What do you want for Christmas this year?
The commercials on television tell me it’s time to start thinking about Christmas. Because of this and that in my personal life, my immediately family and I are not exchanging gifts, but I didn’t make the same kind of deal with my clients.
The first decision I have to make is about my Christmas cards. Last year I searched everywhere to find a notable card made with recycled paper. I settled on cool Bloomin’ Flower cards, which include a paper ornament. The homemade paper contains seeds, so you plant the ornament and watch the flowers bloom. Well, that’s the theory, at least. I have about 6 of those little scraps of paper with seeds, and I’ve never planted any of them. But I feel too guilty to just toss them into the recycling bin.
Last year, my first Christmas as the owner of Avenue Z, I bought a Hurricane Katrina Mercy Kit from MercyCorps. In the Christmas cards to my clients, I wrote that I had donated the money on behalf of the clients of Avenue Z. This year I’m torn. Over the summer I sent several of my larger clients a package of fantastic Dancing Deer cookies (love the cookies, love the company!). My clients were much more excited about getting a box of cookies than they were about reading that I had donated to a charity on their behalf.
This year again I’m searching for the perfect recycled holiday cards. I briefly explored Etsy (the best, best, best place for unique and hand-crafted everything) and discovered Stelie Designs and this card. The Craft Pantry’s holiday collection looks cool, too. I like these from annacote as well. Too many good choices.
But what about the gift? With all that’s going on in the world, should I donate to charity again or offer another consumable? What are your ideas for a thoughtful but meaningful expression of gratitude to my best clients?
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Beth on 11 Nov 2008 at 8:23 am #
Wow… this is cute!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=17108462
Beth on 11 Nov 2008 at 8:42 am #
Now this one just seems too cruel to send. I have clients in Minnesota and Wisconsin!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_12&listing_id=15927355
Kimberly on 11 Nov 2008 at 11:28 am #
I think after your cycling post you should definitely send the bicycle card.
I don’t know if this would work for you, but Kate just sent me a site http://www.doortodoororganics.com/
It goes with the green theme. Might be a nice surprise for mom too.
Kimberly on 11 Nov 2008 at 11:31 am #
Beth, I just looked and the east coast division lets you order one time only delivery (gifts).
Beth Z on 11 Nov 2008 at 12:12 pm #
Kimberly, that is cool! Too bad my parents haven’t eaten a vegetable since my sister went to college.
troy malone on 11 Nov 2008 at 12:14 pm #
I am going ultra green. This year I plan on shooting a wild hogwith my bow and then giving everyone some jerkey. By using the bow, I will minimize lead in the environment. I will also be ridding the environment of a harmful and destructive ferral species.
For all californians, you can rest assured that the hog in question will be a free-range animal!
Mary@SimplyForties on 11 Nov 2008 at 3:29 pm #
I go with some sort of food gift every year. This year, for economic reasons, I’m thinking about making my own. Not too sure yet what I’m going to make. Maybe meringue kisses, fudge & some sort of cookie in a divided can. They’ll never look as classy as the store packaged ones but hopefully they’ll taste better!
Ingrid on 12 Nov 2008 at 7:27 am #
Hey Beth - I am not green in the least, but have you thought of not sending a card, but an e-card?
It seems there are enough people on your blog that are going green so I don’t have to!
Just kidding - before every one is up in arms. My cousin Sam is trying to get everyone to go green, so I am slowly helping out.
You can always do what I do and not send anyone a card. Saves on money and the environment.
It’s a good thing I do not have my own business because I would really be faux pas’ing all over the place. Do not know much about the client/business relationship except I am not suppose to yell at them, even when they are doing something stupid, and be sure they are not in the building when you talk about them.
That deserves another smiley 
steph on 12 Nov 2008 at 9:41 am #
What do I want for Christmas this year?
Josh Groban. I’m all for consumable.
steph on 12 Nov 2008 at 9:45 am #
PS. While I like the idea of donating to charity, I think it may be better to not assume clients will support such and such a charity or even giving to charity. Perhaps they want to pick. Too many variables.
Thus I think a consumable that also demonstrates much more clearly your appreciation for them and their business is appropriate. Get personal, if you can. I’ve given Chapters giftcards, tea, special candy…little things I am sure they actually enjoy as treats, because my clients have become not only fellow business people but friends.
Beth on 12 Nov 2008 at 9:50 am #
I’m loving the idea of making homemade treats. One of my favorite gift foods is a spicy cheese cracker. People just can’t get enough of them! I think that’s the best idea for gifts this year.
PS — a note to my clients — if you’re reading this, pretend to be surprised.
steph on 13 Nov 2008 at 8:02 am #
Mmmm, spicy cheese crackers!! I prefer that to sweets! Give me a hunk of strong cheese with that and I’m yours forever.