Diwali indicates the victory of good over evil. To spread cheer, love and light, we celebrate Diwali. The festival is celebrated with diyas, lanterns and rangolis. It is an occasion to share joy and happiness. This is why we give special gifts to enlighten their lives with love and affection.

Make sure your gift this Diwali makes the person happy - be it your boss, your employee, your colleague, or your family friend. You may wonder if dry fruits, chocolates and sweets are among the only options when it comes to gift-giving on Diwali eve.

Well, it’s time that you try to go beyond those traditional symbols associated with Diwali celebration and do something unconventional, even strike a musical note. Look what the magical musical trio Shankar Ehsaan Loy has come up with this festive season. The three have chosen to get ‘musically’ innovative in their very own way!

The ‘breathless’ singer, Shankar Mahadevan gifted his dear friend and colleague Ehsaan, a Sennheiser HD series headphone. The latter was overjoyed to receive the present For him, this was among the most treasured Diwali gifts. Shankar was quoted as saying, “Music invariably brings a smile to one’s face, so this Diwali we thought of spreading happiness with it!”

Sennheiser’s quality sound equipment offers crystal clear sound level with noise cancellation. Loy also opted for the same gift. Even Ehsaan was to surprise with an unusual gift to his family n friends. “I didn’t want to give something they would expect.” Indeed, a gift gets special when it comes as a pleasant surprise. It’s the perfect gesture and truly serves its purpose!

Spread happiness and smiles with musical gifts instead of just chocolates and sweets, is the message from the musical trio of Shankar Ehsaan Loy this Diwali. Tune in to the real joy of Diwali…

Tags: gifting to clients, corporate gifting for employees, Gifting events, Best business gifts, Business etiquette, Best corporate gifts, Gifting occasions, gifting etiquette, corporate gifts companies, Business Gifting
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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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The recession has left quite a many people without jobs, leaving behind many more insecure about their futures. The smarter ones though, are always thinking long-term going beyond such slumps. They are not worried about ups and downs in life. They want to ensure that they become indispensable in the organizational set-up.

This can be made possible by persistently enhancing your work skills. You constantly need to reinvent yourself. This again is a skill in itself that can be learnt and passed on.

In case you want to offer one of your despondent friends or colleagues a helping hand, you can do so through a host of inspirational and self-help books. Those looking to move on having lost a job will find solace in spiritual and philosophical readings. And the more adventurous ones already thinking beyond jobs, to turn entrepreneurs in their own right, will get the motivation from your timely gift.

Of course, not every one has the confidence and drive to take that radical step, and few indeed can afford going back to B-school. So to feel the breach many advice-providers and authors of how-to business books step in. They tell you how to remain unruffled by the downturn.

We have already checked some titled that might make good gifts in today’s tough times in our recent blog. Here are some more ideas. ‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari’, a self-help fable about an individual who had everything and simply gave it up for the sake of his soul, is right on top of the heap. But what is the current trend? “Now it’s more human-oriented,” Sugata Ghosh, head of commissioning, Sage Publications stated in a recent interview, summed up the business-books market orientation.

So even while Robin Sharma’s boom-time hit retains its popularity, many new and upcoming releases tell a different tale. Jaico has on offer a series of affordable business books. ‘The 60 Second Self-Starter’ is a simple, effective, hands-on guide, which one can use to dismantle obstacles acting as barriers to productivity.

The crucial tip offered: “Keep your frustration level low and your energy level high.” Here’s another one: “Theory of Constraints sermonizes that the goal is making money at present, and for the future! Here, ‘future’ is as important as ‘present’.”

Such words of wisdom sound optimistic as well as practically useful. “People want a feel-good factor, a hope for better times” points out Krishan Chopra, chief editor-publisher of HarperCollins. You can impart that hope by gifting something like this Hachette title: ‘I Will Teach You to Be Rich: No Guilt. No Excuses. No B.S. Just a 6-Week Program that Works’ by Ramit Sethi.

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If hip hop stars are indeed the ultimate in cool, Adidas has got its formula perfectly right with its line of appealing apparel and accessories conceived in association with noted musician Missy Elliot. Termed, Respect M.E. it has all the ‘Elliot’ trademark style, with ravishing rap star bling.

The line is available for sale in Adidas Originals stores globally and in leading Indian cities such as Chandigarh, Bangalore and New Delhi. Tushar Goculdas, director (marketing and sales) Adidas India, has been quoted as saying, “We first launched the Originals lifestyle brand at the 1972 Munich Olympics. It was inspired by the famous sports stars of the time.

“The line happened to catch on so well that shoes and apparel seen on the field in the 1970s are now often seen in movies, music videos, and on celebrities at clubs and many rock shows.” 

Tracking the trend, there seem to be quite a many takers for a curious collaboration between sports and fashion. A peep into the actor Amrita Arora’s wardrobe and one instantly realizes that it is dominated by top brands such as Adidas, Lululemon Athletica, Juicy Couture and Reebok.

