Eco-Educational Corporate Gifts

Even more than recycled or organic products, educational green gifts project a positive image of your company as an environmentally conscious entity. If your clients or employees are looking to "green" up their act but aren't sure where to start, there are plenty of eco-educational gifts you can give to teach them the basics of conservation while showcasing your business as an authority on all things green.

Products like the EcoHome Energy Conservation set offer an introduction to in-home sustainability that is both sensible and satisfying for the green-curious. Included in the set are fluorescent light bulbs, a refrigerator thermometer magnet, and a useful pamphlet full of eco-friendly living tips. The Green Thumb Gardening Kit is another great green gift option, offering a more hands-on approach to green living through gardening.

Kikkerland Wind-Up Desktop Toys

Usually, people associate promotional wind-up toys with cheap, plastic products that walk across their desks once or twice and then collapse. Fortunately, this doesn't have to be the case. Kikkerland saw the need for executive promotional desktop toys that combined the fun of wind-ups with the quality businesses have come to expect from the brand. Kikkerland desktop toys will creep and crawl over your recipients' desks long after they receive your gift, carrying your corporate logo and message on an attractive, artistic-looking stainless steel wind-up creature.

Most Kikkerland wind-ups can move in several ways, thanks to their interesting and intriguing shapes, and some serve other functions that make them even more attractive to busy executives: the Cranky Wind-Up Executive Toy & Memo Holder, for example, can display your business card or your recipients' important memos on their desks all day long.

Desktop Gifts

Desktop gifts are some of the most practical gifts for working men and women. Not only to they fulfill a daily need, but they also earn your logo a visible spot in any office. However, if you're looking to impress a high end executive, you'll want to make sure the item is classy and sophisticated.

Which is why I love Futura items. The Futura Pencil Cube and Clock is practical with a padded base for a no-scratch bottom and easy to read clock on the front. By laser engraving a company logo on metal panel rather than just printing it, you'll be able to create a professional feel for this item and maintain a high percieved value.

Your Message on a Massager

Promotional massagers are a great gift item for any go-getter. These small, handheld items are battery powered with two AA batteries (easy to find at any drug store!) and provide some much needed relaxation to recipients.

With a vibrating disc and lightweight body the recipient will be able to massage a specific location of discomfort. For restaraunts, these are a great holiday gift for employees after standing on tired feet. Labor workers will also appreciate the sentiment after a hard days work.

For a cheaper non-electronic massager, check out the H-ball. These are inexpensive enough to give to trade show goers or event attendees.

Quills are Not Out of Fashion

It might not seem like your typical gift- a quill and ink. However, these aren't the feather quills of days past. These are high quality executive quills, perfect for signing important documents. The art glass quills come with a bottle of ink and an elegant maple box.

Both the box and the metal plate inside the box can be engraved with a company logo. These are great for the business man or woman who has everything because while they may have dozens of beautiful pens, they will probably not have a quill.

Let's Celebrate

Having a tough time at work? Want to crack open a bottle of wine and celebrate the fact that Friday is finally here? Do it in style with an 8 Bottle Wine Chiller.

With this corporate gift you're not only going to make an excellent impression on the recipient, but you're also guaranteeing that your company logo is going to stay visible for a long time. Unlike hats or water bottles, the recipient won't lose, ruin or throw out this corporate gift. In fact, it's likely to get an honorary spot in the office as a weapon against stress, boredom and particularly awful Mondays.

After all, the weekend isn't here until you're opening a bottle of wine. If you want to go a step above, add a few bottles of your favorite wine for recipients to enjoy. I'm a big fan of Ports, especially for a good dessert wine at an office party or small gathering.

Plus, this gift will have you covered for the next few years. Each holiday add a wine accessory or customized bottle of wine. It's a great way to remind customers and business partners they're an important part of your company's success.

Truly High End Gift

Golf outings are the epitome of corporate culture. Networking happens, business deals are made and golf clubs are carried from hole to hole. What better place to have your company name than right in the middle of every game?

Which is why I love these high quality Golf Club Bags by Ogio. Ogio specializes in durable sports gear, including features like a padded sunglass pocket, elastic tee holder and elastic umbrella containment system (these guys really thought of everything!) all made standard on the golf club bag.

