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What Should I Consider When Buying Executive Gifts for Christmas?

Sherry Holetzky
Sherry Holetzky

What in the world do you buy for the boss who has everything, or for the eternally serious co-worker for Christmas? What types of Christmas gifts should you choose for special clients? Selecting executive gifts for Christmas doesn’t have to be an exercise in frustration. There are even shops and online stores that specialize in such gifts, with many even offering suggestions.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing executive gifts is the general demeanor of the recipient. A lighthearted person will appreciate a gift that matches his or her personality. A portable putting green game for the office or a desktop game might make perfect gifts. Executive gifts for casual colleagues might include a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant or a printed invitation to lunch. The same is true for a client with a down-to-earth personality. Your assistant may also appreciation such a gesture.

It's suggested to consider the demeanor of the executive when determining an appropriate gift.
It's suggested to consider the demeanor of the executive when determining an appropriate gift.

For out of town administrators or clients, you might choose from executive gifts that can be prepared locally and delivered, such as fruit baskets or plants. While many types of flowers may be a bit over the top, a poinsettia for the office is a thoughtful idea, adding some holiday cheer to the atmosphere.

You may want to order custom executive gifts online and have them gift wrapped and shipped directly to the recipient. Many retailers will include a card with a personal message. You can find a great selection of monogrammed daily planners, business card holders, engraved paperweights, and high-end pen sets. Also, look for crystal clocks for the desktop, perpetual calendars, and other handy accessories. It doesn’t hurt to get creative when it comes to executive gifts. Have a custom holiday card created with your company logo or a client’s logo incorporated into it or have other gifts embossed with a logo. Many gift retailers offer this service and it is an especially nice idea for the owner of a new business.

A poinsettia is a popular Christmas flower that can add cheer to an office.
A poinsettia is a popular Christmas flower that can add cheer to an office.

If you need to purchase a large number of executive gifts, for example, if you want to send the same item to each of your clients or subordinates, ask for volume discounts. If the items need to be shipped from the retailer to many different addresses, you will generally have to pay additional shipping charges, but you may still get a discounted rate on the items. If your executive gifts are shipped to the same address, perhaps your office, you may be able to take advantage of substantial savings.

Discussion Comments

Ivan83

I am opposed on principle to the whole idea of executive business gifts. I work in a big office and every year there is a whole table of gifts for the boss but I have always refuse to participate.

I object on two reasons. First, I can't stand the false sense of family and connection that many offices try so hard to create. The simple fact is that just because we all work together does not mean that we all know and like each other. In fact, in most cases it is a very superficial relationship. Why should I buy these people gifts?

Second, my boss makes more money than I ever will. Why does he deserve a gift? Isn't that like a poor person giving tributes to a rich land owner? You are just paying it upwards. Makes no sense.

whiteplane

There are sites online that you can visit that sell nothing but unique gifts that can be given to bosses and executives. And they really are unique. What do you get for the man or woman who has everything? Easy, something they never knew existed.

Last year I got my boss a tie that had pictures of Jimmy Hendrix all over it. He is a huge Hendrix fan, and even though I knew he would probably never wear a rock and roll tie, at least to work, I knew that he would appreciate the gesture because it was personal.

ZsaZsa56

Go for something simple, classy and understated and do not worry too much about the price. You do not want to get them something incredibly cheap, but your goal is not to impress your boss with the price tag on the gift. They know how much you make and they make much more than you.

Also, go for utility. People get so many useless gifts around the holidays. Especially in a corporate environment where the gift giving can be very shallow and surface. Why not get people something they might actually need and use?

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    • It's suggested to consider the demeanor of the executive when determining an appropriate gift.
      By: Adam Gregor
      It's suggested to consider the demeanor of the executive when determining an appropriate gift.
    • A poinsettia is a popular Christmas flower that can add cheer to an office.
      By: Africa Studio
      A poinsettia is a popular Christmas flower that can add cheer to an office.
    • Fruit baskets featuring a variety of fruits may make a wonderful executive gift.
      By: Anna Kucherova
      Fruit baskets featuring a variety of fruits may make a wonderful executive gift.
    • An engraved watch might make for a good Christmas gift.
      By: Andrzej Wilusz
      An engraved watch might make for a good Christmas gift.
    • Gifts for a boss should be thoughtful, but not too personal.
      By: mast3r
      Gifts for a boss should be thoughtful, but not too personal.