) provides a gentle awakening with long-resonating, pure tone acoustic chimes. PRICE: $89.95.

For longer trips where space is often at a premium, SWISS ARMY'S UPRIGHT MOBILIZER (www.swissarmy.com, 888-658-0717) is the solution. This durable, thoughtfully designed carry-on has plenty of room for both clothes and gadgets, and comes with a rugged lock. The medium-sized bag fits in most overhead compartments. PRICE: $480 FOR MEDIUM BAG.