Giftex 2012 is your chanced to grasp the trend in the domain of gifting. As the event testifies, corporate gifting has been transformed into an art. If a company gifts too little it can be perceived as cheap and if it gives too much it can become a bribe. Gift the wrong thing, and it’s considered bad taste.

A truly thoughtful gift is the one that strikes a chord with the receiver; the one that reflects that you have taken efforts in selecting, packing and presenting it. A gift’s worth cannot be judged by its price tag alone. What indeed makes it valuable is your genuine emotions attached to it. A ubiquitous item can be blended with the tastes and choice of the person you are going to present it. Your thought behind the whole exercise should reflect through your gift to make it a meaningful gesture.

For example, if your friend or colleague is a youthful, upcoming and dynamic executive who loves looking sporty and sleek at work, you can opt to pick ready-to-wear line that will perfectly suit him or her. You may buy a gift that will help one in one’s daily life like contemporary clothing or something like a CD of soothing songs or challenging puzzle game that will help him or her unwind. It will come in handy for the purpose of recreation or relaxation.

Take some effort to find out what your friend or colleague has been keen on buying. This well might be a book title or a favorite music CD, currently lacking from his or her collection. If the person is a ‘do-it-your-self’ type, get a mechanical or electronic utilitarian item.
If you want to shower your friend or a close colleague with something valuable, Giftex 2012 is your opportunity to get all the great ideas to build and strengthen personal and professional bonds.

If ever there is an event to seek exciting corporate gift ideas for your most valued and prestigious customers, business associates and partners, it’s now. It’s Giftex 2012!

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‘It is not the size of the gift that matters but the size of the heart, which gives it!’ - Quotation in ‘The Angels’ Little Instruction Book’ by Eileen Elias Freeman

‘Tis blessed to bestow, and yet,
Could we bestow the gifts we get,
And keep the ones we give away,
How happy were our Christmas day!’
- Carolyn Wells

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One thing that will differentiate a sub-standard vendor from a quality one is the value addition the latter can bring to clients. The process is not just restricted to manufacturing, purchasing, or disturbing the gift. A winning and long-lasting association with the clients is possible only by striking a rapport and understanding their psyche. It requires a great deal of insight and sensitivity on part of the vendors.

An understanding of factors such as budget constraints, timeliness of a gifting plan, correct choice of occasion, relevant theme for gifting is essential. The success of a corporate gifting business is not merely about the “art of selling’. It’s more to do with discovering the ‘joy of gifting’ them. Packaging ideas also matter a great deal (not to forget ‘out of the box’ gifting products!)

A unique selling proposition will help to transform the gift into a motif of relationship-building. This again is never an easy task. First study what a bunch of business players around you are doing and think how you could do it better. Before you push forward with your gifting business plan, be clear about its focus. You then can sell the idea itself.

The logistical issues will then come into play as you will need to explore things such as distribution & partnerships, and work out establishing relationships with a host of corporate gift representatives to market and sell your product portfolio to their corporate clients.

It may not be always easy to approach end-users directly when you are likely to compete with an entity that has almost everything else on its side, including a strong sales relationship with your potential customer-base.  Before you make a move, get some sense of the market dynamics and what exactly you are up against!  This is critical to make foray into the domain of corporate gifting business successful.

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Shining and sizzling silver has an uncanny knack of adapting to every fashion trend - traditional to bold and dramatic; classic to contemporary. Silver signifies faith and purity as a color, and is as glamorous as gold. The metal is not looked upon as a mere luxury symbol world over. The Chinese, for instance, believe a silver locket around a child’s neck would drive away any evil spirits, whereas the Incas of Peru have called it ‘the tears of the moon’.

You can make your choice from a wide array of designs, and even personalize your jewelry and accessories in silver. While going for a gorgeous gift for your loved one, you can buy cufflinks, buckles, hip flasks, collar stays or key rings that make a perfect fashion statement.

Gifting of silverware is an idea that jells perfectly with Indian tradition. Silver thalis are now a must-have at ceremonies. Cute silver boxes are there for holding mouth fresheners and silver coins are now commonly presented in embroidered bags. While silver watches, belts and jewelry are more suitable as generic presents, utensils in silver are ideal for traditional or festive occasions.