Imprint your logo on one of these Ogio items for a customized corporate gift. Recipients will be impressed by your style choice and are sure to use this bag every time they hit the golf course.

For a continued gift, send imprinted golf balls periodically, coupled with an invitation to the course. It'll be a great way to keep in touch with clients or business partners throughout the year.

Puzzled?

Brain teasers and puzzles have become a popular gift for any creative position. Brain teasers like the X-ball are meant to train employees to think outside of the box and develop problem solving skills.

Even on an executive level, these puzzles are gaining momentum. One of my personal favorites is the Ball of Whacks. The ball has 30 pieces that stick together with magnets. It comes with a 96 page instruction book for challenge suggestions.

The idea is to inspire creativity... and it's fun to play with when you come across a mental road block!

The Gift of Knowledge

For the employee who always has his/her nose in a book, give the gift they actually want. A book!

You can get a variety of books printed with company information and the recipients name on the inside cover or front page.

For the businessman who networks on the golf course, give 101 Essential Tips Golf. It never hurts to brush up on your game before hitting the course.

If your recipient is a go-getter, well-traveled person consider 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. It has a great list of things to do and places to see that are off the beaten path. This is a great gift right before retirement or holiday vacations.

Lastly, don't leave out the philosopher of the office! With the Good Life Series Book you'll give employees food for thought, provoking some interesting conversations around the office.

Wallet Sized Gifts

Cash is slowly going the way of the Walkman. It's on the way out. Credit cards are becoming ubiquitous and wallets and shrinking to follow the trend.

The good thing is that corporate gifts have now gone credit-sized as well. Credit sized USB drives are a great gift to toss in a gift basket or put in holiday gift cards. They are small enough to fit in most wallets and are a practical gift for any business man or woman. What I love about them is their sleek design that fits into a professional life. No more goofy USB drives for the corporate environment!

If you're looking for something a little more technological than a USB drive, you find credit card Mp3 players too! These are great for a music loving client or manager and hold between 100 and 800 full length songs. With these gifts you can do a full color imprint to keep your company's message bright and clear.

Both are great solutions to the corporate gift problem. Try mailing them in holiday cards for a truly unique touch.

Office Supplies Can be Cool

Usually I wouldn't suggest giving office supplies as corporate gifts. However, for the young exec or trendy business woman, these are awesome presents! Package them together and you have a hip little collection of standard office supplies that will actually get used.

POD Paper Clip Dispenser

POD Soft Feel Stapler

POD Memo Holder with Paper

POD Soft Feel Tape Dispenser

Logo on Wheels

I, personally, travel quite a bit and it's impossible to convey just how much I appreciate a good carry on bag. With checked baggage fees forever on the rise and overhead compartment space continuously shrinking, it's imperative to have a small bag that can carry pretty much everything. After all, travelers don't want to pay 100 dollars just to get a suitcase to their hotel for a one night business trip.

Which is why I love corporate luggage. I currently use a Wenger suitcase, which is almost identical to this Wenger Wheeled Duffel. It's perfect for a few day trip with a padded, waterproof compartment for electronics, latptops or breakables. The inside has a separate mesh carrier for toiletry items and a completely separated section for more discrete items. The wheels are durable (I've had mine for years and tend to travel with a lot of books), yet it's still overhead bin friendly.

For a different look the Wheeled Duffel by Cutter and Buck is also a great option. Professional men tend to gravitate towards this stylish leather bag, making it a perfect corporate gift.

'Tis the Season for Corporate Gifts

Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are all approaching. With so many holidays coming, it can be a little crazy trying to find the perfect gift for clients and employees.

However, there is something that works well for all three occasions: fresh baked cookies!These cookies aren't your typical mini-chocolate chips. They are full-sized, soft baked goods.


Now you can buy the quality cookies packaged in boxes with festive bows tied around them for employee gifts. For a partner's office try the 33 piece box, imprinted with your company name.

You can also fill boxes with chocolate covered pretzels or nuts for the non-cookie lover. Recipients are sure to love these tasty treats!

