As all of us keenly await the launch of  Giftex, we take this opportunity to evaluate some of the key strategies and aspects of corporate gift-giving and how the program can be most effective in today’s competitive business scenario. We quickly sum up important points related to the topic:

1. If you are looking to strike a more personal connection, it is important to customize your gift in order to set yourself apart. It’s the thought that often matters. If you know, for instance, that the gift is for an executive who loves traveling to Australia, you will get something related to Australia, as if to convey, ‘I went out of my way to get you (the receiver) something.’ Cost is not the sole deciding factor. Thought and theme behind what you give is equally vital.
2. There are so many ways of personalizing a gift. Technology helps a great deal in personalization. Gift personalization isn’t necessarily about ‘cheesy gifts’, but the cost of your gift must go with the value of your relationship with the client.
3. For the gift to convey a message, irrespective of its price tag, the giver should be clear about the purpose of the gift and the entire gift giving exercise. Is it a ‘thank you’ gift for the company, or do you want to give a gift to a key individual associated with the company?
4. When a company/individual is familiar with its recipient, the connotation of the exercise changes. You can be more liberal and flexible in your gift giving exercise because you know the set-up/ mindset of the recipient company/individual.
5. Ultimately, it all boils down to how much the gift giver has actually budgeted to give, whether or not the corporate entity/individual is a really important client, and last but not the least, the customization factor - how creative and innovative one can get in selecting, packaging and presenting a gift – all of which together add value to the corporate gifting exercise and determine its success in terms of conversions (increased sales and profits).

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The practice of gifting employees is followed by many companies as it helps them in performing better as they know what they are to receive in the end of the day. Some companies don’t mind giving expensive gifts to their employees on basis of their performance as an incentive.

Several companies take people to camps or resorts to revive their spirits and make them feel part of the team. Such team building exercises are considered from a corporate gifting perspective as well. To put it simply, the concept of corporate gifting does aims at breaking barriers and enhancing communication.

However, setting out the objective of your gift giving program in clear terms is very important. Is it to build a healthy working environment or to just give brake to your employees? OR is it both?

Cash awards and generic gift certificates are one of the preferred options because they demand the least amount of preparation on part of employers. But studies in the past have shown that they are remembered for a rather short period of time, whereas the memories of a thoughtful gesture or time spent with other employees and bosses during a company outing, doing some offbeat things like indulging in art or shopping like last for a much longer time.

So, the next time around you are planning for an employee gifting program, be more meticulous! What are the other things to keep in mind? Playing favorites is strict taboo; Employers should not be partial during employee gifting. In other words, the gifts given to all should be of nearly equal value.

Do not confine your imagination within the office walls. In fact, the popular trend is now to gift ‘outdoor visits’, that are well appreciated. So, do try out such idea like even a dancing, painting or singing course to an executive who might be interested in these faculties.

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Jute products fill our life with joy and color. You can sure bring a smile on the face of someone close to you with classy jute gifts. Jute craft is one of India’s most unique crafts. Jute products leave one spellbound with their perfection in design and dexterity. 

In this post, we give you a glimpse of the amazing range of gorgeous jute gifts exclusively for the festive season:

• The jute handicrafts stand for skill and excellence of the craftsmen who transform the natural jute into compelling products with an aesthetic appeal.

• A wide range of lifestyle jute products are there you can use and gift, like attractive wall decorative pieces, dress materials and terracotta embedded items.

• Jute is used for home décor products to suit eclectic lifestyles.  Decorative pieces blended with embroidery made from jute look stunning.

• Jute garments come in sizzling spectrum in hand printed, embroidered, and dyed features. Jute woven fabrics are used in making attractive stuffed toys.

• Accessories like lovely ladies fancy bags and pouches are available in all sizes, shapes and styles. Even ubiquitous day-to-day products like mats and coasters get a creative touch with creative designs and colors that hold one’s attention.

• A variety of children bags are available in different interesting shapes. Children will sure relish them owing to their cute designs and soft colors.

• Handmade jute wall hanging and jewelry is a great way to pamper someone close to you this festive season.

There are some unconventional gifts in form of handsome and artistic wine bottle holders in jute - perfect for wine connoisseurs. These jute wine bags are available in a myriad range of shapes, colors and stunning designs. Made from an eco-friendly material, they look trendy. With their peerless look, they enhance the appeal of wine racks.

GIFTEX is an authentic source for an amazing range of  utility and fashion accessories in jute.

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In its special Diwali gifting series, The Mint focused on families giving away some unique Diwali gifts for friends and relatives. Anindita Ghose in an essay made mention of such off-beat gifting ideas. 

“What do you gift those who almost have everything they might need?” the writer asked, referring to the Sharmas - Jyotsana and Arjun – who decided to buy potted basil plants in lemon, camphor and tulsi varieties as Diwali gifts.

Their festive gifting plans reflect the austerity debate. But for them it’s more a practical option since the two increasingly find extravagant gifting a pointless exercise. Jyotsana testifies to the undesirable phenomenon of gift recycling. One gift she would though, never pass on is an orchid a friend gifted her. Nurturing it has become an engaging experience, which is why she chose to the green gifting idea.