The mellifluous metal signifies status and wealth. It is perceived to fetch good luck. Importantly, it can indeed get cool and fashionable. An elegant pendant, opulent choker, or handsome hair ornament of traditional white or pastel colored pearls set in sterling white metal will make a fashionable gift to suit one’s tastes, style quotient and sentiments. Attractively colored pearls set in sterling silver will make an exquisite, glittering gift! Even the men’s jewelry is now getting popular. New-generation uber-cool men now flaunt to love accessories! For men, you may also consider stick to watches, silver coins or a silver household object.

One indeed is spoiled for choice here!

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One of the great ways to bring vitality into the office environ is a perfect piece of wall art. You can also consider it as a gorgeous gift. We shall consider handy tips for the purpose:

Gauge the space available

When hanging anything, gauge the space available. Hang your pieces two feet away from each other in a straight line. When hanging along the staircase, too, the pieces should follow a straight line, preferably along the banister. If a piece needs to go above a sofa in your room where you would meet clients or guests, hang it six to nine inches above the sofa, at eye level.

Consider the office settings

Try and understand what kind of atmosphere and ambience the office generally has. Does the owner prefer a dynamic and creative setting? Or should it be minimalistic with a stark color play? Choose the theme according to the client’s tastes and personality. Creative jobs like advertising need a stimulating environment; jobs that are more desk-oriented can have a relaxed feel to relieve employees of their mental pressure. Similarly, rooms where brain storming happens can be bold and dynamic.

Figurative, landscape or abstract?

There are many kinds of wall art. Choose those that become talking points without being too garish or something that could appeal to only a niche few. Abstract wall art might not be very popular and most might even feel repelled by it. Opt for contemporary wall art – dancing figures and pictures in metal panels. You will find that more people can relate to this category of objects and they give a modern feel to the office. Masks are a common way to add character to any room. You can also install wall vases at strategic points and grow different varieties of foliage to add freshness and greenery to the room.

To sum it up, you can pick and arrange wonderful wall art pieces to please eclectic clients. You can be creative by creating one of your own and customizing it.

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The Valentine’s Day is round the corner. It’s the most ‘loveable’ day of the year, literally. And this is your chance to express your feelings through some gorgeous gifts. Archies has come up with a fabulous range of Valentine’s goodies for your beloved. We recommend some of the cute combos to celebrate your everlasting love:

You can express yourself in a unique way with an exquisite love mug combo. It comes with a colorful ‘love Mug’ that carries musical and lighting effects.  A handwritten Valentine greeting card will make it truly personalized. You can express your heartfelt feelings. Add sweetness to it with ‘Five Seasons Premium’ chocolates.

There is another combo from Archies for you to thank your love for having filled your life with so much joy. You can do so this Valentine’s Day by expressing your warmth with this lovely combo: that comprises a cute ‘n’ charming bear proudly holding a red love heart. Again, a handwritten Valentine greeting card to go with the gift will add a personal touch to it.

For the bond that is full of lasting love, this is a true tribute. Wish someone close to your heart Happy Valentine’s Day with this heart throb combo that comprises musical love spring in a gorgeous gift box with a tender “I love you” message. It carries a handwritten personalized Valentine card. Add juicy sweetness in it with ‘Five Seasons Premium’ delicious chocolates range.

It’s just perfect for your darling who means so much to you. Gift him/her this lovely combo and unravel your innermost feelings. It will treasure his/her attractive photo in poly-resin heart shape cupid photo frame to make it personalized.

Every time you happen to be with him/her, there is a tinge of romance around. Why not thank your beloved for making your life rich with love with this combo. It carries a crystal love angel sitting pretty in a heart box with a nice love message.

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The occasion is celebrated across the world in the memory of Saint Valentine. But who exactly is this mysterious man? We are sure you would be curious to know as why we celebrate this day. We take this opportunity to dig into the history of Valentine’s Day and throw light on the patron saint who is associated with the day. (more…)

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What’s going to work this Valentine’s Day? Here are a few simple ideas that will warm the hearts and sure will work provided you customize them. Here are some tried and tested gift ideas for Valentine’s Day:-

A well-arranged bouquet of fabulous flowers:

A beautiful bouquet of flowers with a nice note is the safest bet. It always works. Find out about your lover’s floral preferences. Lilies and Tulips are among the more popular choices. And, of course, the rose! Keep in mind the connotations and meanings attached with colors before you pick the flowers.

• Red: Love, respect
• Two red roses joined together: Engagement or marriage (use it carefully)!
• Rose buds: Beauty, youth
• Pink: Grace, gentility
• White: Innocence, reverence, purity
• Yellow: Joy
• Red and White: Unity
• Orange: Desire

Silk flowers & plants make a good gift idea since they last forever just like your love for him or her.

