How to Start a Corporate Gifting Program for Your Business

Updated: 11/10/2023

Corporate gifting is a memorable touchpoint that can lay the foundation for a strong relationship with employees, vendors, prospects, and clients. It’s a way to show your appreciation while also planting a nugget of psychological motivation to establish a lasting connection.

That’s not just hearsay. According to Deloitte, 78% of businesses believe that corporate gifts offer a substantial ROI in terms of brand recognition and relationship building. With that number in mind, imagine what a solid corporate gifting program can do for your company’s bottom line.

While sending gifts might seem simple enough, doing things by the books is a little more complex. Here’s how you can start a successful gifting program at your business.

1. Establish a Budget

Setting a firm budget for gifting is paramount. It’s the very first step in the process because all of your decisions moving forward hinge on the amount of money you can spend. Your budget will ultimately dictate who gets a gift and what kinds of items you can afford. Despite the best of intentions, sending a pricey present to every client, employee or vendor is just not feasible. And while it sometimes pays to shower clients with goods, going over-the-top for every connection can do more damage than good.

A successful gifting program is a little more selective, and your budget will be one of the first determining factors you’ll need to know. Think of corporate gifts as an investment for the future of a business relationship. The last thing you want is for that investment to go into the red.

2. Define Your Gifting List

With your budget in mind, you can start building your recipient list. The goal is to show your appreciation for the people who make your business successful. But of course, every client, employee and vendor’s impact is a little different.

Start by making a list of the individuals who bring the most value to your company. They could be longtime vendors or clients who consistently invest in your product or service. Those are the relationships you want to continue fostering most, and a more distinguished gift will ensure that your company is always on the top of their mind.

After that, you can move onto those who provide things you value. While these recipients might not be your most lucrative or high-producing, they have the potential to get there. Sending them a memorable gift could be the thing that pushes their contributions to your business even further.

After you build your recipient list, it’s good to separate those individuals into different gifting tiers. A hierarchical system will make choosing client gifts more manageable. It helps you find appropriate presents that impress while still keeping your budget in mind. For example, an affluent client whose relationship has a higher lifetime value will go into the highest tier. They could receive a more expensive gift because the value they bring to the company is more. Meanwhile, a lower-tier recipient will still appreciate something that’s both simple and tasteful.

3. Create a Corporate Gifting Program Policy

There’s a good chance that other employees will handle many of the gift-giving duties. To ensure that things go off without a hitch, it’s a good idea to create a company-wide gifting policy. Not only do your policies govern how gifts go out, but it simplifies the process and creates a similar experience for clients and vendors across the board.

The policy should outline your program’s gifting approach. For example, it can cover:

  • Who receives a gift
  • What gifting tier each recipient belongs to
  • How much money employees can spend
  • When employees can send gifts
  • How presents align with corporate values
  • Guidelines for choosing client gifts

The gifting blueprint can also include suitable gifting practices and the steps your employees should take before sending items out. From a legal standpoint, corporate gifting is quite complex. The SEC has strict rules for financial service providers. Laws exist for government officials and medical professionals, too. On top of that, recipients might work under distinct gifting policies that prohibit certain items. Your in-house corporate gifting policies should cover all of those unknowns. Have your employees verify what’s appropriate and what’s not.

4. Choose a Gifting Timeline

For an annual corporate gifting program, your timing makes all the difference. You don’t have to limit yourself to holidays or special occasions. Those gifts are predictable and have a much lighter impact compared to more thoughtful moments.

Consider when a recipient works with you most. Then, send a gift at just the right time. For example, CPAs are utilized most during the spring. So, they can send clients gifts at the beginning of the year to stay fresh on their minds around tax season.

The same principles can apply to seasonal vendors or clients who make a big purchase once or twice a year. By timing your gifts strategically, you can make a substantial positive impression your recipients will remember.

5. Selecting a Gifting Partner

Last but not least, you need to choose the right gifts. The corporate gift industry is valued at $242 billion and expected to reach $306 billion by the year 2024, so the possibilities are endless. While you can pick out individual items, working with a gifting partner is much easier.

