It’s been 20 years since Adobe 1.0 was released, and today more and more illustrators and graphic art professionals all over the world are using Adobe’s products to produce digital art, vector art illustrations, photo retouches, videos, web sites and other creative material. Let’s have a look at the history of Adobe’s creative software.

1982: Adobe was founded in San Jose, California by John Warnock and Charles Geschke in order to develop the PostScript page description language (PDL).

1986: The first version of Adobe Illustrator aka Illustrator 88 was released for Macintosh.

1987: Thomas Knoll, with the help of brothers Glen and John began work on a Mac program that formed the base for Photoshop.

1989: 200 copies of an early version of Photoshop called Image Pro with scanners made by Barneyscan were released. It is now outdated. Illustrator 2.0 was released for both Mac and Windows, but Windows’ version was developed along a different path until version 7.

1990: Glen, John and Thomas Knoll licensed Photoshop to Adobe after being turned down by Mac software makers Aldus and Supermac. Adobe Photoshop 1.0 was released for Mac in February. John Knoll’s “effects” for the program were moved out into separate add-ons, referred to as “plug-ins.”

1991: Photoshop 2.0 was released, featuring CMYK colour support - crucial to its eventual adoption as a print and photography cornerstone. Premiere 1.0 for Mac was also released.

1992: Photoshop 2.5 was released with some stability fixes, supporting 16-bit color and most essentially supporting Windows 3.1. Premiere 2.0 was also released, with QuickTime support, SMPTE time code and 16-bit audio.

1993: Premiere 3.0 was released with enhanced preview capabilities and support for up to 99 audio and 97 video tracks. Premiere 1.0 for Windows emerged in September 1993, although its features were minimal as compared to the Mac version.

1994: Photoshop 3.0 added layers, possibly Photoshop’s biggest single innovation and biggest leap for the technology.

1996: Photoshop 4.0 introduced macros. Macromedia releases the first version of Flash originally titled FutureSplash. (Adobe acquired Macromedia and Flash along with it, in 2005).

1997: Macromedia released Dreamweaver 1.0 only for Mac. Illustrator Version 7 was released for Mac and Windows. This was the first parallel release of the program on both platforms.

1998: Photoshop 5.0 debuts with color management, editable type layers and a greatly improved “undo” function. Adobe Creative Suite 5 expanded and extended its graphic reach. Dreamweaver 1.2 is released for both Windows and Mac.

2000: Photoshop 6.0 is released.

2001: Adobe spun off Photoshop elements to create a simplified version of Photoshop aimed at users with comparatively simple needs. Elements continued to sell alongside Photoshop for a fraction of its price and eventually became nearly as full-featured.

2002: Macromedia released Flash MX (Flash 6), the first version of Flash to support video.

2003: Photoshop 8 - The first edition of Photoshop CS or Creative Suite was the beginning of Adobe making Photoshop an integrated part of its expanding product lineup.

2004: Photoshop CS2 introduced the “Smart Object,” which allows a layer to be converted into an object and resized nondestructively.

2005: Adobe acquired Macromedia. Flash 9 became Flash CS3 Professional and Dreamweaver 9 became Dreamweaver CS3 and replaced Adobe’s GoLive product.

2007: After a three-year wait, Photoshop CS3 was released in two versions: Standard, for “regular” professionals like photographers and commercial artists; and Extended, for scientific and medical use. Adobe added support for many cameras that produced raw picture files, and an expanded selection of tools for producing web graphics.

2008: Photoshop CS4 added GPU acceleration. Dreamweaver CS4 was released. Premiere Pro CS4 added AVCHD video, support for Final Cut Pro projects and the ability to directly import unprotected content from DVDs.

2010: Photoshop and Illustrator CS5 are released. The new creative suite includes digital painting in Photoshop through a new brush engine, content-aware-fill, puppet warp, advanced object selection tools and workflow enhancements. Flash is enhanced with an advanced action script editor, an inverse kinematics system and code snippets. Adobe Illustrator CS5 is showing also several enhancements to its vector art design software: drawing in perspective, anti-aliasing control for smaller screens, enhanced artboards, arrowheads and dashes and last but no least variable width strokes.

ABOUT ADOBE CS5

Adobe Creative Suite 5 (Adobe CS5) is a software pack of graphic design and illustration applications, web development and video editing software. Adobe software is the undisputed standard in digital creation and imaging, used by professionals and amateurs alike. This creative software pack developed by Adobe Systems consists of vector program Illustrator CS5, photo manipulation applications Photoshop CS5, Acrobat, Flash CS5 and InDesign CS5.

