Give gifts that count - corporate gifts

HR Magazine, Dec, 1998 by Kathryn Tyler

WHAT ARE GOOD GIFTS?

"Things employees typically wouldn't buy for themselves," are greatly appreciated, answers Spina.

According to a survey by Present Perfect Gift Consultants, women ranked money, travel, flowers/plants, audio/video equipment and food or candy as the most preferred gifts to receive from an employer. Men ranked money, computer software/accessories, travel, tools and audio/video equipment as their top five choices. "The things that got high scores had to do with their lives outside the office, not something they expect as part of their employment, like an ergonomically correct chair," says Larry Athay.

Of course, a manager is unlikely to give cash as a gift to a direct report, but a close substitute is gift certificates, which "create a stronger memory bond" and are easy to buy, says Sherri Athay. "Gift certificates to stores, catalogs and restaurants are nice ideas," says Yates, as well as ones for gyms, spas or golf courses. An annual membership to a zoo or museum might be appreciated by employees with children. Tickets to a sporting or cultural event are excellent gifts. "Parking may be a real hassle for some employees. Picking up the monthly fee at the parking garage would make a great gift," suggests Yates.

Gift catalogs, from which employees select their own gifts, can be a good solution when you have a large number of employees of different ages and lifestyles. "The advantage of the catalog is a recipient can always find something," says Conran. "It's low risk - the manager doesn't have to worry about it being inappropriate. And it's very easy." She adds: "A lot of people make it a fun family activity, figuring out what they want to get."

However, it probably isn't the best solution if you have only a handful of individuals on your list. "It saves time on the part of the giver, but it suggests that the giver didn't care enough to take the time to find something," says Sherri Athay. Moreover, the selection and quality of the products in gift catalogs vary dramatically.

Indeed, gifts should be personalized if at all possible, recommends Larry Athay. "Taking a one-size-fits-all approach gives the message that you're just a number. A well-thought-out gift recognizes the employee as an individual." One way to do that is by having the gift monogrammed. "People like things with their names on them, not just the company name," says Spina. Or, she suggests, "A well-thought-out book is really personal. Sign and date it." A subscription to a professional or hobby-related magazine may also be appreciated.

Gift baskets can be personalized around a theme. For instance, a backpacker may enjoy a compass, water bottle, trail mix, nylon rain gear or bird identification book. Each employee could receive a basket related to his or her interests. You can also give gourmet baskets filled with cheeses, crackers or chocolates.

Conran suggests spa packages. "People are so stressed and time starved today, it makes a wonderful, unique gift. And it benefits the employer, too, because when employees come back after a massage over lunch" they're more productive.