It’s hard to believe, but the gift-giving season is already upon us! And as an employer, the choices that follow can feel endless and impossible.
- Should you celebrate specific holidays?
- Do you give every employee a gift—or only your best customers?
- How do you respect religious obligations during this time?
- Which local nonprofits do I support this year?
While there are a few questions only you and your employees can answer, we do know that this season is the perfect time of year to recognize your employees for all their hard work. As a business, you should also consider giving gifts to your clients/customers and local nonprofits. Giving physical gifts affirm bonds between individuals. It can enhance current relationships, let new relationships blossom, and encourage growth.
Luckily, there are gift options available that tick off a few end-of-year business goals:
- Recognize your employees
- Donate to nonprofits
- Give gifts to more clientele
Today, we’re going to outline some of these options. But if you don’t see an option that resonates with you or your company, there are custom gift ideas as well. Like this one!
Why give gift kits?
It may seem like more work than necessary for your employees, best customers or your favorite nonprofits, but the reality of giving gift kits couldn’t be farther from the truth. Here are a few reasons we recommend gift kits before anything else—especially in the holiday season.
1. They make gift-giving easy
Gift kits make gift-giving more effortless than ever. The hassle of going store to store is finally over. A well thought out gift kit is already packaged together for you.
2. Valued more than a single gift
Holiday shopping takes not only time but thoughtful effort, too. And for many of us, that effort takes our attention away from essential tasks, like running our business. No employee, customer or nonprofit wants a thoughtless last minute keychain or extra mouse pad you had extras of laying around the office. Pre-made gift kits are a quick and efficient way to save you time while still showing you care.
3. You don’t risk giving the wrong gift
Think about all of the gifts you’ve gotten in the past. While you’ve undoubtedly received some standout winners, you likely also remember some of the worst gifts you’ve gotten, too. They say, “It’s the thought that counts!” but if you get the wrong gift for an employee or client, you can leave the receiver feeling unappreciated. Don’t risk it.
Three winning gift ideas
Now that we’ve made our case for giving gift kits this year, we can dig into what kind of “kits” are sure winners.
There are many read-to-go gift kits, that will suit a wide range of audiences. Not because they’re full of boring gifts that anybody might like, but because, to the right person, these gifts will encompass their personality in all the right ways. And if not… don’t worry, there is always custom options!
Here are a few ready-to-go gift kits that come to mind for some of Anchorage’s well known nonprofits!
Self-Care Tea Set
Let’s be honest: we could all use a little more self-care. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, The Alaska Run for Women inspired us to select this self-care tea gift set. A cup of tea throughout chemo treatments could bring comfort during a trying time to anyone you may know experiencing cancer as a patient or a supporting family member. Paired with a mug, soy candle, and a coloring set; this kit will help you take a deep breath to enjoy what is good in life.
Rest and Relaxation Kit
After a year like 2020, rest and relaxation are at the forefront of every employee’s mind. This time of year is great for showing that it’s on your mind, too, with this rest and relaxation kit inspired by United Way of Anchorage. Their efforts improve the health, education and financial stability of everyone in our community. Those working for and with United Way of Anchorage could use some well deserves rest and relaxation. This kit is encompassed in a jute tote bag and includes: a star shape massager, a small round gel hot/cold pack, an ear plugs & eye mask set, a travel neck pillow, a lip moisturizer ball, and a relaxing adult coloring book paired with a 12-piece colored pencil set that has a sharpener.
Game Set
In the current climate we are in, kids need constant socialization to encourage healthy relationships and improved mental/emotional health. This game set inspired by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska puts, one-on-one mentorship in reach for thousands of young Alaskans; they know the power of play. This single box allows you to play cards, dice, chess, checkers, dominoes, or cribbage. Why give the gift of one game when you can give the gift many!
Final gift giving tips
Remember: The gift giving season is not just about specific holidays. Some individuals may not celebrate those specific gift-giving holidays.
As Alaskans, we often find ourselves having a harder time in the changing seasons than those in the the lower 48. The shift of sunlight to darkness, can be difficult for everyone. The gift giving season can help boost the spirts of those receiving the gifts during our “not so sunny” days ahead. A well thought out gift is another way to show you care.
Feel free to reach out to us directly if you’re interested in giving a gift this year; we can find the best-fit gifts for anybody you’re thinking about.