San Jose, Calif. - Adobe System Incorporated is inviting the global creative community to the launch of its highly anticipated Adobe Creative Suite 5 product line. This online video event kicks off at 8 a.m. PDT on Monday, April 12, 2010.

Viewers will be among the first to hear from Adobe executives about how CS5 can help companies and creative professionals build profitable businesses around digital content. Famed Adobe Evangelists - Terry White, Jason Levine, Greg Rewis, and Julieanne Kost - will demonstrate their favorite CS5 features for design, video, Web and photography.

Already, sneaks of Adobe Creative Suite technology have become an Internet sensation, with demonstrations of Content Aware Fill and Puppet Warp in Photoshop stretching viewer credulity.

Certifiably Green

By Noel Ward on March 31st, 2010

What makes a company “green?” Anyone will admit that printing is hardly a poster-child for green industries, but there is still a lot to be said for ways of making printing greener than it is often thought to be. A lot goes into this: paper, recycling, ink and toner, energy, chemistry and more. Technology is on our side. Printing can be much cleaner and more sustainable. And just this week, two companies have rolled out their latest steps toward a more environmentally responsible printing industry.

First up is Océ. Maybe because of its roots in the Netherlands and Germany, Océ has long taken an approach of environmental sustainability, well before it was fashionable. Numerous components of the company’s print engines have typically been re-manufactured rather than simply thrown away. Even its factory in Poing, Germany recycles heated and cooled air to reduce energy costs. Various features of its print engines and toners have been developed with sustainability in mind. Other equipment vendors have adopted similar policies, but Océ has always been a bit more vocal about this company-wide commitment.

Two new alliances, one with Certified Green Partners and another with Trees for the Future are the centerpieces of the company’s new Eco Start program aimed at helping customers be more aware of, and proactive about the environment and their own businesses. The most interesting part of this, which I’m looking forward to seeing first hand, is the Eco-Calculator, which predicts the carbon emissions of any Océ production printing system and calculates the number of trees that must be planted to offset its emissions. The calculator is designed to help customers evaluate the energy consumption and resulting carbon footprint of their Océ-powered print operations.

This is linked to Océ Eco Start Program. Through a partnership with Trees for the Future, Océ will plant trees to offset carbon emissions generated by production printing equipment purchased by Océ North America customers during the equipment’s first year of operation to help customers get started with a full year of carbon offsets. Imagine if more companies in our industry took their own versions of this type of leadership.

Then there’s Mohawk, which just today sent me a packet of new papers from their Mohawk Loop line. This is a comprehensive family of recycled and environmentally preferable papers. All made with 100% post-consumer waste, these offer a genuine environmental “pedigree,” if you will, and look to have the quality, variety and performance that should make them a good choice for designers with clients who want to extend their environmental stance to many types of printed materials. According to Mohawk, the new line is FSC-certified, manufactured using windpower and is carbon neutral.

In an age when print is declining in popularity and when some factions claim it is anything but environmentally sustainable, it’s wonderful to see actions like those announced this week by Océ and Mohawk. Other firms have their own initiatives and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.

Full automation is available on this press with semi-auto plate loaders, blanket washers, roller washers, touch screen lateral, circumferential and diagonal plate registration and Aqua-automatic control systems as standard equipment. Paper presets, impression presets and cleaners, closed loop densitometry, IVS software, CIP-4/JDF connection software, aqueous and UV coaters and their associated dryers/curing units can all be added to this feature rich series of machines.

Turn off any of your printing units for printing one- or two-color work on a four-, five- or six-color press in a few short seconds, quickly and easily. Paint the sheet with solid, rich color and print that 300, 400, or 500 line screen. While 24 point stock is the standard for this press, a 31 point option is available for your pursuit of packaging business. Need a perfector? Where would you like it?

1999 marked the introduction of the 680 Series to the US market with placements in ad agencies, high-volume 3 shift operations, in plants, and commercial printers. “OUTSTANDING PRINT QUALITY” is the mantra of the 680 series press owner. Their customers demand the best in printing. Our customers demand the best in printing presses. It would appear the 680 series is the perfect fit for people with high expectations — people like you!

We certainly enjoyed talking to all of those who stuck around until the end and asked questions.

If you haven’t made it, stay tuned and there should be more events coming up soon, in NYC and nationwide.

