"Christmas in July" is a common theme for this time of year. The corporate gift and gift basket industry gets inundated with gift orders during 4th quarter, so offering early bird specials and Christmas in July promotions help move a portion of those orders up a few months, helping to keep our heads above water come November and December. So it's good for us, and it's great for you as it means not only getting a discount for ordering early, but you also get a 4th quarter task off your list early!

I know for many corporate gift buyers, especially at holiday time, choosing gifts is a challenge. You're looking for something unique with wide appeal, that will make a lasting impression. And ideally, you don't want the looking, buying or delivering to take much of your time. Am I right?

There are 5 categories to consider for your corporate gifting. Rotate these from year to year, and you'll be sure to keep it unique. 

• Gourmet foods and/or wine
• Elegant stationery products for home or office
• Artistic giftware or serveware
• Items related to a personal interest
• Gift card

Rotating categories from year to year or occasion to occasion keeps your gifts fresh with an element of surprise. Giving the same old gift card or gift basket every year becomes stale and impersonal. Now I know you're thinking, "I thought you were going to tell me how to make my job easier, not harder!" Well, I am. The key to making your gift giving fresh, unique and interesting, yet easy to manage, is to partner with a gift professional who will do all the footwork for you. 

At Thoughtful Presence, we offer most of these categories of gifts and can get any additional gifts for ideas that you may already have. So don't automatically delete those Christmas in July emails. They might just make your life easier!