Gift vendors offer a variety of gifts to meet all budgets and needs. Plus, they take care of the little details like order preparation, customization and shipping to a large list of recipients. These capabilities may seem trivial, but they go a long way to simplify things on your end.

Find the Perfect Pick at Cane River Pecan Company

Ready to start your company’s gifting program? Cane River Pecan Company offers a wide range of gourmet pecan gifts and Southern delicacies to surprise anyone on your list. Plus, they have a team of corporate gifting specialists who can help you choose client gifts and prepare your order. Check out our website today and start fostering those all-important professional relationships.

How to Safely Navigate Corporate Gifting Policies

Giving makes us feel good—especially when we can offer a gift to someone we respect or genuinely admire. Likewise, receiving a gift can make us feel recognized and valued. In the business world, however, these tokens of appreciation fall within the realm of corporate gifting — and things can get complicated. 

For businesses in the governmental sector or even large companies with broad public awareness, gifting often comes with red tape that is focused on ensuring client gifts, vendor gifts, customer gifts, and even gifts for employees and colleagues are appropriate and comply with accepted corporate gifting policies. Why? Well, these types of businesses usually have the public eye weighing on them, and gifts can inadvertently imply favoritism or unfairness in certain aspects of work. That unfairness could cause office tension or worse — legal trouble.

While that might sound like corporate gifting is an impossibly risky task, it really isn’t. You just need to keep a few guidelines in mind to ensure you are always hitting the ethical and professional high notes when you give gifts in a business setting.

  1. Understand how a corporate gift is defined.
    Motive—the reason for giving a gift—is the most fundamental element of corporate gift giving. A gift is something freely given with no expectation of payment or anything to be given in return. It doesn’t seek to influence business decisions, and it doesn’t present a conflict of interest. Similarly, the gift shouldn’t be expected or requested. A true gift precludes any sense of quid pro quo—a favor for a favor—or bribery. When you want to give, be sure to give something that is unmistakably a gift.

  2. Determine what gifting restrictions exist and honor them.
    With reputations at stake, big companies and federal agencies are more aware than ever of optics and ethical standards. To minimize the risk of misperceptions, most have established corporate gifting policies that not only identify who may give or receive gifts but also detail the circumstances, types of gifts and monetary-equivalent values that are considered allowable.

    • Most company policies do allow modest gifts that fit within their established monetary boundaries.
    • In many cases, employees are required to report gifts that they receive.
    • If a gift is noncompliant, the recipient may have to decline it.
    • Often, corporate policies use the gift-giving rules in place for federal workers as a working model.
    • Some companies bar gifts altogether or specify that gifts must be shared or—if not sharable—reissued through a lottery, for example.

      By researching your intended recipient’s gift limitations, you can ensure that they will be able to accept your gift without any problems.
  1. Time your gift appropriately.
    Business decisions can be tough decisions involving large sums of money over the course of years. Because of that, people who have positive experiences working together may be eager to repeat or extend that partnership. Conversely, a new partnership may offer fresh, exciting opportunities. Nevertheless, gifts should not be perceived as an attempt to sway a business decision, and timing impacts how appropriate corporate gifting practices are. To avoid awkward situations and conflicts of interest, be sensitive to decision-making timelines and any professional challenges your potential recipient may be facing.

Find a Gifting Specialist That Gets It

All federal agencies and many businesses have corporate gifting policies in place to promote ethical, fair work practices and maintain professional reputations. But this actually makes choosing appropriate work gifts easier! In fact, once you become familiar with a company’s gifting policy, you’ll be certain that you’re choosing vendor or client gifts that fit and will always be welcome. To gift well, all you really need is something modest, tasteful and shareable.

That’s why Cane River Pecan Company has become a premier specialist in corporate food gift giving. The very nature of food—the ability to give a little or a lot, how it lends itself to creating assortments, its affordability, and even its perishability—makes it suitable for many business gifting policies. 

For example, our premium pecans and custom-designed gift trays, boxes, baskets and tins of assorted pecan delicacies will delight recipients and comply with many corporate policies that require food gifts or gifts that can be shared. We know you want to be able to show appreciation to everyone on your list, and our extensive variety of customizable selections are especially created to make that happen.

