Promotional products are perhaps the most popular corporate gifts. And it probably wouldn’t surprise many to learn that it seems that the “pen” is the most relied upon business gift among the hundreds of thousands of choices that exist. Sure, they’re practical and useful – and so are a number of other common business and corporate gifts. But there are so many other choices out there.
It’s important to keep the promotional products choices simple and convention. At the same time, simple and convention can break the mould and become more creative and artistic – a beautiful garment or print with an artistic touch and professional design will be cherished.
J.S. Rangi, founder of Monsoon Corporate Business Gifts, Montreal, Canada, offered some of the following tips for event planners and others who are searching for creative corporate business gifts that will really make an impression:
- Give business gifts that people will use.
A tote bag, an umbrella, a scarf, a blanket--these are all everyday items which people use and interact with. Make these everyday items beautiful and they will be much more appreciated. A less practical item like an ornate vase, on the other hand, may just lie forgotten at the back of a cupboard.
- Imprint designs and themes relevant to the event.
You want people to associate the design of your corporate business gift with the event, without being blatant or overly promotional. Designs with relevant logos, paintings, or symbols are a great way to evoke a concept without spelling it out. A corporate business gift design for a lawyer’s association, for instance, might feature justice scales. Or consider featuring a cityscape of the conference location.
- Balance corporate gifts with originality and taste.
It is important to be original, but the design of an artistic corporate business gift also needs to appeal to a wide audience of people. It is best to get something that is not too "out there", but still unique. If you get a print in a wild art deco style, it might not match with everyone's décor. That said, don't be too safe, either. Stay away from too much black and brown and grey, and don’t be afraid of a little color.
- Limit the use of brand messages and corporate logos. br>Whether you go with full-out promotional branding will depend on the corporate business gift you select. Depending on the item, branding can compromise the appeal of a corporate business gift. Tote bags are a great opportunity to promote future events, for instance, but branding is not a good idea for a print which people will put on their wall.
- Make sure your promotional products supplier specializes in artistic corporate business gifts.
Some corporate business gift providers are focused on traditional branding techniques, and will be less equipped to come up with a creative and attractive corporate business gift design. If you are getting a print done from an artist, consider getting their signature on the piece for added value.
- Offer different variations of a single corporate business gift item.
Feature the gift in different prints or colors, for instance, so that guests can specify their preference for a particular color like yellow or blue.
- Low cost creative corporate gift ideas (under US$5).
Low cost does not have to mean low impact, and many people search for new and innovative ideas. What's important is to think outside of the box. That is, if you're going to give out a pen, make it different than every other pen people give out. For example, choose a pen with an out-of-the ordinary ergonomic design. Or consider something unusual with an artistic design relevant to the event – like a crafted mug that features a beautiful painting.
- Mid-priced creative corporate gift ideas (US$5-$25).
Many organizations cap client gifts that they may accept at US$25 max, and it's quite reasonable to find creative gift ideas that are original and memorable. Consider umbrellas, blankets, scarves, tote bags. What's important is that the design of each item is unique and attractive. Buying in bulk with a custom design is a great way to drive down prices while retaining originality, as opposed to a generic corporate business gift bought ready-made.
- High-priced creative corporate gift ideas (USD$25 - $100).
For special events, it's worth going the extra mile. Get a classy corporate business gift that people will cherish. One of the best gestures may be a limited-edition print. With the stamp of originality and aesthetic value, a beautiful and creative print will last a lifetime.