Even in the season of lean corporate spending, the importance of corporate gifting has by no means diminished. Corporate gifting is vital for the purpose of reviving and reinforcing crucial business contacts!

If ever there is a great need than ever for a business to reinforce ties with their most valued and prestigious customers, business associates and partners, it is now!  The consolidation phase of a business can perhaps be the best opportunity to appreciate the association with them.

Top businesses also understand the importance of sticking to employees who provide excellent service and bring value to them. Presenting a gift will only enhance ties with them. This is the perfect time for a meaningful corporate activity. The times are challenging, but such challenges call for dramatic measures.

 With the prospect of slackening demand owing to the recession, you may not like to give rich lifestyle and luxury gifts like jewelry. But silverware, and other exclusive gifts will do the trick when it comes to building the bonds with corporate clients.It is necessary to follow the latest trends in the world of corporate gift. Now, professionals do not relish regular, ubiquitous gifts.

Tuned to the changing times, look to experiment and come up with innovative ideas. Personalization is a vital factor in gifting to select top-level executives, and even your employees. Generic promotional items are passé because people are trying to get be more personal with things. It is often seen as ‘unfashionable’ to be extravagant with gifts today, especially in international context.

The other key point that the marketing experts emphasis on is doing something nobody else is doing or hasn’t thought of doing thus far. This will provide you an entry point to establish your brand in the market.

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An exciting festive season that will extend to Christmas right into the new year has set upon us. The shopping frenzy reaches its crescendo during this period.

Shopping for corporate gifts invariably reaches its peak as marketers try everything possible to woo customers with some unbelievable offers and great discounts. Many of the special offers are available online for tech-savvy buyers.

While online shopping is easy, simple and fast; one must take care of certain things. We have listed some of them for you below:

First and foremost, make sure that you buy gifts only from websites you know are reputed. Ensure you use a credit card to purchase a gift. In case, you do not receive the ordered purchase from the website you ordered, you can apply for a charge back with your credit card company.

Next, do not forget to take a printout of the receipt for the purchase made. Retain it with you till the transaction is complete. Make sure you inspect the item when you receive it.

If the item is not up to the mark, get back to the online merchants website or contact them by telephone and let them know your concern or even ask for a refund or a replacement.

As the rupee is appreciating against dollar, many people are shopping high value products online from international sites. Electronic and consumer items such as iPod’s, mobile phones, digicams, laptops, desktops, pen drives come cheap in dollar that is still falling.

Amongst other sought after items bought for corporate gifting purposes are idols of gods and goddesses, sweets, clothes, jewelry, diamonds and flowers. There are a host of corporate items available online to choose from for gifting purposes.

Make it a point to select a utility item instead of just a luxury gift with high face value but little functionality quotient.

Tags: gifting etiquette, Corporate gifting India, low cost gifts, business gifting, Business Gifting
Corporate gifting, Gifting events, corporate gifts companies, Business etiquette, promotional products, Worst gifts

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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…

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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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Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated all over India and around the globe where NRIs are settled in larger numbers. Diwali, also known as ‘Deepawali’, originates from the word ‘deep’ meaning the light from a row of tiny diyas in order to brighten the lives of each and every one as well as to spread positivity around. In essence, Diwali is celebrated to spread the light of love and hope.

To add value to your gift giving ritual, The Mint publication unveiled more than hundred enterprising ideas. It carried a special edition of the Lounge section devoted entirely to the tradition of gift giving in Diwali.

A series of special features covered a whole gamut of ideas - from environment-friendly products and almost-free gift ideas to splurge-worthy goodie. The idea was to find festive bounty for every budget.

The introductory essay noted: “No matter how lean the year, this is not the time to scrimp. In fact, it’s the season for some serious retail therapy. That’s why we went shopping for some beautiful goodies. There’re price tags suitable for every pocket.”

They made a conscious effort to steer clear of the diyas and candles. Their list covered the whole gamut of items from nice eco-friendly products and jewelry to beautiful handicrafts and fabulous almost-free gifting ideas.

Enlarging the spirit of gifting and giving, the Lounge team noted: “We also believe Diwali is not merely about exchanging gifts. It’s also a time to share our good fortune with those who may not perhaps have as much. Hence they also covered various ideas on giving gifts that have the power to change lives.