She approached a local herb store to source their plants from a wide range of medicinal and exotic herbs. The couple opted for basil for its sociological ties with Indian tradition. In fact, the family has almost done away with the whole concept of gifting since the last couple of years. Instead it donates to charitable foundation.

Diwali is an occasion that prompts more donations, which would go to each family member’s chosen charity. Arjun supports Chintan, an NGO that is part of Project Arman. His mother, a doctor by profession, manages a charitable dispensary. Wife Jyotsana supports two animal shelters. A foundation named after Arjun’s father funds a hospital, temple and school in their native village. Every year, the dotting donors throw a party for the rag picking children after Diwali.

Instead of lavish gifting, the family tries to revive the tradition of get-togethers to strengthen the bonds of love. The message here is that, you can celebrate Diwali not just by splurging, but also by donating to charities, and going green. 

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In the previous two blogs, we found out gorgeous green gift ideas in keeping with the spirit of the International Plant Appreciation Day. In this blog, we try to see out how to help your friend or colleague to make his home or office settings more beautiful.

Water, as all of us are aware of, is considered to form the true ‘essence of life’. It’s the ‘serene spirit of life forces. The same finds apt expression in modern designs. Fabulous fountains - outdoor and indoor - offer a captivating connection to nature and infuse calmness.

Indoor fountains blend look and functionality. Research has demonstrated that they can increase productivity, if placed near the office desk. You can go for well-crafted magical miniature outdoor garden fountains. Garden wall fountains sure will make a lavish gift.

They are amazing artifacts of beautification, available in captivating color schemes. Consider a wide array of materials for further enhancement like copper, ceramic and sandstone. One may put potted plants, statuary, etc. around an indoor fountain for enhancing its decorative value. Enticing and ravishing rose varieties will spread fragrance. There are about 150 species so you can choose one that suits the overall décor or typical tastes.

Illumination will make them even more appealing. Garden wall fountains, made in the shape of a basin (with low sprays), are available in various patterns – classic and contemporary. They look more elegant when embellished with detailed carvings.

Indoor fountains can prove to be the most ingenious means of bringing the most soothing properties of nature. They come in captivating designs; you can buy one that will suit the person’s tastes. You can opt to customize it for a personal touch to it.

Indoor fountains are ideal for gifting because of their soothing properties. There are ready-to-gift fountains in catchy configurations.

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In the previous blog, we checked how plans can make a perfect idea on eve of the International Plant Appreciation Day on April 13. In this article, we try to find out how to pick a perfect plant for gifting.

You may be considering annuals, biennials, bulbous plants, cacti, bonsai, succulents, climbers, ferns and creepers, grasses, bamboos, palms, cycads, or flowers’ hanging baskets. Whichever type you go for, you need to be meticulous in your selection. Here are some tips for picking a perfect plant to gift:

You should invariably get healthy, fresh plants while considering them for gifting either to your client, business friend or colleague, or else the ‘green’ gift would turn meaningless. Healthy perennials or shimmering shrubs grow fast, and seem pleasing to the eyes.

Knock the plant you select gently out of its pot. Also, check the roots. A healthy plant will give a filling look to the pot, but it won’t be ‘pot bound’. Avoid those with circling roots or are densely packed and no compost being visible. Leaves of the plant you choose need to be lush green. Watch for pests and infections. Warning signs are discolored leaves, ragged edges or holes in leaves. Avoid plants that carry broken branches or stems.

Ornamental shrubs won’t flower. They are for attractive outlay. Because of their evergreen foliage and ornamental look, they draw visitors. They can be trimmed into various attractive shapes and sizes. Among the popular varieties are Juniperus, Eranthemum, Tuja compacta, Crotons and Aralia.

Hybridized rose plants also make a good gift. Their varieties are miniatures (just a foot or so tall), climbing types (can climb well up to 50 feet), standard tree roses, yellow roses (tapered buds, spicy fragrance) and pink roses (glossy, dark green foliage). White and reds roses are also a visual delight!

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In the previous blog, we found out how imparting a ‘green’ hue can make a perfect gifting. The idea is to add natural touch to the indoor environ so that your friend or colleague feels fresh and rejuvenated at home or office.

This indeed makes a great gift! To make your task easier, we suggested you a few nurseries that are now innovating to meet your demands. There is ample choice to enhance the green quotient. Indeed is a wide choice is available when it comes to your ‘gift a plant’ plan for fortifying personal and professional relationships.

In fact, this will be a perfect idea since the International Plant Appreciation Day is not far away. Incidentally, it falls on April 13 every year. In this blog, we try to acquaint you with interesting plant types that sure can be considered for gifting.

• Consider annuals, biennials, bulbous plants, cacti and bonsai
• Think of succulents, climbers, ferns and creepers
• Give a thought to grasses and bamboos, palms and cycads
• Why not think of seasonal flowers’ hanging baskets?
• You can try out medicinal plants, helpful herbs and spices for their immense utility value.

