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<span class="active_member_name">Sarah Brand</span>
Sarah Brand
Business Consultant: business development, strategy, public relations, corporate events
Seattle, Washington
Posted by Sarah Brand, Seattle, Washington | Oct 02, 2007

Subscribe to  Indie Biz Q&A Looking for corporate gifts

Hi- I am looking for some fabulous custom corporate gifts for one of my clients. This is for an event they are having where they want to give each person some sort of memento - but nothing cheesy. This is a very high level event and we are out of cool ideas- we have done fancy pens/laser pointers, clothes, trips etc. We are thinking some sort of custom sandblasted glass object (as they are celebrating hitting $1 Billion in AUM and they are pretty happy about it) but we dont like any we have seen as they are all pretty tacky... Anyone out there do fabulous custom pieces like this?

27 Bizniks have posted replies

27 posts |12
  • Dwyane Faux
    Posted by Dwyane Faux, Seattle, Washington | Oct 02, 2007

    Hey Sarah,

    You were looking for me and here I am....

    Dwyane Faux 206-444-9100

  • Arthur Torelli
    Posted by Arthur Torelli, Seattle, Washington | Oct 02, 2007

    If you want glass I sugest the Pilchuck auction. You can buy alot of hand made glass art work and all the money goes to a good cause. The auction should be at the Westin right now. Art T.

  • Bret Percival
    Posted by Bret Percival, Maple Valley, Washington | Oct 04, 2007

    I have no idea what your budget is but a fabulous gift to me would be something like an i-pod. If you have made a multi-media presentation to hype up the group you could pre-load it on the i-pods.

    The i-pod touch is VERY cool and would play the program with pizazz. Have the backs engraved for the occasion. If budgets are lower the i-pod nano had video too. Even lower you could do the shuffle with something motivational pre-loaded on them!

    Sorry if it's too far off topic, but I'd think that was a pretty cool gift.

  • Karrie Kohlhaas
    Posted by Karrie Kohlhaas, Seattle, Washington | Oct 04, 2007

    Sarah,

    My partner, Todd Martin, handcrafts solid glass wine stoppers and other glass items that are great for gifts. He is very busy with art shows but if you contact him early enough he may be able to accommodate you. His work is very good and people often give his glass and bronze work for weddings and other high-end events.

    To reach him, contact Todd Martin Glass at: (http://www.ToddMartinGlass.com). Let me know if you have questions or cannot reach him at his studio.

    His work will not disappoint. Bill Gates has some of his stuff.

    Karrie

  • Mary Boisselle
    Posted by Mary Boisselle, Issaquah, Washington | Oct 04, 2007

    Hi Sarah,

    FYI I have two people who are great at corporate gifts.

    Rana Gardner-Welcome Home Gift Baskets-One of a kind custom gifts. She can put together whatever you want. She works a lot with corporations. 206-510-1725/rana@cablespeed.com

    And Myrna Bacon at MKB Promotions. She is awesome for out of the ordinary corporate gift. She is professional and she is a kick in the pants to work with. 425-922-9248/myrnasales@aol.com

    Good Luck with your event!

    Mary :>)

  • Sarah Brand
    Posted by Sarah Brand, Seattle, Washington | Oct 04, 2007

    Hi All- Thanks for the suggestions- they are great. I know, the ipod idea is a good one but the client is actually really tight with Apple so they have already given ipods and iphones to every employee at other events so I am out of luck there... I will check into the others and thanks for all the suggestions!

  • Bret Percival
    Posted by Bret Percival, Maple Valley, Washington | Oct 04, 2007

    Sounds like a great company to work for!

  • Brett Hellman
    Posted by Brett Hellman, Scottsdale, Arizona | Oct 04, 2007

    List of places to start your search here: http://answers.nobosh.com/questions/How-important-are-give%2Daways-and-promotional-items%3F/99861/

  • Rionald Soerjanto
    Posted by Rionald Soerjanto, Seattle, Washington | Oct 05, 2007

    Hi Sarah,

    A good friend of mine is an expert in corporate gift.