Get Started Today

From holidays and seasonal celebrations to birthdays, anniversaries, grand openings and more, you’ll be able to recognize any occasion, individual, team or business effort appropriately and let clients and colleagues know that you’re thinking of them. Your client gifts will be inclusive, just the right size and given in impeccable taste. 

If you’re ready to find deliciously appropriate gifts for your company gifting program, start by exploring Cane River Pecan Company’s selection of corporate food gifts today. With such a variety to choose from, you’re sure to find a suitable selection to sweeten your contact’s day.


SOURCES

https://www.sbnonline.com/article/ethics-corporate-gifting-not-get-trouble

https://sendoso.com/blog/your-guide-to-corporate-gift-giving-laws/

https://www.hersheypa.com/assets/pdf/code-of-conduct.pdf

The Importance of Thanking Vendors

Managing a business can be complicated. We set goals and work hard to meet them, but success is rarely achieved as a stand-alone venture. Instead, our products or services often depend on the quality goods and services that our vendors provide. Usually, our best vendors become almost a part of our organization—supplying the “secret sauce” that enables us to do what we do so well time after time.

Because these business relationships are so vital to our own successes, a genuine thank you every once in a while is a worthy investment. Vendor appreciation is a vital way of expressing that gratitude and maintaining healthy business partnerships long into the future. These displays of appreciation can benefit both giver and recipient in pleasantly surprising ways.

Confirmation of Approval:

A gift offers concrete reassurance that you’re happy with your vendor and the level or quality of the services that they give. Payment is often viewed as just the price of doing business, and verbal thanks may be perceived as no more than polite professional courtesy. However, an actual gift conveys unmistakable sincerity and approval. Your gift may even boost your vendor’s confidence, leading to more successes for both of you.

Culture of Respect:

When gift-giving becomes a part of your company culture, it conveys a positive perception of who your team really is. You’re successful, and you’re willing to recognize the people who helped make it possible by recognizing them. Everyone loves a winner—especially one who shares—because success promises possibility for everyone. Your vendors will want to be a part of what you’re doing and hope that they might one day be able to give back to you.

Standing Out:

You’re almost certainly not a vendor’s only client. More likely, you’re one of many. Sending a unique gift can set you apart and bring awareness that you have something special to offer. When a vendor takes the time to understand exactly what you actually do and how they fit into that process, you become more than just another entry on their accounts receivables.

Brand Recognition:

The gift you give speaks volumes about your brand. You may be known in your own specialty realm of business, but corporate gifting gives you another way of crossing into other disciplines or industries to form additional partnerships. When you associate yourself with a local brand that has an impeccable reputation, for example, that in turn reflects well on you and your brand.

Communications and Priorities:

The right timing on a corporate gift can be just the thing to bring you to the forefront of someone’s memory when a new project comes along or a colleague asks for a referral. You may not be able to be constantly present, but tasteful gifts that connect can keep you fresh in your vendor’s mind. If they know that you’re thinking of them, they may be more likely to think of you, too.

Shared Word of Mouth:

Personal referrals and testimonials are priceless, and so are gifts that are shareable. Sending a client or vendor a gift that they can easily share with others is another way of spreading good will. When the gift is shared, your name will be too, and the quality of your gift will speak for you even when you’re not able to speak for yourself.

Stoke the Happiness:

Giving to express gratitude makes us happy and improves relationships. Employees are more motivated to work for managers who say thank you. In relationships, people are more willing to discuss concerns and be more interested in a positive outcome when a partner makes them feel appreciated. In short, expressing gratitude for what we have often brings even more good things to us.

Make Them Feel Special

Corporate gifts for vendors are a way of building on what you already have and creating something even better. With stability, trust and boosted confidence, vendors may be more inclined to improve business partnerships or even expand them. Deals may be easier to strike, and terms may be more favorable.

Saying thank you is easy, and holidays, business anniversaries and milestones are perfect opportunities to thank the people you depend on. If you would like to know more about corporate gifts for vendors or easy ways of expressing appreciation in your business partnerships, explore Cane River Pecan Company’s collection of corporate gifts. You’re sure to find unique gifts to delight any vendor and show your appreciation.

