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There are certain occasions in every career
that need to be recognised with something special.
Aileen Lalor finds out if the supplier can deliver
the perfect gift.
If there’s one way to make someone feel special
it’s buying them a present. A well-chosen bottle
of wine or box of chocolates sometimes hits the spot.
But for most important occasions, splashing out and
really considering what the recipient likes and dislikes
is crucial.
Libby Christie, Head of Operations at Unmissable,
says: “Staff gifts and presents are a great
way to motivate, incentivise, and recognise and reward
staff. Extra cash in the pay packet is nice and no
employee will turn it down, but it does show lack
of creativity from the company.
Giving a gift that is personalised to the recipient’s
lifestyle sends a positive message from the employer
and lets employees know that they are special.
“The key to getting the right gift is to know
key facts such as age, sex, and hobbies. By taking
all of these into consideration you can be creative
and give a gift with impact and appeal.”
We’ve created three scenarios for people with
very different needs, interested and hobbies. What
do the suppliers suggest to make them feel special?
The PA to the MD of a large stationery firm
has just completed 10 years’ service. She is
37, likes eating out, is health-conscious and has
three children.
Libby Christie, head of Operations at Unmissable,
says: “A George Foreman Next Grilleration 12617
grill (£70) is practical, and can be used every
day. It fits well with the lifestyle of a woman in
her 30s with kids, who’s conscious that her
family eat healthily.
“As a PA and mum, she obviously leads a busy
and multi-tasking life, both at work and at home.
This gift shows imagination and thought on the company’s
behalf.”
A chain of estate agents presents an annual
award for the top salesman in a region. This year’s
winner is a 25-year-old man, who likes film and music.
“The estate agent will spend a substantial
part of each day in his car, often driving to unfamiliar
locations,” says Libby Christie of Unmissable.
“So why not give him a hi-tech gift that will
be practical too? A sat-nav system such as the TomTom
GO 720 is ideal. This retails at £229. Users
can choose between built-in touch screen and the voice
address input feature, which allows you to enter your
destination by simply talking to the TomTom. A useful
speeding alert will even inform you when you need
to slow down. The 4.3” widescreen is high quality
and anti-glare; an inbuilt sensor automatically adjusts
brightness so users can see any of the built-in Europe-wide
maps or pre-loaded points of interest. The unit can
also double as a hands free kit thanks to its Bluetooth
connectivity.
The Managing Director of a publishing firm
is retiring. She is 58 and enjoys reading, classical
music and gardening.
Libby Christie says: “An MD in her late 50s
is a difficult person to buy a gift for, as quite
often they are perceived to have everything. That’s
why a digital book reader is an excellent gift –
it combines the latest technology with usefulness
and practicality, and also has a wide audience appeal.
While the perception may be that the traditional paperback
is the ultimate portable entertainment system, the
new iLiad, priced at £450, brings a new dimension
to reading. A hefty bookshelf of electronic books
can be downloaded from online e-booksellers, with
44,000 books currently being available for download,
many free of charge. It can also be used for note
taking and is small, slim and lightweight.”
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