Plan employee and client gift baskets

A company basket may thank employees, clients or partners, but the people receiving it are not interchangeable. Decide the purpose and recipient list before selecting contents. A branded item is useful only if the recipient wants it; a gift should not create a problem with workplace policies or food restrictions.

Define the recipient and approval rules

Ask the organization sending the gifts for a per-person budget, delivery schedule and any gifts policy. For clients, confirm whether their organization can accept a gift and whether names or addresses may be used for shipment. Keep employee and client lists separate if their preferences or policies differ.

For a large group, use a short choice form or a few broadly suitable formats instead of assuming one snack mix fits everyone. Keep packaged ingredient labels visible; the FDA advises reading full ingredient information for allergens.

Sources: FDA: check full food ingredient labels and ask about uncertain ingredients

Price the complete program

Prototype one basket and record item, container, assembly, packing, shipping and replacement costs. Ask suppliers for a written quote at the actual quantity; bulk pricing is not automatic. Reserve time for recipient address checks, substitutions and damaged deliveries.

The SBA treats pricing, sales method and marketing budget as parts of a plan. A generous-looking basket that overruns the approved budget is not a successful gift.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration: Manage your business, marketing and sales · U.S. Small Business Administration: Plan your business

Use branding sparingly and verify handoff

A small card naming the sender and occasion usually communicates more than several logo items. Have the sender approve any public claim or photograph of the gift. Confirm the recipient can receive it, the seller’s service area, exact date and replacement terms.

If the gift is intended partly as advertising, claims about product quality or recipient reaction still need evidence. The FTC says advertising must be truthful and substantiated; no basket can guarantee future business.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission: Advertising FAQ for small business · FTC: comparing online purchases and seller terms