    Her name is Wendy Stansbury and her company website is: http://wstansbury.ordermygift.com/

    You can email her at: thesolution@gns2000.com or call her: 206-577-2803.

    Tell her that you know her from me, you might get some special treatments.

  • Jonathan Bailor
    Posted by Jonathan Bailor, Bellevue, Washington | Oct 05, 2007

    Hi Sarah -

    Self-promo warning :)

    One idea that our clients have loved is getting a CameraRenter custom DVD movie made of their favorite memories from their event.

    What better way to say thank you than with a DVD movie of all of the memories all of your guests helped you make? The DVD’s work like this

    1. After your event, choose your favorite pictures and videos from your event and a set of your favorite songs.
    2. We then combine state-of-the-art video editing and digital effects with your cherished moments and music to create a custom DVD of your event.
    3. Within a few days, your Custom DVD Movie will be available for previewing and delivery to you and your friends and family.

    -Jonathan (www.CameraRenter.com)

  • David Krafchick
    Posted by David Krafchick, Seattle, Washington | Oct 05, 2007

    I am going to use my Nimbleland POV here. This is company is marking a major milestone. Thinking outside the box is vital. And something unique is in order. The Gift here is not necessarily wrong, but what I want to ask is what have you done in the past? I mean everything. This is part of a dialog that probably been done, but not from the point of going beyond the obvious.

    Based on what I read here, I want to offer an starting idea. A surprise Party somewhere out of the ordinary, a celebration that that takes them out of town and somewhere special. With this location, we can begin to think about a gift that fits the mood, the client, and puts a memory and experience with the gift. After all this is a once in a lifetime. It should have that experience.

  • Justin Baker
    Posted by Justin Baker, Seattle, Washington | Oct 05, 2007

    i wonder what the Top Banana man would have to contribute..i'll send him a link to this thread..also going to consult Heather..our resident Expert Bee about what kind of gift idea would be right. she has a knack for thinking up just the right thing.:)

  • Annie Jacobsen
    Posted by Annie Jacobsen, Seattle, Washington | Oct 05, 2007

    I suggest you really look at Karrie Kohlhaas's suggestion. I've seen Todd's stuff and would be thrilled to have something of his in my home. I would feel valued and really lucky to receive something this beautiful and unique as a gift!

  • Sarah Brand
    Posted by Sarah Brand, Seattle, Washington | Oct 05, 2007

    I know, his work looks fabulous on his site but this event is in 3 weeks....

  • Karrie Kohlhaas
    Posted by Karrie Kohlhaas, Seattle, Washington | Oct 05, 2007

    Annie, thanks for the kudos for Todd's work.

    Sarah, Todd will be at Salmon Days this weekend in Issaquah--just look for Todd Martin Glass in the program--if you want to stop by and see his work and introduce yourself.

    How many gifts are we talking about? What is your price range? I spoke with him about this and he thinks he can work with you to make it happen--he does have a huge show in Austin in November so it will depend on how many gifts you need and how soon you contact him.

    You might also consider having different gifts for different groups, departments or management levels. It's nice when everyone isn't getting the exact same thing as it can feel less personal. Maybe you have three levels of gifts that go to three groups at the event.

    I have never liked company advertisements that are passed off as gifts--items with company logos on them. Original artwork is a good way to ensure the message is more personal and people don't feel like numbers--and there are lots of wonderful local artists you can call on for a variety of gifts (let me know if you'd like some more names as I know a lot of talented artists).

    Karrie

  • Amy Moreno
    Posted by Amy Moreno, Warrenton, Virginia | Oct 10, 2007

    I create customized pen and ink renderings of houses and buildings for clients to give as gifts. Many real estate brokers give them to clients after the sale of their homes. You could give them a gift certificate for one. They need to provide the photo of their house or building, and I create the drawing for them within 2 weeks of the time I receive the photo and info. This is all done by mail or email. www.amycullingsmoreno.com

    It's unique and all work is satisfaction guarenteed.

    Amy

  • Lara Eve Feltin
    Posted by Lara Eve Feltin, Seattle, Washington | Oct 12, 2007

    I know you're down to the wire on this project. But for future reference, I ordered Biznik's tshirts, travel tumblers, and those awesome notebooks with the embossed aluminum covers through Biznik member Leslie Lippi of B-Bam.

