Corporate gifts are as common as engraved pens and monogrammed organizers. But when you put some time—and funding—into choosing gifts for high-profile attendees, incentive winners, speakers and other VIPs, you’re putting your gift to work for you, fostering camaraderie and making a memorable impression that lasts.
“In our culture of selfies and social media posts, the impact of experiences is short-lived as we all move on to the next thing,” says Paul Gordon, sr. VP, sales for Rymax, one of the largest national manufacturer’s representatives in the incentive industry. “That’s why product gifts are critical to keeping the meeting top of mind for months or years to come. Delivering a choice of products via a themed website or onsite offers a memorable experience and a brand that delivers trophy value.”
So how to choose the right item: It might be good to know a bit about your recipient(s), allowing that to guide your search. Something geared toward the recipient—for example, their logo instead of yours—or an item locally sourced from the recipient’s area or perhaps in line with their values or vision, will highlight your attention to detail.
With corporate gift-giving trending toward luxury over the last few years, a high-caliber timepiece has always been—and continues to be—a failsafe choice.
“Watches can be handed down as heirlooms. They are lasting, as opposed to gift cards or cash that can be spent and gone, or even electronics that can become obsolete quickly,” notes Adrienne Forrest, sr. VP of corporate sales for Citizen Watch America, purveyors of Accutron, Alpina, Bulova, Bulova Clocks, Bulova Jewelry, Caravelle, Citizen and Frederique Constant. “Authenticity continues to be a strong trend among today’s discerning consumers,” Forrest adds. “The desire for real, quality timepieces, not disposal, that have high perceived styling and value for many is a very strong watch industry trend. Citizen Watch America is in a great position to continue its strong leadership position in our product segment.”
So, keeping timepieces in mind, don’t start your gift search two days beforehand. Put some time and thought into it.
Here are just a few ideas to jumpstart your quest for the right corporate gift. —Lisa Simundson