KEY POINTS:
Managing the expectations of gift giving around this time of year can be a delicate issue for small business owners. Given the current economic climate you may be rethinking your gift giving policy entirely.
There is value in giving gifts to staff and customers; however it pays
to consider why you are giving them. Is it because your staff deserve it for achieving great results, or is it because you feel it has to be done, regardless? Perhaps it's to thank your largest customer, or is it because you're nervous about what your competitor may do?
If you are not planning on giving staff or customer gifts...
Don't sweat about it. While gift giving has become common place in many businesses, it should not be considered an expectation. If you've previously given a Christmas gift to your staff or customers and are choosing not to this year, it's advisable to communicate this openly and honestly, at least to your staff. That way they'll understand the reason behind your decision and won't think it's a reflection on their value to the business.
If you are planning on giving staff and customers gifts...
This year may be the year to think outside the square. While a bottle of wine is a safe and generally well-received option it can get expensive and may do little to reflect the values of your business.
Here are a few other suggestions for gift giving this year:
Go green
Sustainable gifts are a good way to engage staff and customers in the environmental values your business may wish to promote. Consider gifting a native tree for staff members or clients to plant somewhere special over the Christmas holidays, or putting together a gift basket of locally sourced products to promote lower food miles and local companies. Or, for something completely different, how about gifting a pair of chickens. Intrigued? Visit: oxfamunwrapped.org.nz
Give a personalised voucher
While a voucher may traditionally seem impersonal, it can actually be quite the opposite. If you know your gift recipient's interests and hobbies then consider purchasing a voucher for a relevant store or activity. This then becomes more personal than a generic book or shopping mall voucher and lets staff or clients engage in something they enjoy. Visit redballondays.co.nz for some unique vouchers for a variety of activities.
Make a gift
Gifts made from glue and glitter may not cut-it in the business world, but there is now a number of online companies that let you create personalised gifts from scratch. Visit ponoko.com, a New Zealand founded business, to create anything from necklaces to lampshades based on your own designs.
At the end of the day "it's the thought that counts." In times of economic instability, the gift you give doesn't have to be the height of luxury. It just has to be thoughtful.