On top of your own holiday giving, say thank you to local charities with promotional pens and pencils. These groups work tirelessly throughout the year, and especially during November and December. Promotional items allow you to show you care in a unique way.

The idea is a simple one. Order promotional pens and/or pencils in festival colors, imprint them with a holiday message, and attach a candy cane - there you go! It's an affordable token of appreciation, and delivering them in person establishes that person-to-person contact that's so crucial in developing long-term relationships.

The #1 Selling Bic Round Stic is absolutely perfect for this project. They're priced at less than a quarter a piece, and they come in virtually every color combination under the sun.

If a more upscale pen or pencil is in your budget, look to the #1 Pen Deal on the web (it's buy one, get one free!) or the Bic Pro Select Office Series Mechanical Pencil. (pictured below) Both are a handsome stainless steel color, and write and feel as smooth as the top premium pens on the market. These high-end writing instruments will give a little added boost to your message of appreciation.