The Mint accumulated for readers to gift your near and dear ones to bring smiles on their faces. Click on the link below to check about enterprising gift ideas:

http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/09203732/104-ideas-to-be-everyone8217.html#

Tags: corporate gifting for employees, Corporate gifting India, corporate gifts companies, gifting india, business gift baskets, Gifting occasions, gifting etiquette, Worst gifts, low cost gifts, promotional gifts

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It’s the ultimate festive time of the year when the wealthy and even the not-so-privileged open their purse. Diwali nights are lit up by Cartier blinkers and the air is filled with swish of satin fills. Elaborate card sessions, dazzling diyas, and crackers are the flavor of the season.

The party circuit perks up irrespective of economic conditions and recession. Every host wants to exude splendor. The venue resembles literally ‘mini-wedding’ scene. The food is served on shiny silver plates, and the gifts are hand-painted for that personalized touch. Invites with glittering gold-embossed logos are sent with beautiful boxes of choco-truffles. The guests are treated to an era and aura of royalty.

From designer kaftans to gazebos by the poolside, the pomp and extravagance reaches its crescendo. A touch of flamboyance is evident in everything in Diwali from designer playing cards to handcrafted boxes filled with pearl chocolates and edible diamond. This is the occasion when everybody who matters tries to ‘make a statement’. Baskets of imported Belgium chocolates, rare honey, gourmet snacks, and oysters for gifts are imported. The jazzier the offering, the better…

In gifting, giving and partying during Diwali, signature style is considered important as it is expected to reflect one’s personality. Those with exquisite taste and money in their pockets do things in a real classy way. There are Diwali melas that offer unusual stuff including Baklavas and Swarovski-studded candles.

Amidst all the ostentatious display and pomp, there are few who harp on tradition with old world décor and authentic Indian cuisine. For them celebrating Diwali is about reviving the spirit of Indian-ness. The hosts hence try to keep everything from the food and flowers to gifts traditional. On the other hand, glitzy glitterati gifts could comprise anything from a custom-made Louis Vuitton bag to a Cartier watch.

Have money, will spend, is the mantra this Diwali!

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Salman and Aamir, the two Khan, have been generous to Kareena Kapoor. First about Aamir,..Kareena Kapoor always had a desire to do a movie with Aamir Khan. When it happened finally with Rajkumar Hirani’s production 3 Idiots, her joy knew no bounds. She though had never wanted to forgo her birthday bash not once but twice!

During Kareena’s last birthday, the 3 Idiots unit was doing a shoot in Ladakh. Bebo was very much part of it. And this year, around the same time, the final schedule of the movie was all set to start. Kareena’s birthday was just round the corner. Being a hardcore professional, not even once did she raise a hue and cry over it. In fact, it was the glamour media that made all the noise. This time, though the starlet was to receive a pleasant surprise.

Aamir himself stepped in and presented Kareena with a lovely birthday ‘gift’ – a break. If reports are to be believed, the actor personally requested Rajkumar Hirani to postpone the shoot so that Bebo was able to enjoy her birthday celebrations with her loved ones (No prizes to guess, who.)

Summing up the gesture, a news report stated: “Kareena couldn’t have probably received a better gift than the one Aamir gave her this year on her birthday.”

Salman Khan was even more generous; he gifted Kareena a Dolce & Gabbana bag (hold your breath) worth Rs 2.5 lakh, while the two were shooting in Australia for ‘Main Aur Mrs Khanna’.

A source was quoted as saying, “Salman accompanied Kareena on shopping one evening. She loved a Dolce & Gabbana handbag. When she was to pay up for it, she was told that it was already paid for. Salman had paid for it…”

Tags: Corporate gifting India, promotional gifts, gifting to clients, gifting etiquette, low cost gifts, , Gifting occasions, Best business gifts, Cheap corporate gifts, Corporate gifting

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For an added personalized touch to make your gift truly innovative and indeed unique, we suggest you one of its kind avenue! Gifted Lifestyles offers you a selection of mouth watering chocolates, jewelry or flowers to enhance the aura of your present.

Also on offer are wonderful wrapping services to enhance the beauty of your gift. Personal consultation is another value-add to the gifting service. Tarana Khubchandani, Kanchan Khubchandani, Armaiti Bhagwagar and Rashna Talati launched Gifted Lifestyles with the very purpose.

