Around the holidays, you should give corporate gifts to any long-term clients you value, anyone who has collaborated with you on an important project, your boss (if this is acceptable company policy) and your own immediate support staff. If you obtain business through referrals, remember those who have frequently referred new clients to you as well at the holidays.

Corporate Gifts for Executives should appeal either to a particular interest or hobby they have (golf, the theater, a favorite charity) or focus on their position within the company. The first type of corporate gift is appropriate if you know the individual well enough to choose a gift such as a basket of fine wines and cheeses for the connoisseur, sterling silver ball markers or an executive putter set for an avid golfer or a donation to a charity he or she chairs locally. Most executives, however, will probably be best suited to one of the latter type of corporate gifts - perhaps a fine leather desk set, an engraved business card case, or a beautifully crafted box for their desk of some precious material (mahogany, onyx and mother of pearl are all beautiful).

Corporate Gifts for Support Staff and Colleagues are often functional but elegant for that person's desk as well. For a secretary, perhaps a fine quality letter opener or pen set. Other appropriate gifts include tickets for the family to attend a local event (concert, sporting event, etc.) or a small plant for the desk.

Colleagues will appreciate something that addresses their specific role in the business. Are they on the road a lot? A rich leather folio for keeping track of papers and receipts would be great. Do they keep long hours and lose track of time? A marble or crystal desk clock is a great accent piece that serves a practical purpose as well. Nothing says corporate gifts can't be functional and attractive! If you know them well, a set of martini or high ball glasses for their home bar will be appreciated.

Acknowledging your colleague's interest in the business world can be a great compliment - consider a book written by a CEO or marketing guru he respects.

It's important to pay attention to what your support staff and administrative assistants would truly appreciate. If you don't know them well enough to be sure they would love to attend a Lakers game, stick with something for the office or perhaps an indulgence like gourmet chocolates or a lead crystal clock. (And be sure to get to know everyone better before next year!).

There are a few rules about what not to give as corporate gifts that are extremely important. Don't ever give a gift that could be construed as personal in nature, such as items of clothing, Spa packages or perfume or cologne. On the other hand, a crystal perfume bottle (empty) is perfectly acceptable, as is a cut-glass vase or other decorative art piece.

Corporate Gifts - Not Just for the Holidays Anymore

There's one secret that many business men and women don't know about corporate gifts: they are more effective when they aren't all at the holidays. Everybody gets tons of gifts in December from clients and associates, so your gift may be appreciated but it also may get lost in the shuffle. Instead, always be on the lookout for special occasions in a client's life that would warrant a small corporate gift as a token of your thoughtfulness and good wishes.

Has a long-time client recently had a child? A lovely picture frame is sure to be appreciated - she'll have plenty of snapshots to display soon enough! Did the retired couple whose taxes you do every year finally buy that retirement home in Florida? Send them a "welcome" sign or brass door knocker for the front of their new home. And when you know that a client and his family are taking that long awaited cruise or trip to Europe, leather passport folders, luggage tags or a high quality travel alarm would all be appreciated. These are the kind of year-round corporate gifts that will stand out in clients' minds long after the holiday gifts fade.

About the Author

Debbie Jones is a contributing author for http://www.mybusinessgifts.com . Visit My Business Gifts today to find an affordable selection of practical, luxurious, elegant or humorous gifts.