Over the years, I’ve received pears and popcorn. Wine and chocolates. Can’t really remember who sent what. There is one I will never forget though. One of the most over the top, memorable corporate gifts I ever received was an intricate, creative (ie, no real rules) board game from Stranger and Stranger.

Of course, Stranger is known for their exquisite designs in the wine and spirits space; every year, they try to out-perform the prior year’s gift. This one from over 5 years ago really took the prize. And, I still remember it.

We can’t all produce a bespoke board game with custom marbles for our clients, so how do you say thank you, and make it special?

For my personal gift giving, I try to meet as many of these goals as possible:

• Something they need
• Something they want
• Something beautiful
• Something to read

In my corporate giving, here’s how I translate:

1. Something they’ve never seen
2. Something they don’t expect
3. Something beautiful
4. Something personalized

I think I’ve hit the jackpot with all four principles this year—definitely new, unexpected and oh so beautiful. Plus I get to lift-up a friend’s new business. What is better than that?

And, personalized you say? Well, naturally I’m using www.sandbox.loupegraphics.com for a digitally printed shipper to safely pack and ship. It is the middle of October—which is plenty of time for a design and print of a digital run.

Who will be on Santa’s list?

What are you planning for your colleagues and clients to make your gift memorable and meaningful?