    Lots of groups and orgs have travel tumblers, I wanted ours to be unique. She helped me find them. The notebooks too, I've never seen anything out there like them.

    Leslie is the co-owner of B-bam promotional products. They've got access to thousands upon thousands of products, and she's got a sharp eye and a great sense of style, and can help you find something unique.

  • Elizabeth Lee
    Posted by Elizabeth Lee, Seattle, Washington | Oct 18, 2007

    Sarah:

    I am interested in what you ended up deciding upon for your gifts. Were they well received???

    Hope the event was a success.

  • vartika mehrotra
    Posted by vartika mehrotra, Karnataka, Karnataka India | Jul 29, 2008

    Hi,

    Are you still looking for some exciting Corporate Gifts??? If yes, i am sure, your search will stop here...I am Vartika from Computer Kitchen. Computer Kitchen is a unique and extraordinary provider for high quality LIFE STYLE PRODUCTS and PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT DEVICES. It has its manufacturing tie-ups in China, Taiwan, Canada, Israel and many other countries and it selects best of the breed products for its customers. The sales model includes e-Retailing, Retailing and Corporate gifting / Sales Promotion bundling. Based in Bangalore, it is comparatively a new company but has already made its mark in the segment and also won the best award at the Life Style Event organized by MAIL in Bangalore during December 2005.For more information on our products, do log on to our Web-Site www.computerkitchen.com...

    Regards, Vartika Mehrotra

  • Amy Woidtke (woid-key)
    Posted by Amy Woidtke (woid-key), Greater Seattle, Washington | Jul 30, 2008

    Denise Marinacci here on Biznik of Urbanabox does custom corporate gifts. She's a gem and I love what she is doing.

    You pick the products - they have oodles of selections - and they box it up with your custom logo if you want.

    Such a cool idea! http://www.urbanabox.com

    Let us know what you finally go with!

  • Ondine Constable
    Posted by Ondine Constable, Mills River, North Carolina | Jul 30, 2008

    Hi Bizniks, In addition to my main vocation, I've been a distributor of a cool gift and incentive collection for nine years (because I love gifts!). You choose your budget, present an elegant gift album and card, and the recipient chooses what they want from a user-friendly website. The items are all good quality and people really enjoy it. Selections suitable for many purposes, kids stuff, weddings, all the way to executive level retirement gifts. If u r interested, see www.oconstable.ordermygift.com

    Warmly, Ondine

  • Janis Flagg
    Posted by Janis Flagg, Kent, Washington | Aug 05, 2008

    I know someone who has access to countless items and endless ideas. Her name is Christy Aston and her website is www.astonimpressions.com, but it would be worth it to contact her for her weekly updates and specials.

    Good luck!

    Janis Flagg

  • Tammy Redmon
    Posted by Tammy Redmon, Olympia, Washington | Aug 07, 2008

    Hi Sarah, I know you posted this Q like months ago! And, I wanted to share a tip for future use. Check out Rubinoglass.com - owner Brian Rubino is a master glass maker who has amazing pieces and has designed many corporate gifts for me over the years. They are unique, one of a kind pieces of art and so worth it! You will really impress your clients.

    Tammy Redmon

  • NIKKI ROACH
    Posted by NIKKI ROACH, Winston-Salem, North Carolina | 4 weeks ago

    I loved to read these. Its kind of like Business soaps. having read all of these what did you finally get for your client

    NIKKI

  • NIKKI ROACH
    Posted by NIKKI ROACH, Winston-Salem, North Carolina | 4 weeks ago

    Sarah

    Warning a little Self Promotion :)

    Have you tried travel gifts? 3-day trip to locations around the country and it only cost about $20 each. They are better than a pen since no one really needs another pen and you know that the location will be a cool place that does not suck.

    Check out the link to my website to learn more.

    One final thought, my husband uses the gifts in his massage therapy business to thank some of the more "generous" clients for their patronage and you know, he keeps getting good new clients from these people

27 posts |12

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