Is it Necessary to Give Corporate Gifts in December?

"Is it really necessary to recognize my 

employees and customers with gifts in December?"

This is a question that comes up a lot.
The answer: "Absolutely not!"
Remember, genuine appreciation can't be forced.
We've all received gifts that are disappointing or puzzling and that is
not what you want to convey to the people most important
to your success!
Consider these alternatives:
1- Don't make last minute rushed choices. Instead, send handwritten
messages of gratitude. The message can be simple: "Thanks for making this another great year. Wishing you, Bob and your family a holiday season filled with fun."
Writing notes does take time, but the personal attention can mean more than an expensive, rushed choice.
2- Book a time in late January when the dust has settled (go ahead and mark it down right now) to revisit your employee and customer recognition. Well-chosen gifts that reflect your culture and brand creatively and genuinely don't need to be expensive, just well thought out in advance!
3-Consider other months besides December when your gifts won't be competing with other corporate gifts and are guaranteed to stand out!
January is a good month as you can use a Fresh Start theme: gift ideas can be leather accessories including journals and passport holders with your logo embossed on the front or custom-designed calenders.
Spring is another great time for recognizing employees' contributions or clients' value to your business: golf balls in attractive logoed wood boxes or hikers pack are just two ideas.
Fall/Thanksgiving gift ideas include: small desk-top pumpkins with a custom hang tag wishing all a festive season, a gift set of thank you cards or stylish tartan scarves.

As I always say, "it's not what's inside the gift box that matters, but what it represents - your genuine appreciation."
Let me know how you recognize your employees and customers creatively and
genuinely!
Janet