There used to be a time when clients would be showered with expensive gifts and enough chocolate to supply the office until summer. However, many companies have been restricting how much is spent on clients gifts during the holidays for a number of reasons.
Regardless, it is possible to find some great gift ideas that won't exceed the budget, without having to rely on calendars, again. They are also great ideas that you can use for your own personal gift giving this season.
1. French Press
Coffee lovers will be thrilled to receive a Chambord French press coffee brewer. This is a classic yet elegant personal coffee pot. It is often found in fine dining restaurants that offer guests their own pot of coffee, especially with dessert. The unit serves three cups and makes coffee as follows: 
- Place coarse coffee grounds on the bottom.
- Pour hot water into the pot.
- Place the plunger unit at the top (let it sit 4 minutes).
- Press the plunger slowly to the bottom.
- Pour your personal cup - now that's fresh coffee.
2. Cutting Board and Cheese Knife
A cutting board and knife set is an item that many people will appreciate and may not already have at home. It also promotes a healthier alternative to the traditional chocolate options.
Cutting boards and knifes come in a range of prices, but it is reasonable to identify nice options that cost less than $25. Board options include wood, bamboo, marble and other surfaces. This gift sends a nice message to your clients.
3. Pepper Mill and Salt Shaker Set
For something a little more whimsical, consider giving a pepper mill and salt shaker set. Gourmet food items are popular, and this item will bring out the chef in everyone. They can range in price and easily exceed the cost of $25, but many nice options exist under $25 as well:
- Acrylic sets
- Stainless steel sets
- Wood sets
- Various shapes, characters and sizes
4. Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Thermometer
This is an item that many people may not already have at home. Nice quality indoor/outdoor wireless thermometers can be found for about $25 or less, with many higher end models exeeding the price. However, it is a great corporate gift idea because most people want to know how to dress and prepare themselves for outdoor weather that day. That information can be shocking when your gift recipient wakes up, but welcome to winter.
5. Beverage Shaker
The holidays are a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate. These events will often include a variety of mixed beverages. So to help toss another log on the fire for your clients, some may appreciate receiving a beverage shaker to create any number of mixes.
Beverage shakers come in a variety of sizes and prices. It's helpful to select a mid-size cocktail shaker so that nobody has to constantly make new drinks, but not so large that it can feel like a pitcher. Try to find beverage shakers that handles about 24 oz.
6. Fannie May Chocolate
At about $20 per pound, a box of chocolate serves as a reasonably healthy gift without going overboard. And although it does not have to be Fannie May specifically, the idea here is that chocolate in any variety will be appreciated. A rule of thumb that I have used in the past when determining quantity of chocolates to clients reflects the following:
- Individual gift: 1/2 lb. or 1 lb. box
- Group office gift: 2 lb. or 3 lb. box
An important tip: understand your client well enough to determine if they enjoy chocolate, have chocolate allergies or may be diabetic, and select accordingly.
7. USB Flash Drive
Storage size of flash drives have increased dramatically, while the cost of these have remained relatively low. It is now possible to purchase up to 2MB of storage and keep the cost below $25. This is a great idea for business people at all levels in an organization.
8. Garden Tool Set
It may seem like the wrong season, but forward thinking people can offer the gift of hope: spring will not be so far away. Garden tool sets cost about $25, and can go even higher. But for those who look around, it is not difficult to find a good set that may include a rake, trowel, shovel and/or snips. It is also a gift that reinforces an environmental message.
9. Holiday Music CD
CDs are still a great gift idea, and it is not too difficult to find appropriate options for under $25. Another reason these are a good idea is because music options exist for nearly every religious perspective, including:
- Christmas holiday music
- Jewish holiday music
- Symphony holiday music
- Soundtracks from secular or religious holiday movies
- Country holiday music and more
Purchase various different options and personalize the CD choice based on what your client will most appreciate.
10. Holiday Basket
Okay, so this item will cost more than $25, but if you want to give a gift to a large group of recipients, the holiday gift basket remains popular with everyone. It is possible to find a small basket with a couple pieces of fruit for an individual, but gift baskets are meant to be larger than life. A really great basket can be purchased for under $100; if given to a group of 10 or more, this will be much easier on the budget than individual gifts.