Use Gifting as an Extension of Your Brand

Did your company give gifts to their clients for the holidays? I’m sure many of you did. But some probably opted for the thoughtless gift card. Sorry to sound harsh, but I think gift cards are the lazy man’s gift. They express a complete lack of interest in the recipient, and worse, they confirm the giver’s complete lack of imagination and thoughtfulness.

Granted, I’ve been guilty of the gift card enterprise. Let’s face it, giving gifts is hard. But our company has always tried to determine a gift that displays our creative prowess. We aim to find something that not only communicates a heartfelt sentiment, but also serves as an extension of our brand.

From a branding perspective, gift-giving is a great way to show your clients, vendors and cohorts how much they mean to you. It’s a perfect opportunity to express your personality and authentic self in your gifts and greetings.

So next year, try to think of something that expresses your gratitude while being an extension of your brand. Ditch the gift card. Regardless of the amount of money you spend, the effort you make and the thought you contribute tells your recipients you appreciate them.

This year, IdeaBank gave ‘selfie sticks’ so clients and friends could become part of their own holiday photo memories. The gift tied nicely to the greeting, and was a memorable way to say “Merry Christmas.”