Cooler + Music = Instant Good Time

Now here's something you don't see every day- a cooler with a CD/mp3 player and radio. It holds an impressive 30 cans, has full-power speakers and an auto power plug for convenience.

I can just hear all the football fans of the world giving overzealous high fives and popping the beer tabs as I write. This is the perfect fall gift from any corporation. The perceived value is incredibly high, meaning your recipient will believe you spent a fortune on them, making for instant appreciation.

In addition to perceived value, this unique gift is perfect for any weekend outing. If football games and tailgaiting aren't their thing, a day on the beach just might be. Or better yet, a backyard barbecue. Stuff this cooler with some imprinted koozies or reusable thermos mugs to get your name out there during every event. Recipients will be thrilled to use such a fun gift and you'll get more and more exposure as the day wears on.

This is probably one of my favorite corporate gifts ever. Combined fun, electronics and food. Nothing can beat that. Nothing at all.

Travel Friendly Bag for the Business Traveler

Corporate gifts should actually be used by the recipients. Paperweights are lovely, but how many people will see your logo when it's sitting atop a mass of papers on a messy desk?

Instead give something unique and practical, like a security friendly travel bag. Busy travelers will be glad to save time through the security line with these bags that unfold for easy x-ray scanning. There's no longer a need to yank a computer out just for security!

With your logo printed on the large surface of the bag, everyone around the globe will notice your company name.

More importantly, the recipient will appreciate getting something outside of the standard gift tower or box of chocolates. Plus, this travel bag will be used a lot longer than edible treats!

Make it a Set

An individual gift is a great choice for a quick thank you, or a little reminder. However, for the big appreciations and corporate giving consider something a little more in depth. Gift sets are the perfect solution.

Tech Set

For the technology savvy recipient, give something that will actually get used. The American Classic Tech Set has all the essentials for any laptop or desktop computer. The set includes a convenient optical mouse with retractable USB cable for easy charging, comfortable mousepad with wrist support, ballpoint pen and flash drive.

Print your logo right on the products for a quick reminder of your company every time your recipient sits down at his or her desk!

Wine Set


For any connoisseur, or even just a dabbler in the world of fine wine, this gift is always appreciated. A wine set gives your company a look of class and refinement. Perfect for the corporate atmosphere.

Make sure to pick the perfect bottle to go alongside your gift! Your company gift will be savored in every recipient's household after the 5'o'clock commute.

Breast Cancer Awareness Gifts

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every year over 40,000 women will die from breast cancer, over 190,000 will be affected. Early detection can drastically reduce that number which is why awareness is key- encourage your friends and family members to get screened with unique promotional products. With a watch, umbrella or bracelet you can make a bigger difference than you'd ever imagine.

If your company has reservations about gifting pink items, check out the NFL Crucial Catch Campaign. Promotional pink products are no longer gender specific, making it a thoughtful and caring way to appreciate your top clients, all while supporting a valuable cause.

Electronics for Everyone

Even members of the corporate world like to sit back and enjoy some tunes once in a while. Next time your company is sending out a round of gifts consider the ever popular electronics option. Mp3 players, especially, are becoming a popular gift for any age group or gender.

The ShockWave Touchscreen Mp4 player is a professional and sleek device that allows busy business men and women to carry electronic documents, photos and music with them wherever they go.

For the traveling professional consider adding an imprinted battery charger so every time he or she recharges the mp4 player, your company's name will pop up once again. The perfect way to associate your name with reliability and care.

Relaxing Gifts for the Chronically Stressed

The corporate world is a hard place to be. Think about all the stress that's packed into one day- emails, board room meetings, company wide decisions, etc.

Give a gift that will provide a little rest in a long and crazy day. A cordless Feng Shui fountain is a great way to incorporate relaxing Feng Shui principles into any office. It doesn't require any work, just a few AA batteries, but the resulting calm will mean the world to your recipient.

According to ancient Chinese guidelines you can also increase the positivity in a work space just by adding a few mirrors, plants or essential oils for a nice smell. When gifting a fountain think of pairing some aromatherapy sticks with the package for a great Feng Shui starter kit.

More information on Feng Shui for the office can be found at Employee Rewards And Incentives.

