Is There a "Perfect" Gift?

Everyone’s been there: a birthday or a holiday sneaks up on you, and before you know it, it’s present time. There’s nothing like gift giving to test your familiarity and comfort level in a relationship. Even in long-running partnerships, choosing the perfect gift can be a trial. But during a new connection, being on the giving end can be an especially daunting task: Will they like it? Will it be personal enough? Does the gift make a statement?

Corporate giving is no exception. Being responsible to find the company gift can be somewhat daunting. Many of my clients have expressed the need to choose a gift that will make “everyone” happy. To make “everyone” happy is a goal that is so extremely high, in my opinion and experience, it is unobtainable. My suggestion is to choose a gift that “most” people will like.

A Tall Order

A few years ago I was working with a client who needed a holiday gift. She had the mindset of finding the “perfect gift for every employee”. She had decided that the employees gift should be used at home and should appeal to both males and females. OK, so that’s not so difficult is it? The following suggestions were presented to her and also included were her objections:

Barbeque utensils gift box – “Some employees don’t own a BBQ”

Car trunk organizer –“Some employees don’t own a car”

USB flash drive – “Some employees don’t own a computer”

Emergency flashlight clock/radio – “too safety oriented”

I’m sure you can see how difficult it became to navigate my client toward the “perfect” gift. After careful consideration, she chose a holiday CD and quickly found out that, believe it or not…. Some of her employees did not have a CD player!

Being Choosy

Though gifting is supposed to be a selfless act, in the promotional products world, it should also serve a purpose. Where would you like the gift to be used, home or office? Would you prefer a long lasting gift or a consumable? How obvious do you want the logo, bold and high contrast or subtle and tasteful? What is the budget for the project? How would you like the gift presented, in a plain box with logo ribbon or in a festive gift bag? These are some of the many thoughts that go into choosing a gift.

After all it is the thought that counts….. wouldn't you agree?

Please share with me.....What has been your favorite company gift, or the one that fell flat?



For a gift consultation please call me at 858-565-2963 or email lorraine@RAINpromos.com.

Cozy and Warm Holiday Gifts

Although the Holiday Season is upon us, there is still time for those last minute decisions to show your appreciation to customers and employees.

Tips on the art of business gift giving suggest three things:
· · Pick a gift that is meaningful and functional
· · Pick a gift that exudes quality
· · Pick a gift that will fit with virtually any home

A Kanata blanket is an excellent choice. A gift that will be used and enjoyed – who doesn’t want to snuggle with a loved one? And every home needs a blanket!

Take a look at the ideas below – a selection of styles, colors and prices to fit every budget.

Studio Throw
Priced from $ 22.80 (A) to $ 16.42 (C)
Woven throw with cashmere-like softness and a subtle herringbone design. Size 51” x 75”.
Available in Asparagus, Soft Cream, Venetian Red, Sienna Brown and Tuxedo Black.


Ultra Lambswool
Priced from $ 42.70 (A) to $ 30.75 (C)
The latest edition to the Kanata fabrics, this is one of the softest blankets you will ever touch. Made from premium loft yarn for an exceptionally warm and cozy throw. Size 50” x 60”.
Available in Ivory and Navy.


European Loft Throw
Priced from $ 57.80 (A) to $ 41.67 (C)
Perfect for year round use, this stylish throw has a delicate basket-weave design for warmth and extra softness. Size 50” x 66”.
Available in Chocolate and Oyster.
Package in our gift box with ribbon. Two sizes available to fit most Kanata blankets.

NEED MORE IDEAS? – please call Lorraine at 858-565-2963 or email Lorraine@RAINpromos.com

People, Planet, Profit

Recently I attended a Meeting Professionals International (MPI) seminar regarding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). What exactly is CSR? How is it defined and is it measured? How does it impact the meetings industry? Is CSR a fleeting trend or is it here to stay?

Here is the definition as provided by MPI:

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the recognition that an organization is inextricably intertwined with society and the earth and must take responsibility for its actions in regard to the ”Triple bottom line" of people, planet, and profit. Not only do responsible approaches help build brand and reputation, they help strengthen the community and therefore the marketplace. A solid strategic plan, embedded into the business culture, which recognizes the importance of CSR will help to build a sustainable and profitable future for all.

I work with many meeting professionals and enjoyed learning about CSR from a meeting manager’s point of view. Currently meeting professionals include environmentally friendly requirements in their RFP’s to venues and vendors. These requirements include items and services such as, mandatory recycling, meals and refreshments with washable and reusable plates; forks; napkins; nothing disposable, including no bottled water. Also included is purchasing and interacting locally, donating excess to local shelters, serving local foods and purchasing locally produced promotional gifts.

Imagine traveling all the way to beautiful and sunny San Diego and receiving a promotional gift made in China? Instead rather, how about a bottle of wine from a local winery, truffles from a local chocolatier or art from a talented San Diego artist. Locally and globally, it makes more sense.

For more information about locally made corporate gifts, please e-mail me at Lorraine@RAINpromos.com
RAINpromos.com

Business Gifts With Gratitude

Did You Know?

With the current state of the economy many employers are cutting back on holiday gifts this year for clients and employees. Don't worry though; many clients and employees don't count on receiving gifts, so any gift is a nice surprise. Many clients and employees are not concerned about the dollar value of the gifts they receive, instead they like to see the thought that went into them.

Christmas or Thanksgiving?

When is the best time to recognize your clients and employees with a holiday gift? The majority of holiday gifting occurs in mid to late December. It is quite routine and sometimes expected. Because of the volume of gifting during the Christmas season, it is much more challenging to choose a gift that will stand out and be appreciated by the recipient.

Consider the benefits of gifting at Thanksgiving time. Mid November is perfect time for holiday gift giving. The gifts are received early in the holiday season when stress levels are lower. The Thanksgiving holiday is about gratitude and being grateful for the abundance in your life and business. Your clients and employees have a great deal to do with your success. Showing your gratitude with a thoughtful and creative gift is always appreciated.

Mail a Thanksgiving card and Holiday CD with a special note of thanks that will get you noticed insures your greeting card arrives first and adds “Thank You” to season’s greetings. This is a special gift that will last throughout the holiday season and for years to come.

Why Not Now?

I’m Guilty. Every morning I wake up and think “today I should start my blog”.


I have wanted to start one for at least the past few months. I have been procrastinating.


What will I write about? How often should I write? Who will read it? Where will I find the time to write? These questions are all the building blocks of procrastination. They are insecurities and fears that I have allowed to stop me before I even got started.


Did I really need these questions answered before starting? No, definitely not.
So this morning in the predawn hours, I decided “why not now”.


I used to say “Procrastination is the cornerstone of flexibility” and used that quip as a comical excuse for my delayed accomplishments.

How about those infamous words of Miss Scarlett O'Hara "Oh fiddle dee dee, I won't think about that today, I'll think about that tomorrow."

Recently I read this memorable quote, "Insecurity causes procrastination, and that leads to indecision. Procrastination is the art of living in your yesterdays, avoiding your todays, and ruining your tomorrows." By John Hopkins


What is your favorite procrastination quote?


What are the one or two items that you just can’t seem to get checked off your to do list on a regular basis. Are you prioritizing tasks or are you procrastinating? How can you tell the difference? How is procrastination affecting your personal or professional relationships; your career goals; your life?


When will you wake up and decide…. “Why not now”?