SOURCES:

The Science of Taste: How Delicious Gifts Can Make You Memorable

Corporate gift giving has a long tradition in food: premium nuts roasted to a caramelized crunch, hand-crafted chocolates rich with fillings, fine wines lush with the sweet tastes of summer. These treats are feasts for the senses that — whether we realize it or not— leave calling cards in our brains. 

Because of how deeply our senses are intertwined with memory, gifts that deliver delicious flavors or smells are meaningful ways of reaching out to others—especially in the world of business partnerships and client retention. 

The Science of Taste and Memory

Taste triggers memory. We know it’s true, but why is it such a powerful reaction? In The Omnivorous Mind: Our Evolving Relationship With Food, published by Harvard Press, John S. Allen explains that as human beings, we’re essentially hardwired to link food and memory through both nature and nurture.

The Nature Connection

Our brains are designed to absorb experiences through the senses and then record them as memories. Much of this happens in the hippocampus, a part of our limbic system that deals with emotions, memory and emotional processing.

While the hippocampus is our most basic structure for forming memories and recalling them, it’s also responsible for the spatial memory we count on—knowing where things are, where we are and how to navigate. Essentially, the hippocampus helps us organize and remember our world so that we can survive, and since food is so vital, it qualifies as a significant memory to record.

In addition to handling memory and emotion, the hippocampus is also associated with our digestive system and has receptors for hormones like insulin, for example, leptin and ghrelin—hormones that regulate our energy supply, let us know that we’re satisfied or alert us that we’re hungry.

Interestingly, in addition to the hippocampus, the limbic system also includes the olfactory bulb, responsible for our sense of smell, as well as the amygdala, critical to attaching emotional value to memories and sensory experiences.

To make the relationship even a bit more interesting, when we eat something we really like, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that lights up our brain’s reward centers and turns what might otherwise be a short-term memory into a long-term one.

With all of these structures and functions in one area of our brain and working together, it’s little wonder that memory and taste—and even smell and emotion—are so closely entwined with one another.

The Nurture Component

Our palates develop over time, blending our personal preferences and the way our family and friends eat with the foods that our culture encourages. A big part of this stems from how we tie food to special occasions as a celebration marking a point in time—birthdays, holidays and vacations, for example.

We recognize moments of significance with the sharing of food—everything from potlucks and picnics to birthday cake or homemade beignets made together that day. With food so essential to our survival and our relationships within a community, its very presence in any given situation becomes meaningful.

In this way, many of our food experiences live as long term memories, and thanks to conventions and culture, they’re likely to be repeated. Ultimately, through both nature and nurture elements, food not only retrieves old memories but also creates new ones. 

Making Tasteful Memories With Corporate Gift Giving

Food holds potential to be a powerful connector between people—especially if it can evoke feelings that are unique. That’s why—even without the scientific data—we simply know that a personalized tin of melt-in-your-mouth gourmet cookies will be more memorable than just another pen or mug. 

Link your gift of deliciousness with a significant date, accomplishment, holiday or anniversary—how many years you’ve been doing business together, for example, or the week prior to a trade show where you always see one another—and it becomes a reassuring touchstone of mutual respect that they may even look forward to receiving.

“Emotion and novelty tend to make events more memorable, and those tied in some way with food may make for even more powerful memories.”

John S. Allen

In business, staying in touch and communicating with authenticity are everything, yet we’re not always able to hop on a plane to have lunch or make every meeting. That’s when a simple gesture can speak volumes, and science says that food give our message longevity.

Gifts of taste let you connect with one person, several people or an entire network and let those individuals know that you’re thinking of them. Corporate gift giving can play equally important roles in creating or solidifying partnerships, showing employee appreciation or strengthening client retention. 

Tasteful Gifts Start Here

Whether it’s for a special occasion, a job well done or a celebration for another successful year, food lets you go as small or as large as you want while staying authentic and memorable at the same time. 

At Cane River Pecan Company, we specialize in delicious pecan gifts that recipients look forward to all year long. If you’re looking for something unique to keep your name top of mind, explore our collection of pecan tins, gift boxes and specialty treats. You’re sure to find a perfect pick they won’t soon forget.