There’s so many options for selecting indoor & outdoor plants! Also, as we advised last time, landscaping will help in accentuating the plants. Seeking help of a landscape consultant is a good idea to understand how to do it. Do tell your gift recipient about this. 

Flowering shrubs flower almost right through the year so they are pleasing to look at; they are bushy in shape and size. The fabulous flowering shrubs can provide for a long-lasting and eye-catching framework in any interior design. They come in a wide array of foliage, flowers and form. They are perfect for bringing natural joy. Among the popular varieties are Ixora, Pentas, Hibiscus, Mosanda and Lantana.

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Being eco-friendly and socially conscious is the new trends when it comes to celebrating and gifting.Many websites are thriving on this concept. One of them is GiveIndia that involves a simple procedure for being part of this new movement. Once you are registered with the site, you just need to state the cause you wish to support and the contribution you wish to make. The web link is then promoted. For example a newly married, a member of the site, printed an appeal on their wedding card for donating money instead of showering them with personal lavish gifts.

Many members have been raising funds in this manner through the website. You can pass the link to your colleagues, relatives, friends, and social forums. One of them informs to have collected Rs 60,000 for a social cause. Many see this as a chance to remember their near and dear ones who are no more in this world.

Corporate gifting pattern is changing as well. Corporate entities instead of merely ordering a consignment of cards from NGOs are making a contribution to help NGOs. The Concern India Foundation has a donor match program for both corporate world and individuals who approach them with a pre-set budget and a wish list of the cause they wish to support, and the foundation helps match these requests with the NGO concerned.

Even festive celebrations are turning eco-friendly. Coexist provides an environmentally friendly solutions through a range of eco-sensitive handmade decorations in cloth and hand-made paper.

Bollywood starlet Genelia D’Souza is one celebrity who believes ‘Green Christmas’ is a fantastic idea. She stated: “I think it would be a great idea to try out the eco-friendly material for decorating the tree.” Choreographer Marc Robinson and his wife Waluscha get their decorations and even the tree from New York. and do not buy new stuff every year.

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Corporate gifting

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The gesture of gifting has now taken a whole new context and meaning. Ethical gifting seems to be the buzzword, not restricted to the corporate sector alone. The trend now encompasses a range of actions like raising funds for a noble cause or pledging your wonderful wedding gift, supporting and helping an NGO, etc.

A DNA India news report by Sanghamitra Bhowmik points out that gifting has taken on an entirely new dimension with the internet. GiveIndia’s is one among the noteworthy innovations. The site has a webpage titled ‘iGive’, which can be used by visitors to raise funds for a specific cause or mission that they support or espouse.

Amita Chauhan of GiveIndia has been quoted as saying: “We once had a couple that donated the money they had received in gift during their wedding to an NGO of their choice.” 

Gifting eco-friendly products also has caught the fancy of the socially conscious class.
The proprietor of eco-friendly gift shop Eco Corner, Urvashi Mody has been in the business for over two and a half years. They already have several repeat customers for such gifts. Mody sources these eco-friendly products from across the country, as she claims. Her shop displays a variety of them including jute items, stationary, craft products designed by the tribal people and the underprivileged.

Nyassa in the western suburbs of Mumbai is another body that has on offer its line of nourishing natural body & beauty products that it produces and distributes. It was launched in 2007 by Ishwin Anand. The products are manufactured with essential oils and entirely natural materials.

Eco-friendly packaging is also becoming popular.

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You will be pleasantly surprised to know that there is a full-fledged Governmental entity to promote jute and its usage. The idea behind forming this body is to propagate this natural fibre, which is extremely eco-friendly. What more, it has several practical applications. The fabulous fabric adorns walls, covers floors. It can come in rich colors and designs.

The Jute Manufactures Development Council (JMDC) is the national agency for promotion of Jute. It is chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Textiles. The prime objective of the council is effective marketing of jute products. It performs various other activities to promote jute like:

• Organization of domestic exhibitions/ sales
• Collaboration with the apex state and central marketing bodies
• Seminars, workshops and demos.
• Financial support to jute training institutions

JMDC comprises growers of jute, producers/ exporters of jute products and experts in jute growing. JMDC is an associate member of the US based, Textile Bag and Packaging Association. Know more about JMDC.

The JMDC website elaborating on various benefits of jute mentions: “One of the oldest industries in India, jute has traditionally been used for packaging. However, its versatility is only coming to light now as the world looks on for natural options to save the environment. The time has come for this natural fibre to take over with the ideal solutions for the modern world.” It points out that food grade jute bags and cloth are a boon in the context of global environmental and ecological problems.

The Union Government indeed wants to increase the jute products export. The government is encouraging people to widely use jute products. They are not only environmentally friendly, but also make a perfect lifestyle statement.

The recent Giftex show in Mumbai had a special showcase of jute products that received an overwhelming response, indicating their growing popularity. You can gift beautiful jute products to your friends, family and colleagues. It will make an unconventional present that will stand out for sure.

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