Event Announcement

Eric - prepress manager @ BargainPrinting.com presenting

Two of the many winners of the evening’s givaways.

Holidays and Emotions

The Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season is a remarkable American tradition, packed with emotional feelings and events: the wonderful aroma of turkey roasting in the oven, family gatherings, parties, Christmas music, gifts under the tree, neighbors competing to have the best decorations, donations to the needy, and so much more. Nearly all would agree that thoughts of “over the river and through the woods, to grandmother’s house we go…” are powerful generators of very positive, nostalgic memories and emotions.

If your company can take advantage of the highly emotional aspect of the holidays in your promotional efforts you may discover a surprisingly impactful and highly cost-efficient means to draw consumers in to your business. If your gift or promotional incentive can associate you with the positive emotions of the holidays it will not only generate consumer draw, but will create positive impressions about you that can be memorable, motivational, and long-lasting.

Some Gift Certificates Have High Emotional Value

Gift certificates for free turkeys are a great example. Turkeys received as gifts or as promotional incentives carry a lot of emotional value. During the holidays a thought of turkey is a thought of Grandma’s kitchen, and all of the warm, wonderful, loving, and nostalgic feelings that come with it. Like flowers or chocolates at Valentine’s Day, your ROI is higher, because the perceived value of the item is so very much more than its dollar value. And turkey is almost universally appreciated: Studies done by the National Turkey Federation show that over 95% of American families participate in a holiday meal where turkey is served.

A Relatively Untapped Opportunity

There is still a lot of opportunity - Relatively few companies have discovered the high return on investment that can be gained from using gift certificates for products of high emotional value as promotional incentives during the holidays. This relatively untapped marketing tactic can work for you. Following are some examples of what some companies have tried with turkey gift certificates during the holidays, with great success. Use these ideas as springboards for your own holiday promotions:

• A car dealership offered a free turkey to anyone who took a new car for a test drive during the two weeks before Thanksgiving.
• A radio station used turkeys as prizes in holiday on-air contests.
• An auto tire dealership gave a turkey to anyone who bought a set of tires in November.
• As a philanthropic and public relations effort, a high profile company offered to match all public donations of turkeys to a local food bank.
• A national firm gave each of its thousands of employees a turkey gift certificate for Christmas, and offered to help coordinate the donation of the certificate to local charities if the employee chose to do so.

Appearance is Everything

Because the highest ROI comes from the highest emotional value, self promotion of any kind included with the item makes you look selfish and cheap. Leave your advertising slogans for pens, hats, golf balls, and other promotional items that serve entirely different purposes.

The items you give on holiday occasions should have high perceived market value as well; otherwise you will be perceived as being cheap. Private label items and gift certificates good on a broad range of products carry a low value perception and should be avoided. Stay with well respected brand names.

Don’t Sacrifice Emotional Value!

In terms of emotional value, a gift certificate is seen as equivalent to the item it is good for, plus has some convenience value as well. But if consumers encounter difficulty or inconvenience in redeeming the certificates, their frustration may be enough to negate the emotional value of the item. Here are a few considerations to help you avoid these problems and maintain the highest possible emotional value of your incentive:

• The gift certificate should be good for only one type of product, rather than a cash-equivalent certificate good for any of a broad range of items.
• Make sure the certificates are redeemable at any retailer carrying that type of item, not just at specific stores. The broader the reach the more convenient it will be for your customers.
• The gift certificate supplier should have a proactive retailer pre-selling program in place to make sure retailers will accept his certificate. This may dramatically reduce the frustration of your customers having to search for a retailer who will accept it.

Conclusion

To maximize consumer draw, customer satisfaction, and ROI always look for holiday promotional incentives with the highest possible emotional value. Gift certificates for free turkeys are hard to beat. Your customers will respond with more interest in your company, and more long-term customer loyalty.

©2006 PFR Corporate Gifts, Inc. May be reprinted unedited in whole with proper credit given.

For other related articles go to our “Best Practices” section.

PFR Corporate Gifts, Inc.
779 East 9400 South, #131
Sandy, UT 84094

e minimus rule. This article describes the difference, and how your employee gifts can not only be non-taxable for employees but may also be deductible as a non-wage business expense by the employer.

Don’t Sacrifice Emotional Value

The most effective employee gifts, with the highest ROI in terms of enhanced relationships, and employee loyalty and productivity, are those that provide emotional value beyond the market value of the gift. In fact, some of the best gifts have a small dollar value, but generate powerful positive emotions that make them very impactful and memorable.