Discover Delicious Gift They’ll Love

SOURCES:

Why Gifting in January is a Great Idea

December is the month most businesses find their lobbies overrun with gift bags stuffed with sussies and food trays laden with holiday treats. It’s simply what they’ve come to expect from their vendors after all these years. And that’s great for you because this gives you the opportunity to stand apart – from both the competition and the clutter. 

How To Stand Out? Send That Gift in January. 

Think about it. January marks the end of two straight months of merriment that include Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Eve. The first day back at work after sixty continuous days of mirth can seem downright dull. No smiling faces, no upbeat music, no sweet treats. So much for a happy new year, right? Until, that is, you step in with the surprise your clients didn’t know they needed. 

There are two superb reasons to send that corporate gift in January.

You’re Not Just Another Face in the Crowd

Instead, you’re the bright face of the even brighter new year. It’s your business card they’ll see now that the office break room has been cleared of the holiday hodgepodge. You’ll be the vendor they think of when they need to use your service. You’ll be top of mind when all the holiday hubbub has passed. 

It Creates More Than Good Will

Research shows that 83% of CEOs believe that business gifts generate a measurable return on investment. In other words, yours is a gift that benefits both recipient and giver*.

Of course, giving the right gift is key here. Dropping off another click-top ballpoint pen with your logo isn’t necessarily going to differentiate you from the other guys. The right gift is the one that is small but meaningful. Keep in mind that many companies have policies limiting the value of corporate gifts. Anything too extravagant might run afoul of those rules. Small and tasteful beats big and gaudy when it comes to giving gifts to your clients.

Whether you give corporate gifts regularly or have never done so before, sending gifts in January can be a great way to maximize the effectiveness of this proven marketing tactic.

*Knack 2019 Business Gifting Survey

How Corporate Gifts Can Help You Make New Business Connections

Most people only think about sending corporate gifts after they have done business with someone. However, sending a gift before you do business with someone is actually a great way to make the first move and establish a new business connection.

An impressive 77% of CEOs in a recent survey* said business gifts make them feel appreciated – so gift giving can be a great way to get a new relationship started in a very positive way.

Here are a couple of tips that can help you introduce yourself to potential new business connections through corporate gifting.

1.  Give something small but thoughtful.

When you do this, also include a short story or explanation about why you chose to send this gift. This is a simple but powerful way to begin creating a personal connection and let the person know that you’re willing to invest your time and are truly interested in them. You may think this is a “no-brainer” but in reality, more than half of business gift recipients* report receiving a gift with no personal note attached.

2.  Consider giving a gift that reflects your values or culture.

Choose something that tells the potential customer more about you. This can be a great ice breaker and could lead to an engaging story that gets the relationship off on a good track.

Here’s an example from Cane River Pecan Company CEO Jady Regard:

“I would give a pound of pecans with a short note that reads: When I was young, I would help my father load his pickup truck with small brown grocery bags filled with fresh cracked pecans from our family farm. He would carry these pecans around with him for about two weeks, slowly delivering them to folks he knew or was getting to know. They were a real hit.”

The perfect way to end this little story would be to say, “I hope you enjoy the pecans – and I also hope we can get to know one another better. Happy Holidays!”

With these simple tips, you can use corporate gifting as an effective tool for establishing new business contacts and boosting your revenue. It really is a wonderful way to introduce yourself and has been proven to provide a measurable return on investment – as well as other intangible benefits such as loyalty, appreciation and a positive opinion of your business.

*Knack 2019 Business Gifting Survey

3 Ways Pecan Gifts Will Boost Your Revenue

In today’s ultra-competitive business world, corporate gift giving has become a very powerful tool for retaining clients, attracting new customers and increasing your revenue. In fact, a recent survey* of CEOs nationwide revealed that 83% believe that business gifts generate measurable, positive return on investment in addition to intangible benefits. In addition, 67% believe that the gift demonstrates that the giver values their relationship.

However, in order to be truly effective, the gifts you give must be memorable – which is why pecans or gourmet pecan gifts are such a great choice for corporate gifting. Pecans are delicious, unique and nearly everyone loves them, so your clients are sure to remember your company when they enjoy these special treats.

Following are a few more reasons why pecans are an outstanding corporate gift that can boost your company’s revenue, build your brand and strengthen business relationships.

