Creative, Inexpensive, and BIG Value Marketing Gift Ideas

"Tis the season to be jolly!" A great attitude is easy to
have when you design your gifts with a lot of thought and
don't allow the experience take you to the cleaners.

One of the traditions I like at this time of year is
remembering all the people that were there for me this past
year. Especially those that didn't receive anything in
return for it -- in the smallest or largest way.

Meaningful gift giving does not have to be expensive. In
fact, some of the most precious gifts are the ones that cost
very little, but mean a great deal because of the time and
effort it took to select, or create, and mail.

Here are eight ideas I have used over the last few years.
You can use these as Christmas gifts; add them to your
"leave-behind" marketing package, a referral thank you, or
"thanks for helping me" gift.

It does make a difference if your logo or advertising
information is on the gift. It does affect the perceived
value on their part and can make a difference in your
relationship. Make the choice to add your information or
leave it off with their perception in mind. Remember,
marketing is all perception and not product or service.

1. Purchase discontinued note card sets from Hallmark and
other card shops during the year. If you call and ask your
nearest store as to the time of year when they discount
"previous season" items, they will gladly tell you. You can
save from 50% to 75% on these items.

2. Create a logo candy jar. You can purchase candy jars
with different seasonal markings. Then create a stencil
with your company logo or web site address (I prefer the web
site address). You can buy the stencil supplies and the
empty candy jars at your local craft store like MJ Design,
Michaels, or online. They sometimes have the mailing boxes
to match. Add a bow with your business card. Keep the jar
nice so they want to keep it out in the open for that
season. Jars for the Easter season are great with the
miniature eggs in them and are not likely to get completing
jars from other suppliers. After dinner mints are great for
the contents. If you return frequently, bring a refill with
you.

3. Give a business journal. Borders and Barnes and Noble
have all sorts of sizes and designs. For business journals
or marketing journals, I usually buy the 8 ½ x 11 size
(usually under $10) at Borders and then I write three or
four marketing ideas in the journal that specifically apply
to them.

4. Give a gift they can take home to their child(ren).
Most business or marketing gifts are for everyone at the
company or for them. Sometimes giving without a "marketing
angle" attached increases the impact. Especially if you
remember their child’s birthday.

5. Create a family cookbook with 10 or so of your favorite
(or personal family) recipes. Add your contact information
on the back. Use the software, Clickbook
(www.clickbook.com) to transfer it from your word processing
software into a real nice booklet fast and easy.

6. Give them a subscription to one of the favorite
magazines. I love writer’s magazines and writing, so
receiving something I am so passionate about along with the
gift of learning is perfect for me. If you get two, call
the company and turn it into a two-year subscription. You
can add to your card this idea if they already have a
subscription. Do they have a hobby? Do they have a goal or
working on a particular project? There are tons of
magazines out there. You can also add to the card a list of
web sites they can find more information on the topic. You
can send a card with the subscription information in it
separately so they know to expect it and to contact you if
they don’t receive it.

7. If you have great penmanship or creative on the
computer, buy blank note cards and add their name on the
front of the each card, like "From the desk of..." "A
personal note from..." The fact that you took the time
always makes an impact. Want to add a little more? Place
a stamp on each envelope for them.

8. If they have a home office and you are into crafts,
cross-stitch a wall calendar holder. It has a hook, nice
border that shows past the large calendar size and business
card sewn in with a place for them to hang their favorite
wall calendar or you can send them a calendar with it the
first year.

It is normal to value the gift to the value of the
client/customer. You can just send everyone the same gift
or you can match the gift value to the value you received
from him or her.

Don’t forget your bartering exchanges or the people that
just "opened your doors."

Author: Catherine Franz Word count: 885
(c) Copyright 2003, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.