But if the employee discovers that he must pay taxes on the gift it may cause him enough frustration to negate the emotional value of the gift. Be sure you and your accountant and your tax attorney have considered the tax implications of the gift you are considering. Here are some points you should consider:

Gifts Considered Taxable Wages

High value gifts, cash gifts, and some gift certificates given to employees must be treated as taxable income to the employee and may not be deducted as a business expense by the employer. There is no set dollar limit, but the IRS has ruled in one particular case that a gift with a market value over $100 must be treated as taxable income. In some situations a gift of even nominal value might be considered taxable. (“FAQs regarding De Minimus Fringe Benefits”, IRS, http://www.irs.gov/govt/fslg/article/0,,id=155764,00.html)

Cash gifts are almost always considered taxable wages regardless of the amount. Gift certificates that are redeemable for a broad range of products are considered cash equivalents and must be reported as income. This would include gift certificates and gift cards issued by a retailer that are good for any item in the store, or for any of a significant variety of items.

Another Argument Against Cash Gifts

Even without these tax complications, cash gifts and retailer gift certificates yield lower ROI than most gifts in terms of employee satisfaction and loyalty. Even though they may have high market value they carry little emotional value and are easily forgotten as they become mingled with the cash purchases of the employee. Often the employee will not even remember what was purchased with the cash, gift certificate, or gift card. Contrast this with a gift of a turkey or ham during the holidays, which carries high emotional value that is retained for a much longer time.

The De Minimus Exclusion

However, if the dollar value of a non-cash gift is relatively low and it is given infrequently it may qualify for the “de minimus benefit”, would be non-taxable to the employee, and would be deductible as a non-wage business expense by the employer. According to the IRS, “In general, a de minimus benefit is one for which, considering its value and the frequency with which it is provided, is so small as to make accounting for it unreasonable or impractical. This would include such items as…occasional tickets for entertainment events, holiday gifts…flowers, fruit, books, etc., provided under special circumstances. In determining whether a benefit is de minimus, you should always consider its frequency and its value. An essential element of a de minimus benefit is that it is occasional or unusual in frequency. It also must not be a form of disguised compensation.” (“FAQs” article previously cited)

The IRS further states: “If, to promote employee goodwill, you distribute turkeys, hams, or other merchandise of nominal value to your employees at holidays, you can deduct the cost of these items as a nonwage business expense. Your deduction for de minimus gifts of food or drink are not subject to the 50% deduction limit that generally applies to meals.” (IRS Publication 535 – Business Expenses for use in preparing 2005 Returns)

Gift Certificates

As mentioned above, gift certificates good for a broad range of products are considered cash equivalents and do not qualify for the de minimus exclusion. However, gift certificates
“which can be applied only to a choice of one type of item would generally be considered noncash and could be tax-exempt as de minimus benefits.” (“FAQs” article previously cited) Therefore, for example, a gift certificate good for a free turkey is considered by the IRS the same as an actual turkey, qualifies for the de minimus exclusion, is not taxable to the employee, and qualifies as a deductible business expense by the employer.

In our experience gift certificates for a free turkey are also considered by the employee the same as an actual turkey, and carry the same high emotional value. In fact, they are often preferred to an actual turkey because they are more convenient: The employee can choose the turkey he prefers and pick it up at the time and at the store that are most convenient for him.

Conclusions

Because of tax disadvantages as well as lower ROI, gifts of cash and cash equivalents should be avoided. Stay away from gift certificates and gift cards issued by specific retailers or supermarkets. Instead, stick with gift certificates good for only one type of item of moderate value. These will be more appreciated, will generate higher employee goodwill, loyalty, and productivity, and offer significant tax advantages.

Disclaimer: We offer the above only as points to consider, not as expert legal or accounting advice. Please consult with your attorney for interpretation of current laws and regulations and for counsel relative to your specific circumstances.

©2006 PFR Corporate Gifts, Inc. May be reprinted unedited in whole with proper credit given.

For other related articles go to our “Best Practices” section.