Corporate Gifts for Halloween

Holidays always raise the question, "What gift should I give?" This Halloween is no different.

Halloween promotional products are one of the better solutions I've found so far. While there are not many options for complete Halloween baskets, there are some incredible products for making your own baskets.

Grab a traditional basket and some orange ribbon or an imprinted gift bag. Then stuff it with some festive products. One of my favorites is the business card header pack of jelly bellies. It gives the recipient something yummy to chew on, displays your contact information and celebrates the season without being too holiday oriented.

A pumpkin stress ball is another great basket stuffer along with promotional pens and some extra candy (after all, it is the one holiday that revolves around giving, getting and eating copious amounts of sweets!).

So have a Happy [almost] Halloween and enjoy the gifting!

Jackets as Presents

The typical windbreaker may seem old fashioned at first glance but in the corporate world it's as popular as ever.

So much networking is done on the golf course these days, especially at an executive level, that it lends itself to a great gift giving situation. Windbreaker jackets are ideal for any golf course. They are also a nice rain resistant option for your employees, something everyone appreciates.



Personally, I still have every jacket I've ever been given as a gift. Now that the weather is cooling off I've pulled a few out of storage and love wearing them when jogging or near the beach. Hopefully your clients will agree!

Holiday Gift Baskets & Towers

The holidays are approaching fast and it's never too early to start planning your corporate holiday gifts! Some of my favorite corporate gifts to receive are holiday gift baskets and towers. Not only does the presentation of these gifts make a huge impact on the recipient, but having these gifts at the office increases your brand visibility. Corporate gift baskets and towers are shareable with all your co-workers - increasing the amount of times your branded holiday gift will be seen. Here are three of my new favorite corporate gift baskets and towers for the holidays:



Green Tea Spa Escape Tower

This gift set is a welcome departure from the food-saturated goodie bags that traditionally monopolize the holiday season. The recipient can split the tower's contents up among the family, if desired, and even the basket itself is useful. On top of that, the set includes green tea hard candies--just because it isn't all food-based doesn't mean there can't be anything edible...



Cinnamon-Walnut Coffee Cake

This delicious coffee cake is an elegant variation on traditional holiday food gifts. Still perfect for sharing, it doesn't scream "corporate gift" like some variety towers, and it's just as tasty, if not more so. This is the holiday gift that will be remembered long after the holidays.



Traditional Bundle Gift Tower by Mrs. Fields

In the delicious tradition of Mrs. Fields cookies, this gift tower provides a sampling of holiday favorites sure to be devoured in instants. In addition to cookies, there's a small cake and a big bag of jelly beans. Which to eat first? It's up to you!

Gift Bags

A nice packaging alternative to imprinted ribbons are custom gift bags. Having your name printed on the gift bag helps clients remember who gave them your corporate gift without putting your name directly on the product. Gift bags also give your company name a greater chance of being seen by people besides your gift recipient because the bag can be used for a variety of other carrying purposes.

Imprinted Ribbons

While embossing and direct imprinting are customary ways of branding corporate gifts and promotional products, some of your top clients might prefer a gift that didn't have your company name and logo right on the product. Nonetheless, it's still important for your company name to be seen on your corporate gift; otherwise your clients may fail to visually associate the gift with your company. In this case, imprinted ribbons are the way to go. With some creative packaging, you offer clients the same gift with your company name on full display while giving them the option of removing your company name. Although your company name might not be on the product all of the time, it's that first look at the packaging and the removal of that ribbon that will remind your clients of their strong relationships with your company.

Baby Gift Sets

Companies typically dread it when their employees submit requests for maternity or parental leave because they'll be losing a valuable staff member for an extended amount of time. While your company may be affected by the temporary absence of an employee, you can take this opportunity to fortify your relationship with that employee with promotional baby gifts to support them through such a meaningful time in their lives. Gifts like imprinted rubber ducks, embroidered baby blankets, and custom infant clothing will show your employees that you care about them and their families. Seeing your company name on or near their child will constantly remind them of your company's caring gesture, and make them even more committed when they return to work.

