Saying thank you to customers and employees is a significant part of every business's marketing plan.  A smart business person knows that whether your sales are on target or not, appreciating those who are critical to your success must not go away.  The holidays are a common time for appreciation and new trends for corporate holiday gifts are continually surfacing. Giving gifts of thanks doesn't have to break your budget.  A thoughtful, useful gift, regardless of the cost, will go a long way with your employees and customers.  Below are some ideas on how to maximize your budget and your brand at holiday gift time.

•    Say Cheers with a wine accessory - Wine is a classic gift that can hit a number of price points.  Pairing a bottle of wine with a logoed item will ensure that your brand is remembered long after the wine is enjoyed.  Wine openers and wine carriers are a great pairing, but the newest trend in wine gifts is laser engraved stemless wine glasses.  Give them on their own or pair them with your favorite bottle.  There are many options in wine accessories starting under $1. Send these to customers or use them as a takeaway from a holiday appreciation event.

•    Make your gift card pop with packaging - If gift cards are the route you are looking to take, make sure to get creative with logoed packaging.  For an inexpensive option, try inserting it into a luggage tag or business card holder.  If you are looking to make a bigger statement, try tucking it into a passport wallet or padfolio. Pairing a gift card with a promotional item helps increase the value and thoughtfulness of the gift.

•    Jump on the tech craze - Technology and electronic items make great appreciation gifts.  Digital photo frames and computer speakers are hot, but they can be a bit pricey.  If you want something a little less expensive with the same impact, consider a Smartphone, iPad, or iPod accessory.  Skins, covers and cases come in multiple colors, make a big impression and are easy on the wallet.

•    Encourage comfort with a blanket - Any time you can bring your logo into someone's home, your brand recall rate skyrockets.  Blankets are a perfect universal gift to get you into the home.  With classic embroidery and colors and styles at many price points, there is sure to be one that will highlight your brand perfectly.

•    Bring back memories with a photo frame - A photo frame has many uses as a gift.  Insert an invitation to your holiday party, create a fun thank you insert, or include a photo from a recent event.  You can get creative with ideas for using a photo frame as a gift for customers or employees.  Be sure to find a frame that fits the style of your company and accentuates your brand.

Whatever you decide to do for your holiday gifts, make sure to include a logoed item to keep your business name top of mind with your most valuable assets, your customers and employees.  For a great selection of corporate holiday ideas, visit Best Promotions holiday section.  http://www.bestpromotions.com/products/browsecategory/306/

The economic climate of 2009 is forcing managers to re-think their holiday gift decisions. It's important to recognize your key employees and customers, but how can you do it without breaking the bank? Here are a few ideas for seasonal steals that will help you do your holiday shopping and still be able to take your long winter's nap.

If these items don't fit your gift list, just give us a call and we can find something that will. And don't worry if you wait until the last minute; we can arrange for rush production, many times at no additional charge. So let us be your business-shopping elves and help; our workshop is busy, but we love this time of year!

Frost Star Bookmark: This silver holiday bookmark features a decorative star design with a festive red tassel. Show your customers and/or employees appreciation this winter season with an elegant gift at a very low price. The bookmark includes a gift sleeve with star design. Pricing includes a one-color custom imprint; the one on the picture is silver, but you can pick your own logo color. Priced as low as $1.92.

Analog Desk Clock: Give your logo prominence every day on the desk of everyone on your list. This item comes packaged in a gift box, which adds a nice finished touch and makes holiday gift-wrapping easy. Pricing includes a one-color custom imprint. Priced as low as $2.32.

12 oz. Spooner Coffee Mug: This unique mug will catch everyone's eye! Perfect for a holiday gift that will be used all year round. This mug is available in eight colors so jazz it up with your organization's corporate identity. Pricing includes a one color custom imprint. Priced as low as $1.82.

Wide Bottom Leisure Tote: Reusable totes are still a hot item! And wide bottoms are a good thing in totes! What a great way to have your logo seen all around town. Your customers/ and or employees will enjoy the versatility this bag offers. Pricing includes a one-color custom imprint. Priced as low as $2.93.

TIP: When selecting a holiday gift, look for one that will be used all year long to extend the promotional value.

• 12oz. Spooner Mug: This coffee mug has a cool extra feature - the handle has a slot sized just right for holding a spoon. A coordinating white spoon is even included!
• Promotional 60" Golf Umbrella: Just like our mail carriers, teachers have to go to work even in the rain and snow. This generously sized golf umbrella will keep them and their supplies dry.
• Top Selling Camp Chair: Encourage the teacher in your life to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the park in this comfy camp chair.
  

• Multi-Function Backpack Tote: This interchangeable bag can function either as a tote bag or backpack - it's like two gifts in one!
• Pacific Trail Cooler: Every nurse needs a nice insulated cooler for carrying their lunch or dinner to work.
• Jewel Collection Colored Beach Towel: Sometimes a nurse's work is no day at the beach…that's why they deserve a day at the beach under the sun on this plush terry velour towel.
  

1. Balmain Orleans Twist Braided Stainless Steel Pen: With its unique design, the Balmain Orleans is a standout from other high-end executive pens.
2. Excel Canvas Meeting Tote: This tote bag has a professional look, making it just right for corporate gift giving. Its durable construction means that your marketing dollars will pay dividends as the recipient enjoys their bag for years to come.
3. Best Stainless Travel Mug: This sleek and classy stainless steel mug comes complete with an attractive black gift box.
4. Dimensions Writing Pad: This padfolio has a hip, modern shape. It's designed to keep you organized and in style!
5. Icon Glacier Tumbler: Go colorful with your travel mug! The Icon Glacier Tumbler combines stainless steel with durable plastic for an eye-catching look.
   

1. Create some special sales literature, such as brochures and a sharp PowerPoint presentation, and load it onto the Foldout USB Flash Drive 1G before you give it to your client.
2. Before you present your customer with a brand new Slimline MP3 player, load it up with some classic tunes or include a gift card for an online music download store.
3. The USB flash drive on our 3-in-1 Flash Drive Presentation Tool V.2.0 256MB can store any type of file. Get creative and preload it with some pictures, sales materials and a quick note of appreciation.
4. Create a short video especially for your client to say thank you and mention your top products or services. Save it to the Deluxe 7" Digital Photo Frame for them to view and enjoy.

1. Useful: This is one promo product that will never end up in the bottom of a junk drawer. In our technology-driven lives, a flash drive is something we can use on a daily basis.
2. Portable: A promotional USB flash drive can fit in your pocket, and it's easily carried along in a briefcase or purse. The Foldout USB Flash Drive 1G, for example, is shorter than a key, making it the right size for a keychain. Its portability increases the chances it will be used frequently…and increases the number of people who will see your logo.
3. Universal appeal: Anyone who uses a computer has a need for a flash drive. Its appeal is not limited by age, gender or occupation. The Foldout USB Flash Drive 128MB comes in three different colors, so you can pick the one that complements your logo.
4. Lasting impression: Promotional USB flash drives are cool little high-tech gadgets. Promotional products with a high perceived value are the most effective and speak to the success of your business. For an extra sophisticated look, check out a product like the Foldout USB Flash Drive 512MB, which has a steel cover that can be laser engraved.
   

Business owners have personal lives, too: Holidays are a time to focus on friends, family and all your loved ones. Don't miss out on the festivities because you have to take time out to order corporate gifts. The Best Value 60 Golf Umbrella is a can't-miss that never goes out of style, so you can order early with confidence that it will still be a hit come December.

So what are you waiting for? Place your corporate gift orders today to save time and money!