By Sarah Velasco

Gift-giving in business is one way of building relationships among clients, colleagues, and personnel. It is a means of strengthening ties and creating a positive image for your company. Gifts are usually given to show appreciation, to congratulate, to motivate, or to express an apology.

Despite the goodwill involved, however, most of us find gift-giving to be a vexing task. Deciding on what gift to give is already a challenge, but factor in the need to remain within the bounds of professionalism and the fun fizzles out.

Hopefully, these few simple guidelines will make it easier for you.

1. Think of your purpose

Knowing why you are giving the gift makes it easier to think of what is appropriate. For instance, a gold watch is traditionally given to retirees, or a box of cookies may go with a sincere apology.

2. Give it a personal touch

Pay attention and consider the recipient’s interests and hobbies. Is he or she into the organic trend? Then why not include a book on growing an organic vegetable garden? Or if the person is into golf, then put in a helpful book on how to make that swing even better. The recipient will surely appreciate the thought that you’ve put into your gift. And don’t forget to enclose a handwritten personal note with it.

3. Consider the company’s policy

Some companies have concrete rules on gift-giving and receiving, while others have informal and unwritten policies. Just to be sure, you may want to check with their HR first, or even with the secretary.

Since it’s still part of business, some companies opt to have their logos included. Although this is discouraged, if you really need to have your logo to go with the gift, keep it small.

4. Avoid going beyond the limit

The company’s budget limit, that is. Make sure that your gift is not too expensive so as not to make the recipient feel uncomfortable. You also don’t want to give the message that you’re bribing someone!

5. Keep in mind the cultural differences

What may be a decent gift in this part of the world may be offensive in another. For instance, the Japanese have more ceremonious gift-giving practices than the Americans; while the Arabs and other Muslim countries find it offensive to be given alcohol, knives, and anything that has something to do with pigs (leather made out of pig skin, pork, pig figurines).

6. Consider a corporate gift basket

If you really don’t have time, then giving a gift basket may just be the solution to your gift-giving dilemma. Gift baskets can be customized and come in very presentable packages. They typically contain an assortment of little edible items that can be shared with the rest of the office staff. Not only that, creating a personalized basket by contacting a gift service company is just a phone call or a few clicks on the Internet away.

7. Check the delivery details

If you’re having the gift delivered, make sure that you give the correct address and recipient information. You wouldn’t want your gift to be delivered late or to bounce back to your doorstep just because you wrote the wrong info. Instructions should also be given on what to do with the gift in the absence of the recipient.