They all have combined their passion and professional skills in conceiving Gifted Lifestyles in November 2007. It’s a full-fledged boutique that has on offer a wide array of charming gifts that can be perfect for every occasion – social or personal.

Their collection of gifting items has been an outcome of proactive search and in-depth research done over two years after traveling to a host of fairs and events apart from visits to internationally acclaimed markets of Paris, Hong Kong, Florence, Barcelona, Dubai Milan, etc that has gave rise to this fabulous range of gifts.

Gifted Lifestyles is indeed a treasure trove of exciting gifts like mahogany desk boxes, silk mannequins, filigree lamps, golden fortune cookies and hand embroidered lap trays. What you get on the shelves of this cozy, captivating store is a range of exclusive home décor products and amazing accessories, as well as personal luxury items plus a distinctive display for men.

Another admirable aspect is the constant revamp of the extensive merchandise on offer to suit the different moods and seasons like Diwali and Christmas. The creative team gives inputs to come up with gift hampers, to match any occasion.

If you are searching for a unique gift that would suit your budget and also reflect the recipient’s personality and tastes, Gifted Lifestyles is your best option.

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As the festive season begins with Ganesh Chaturthi in the months of August-September each year, it his a crescendo in the next couple of months with popular festive occasions like Navratri, Diwali and Christmas.

The mood of celebration and joy lasts well up to December and extends right into the new year. This is the time for corporate entities to uplift the spirit of their employees and celebrate the festive season by involving them in all the glitter and glamour.

The festive season essentially marks as a perfect to increasing the relationship and the bonding with your employees. Most corporations take this opportunity to spread goodwill. Many of them come up with different incentives to strengthen the bond with their employees.

The ideas include a festive bonus for Diwali and New Year or even a performance linked bonus. The latter may be in cash or kind i.e. a corporate gift, or even both. Business houses looking to retain their efficient employees and reduce their attrition rates, come up with attractive ideas to encourage them.

Such schemes that boost the team spirit help increase their productivity market and ultimately the company’s core value as a brand. Many corporate entities use the festive season to achieve the same. The top managements realize the importance of this and even opt to celebrate the festivals in-house with their employees.

The best way to seek their participation in such festivities is to present them with apt corporate gifts. No surprise, many of them make plans to order gifts on a large scale for their employees well before the festive season.

This exactly is the reason why Giftex show is held every year in the months of August-September. For those keen on sourcing the best corporate gifting options, Giftex 2009 provided the perfect opportunity.

If you have missed out on the event, there is no need to worry. The site will act as a perfect touch point to access the best from the corporate gifting industry. 

Tags: business gifting, Gifting events, low cost gifts, business gift baskets, corporate gifts companies, gifting etiquette, gifting to clients, Best business gifts, Cheap corporate gifts, promotional products

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This year the Ganesh festival celebrations have been clouded by a spate of calamities and crises including swine flu, drought and prolonged economic recession. People are a bit nervous and weary.

Corporate entities can use this auspicious occasion as an opportunity to revive the spirit of their employees. This is the time to wish for peace and prosperity to your near and dear ones as well as your business associates/colleagues.
Corporate gifting helps build business relations.

It’s one way of not only pleasing your key clients, employees and partners but also reminding them that you wish to enjoy the true spirit of the festival with them. It is a good idea to send warm wishes to everyone including suppliers, manufacturers etc.

Variety of gifts can be sent on this occasion. For example, you may send religious greeting cards, Ganesha key chains, small statues and sweet boxes. A gift need not be enormous or fancy.

To capture the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi, invariably all leading mobile service providers come up with a bouquet of interesting Ganesha offerings for their subscribers. The packs include wonderful wallpapers, animations, ring tones and video clips.

One can download popular ring tones such as Shendur Lal Chadhayo, Sukhakarta Dukhaharta, Sukhakarta Dukhaharta, Jai Ganesh Deva and Morya Re Bappa. You can gift ring tones like Sohum Dhyaan, Hum Gaaye Guru, Mere Gannayak and Dukhharta Banke Sukhkarta to a Ganesha devotee. There can be no better way of celebrating the festival and spreading its joy around.

A gift that expresses genuine feelings can work wonders. So don’t miss this opportunity to spread goodwill on this occasion. Do let us know on what you have gifted. Did you send a greeting card, box of sweets or did you come up with something like a Ganesha fridge magnets, CD’s or mouse pads?

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