Deciding on just the right gift to give employees and customers can be tricky. You want something that will be appreciated, memorable and within budget. The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) reports that the most popular choices are gift cards, apparel, food, drinkware and desk accessories. There’s a reason these top the list … people like them. But if you’re seeking something a little out of the ordinary this year, we have some ideas about how to stand out.  

1. Go green: Show your company’s commitment to sustainability by selecting eco-friendly gifts. A set of stainless steel straws will appeal to the environmentally conscious. A reusable water bottle with a filter is something all your gift recipients will appreciate. Similarly, the trendy hot and cold tumblers, like those from Yeti, are a refreshing change from the common fruit basket.
2. Get physical: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthy employees are more productive and take fewer sick days than their less healthy counterparts. A fitness and activity tracker, such as a FitBit, makes a perfect present because it encourages users to adopt healthy habits all year long — benefiting both your employees and your business. A fitness tracker can also be a thoughtful gift for customers, helping them achieve their New Year’s resolutions (after indulging in all those tasty holiday office treats!).
3. Share a ride: The end of the year is typically a time for celebration. Help ensure everyone gets home safely by giving gift credits to a ride share service, like Uber or Lyft. This is also practical for business travelers. Credits can be delivered right to email inboxes or through traditional gift cards for you to distribute.
4. Give back: As the old saying goes, it’s better to give than to receive. So why not select a gift that helps a worthy charity? It will demonstrate that your company cares about more than the bottom line. For ideas, check out 18 Unique Gifts That Give Back to Those in Need. This article features products that give a portion of their proceeds to charities — including leather-bound notebooks that support the arts in public schools and bourbon-infused coffee that benefits firefighters.
5. Tell a story: Here’s a novel idea: Is there a book that represents your company culture? If so, give your clients the gift of a good read. Not only is this a considerate gesture, it will also allow your customers to gain greater awareness of your corporate values. Include a note about why the book is important to you. A gift card to Audible is another option to help employees and clients survive their daily commutes by learning something new or listening to the latest bestseller when battling traffic.

According to a study by the ASI, the most popular corporate gifts include gift cards (44%), apparel (39%), food/beverages (25%), drinkware (18%) and desk accessories (18%). Items like calendars (16%), writing instruments (14%), electronics (12%), bags/luggage (12%), sporting goods (12%) and jewelry/watches (6%) also made the list.

The holidays provide a wonderful opportunity to thank employees and business associates, but it’s important to put some thought into what to give. The right gift will generate company goodwill. The wrong one could end up in the trash. 

This content also appears on PoweringYourBrand.com.