Interestingly, she isn’t really a sports enthusiast. In fact, these clothes do not make her appear like one either. It’s rather the ‘sporty chic’ look she prefers. Amrita likes to wear workout tops that go nicely with jeans and heels for those outings with special friends. 

Amrita Arora has been quoted saying in an interview: “They are made for workouts; they hold the body together and also give you a good shape. The actor loves the sporty, colorful apparel from Lululemon Athletica, which is a Canadian brand. At filmi parties and events, she has often been spotted in Juicy Couture tracksuits, even pairing black track pants sometimes with a shirt and boots. According to her, it’s quite comfortable and cool.

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There are many cricket or football fans around who are crazy about sports memorabilia. You may be aware of friends or colleagues who are keen to grab their favorite soccer, basketball or cricket team’s jersey.

They are not averse to spending to buy them up. Needless to say, that the caps, jerseys or trousers that symbolize their connection with say Manchester United or Mumbai Indians is a prized possession for them.

Sales of the host of merchandise related to the various Indian Premier League teams picked up. As IPL fever gripped the country, the merchandise of the IPL teams’ specially targeted at their loyal fans was vigorously marketed. In the UK or the US, the average share of items like monogrammed T-shirts can be very high.

The point to be made: Merchandise is an integral part of soccer or basketball team’s fan base and economic structure. Fans are always keen to buy say a monogrammed David Beckham T-shirt, which is a hot property. IPL merchandise sales were lower though. “It’s a new concept in India and will take time to catch on,” Rajiv Mehta, managing director of Puma was quoted as saying in a Business Standard article.

In fact, according to him, the response this year has been better than expected. Linked to the novelty of this concept is the fact that popular team jerseys – like the highest selling item for any team globally - are priced high for the average cricket fan in India. For example, a KKR jersey cost close to Rs 800 at a Reebok outlet. Similarly, an Adidas’ Delhi Daredevils polo t-shirt costs Rs 1499. A Rajasthan Royals jersey is available for Rs 699 at Puma.

You sure can consider sports memorabilia for gifting. Spot the person’s team or player before you gift one.

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Giving a style statement with cool, crispy quotes in some cool tees are a perfect gift for someone who wants to look uber cool. “I’m surrounded by idiots”; “Get me drunk and enjoy the show”; “50 % single” are some of the whacky n witty one liners on T-shirts fast catching up amongst college-goers and youngsters.

With teen tennis sensation Sania Mirza having already made such tees with catchy one liners her unique style statement, teenagers are too stretching their imagination to get them. Started by two college friends Abhir Khanna and Pranav Kapoor in August last year, Blue Bus Tees are selling like hot cakes.

The demand for their T-shirts is not restricted to the youth alone. Middle-aged men are also ordering them. The duo were working in their family businesses initially, but later decided to start something on their own. Abhir Khanna informed: “”We decided to come up with one liner T-shirts since we realized there were not many in India”.

The brand name, Blue Bus Tees, was a random choice. “While travelling in a BEST bus, we thought of calling it ‘Red Bus Tee’. Since the brand name ‘Red Bus’ was already registered, we named Blue Bus,” reminisced kapoor. ‘Blue Bus Tees’ is a T-shirt selling website, where one can order T-shirt and make payments via credit card, demand draft or cheque.

The reason behind online selling of the T-shirts was to launch business in a cost-effective way. The duo didn’t want to spend on renting a shop space. Their target was the young audience as they surf the internet more.

The witty one liner T-shirts are now going places. The sales are happening from all over India. The duo has marketed them in college festivals like Malhar and Lakshya. Their Poker tees are selling well, too. Next in line are Bollywood tees with crazy one liners like ‘Mere pass maa hai’ and others like Jhakaas, Item number. Prices are Rs 250 onwards.

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Corporate gifting, low cost gifts, business gifting, promotional products

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We pointed out in our previous blog how Sachin Tendulkar was excited at the mention of his favorite gifts. According to him, the greeting cards his kids made for him were very special.

Your child might well have received some interesting gifts on their birthday. But how much you do you spend to conceive a return-gift idea on your child’s birthday? Let us check some interesting birthday return gift ideas.

A child’s birthday party is not only about the candles, musical chairs, cakes etc. It is also about nice return gifts for a child. The off-beat take-home tokens remain an integral part of the birthday celebration. Most children indeed look forward to the goodies. If they do not get any, they are disappointed.

Birthday party planners mention that often parents choose to outsource birthday party. However, but they are keen on doing their own return gifts. Their advice to the parents is avoid deviating from the basic party theme and not to treat return gifts as the least priority on their list or else they will end up getting the wrong things.