Fla-Vor-Ice Frozen Ice Pops

Before the summer comes to an end, companies can use promotional Fla-Vor-Ice frozen ice pops as a fun internal promotion to boost office morale and bring a little joy to hard-working employees. It's a great treat that will remind them of their childhood summers. Just remember that with assorted flavors like Blue Raz, Lime, Grape, and Cherry, you shouldn't be giving them away to staff members right before an important client meeting.

Travel Earbuds

Whether your employees and clients are traveling, working, or exercising, they always seem to be listening to their iPods and mp3 players nowadays. More often than not, the wires on their headphones become a tangled mess and a pain to deal with after a while. Your company can offer a simple solution to this problem by giving away imprinted retractable travel ear buds. These are great items to include in bundled corporate gift packages, and they can also be used to reinforce the idea that your company has kept up with the demands of an increasingly technology-dependent generation.

Calendar Season

You probably think that it's too early to be thinking about holiday gifts and 2010 calendars, but the promotional calendar season is upon us again. Companies looking for a great way to show their appreciation for their clients and get a nice return on their thoughtful holiday gift should opt for calendars this year. A Promotional Products Association Intenrational (PPAI) study showed that firms who sent out calendars as gifts saw a 5% increase in business with calendar recipients and that 85% of individuals who received promotional calendars at home do business with the firm advertised on the calendar.

The varieties are endless with calendars too. Companies can select custom wall calendars, personalized desk calendars, or branded planners to achieve their marketing goals. Everyone needs a calendar in their life, and your company can easily give them one.

Cap & T-Shirt Combo

If you're stuck on corporate gifts ideas for clients, branded cap & t-shirt combos are generally a popular giveaway with recipients. Giving away a matching set shows that your company has considered every fashion-oriented aspect of your gift, and when your clients wear both items together, it shows others how much faith and confidence your clients have in your company's products and services. If you're looking to add a little more to your gift, you can always use the fill the cap with tons of small promotional goodies, such as imprinted pens, promotional USB Flash Drives, logoed keychains and custom stress balls.

Coffee Cup Set

While promotional travel mugs have been a hot corporate giveaway with companies taking the eco-friendly route in recent years, coffee lovers in any office will appreciate an imprinted coffee cup set to take home. While travel mugs are ideal for morning commutes, coffee cup sets give recipients the luxury of sipping on their morning coffee at home as they enjoy their time away from the office. It's a classic alternative to the on-the-go mug for the modern businessperson.

Picnic Sets

Despite this summer's uncooperative weather, there are still a few weekends to take advantage of the warm summer weather. If your company is looking for a way to show off its family-oriented side, you can encourage your employees to take their families to their local parks and enjoy a quiet weekend picnic with a promotional picnic set. Not only will your employees love this gift because of its high perceived value, but it will get you tons of bonus publicity from other people passing by their picnic sets.

Insulated Grocery Tote

As an alternative to the general all-purpose promotional tote bags, custom insulated grocery totes make shopping even easier for your clients and employees. These bags keep food and groceries chilled and fresh and have additional features including reinforced handles, coated thermal film, and spacious compartments to ease the burden of grocery shopping. To add to the eco-friendly take on shopping without plastic bags, these tote bags are also made from recycled materials.

Imprinted Fold-Up Tote Bags

Although promotional tote bags have made it easier for people to join in on the eco-friendly trend, people often find carrying an empty tote bag before going shopping to be an unnecessary hassle. However, imprinted fold-up tote bags offer an easy solution. These bags fold up into a built-in front pocket pouch, making them compact and great for travel. Whether its folded up or being used, your recipients will be displaying your logo, and they'll appreciate how your company has made it easier for them to be environmentally friendly.

TSA Compliant Lock

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens every passenger's baggage before placing it on airplanes. While their technology enables them to electronically screen bags, some pieces of luggage need to be physically inspected. Like for the TSA Checkpoint Friendly Laptop Briefs, the TSA collaborated with manufacturers to develop TSA compliant locks that can be opened by security officers with "master" keys so that locks do not need to be clipped. Companies with frequent traveling businesspeople have begun providing their employees with imprinted TSA compliant locks, and employees have greatly appreciated the lock-saving gift.