PFR Corporate Gifts, Inc.
779 East 9400 South, #131
Sandy, UT 84094

Challenges/Opportunities

Corporate gift giving may have surprising impact, helping you meet the following challenges:

• Enhancing relationships with and improving loyalty of customers
• Improving the service level of suppliers
• Developing greater employee goodwill and productivity
• Increasing top-of-mind awareness among prospective customers
• Improving relationships with government agencies
• Fostering good relationships with the press

Impact On The Bottom Line

Contrary to incentives or awards, which are based on merit through past or expected future performance, company gifts are generally given expecting little in return other than enhanced relationships with the recipients. The benefits are a little harder to measure but will nearly always be realized, often with very positive bottom line results. When you or your company are perceived in a more positive light, and when key people feel like they are recognized and appreciated, then goodwill, service, productivity, and loyalty improve. Other benefits may include more sales, lower costs, reduced employee turnover, and higher profitability.

Even if your intentions are purely altruistic (for example, giving a holiday gift just because “it’s the right thing to do” or because you want to reward your faithful employee base), appropriate corporate gift giving produces a favorable return on your investment.

As a matter of fact, the more unselfish the gift appears to be, the higher your return on investment may become. This type of gift giving will produce its own benefits, not only improving your bottom line but making the business more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Give Emotional Value

The most effective gifts, with the highest return on investment (in terms of enhanced relationships), are those that provide emotional value beyond the market value of the gift. In fact, some of the best gifts have a very small dollar value, but generate powerful positive emotions that make them very impactful.

For example, the gift of a turkey at Thanksgiving costs just a few dollars, but arouses wonderful nostalgic feelings and memories associated with that traditional American holiday. Few would not be warmed by memories of Grandma’s house, the aroma of roast turkey in the kitchen, and being surrounded by beloved family and friends.

Other examples are turkey or ham for Christmas or Easter, and the traditional gold watch at retirement. Food especially carries high emotional value for special occasions and is almost universally appreciated. Let family and cultural traditions work for you!

Appearance Is Everything

Because the highest ROI comes from emotional value, imprints of advertising slogans or logos, etc., on the gift may actually decrease its impact. Self promotion of any kind included with the gift makes you and your company look selfish and cheap. Leave this for pens, hats, cups, golf balls, and other promotional items that serve entirely different purposes.

The food items you present as company gifts on special occasions should have perceived high quality or you will be perceived as being cheap. Private label items and gift certificates to mass merchandise stores also carry a low value perception and should be avoided. Stay with well respected brand names.

Regardless of how convenient they may be, cash or cash equivalents should rarely if ever be considered as gifts to employees, and NEVER to customers, vendors, or others outside your company.

Value Recognition

The value of the gift, both emotional and market value, is primarily recognized at the point of giving by both the giver and the receiver. For example, an employer who gives a gift certificate for a holiday turkey to an employee is better appreciated and fondly remembered whether or not the employee actually redeems the certificate. The retiring employee appreciates the gold watch whether or not he actually wears it. The employer has realized much of the benefit regardless of what happens after the point of giving.

However, you can maximize ROI by giving gifts that will also have recognition value at other points in time, such as the point of use and the points of recollection. This is illustrated by the theoretical model below. The Y-axis shows perceived value. The X-axis shows the passage of time, with points of value recognition indicated. Three examples are shown by the lines representing gifts of a Thanksgiving turkey, a gold watch at retirement, and a cash gift. The area under each line represents total ROI (enhanced relationships) for that type of gift.

The cash gift carries the lowest ROI. Even though it may have a high market value at the point of giving it carries little emotional value and is quickly forgotten as it becomes mingled in the pocketbook with other cash. Most of the time the recipient will not even remember what was purchased, so the cash carries little recollection value. Note: Generic gift certificates and gift cards redeemable for any of a broad range of products are generally perceived the same as cash.

The gold watch is appreciated at the time of giving and is fondly remembered for years thereafter. But if the recipient chooses not to wear it there is little value at point of use.

The Thanksgiving turkey has the highest ROI of the three examples because it carries high emotional value at the point of giving as well as at the point of use and the point of recollection. Recollection value will be especially high if the employee receives the turkey year after year. Note: Gift certificates which can be applied to only one type of item (for example, a turkey or ham) are generally perceived the same as the item itself and will produce similar results.

Gifts vs. Give-Aways

As mentioned earlier, promotional incentives with logos or advertising slogans have no place in a corporate gift giving plan. They may be important, but with entirely different objectives. Usually they are used as forms of advertising, intended to increase brand awareness. Generally they do little to improve personal relationships.