1) Steeped in Tradition

Over the years, pecans have become a cherished tradition across the entire United States during the holidays, with many people using them to make pecan pies, pralines and other treats for their families every year. By giving the gift of top-quality pecans, you can create stronger, long-lasting relationships with your employees, customers and vendors – which will ultimately result in higher employee productivity and increased business with your clients and vendors.

2) A Cherished Luxury

Big, beautiful, flavorful gourmet pecans are considered a luxury by most people. This makes them cherished as a gift that they would normally not purchase for themselves. As an alternative to simply giving pecans, you can choose to give special treats such as pralines or a wide variety of other pecan-inspired delicacies. Either way, pecans are a gift that everyone will enjoy and remember – and being memorable is one of the most important factors for successful corporate gifting that produces a good return on investment.

3) Creates Connections

By giving a unique, memorable gift like pecans, you are creating connections – and with these connections comes loyalty from your customers. In fact, a full 40% of CEOs* say that business gifts increase their loyalty and their desire to work with the company longer – and 50% say corporate gifts that are memorable make them feel more connected to the gift giver. All of these factors will ultimately translate into increased revenue for your company when you give a high quality corporate gift such as pecans.

Looking for a gift they won’t forget? Learn more about corporate gifting and explore gourmet pecan gifting packages at Cane River Pecan Company.

*Knack 2019 Business Gifting Survey

3 Steps for Making Your Corporate Gifting Budget

Creating a budget for corporate gift giving is important to ensure you get the best return on your investment while not breaking the bank. While you need to set an amount that you can afford, also keep in mind that giving poor quality gifts is a big mistake. For example, in a recent survey* of more than 1,000 CEOs, when asked about the worst corporate gifts they’ve ever received, the #1 answer was, “cheap things with company logos” (such as t-shirts and mugs). As such, you’d be wise not to skimp too much on your budget to ensure your recipients feel valued and your gift is a true expression of your relationship.

Begin by determining an overall target amount that you would like to spend – then take the following three steps to help complete your corporate gifting plan and fine-tune the budget.

1) Create Your Recipients List

Think about all the people who have helped your business succeed when making your list. This can include your top clients, prospective new clients, vendors and suppliers, your own employees and anyone else who is important to your business.

2) Categorize Your List

If you plan on giving different gifts to various people based on your business relationship or other factors, it’s a good idea to break your list into categories or segments. This is an effective way to identify those recipients who should receive a higher-end gift and those for which a less costly gift is appropriate. One of the most popular ways to do this is to use three simple categories – low, medium and high price points. However, you can create as many categories as you think will be needed to differentiate between your recipients. 

3) Create Budget Ranges for Each Category

Next, create a range of costs for each category, such as $25 – $50, $50 – $100, $100+ or more. After you’ve put all of your recipients into the proper categories, it’s time to add everything up and compare the total to your overall target budget.

At this point, it’s likely that you will either be over or under your target budget. You can edit as needed by moving recipients to different categories, or you can add or subtract recipients until the final cost meets your target. Just remember that 77% of CEOs surveyed* say that business gifts make them feel appreciated – so corporate gifts, when well-planned, can really play an important role in strengthening your business relationships.

*Knack 2019 Business Gifting Survey

5 Tips to Nail the Art of Memorable Corporate Gifting

Giving corporate gifts is not only an opportunity to strengthen relationships and grow your business – it’s also an investment. In fact, 83% of CEOs in a recent survey* believe that business gifts generate measurable positive ROI in addition to intangible benefits. To make the most of your investment, you should take the time to learn the most effective ways to go about the gifting process.

Here are five tips that can help you absolutely nail the art of memorable gifting and get the best return on investment for your corporate gifting initiatives this year.

1) Do It!

Stop thinking about it and take action. Like the old Nike ad says, “Just do it.” Wondering whether corporate gifting is right for your company will get you nowhere – and overthinking it might stop you from doing it at all. Do your research, find the best gifts for your clients and get it done.

2) Give a Gift That’s Reasonable but Rare

You want to find a gift that’s reasonably priced – but it’s also a good idea if it’s something that’s also hard to find. For example, you can walk into any grocery store in America and find pecans – but it’s nearly impossible to find “really good” pecans. One of the reasons Cane River Pecan Company resonates so well with people is the unmatched quality of its pecans. As such, if you’re going to give gifts, make sure that they are really top quality and unique — not something that can be found at any old store.