Luxury Massage Chair

With the current state of the economy, marketing budgets have become tight for those companies. However, if you want to really bolster your employee and client relationships, this high-end promotional massage chair will win you tremendous respect. Massage chairs can be imprinted on the sides or the headrest to get your company name recognized and associated with quality and luxury. Massage chairs have a variety of massge settings and features including adjustable length calf rests with air pressure massage, synchronous music massage function, and a mini-cup tray. Whether you put it in your employee lounge or give to your clients' top executives, recipients won't soon forget the lavish gift you've sent them.

Promotional Day Planners

With everyone scrambling between meetings, conference calls, and their daily tasks at the office every day, people can always find some way to make use of a day planner. You can help your employees and clients stay organized and on schedule on a daily basis by giving away branded day planners. They'll appreciate your efforts to help them organize their workday, and they'll remember your company every time they reach for their planners.

Cell Phone Courtesy Month

The goal of Cell Phone Courtesy Month is to encourage people to make a conscious effort to be more considerate of others while they're talking on their mobile phones in public. While the issue of obnoxious cell phone users may not be a problem at the office, you can still take advantage of Cell Phone Courtesy Month to promote your brand and make everyone's daily commute to and from work a little more relaxing. With some branded cell phone accessories, you can remind your recipients of your company name every time their phone rings.

Leather Desk Organizer

Whether it's because they're swamped with work or because they neglect to organize the materials on their desks, everyone is faced with a clutter on their desks at some point during their careers. Promotional desk organizers can help your clients and employees reduce the number of small stationary items scattered across their desks, and it'll show them that your company understands that the little things around the office can make their workdays a little bit easier. Desk organizers are a great way of keeping your company name on the desks and minds of recipients as they'll be looking at your company logo every time they reach for an item from the organizer.

Staple-less Stapler

With clients' desks often covered in stationary and office supplies, it's often difficult to find an promotional office gift product that will stand out against other imprinted office products that are also vying for their attention. However, the novelty of custom staple-less staplers offers your company an opportunity to get more attention when clients are sitting at their desks and making critical business decisions. Everyone at the office needs a stapler, but this gives them an eco-friendly option without ever having to think about refilling the stapler at critical transaction junctures. Staple-less staplers bind your sheets of paper together by punching small, neat holes in your documents and folding the remaining flaps together to fasten the sheets together. This type of stapler works best on just a few pieces of paper, but the creative design will have your recipients thinking about your company every time they need to staple a document.

Cube Cardboard Folding Speakers

Everyone enjoys the opportunity to listen to their music without wearing headphones or earbuds. While traditional promotional travel speakers would be a popular giveaway with any audience, you can set yourself apart from the competition and draw more attention to your company name and logo with eco-friendly cardboard paper folding speakers. Recipients won't only be able to enjoy their music wherever they go, but they'll also have the luxury of folding their speakers for additional convenience.

All-Purpose Blankets

With the summer season in full swing, it's the perfect time to encourage your employees to go outside and enjoy the warm weather during their leisure time. Company picnics are a great way to get your staff members to relax. By giving away embroidered all-purpose blankets at your next corporate outing, you can be sure that your employees will be conveying a sense of company unity to onlookers at the picnic and will continue to advertise for your company every time they take their blanket to the park, beach, or ballpark.

Eco-Friendly Office Products

From mousepads and pens to business card holders and tote bags, offices are often littered with promotional products from business partners and potential suitors. However, more often than not, these products are not eco-friendly products. You can demonstrate your company's commitment to becoming a greener organization by giving away an array of eco-friendly office products to your employees and clients. Recycled imprinted products, such as journals, mouse pads, and messenger bags are all practical gifts that offer a refreshing ecological take that will undoubtedly grab the attention of environmentally conscious audiences.

Cookie Gifts

While food and drink gift baskets can serve as corporate gifts for any occasion or purpose during the year, we rarely see cookie gift tins and boxes given away except during the holiday season. There's no reason why recipients wouldn't enjoy a gift of gourmet cookies during the summer months as much as they would during the holidays. Not only will recipients love the delectable treats, but they can also save the tins and boxes as desktop containers that will provide them with a constant reminder of your company every time they take a seat at their desks.