Gifts of trips, restaurant dinners, and tickets to sporting events often also have different objectives and are usually considered as on-going incentive promotional events tied to past or expected future performance. We recommend they be included in your company’s gift giving program only when your company’s management or sales representatives will accompany the recipient to the event, thus maximizing the potential for enhanced personal relationships.

Timing of gift giving

Gifts should be appropriate to the occasion and to the relationship. Too frequent gifts reduce their perceived value. Consider limiting significant gift-giving to special occasions like holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

Do Your Homework!

Some companies restrict their employees in accepting gifts. Avoid embarrassing yourself and your customer – Make sure his company policies allow accepting gifts, and what conditions may apply. Often this is resolved with a candid question posed to an assistant or secretary.

Liquor and Wine

Although this type of gift has been a traditional favorite in some circles, it is becoming less popular. It may be offensive to some whose religious or personal standards preclude liquor consumption. Never consider liquor or wine as a corporate gift unless you are absolutely certain it will be appreciated by every recipient.

Government Agencies

Gift giving to government officers to promote goodwill towards your company or industry carries its own set of potential legal and ethical problems. Make sure your plan is carefully developed and reviewed by the attorneys and the CEO before proceeding. Avoid any appearance of impropriety.

News Media

Proactively developing good relationships with the news media is a good idea that may come in handy during a public relations crisis. But most media companies have strict policies about accepting gifts. Generally your gift should not be given to a specific individual, but rather should be something that can be shared by everyone in his office. Go the extra mile to avoid any appearance of offering a bribe.

Check the Tax Laws

Check with your accountant or attorney about the tax implications of the gift you are considering. In some situations high value gifts to employees must be treated as taxable income to the employee or may not be deductible by the employer. If the employee must pay taxes on the gift it may cause him enough frustration to negate the emotional value of the gift.

However, if the dollar value of the gift is relatively low and it is given infrequently it may qualify for the “de minimus benefit”, would be non-taxable to the employee, and would be deductible as a non-wage business expense by the employer. According to an IRS bulletin published on their website March 29, 2006, this could include holiday gifts, occasional tickets for entertainment events, and flowers, fruit, books, etc., provided under special circumstances.

The IRS has ruled that items with a value exceeding $100 could not be considered de minimus, and in some circumstances the dollar limit may be lower. Cash may not be considered a de minimus benefit, nor can gift certificates that are redeemable for any of a significant variety of products. However, gift certificates that can be used only on one type of item are considered tax exempt as de minimus benefits. Please check with your tax attorney for more detailed advice.

Gift Certificates

Not only may gift certificates enjoy some important tax advantages for both the giver and the receiver, they are nearly universally appreciated as equivalent to the item they are good for. So they carry most if not all of the emotional value of the item. They are also significantly more convenient for both giver and receiver. For food gifts, certificates also avoid handling problems and costs, as well as food safety concerns with perishables.

As you consider gift certificate suppliers be sure to explore these important issues:

• For employee gifts, the certificate should be good for only one type of product, rather than a cash-equivalent certificate good for any of a broad variety of items. This will qualify it for the IRS de minimus exclusion, making the gift non-taxable for your employees.
• Make sure the certificates are redeemable at any retailer carrying the item, not just at specific stores. The broader the reach the more convenient it will be for your recipients, especially if they are spread out across a wide geography.
• The supplier should have a proactive retailer pre-selling program in place to make sure retailers will accept his certificate. This may dramatically reduce the frustration of your recipients having to search for a retailer who will accept it.

Wrap It Up

We hope this brief guide to gift giving has been helpful. We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions.

©2006 PFR Corporate Gifts, Inc. May be reprinted unedited in whole with proper credit given.

For other related articles go to our “Best Practices” section.

PFR Corporate Gifts, Inc.
779 East 9400 South, #131
Sandy, UT 84094

What did you give your employees for the holidays last year? Mugs? Turkeys? Nothing?

According to a Lands’ End Corporate Sales Employee Gift Survey, 58 percent of employees believe their employers expend minimal time and effort selecting their holiday gifts. Among the most thoughtless gifts respondents said they had received: a ruler, a can of prunes, a lottery, ticket and an eraser.

In contrast, the right holiday present “shows that your employees are valuable assets to you,” says Vicki Spina, a consultant in Palatine, Ill., and author of Success 2000: Moving into the Millennium with Purpose, Power & Prosperity (John Wiley & Sons, 1997).

Hilary Kleese, marketing manager for Lands’ End Corporate Sales in Dodgeville, Wis., agrees: “It’s an opportunity to show employees how you feel about them and the work they’re doing. In an employee-driven market, it’s important for managers to take opportunities to retain employees.”