Chocolates

This one invariably works since it spells out sensuality. Nothing indeed melts a heart like Valentines Day chocolate. Keep in mind the taste of your sweetheart and whether he or she prefers dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate truffles or nutty chocolate. They all send a message of love.

Jewelry

This is an idea that will invariably work for making your lady love happy! Rings, earrings, watches, bracelets and necklaces all work! It may be a bit costly but nothing turns on the charm quite as much as a rich piece of jewelry. Opt for a simple pendant on a shining silver chain for an even more elegant look. Of course, high prices can prove to be a deterrent!

Even though these gift ideas may seem common, you can give a special touch to ubiquitous t objects with some imagination and an innovative approach. It’s not the price tag that makes a gift stand apart. The way you give a thought in terms of personalization and presentation is what bound to make it a unique. For example, a photo frame can be made to look special and memorable by inserting some of the most unforgettable moments of your relationship. This will sure please the person most dear to you!

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Technology is an integral part of today’s everyday life. Are you looking for some unique gadgets to gift for someone who is a real fitness freak? Here we pick an exciting idea dedicated to the concept, as recommended by tech writer Gopal Sathe of The Mint India.
Just to elaborate, Fitbit Ultra is a light and unobtrusive device that comes with an accelerometer built in, to count every step you take. An altimeter tells it how high you are, to measure the flights of stairs you climbed.

In it, a small LED notifier shows the number of steps you’ve taken, and the calories you burnt. Fitbit Ultra is actually a small plastic clip that looks like a Bluetooth headset.  The way it works is simple— switch it on, clip it to your clothes, and that’s about it. You also need to maintain a food diary, which you can enter into the Fitbit website. Here are its other features:

1. Data pertaining to your walking can be submitted to the website by plugging your Fitbit into the computer. The site then analyses your dietary entries and your walk data and gives you a detailed breakdown of how this is affecting your overall health.

2. The Web interface is easy to use and understand, but you need to be prepared to enter a lot of information manually. For people who already have a fitness routine and want a little help tracking the details, the Fitbit is an excellent option. The display also shows a clock and can function as a stopwatch.

3. Another handy feature of the Fitbit is sleep analysis. You need to press a button when you go to bed, and another when you get up, and the device will then be able to tell you how often you woke up during the night, and how restfully you were sleeping. It’s a nice touch, though it can’t really tell if you’re asleep, or just lying fairly still.

4. A problem area perhaps is that the food listings do not account for Indian cuisine— they cater specifically to Americans. Those here will have to make do without the calorie input and output analysis from the website, limiting one of the features. Another downside is it can’t track exercise outside of walking/running. The session you put in at the gym doesn’t reflect in the tracking charts, unless you enter it manually.

(Fitbit Ultra is priced at $100 (around Rs 5,300) plus shipping charges.)

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Contrary to the perception and predictions of gloom and doom for global economy, marketers are bullish on Asia and India in particular. They describe these as real exciting times, presenting a great business opportunity and hence are keen to open new stores across different cities this year. Sample this:

• Porsche Design has opened in New Delhi and already has chalked out plans to expand to other leading cities of the country. It tracks several luxury brands including Montblanc, Ferragamo and Prada; if eight of the 10 start in a particular city, it grasps the market is now ripe for it to make a foray.
• Louis Vuitton has recorded double-digit growth in 2011, albeit from a small base. It has been a star performer not just in India but globally,” states the chief representative (Asia) for LVMH (Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton), Tikka Shatrujit Singh, also an advisor to the Louis Vuitton chairman.
• Harley-Davidson has buyers from the North-east as well as Kanpur, Allahabad and other cow belt towns. Shreyans Group that retails Ferrari and Porsche claims to have sold 10 Porsches at least in Kanpur until now thanks to a discerning and affluent class there who appreciate luxury something that only the rich in top metros were known for in the past.
• Car marques such as Porsche, Maserati and Ferrari are witnessing an impressive upsurge in demand. If the former got around 20 orders for the last six months in 2011, Porsche delivered more than 310 cars - all are customized to the buyers’ demands - in 2011, more than twice the number in the previous year.

What is really driving this trend? One reason is that a Badge consciousness perhaps reigns high. There can be few better ways of flaunting your success or new-found status than by flinging out your captivating Canali wallet during an office meeting or click-clicking in your jazzy Jimmy Choos. This tendency is clearly going to have a positive impact on gifting industry as well, which is a much welcome development in today’s apparently tough times.

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