News & Information
October/November 2009 Newsletter:
Holiday Card Tips & Gift-Giving Guidelines
With the holidays fast approaching, Indispensable Online is sharing some holiday card tips and gift-giving guidelines (courtesy of About.com), along with some helpful tax information for the upcoming year end.
Ordered your business holiday cards yet?
You may be thinking, “It’s too early to be pondering that decision.” Well, it’s not! December is right around the corner. I know money can be tight this time of year, but holiday cards are a wonderful way to show appreciation to your clients.
When sending out your holiday cards, take a personal approach — hand write a note, personally sign, and, if you can make the time, hand address your envelopes. Yes, I know this all takes time and effort, but believe me your efforts will pay off. Your personalization will make a definite impression on those who receive your cards.
As for choosing your holiday cards, pick something tasteful and professional. The card you select should be an extension of you and your company. Steer clear of any card that expresses a religious or political view. And keep in mind that what you deem funny may be offensive to others. The purpose of a holiday greeting is to show your appreciation — not to inadvertently offend.
Happy card hunting!
Buying Holiday Cards
Here are a few online retailers with a good selection of holiday cards:
8 Gifts You Should Never Give to Your Boss or Co-Workers
By Lahle Wolfe, About.com
What Not to Give Your Boss or Co-Workers
There are no formal business etiquette “rules” that require anyone to give a gift to a co-worker or boss, but many people do exchange gifts at work. It is important to remember that giving the wrong gift can convey a message that is too personal, romantic, or even offensive. You also run the risk of making the recipient feel uncomfortable if they do not offer you a gift in return, or alienating co-workers if your gift is showy.
Deciding on the right gift to give can be difficult, but the following gifts are never right:
- Adult Items. …Anything “adult” in nature should never be given in the workplace setting — even to the closest of co-workers…
- Gifts That Carry a Discriminating or Demeaning Message. Never give gifts that could be considered offensive to women, minorities, or any race, culture, groups, or individual with disabilities — even if presented in the “spirit of fun.” This includes cards, gifts, artwork, caricatures, publications, and any other item that could be interpreted as stereotyping or discriminatory.
- Politically-Oriented and Religious Gifts. Unless someone has specifically asked for a particular political or religious item, book, or gift, do not try to guess on one. If you do honor a specific request, keep in mind that the item could still offend someone else in the office and give it wrapped and in private.
- Personal Care Products. Grooming items and sundries are generally too personal to give, especially when given to a member of the opposite [gender]. This includes body and skin care products, perfumes, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and shaving sundries. That scented hand lotion you love might seem like a good idea but when given to a person with allergies or asthma you are giving a gift that cannot be used.
- [Personal] Clothing. All under garments, and in most cases, any articles of clothing except for hats, scarves, or gloves are not good gifts to give co-workers or your boss. A corporate T-shirt is acceptable, but may seem a bit on the “cheap” side.
- Romantic Jewelry. If you give jewelry, stick to small, casual items and give them only to members of the same [gender] unless the gift is being given by a group. The key to remember when giving jewelry is that some items may be interpreted as a romantic gesture, especially if the jewelry is expensive. The best jewelry items to give are inexpensive or moderately priced watches (including pocket watches) or simple, trendy bracelets or pins. Pearls, diamonds and gemstones are generally not a good idea if the gift is intended as a casual gesture.
- Flowers. Do not give roses. It is better to give poinsettias, “lucky” bamboo, or other plants instead of flowers. They last longer and cannot be interpreted as a romantic gesture. Casual flowers like daisies, wildflowers, or bulbs that turn into blooms are also fine. (Hint: No one really likes a chia pet.)
- Cash. Never give your boss or a co-worker cash (but gift cards are acceptable). Cash should only be given by the company or employer when it is given as a taxable bonus, not as a personal gift.
Business Gifts Etiquette Tips: Giving no gift at all can be better than giving the wrong gift. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if the gift is something you would let a child see (even if they would not enjoy the gift itself). If you would not let a child see the gift, it may not be appropriate to give to someone at work.
Business Gift Expense Information
The holiday season is the time many small business owners decide to show their appreciation to their clients and vendors. Keep in mind that there are IRS dollar limitations on gift giving. Basically, the IRS will let your business deduct up to $25 per business gift, per recipient, per tax year. The $25 limit applies to both direct and indirect gifts. Incidental costs, such as packaging, insurance, and shipping, are not counted toward the $25 limit.
Exceptions to the dollar limitation regulations include the following items, which the IRS does not consider gifts:
- Items that cost $4 or less, given mainly for advertising purposes, that have your business name clearly and permanently imprinted on them, and that are one of a number of identical items you widely distribute.
- Signs, display racks, or other promotional material that will be used on the business premises of the recipient.
For entertainment gifts, such as tickets to an event, you can deduct up to 50% of the cost. You should consider using this expense item if you give event tickets to your clients for their entertainment use.
If you have specific questions about business gift expense deductions, be sure to check with your accountant.
Conference Recommendations
If you’re a professional woman in the Massachusetts area looking for opportunities to make connections and learn from other professionals, you won’t want to miss the Massachusetts Conference for Women on December 10th, 2009. For more information, visit: www.maconferenceforwomen.org.
Have a happy and productive month!
Shannon Vanasse, President
Indispensable Online
“The ear of the Leader must ring with the voices of the people.” —Woodrow Wilson