Of course, many managers are busy enough during the holiday season with buying gifts for their families, let alone their employees. And most companies don’t offer any guidance. “In the absence of well-defined gift-giving guidelines, managers are left to muddle through holidays, birthdays and a host of other gift-giving occasions,” says Sherri Athay, co-author of Present Perfect: Unforgettable Gifts For Every Occasion (Stellar Publishing, 1996) and co-owner of Present Perfect Gift Consultants in Hyde Park, Utah.

So how can managers tangibly express their appreciation?

MAKIN’ A LIST, CHECKIN’ IT TWICE

Thoughtful gift giving requires preparation. Just like Santa, make a list of the employees you want to present with gifts and then brainstorm. “Shop early. You’ll save time, money and frustration,” recommends Darcie Conran, national sales manager in Minneapolis for the corporate gifts and incentives division of Dayton’s, Hudson’s and Marshall Field’s department stores.

“The main problem is managers don’t know the people they’re buying for,” says Spina. “They don’t know what their employees want.” How can you discover your employees’ hobbies, interests and preferences?

Observe employees’ work spaces. “What kind of things do they have on their desks?” asks Spina. Pictures of sailboats or a golf calendar?

Enlist help. Conran recommends “asking co-workers or assistants” for suggestions.

Listen to what employees do on the weekends. Do your employees attend hockey games? Rent movies? Garden?

Pay attention at company functions. “If you have company picnics, get to know the employees’ spouses and children. You’ll learn a lot about people just from that,” suggests Spina.

Note where employees vacation. Do they go skiing in Colorado? Boating on Lake Michigan? Sightseeing in New York? “The real key is getting to know your employees beyond the workplace. Know the things that are going to be meaningful to them,” recommends Gerry Hodges, regional HR team leader at Schreiber Foods in Smithfield, Utah. Hodges annually exchanges gifts with the employees who report to him. “You can show by the gift that you’ve done some research into the kinds of things they would like.”

Ask the employees themselves. Larry Athay, co-author of Present Perfect, suggests that HR professionals survey employees for suggestions. “If the supervisor is asking directly, it’s awkward. The employees may be afraid of offending the supervisor. But if they can respond in anonymity,” such as through an HR professional, they can hint at what they would like to receive.

WHAT NOT TO GIVE

“A manager wants to be very careful not to unwittingly give an inappropriate gift,” cautions Cynthia Yates, author of The Complete Guide to Creative Gift-Giving (Servant Publications, 1997). Thus, avoid gifts that are too intimate, such as perfume, toiletries or cosmetics.

Clothing is not appropriate, says Spina, except for work-related items such as a sweatshirt embroidered with the company logo.

“Avoid anything that seems sexist or racist,” warns Yates. “In other words, don’t give the guys in the office expensive pen-and-pencil sets and give the women new coffeepots.” In fact, it is best to avoid gender-specific gifts completely. “There’s too much chance for misunderstanding.”

Gag gifts and cards with lewd jokes are obviously inappropriate. “Bad gifts are anything that embarrasses the recipient, such as a singing telegram,” says Sherri Athay.

Other gifts to avoid include tobacco, alcohol and any foods an individual abstains from for health or religious reasons.

In addition to these taboos, shun gifts that appear generic or thoughtless. “The typical pens, calendars and coffee mugs show no creativity,” says Spina. Employees in the Lands’ End survey ranked mugs and work-related items last as items they would like to receive. And, warns Larry Athay, “Don’t give gifts that hint at self-improvement on the job, like a course in typing.” Additionally, be cautious of gifts featuring the company logo. “Some gifts emphasize the company more than the individual. Be careful that the logo is discreet - not plastered all over the gift,” says Conran.

Source: Findarticles.com

But you forgot the people who helped make this year a great one - your clients.

Never fear. Use these tips to send out the holiday cheer to your clients and keep your name on the top of their list:

• Gift Certificates
One of the easiest gifts to buy is a gift certificate. If your clients are local, you can pick up the gift certificates, enclose it in one of your business envelopes with your name and address on it and hand deliver the package to each of your clients. Include your business card and even a handwritten note.

An alternative you should consider is going to your local card shop and picking out a Happy Holidays card. Remember, not everyone celebrates Christmas so stay away from the cards that are too specific.

From Apryl Duncan: About.com