Also, spending huge money is not the way. Your gift will stand out if it is unique, and not costly. Think what the child’s friends would like take away and make the birthday party gift a memorable one. You should give back gifts that are related to their interest.

According to professional children’s party organizers, the moment ones gets a child involved in the act of decorating or working out a return gift idea, it becomes more compelling and meaningful. They advise parents to plan some activity leading to a birthday party return gift.

One example is planting and nurturing trees will make children aware of nature.  

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In the previous blog, we discussed ways and means of refusing a gift. If receiving a gift makes you feel slightly uncomfortable or you believe it can cause some damage to an important business relationship, it is correct to refuse the gift, but in an appropriate manner. Here are some more common etiquettes of gifting – both while giving and receiving:
 
First of all, do not ever think of recycling a gift that you have received, at least, within the same circle of friends or else you will be caught. (Remember, that TV commercial of the same gift changing hands, doing rounds of different homes, and ultimately landing with the first person who had gifted it, to start with. On other hand, if you receive something that you know is not original, try not to look dejected or disappointed. Accept it with a smile on your face and set your mind to it.

If you want to return the gift, do so without opening it, if possible. Avoid the temptation of what the ‘generous’ giver has opted to gift. This gives the person the option of recycling the gift. In fact, it always makes sense to check your office policy on accepting any kind of gift from clients.

Though it might just be a small gift, if your company’s policy says that accepting any gift from the clients is not appropriate, it should be returned. If a gift from one of your business associates looks like a favor, it should be returned.

In certain cases, a giver might refuse to take the gift back. In such a case, do not make a coworker or a client feel embarrassed about giving. Keep a formal record of your correspondence, if any. Make sure you’ve notified the senior person in your office about the chain of events.

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On April Fool’s Day you may give or receive a gift wrap that is empty. It’s a real fun occasion for those with a sense of humor and a touch of creativity. Even the news media and celebrities get involved in the April Fool’s Day celebrations.

One curious gift you can give is the bath/ shower gel for spreading optimism. These so-called Aroma therapeutic bubble baths/ shower gels make a perfect idiot’s gift! Doesn’t it seem tantalizingly true for the receiver? It will address, you can claim, that the person will be cured of his or her daily frustrations and stress.

You can recommend or gift a series of gels - each taking care of a specific problem like stress and even break-up hangover, etc. You can manage to weave a funny tale, to help boost the psyche of the person, and ultimately bust it as well!

Stupid though may be, such gifts will perfectly go with the spirit of this day. You can find many of them, if you wish to fool your friends, and colleagues. It is also interesting to know how people world over indulge in the April Fool’s fun.

The day has developed into a fun fest, with different nationalities trying out their own brand of humor. In Scotland, April Fool’s is celebrated for two days. The second day - called Taily Day - is devoted to pranks involving the posterior region of the body. Mexico’s counterpart of this day is observed on December 28. involving pranks and trickery.

In France, it is called ‘April Fish’ (Poisson d’Avril). The French fool their friends by taping a paper fish to their friends’ backs and when some happen to discover this trick; they yell ‘Poisson d’Avril!’  In England, tricks can be played only in the morning. If a trick is played on you, you are a ‘noodle’.

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Practical jokes are a fun tradition to celebrate the spirit of April Fool’s Day also known as All Fools’ Day.

Some times, practical jokes are played out on office colleagues, friends or relatives on this day so you need to watch for such pranks the entire day. But keep in mind that this occasion is for-fun-only so you should not feel offended and take the whole thing the right spirit. We suggest some deceiving ‘gift’ ideas for this day in keeping with its mood and spirit.

‘Shocking’ Pen or pain
A perfect gift for the mischievous office prankster! This one is among the most shocking gifts that will, literally be a ‘pain’ for the receiver!!! Try it out and you’ll see it for yourself. Keep it on the person’s desk in such a way that he or she would be tempted to pick it, and you can enjoy the wacky, wicked feeling of revenge!

Faces on ‘Adam & Eve’ and other famous masterpieces
Imagine your friend’s photograph gets transformed onto, Adam & Eve or any other immortal character! You can opt for any masterpiece to get the person’s snap merged into it to customize the frame. You can get an artwork done on the Web! You may add a human figure or a pet in the background object of your choice in the artwork. Make it off-beat or wacky, of course, at your own risk.

SIGN & SEAL’ magnetic set
Add a touch of whimsy to your friend’s boring desk with this pen-holding pinniped. Just give it a whirl!

Pop Art Toaster
Why not let your friend kick start the day with a unique kitchen gadget. We are talking about this accessory that will ‘toast’ fun images into the bread!

These will make perfect gifts for the All Fools’ Day. You can think of more such ideas using your creativity and imagination.

Tags: corporate gifts companies, Popular corporate gifts, Business Gifting
Corporate gifting, Business etiquette, promotional gifts, business gifting, low cost gifts, Corporate gifting, promotional products, corporate gifting for employees

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