3) Include a Personal Note

Including a personal note with your gift is vital because it really brings it home to the recipient that they are special and you are thinking specifically about them. Maybe you can share a quick story or relive a special memory that you both share. As long as the message is personal and positive, you really can’t go wrong — so take the time to do this, and it will truly make your gift more memorable.

4) Find a Gift That’s Versatile

Giving a unique corporate gift that has multiple uses can go a long way toward increasing the enjoyment and appreciation of the recipient. For example, pecans can be eaten just as they are or used in a wide variety of great recipes. The same can be said for other food items such as gourmet cheeses or baskets that contain multiple items. There are also plenty of other versatile corporate gifts such as tote bags that can also be used as a backpack or gym bag — or journals that include a place to hold a cell phone and a charging cord as well as pens, business cards, etc. The point is that, if you give a gift that has multiple uses, it makes your gift even better and more memorable.

5) Give A Gift that Says Something About You

Try to find a gift that represents your company, what you do and/or who you are — and one that also resonates with the recipient. For example, Cane River Pecan Company is a southern-rooted, family-owned company that offers pecan specialties, which could appeal to customers who appreciate fine foods, family recipes and Southern hospitality. 

You may be able to find a gift specific to your region, too, such as top quality maple syrup if you’re based in New England or gourmet chili peppers if you’re in the southwestern U.S. Whether it’s food items or something else altogether, try to find gifts that relate to what you do or where you’re from. 

Looking for a gift they won’t forget? Learn more about corporate gifting and explore gourmet pecan gifting packages at Cane River Pecan Company.

*Knack 2019 Business Gifting Survey

5 Reasons Why Gifting During Covid Matters More Than Ever

Corporate gifting has always been a great way to build strong, long-lasting relationships with your clients – but the Covid-19 pandemic has actually made gifting more important than ever before. With so many businesses struggling to stay alive and many having to lay off employees, fear, anxiety and stress have become commonplace throughout the business world. So what better way to lift spirits and remind your clients that you are here for them than giving them a wonderful gift?

Following are five reasons that go into more detail about why corporate gifting has become so important to maintaining strong business relationships during the pandemic.

1) Connect

Trade shows, conferences, seminars and many other such traditional in-person “networking” events have mostly been cancelled (or gone virtual) because of Covid-19. This means that one of the most effective ways to connect with current clients and meet potential new clients is simply gone. By giving corporate gifts to your clients, you are able to stay connected with them. It shows them that you are thinking about them, you care about their business and you want to stay in touch with them even in the midst of this terrible pandemic. A real, tangible gift that your client can hold in their hands is truly an effective way to stay connected in today’s evolving and increasingly isolated and virtual business world.

2) Be Top of Mind

With physical meetings and in-person visits being extremely limited nowadays, you need new ways to keep your business top-of-mind with your clients. Gifting is a great way to get this done. Your gift says “we’re still here” and really helps your clients to remember your company and keep you in mind. Having your gift show up at their door can also serve as a kind of “pop in” that shows you are thinking of them.

3) Stay Relevant

With so many businesses closing, reducing in size or even changing their business model, you need to ensure that you stay relevant to your clients. With so much uncertainty throughout the business world, your gift will reinforce to your clients that your company is still going strong, remains relevant and is always here to help.

4) Engage

Never underestimate the importance of simply engaging with your clients regularly to let them know you are thinking about them and are grateful for their business. Gifting is an ideal way to engage, especially during this time of social distancing and extremely limited personal contact. It’s also a smart idea to touch base with your clients after your gift has been delivered by calling them on the phone. This makes gifting even more effective by allowing you to interact with your clients twice within a fairly short period of time.

 5) Show Compassion

As mentioned before, the pandemic has caused a big increase in stress and anxiety throughout the business world. Giving your clients and/or your employees a thoughtful gift communicates that your company is compassionate and that you truly care. Even a small gift lets them know you are thinking about them and helps to spread a little kindness and goodwill in these trying times.