Lunar New Year is actually another popular festivity observed in most part of Asia. Like what we do, it is traditional for companies to extend small token gifts or “hongbaos” to clients, suppliers, business associates, and employees for the intention of building or strengthening relationship and to embrace luck in the coming year.
When CNY is around the corner, you might be fiddling around looking for the best corporate festive hampers. Given the number of gifts available and the budgets required when planning an event, how do one capture the true meaning of gift giving without going totally overboard? Here are some useful tips.
Know Your Audience
It is essential to understand your client and get familiar with their preferences or even profile; for example, they client’s age, if they are parents, if they are on a diet and so on. This enables you to get to choose gifts that will suit their need and preferences. One should choose more classical menu for a conservative company while others may prefer more innovative solutions. It’s a combination of the savoury and sweet to give the flavour of the dish and not the other way around, thus, the name – a balance of savoury and sweet.
Thus, a good CNY gift box should feature a right combination of sweets and salty snacks. Pineapple tarts, bak kwa and love letters are considered ‘basic’ necessities that any Singaporean would never dismiss. And then add the more modern ones, such as red shoes, gourmet cookies, nuts, dried fruits and tea. Old and new products should be included so that a hamper should be equipped with the sought products.
Consider Auspicious Gifting
Others can be symbolic to CNY and therefore they make good gifts. These are pineapple for its resemblance to gold and new beginning and oranges and pomelos because of their abundance. Their sweet juicy flavours also symbolically mean the sweet life that awaits them in the afterlife. Dried oysters, abalone and sea cucumber are similar in the smell of one hundred dollar notes or ‘silver and gold ingots’, therefore many buy them for this association of luxury.
Support Local Brands
Think about requesting hampers from nearby bakeries, small cookie makers and bakeries and family enterprises. It helps you display good quality locally produced products at the same time assist communities in protecting tradition. Incorporate extra information after asking suppliers to describe brand history or how their baked goods are made. Your clients will acclaim this community feeling.
Go Green and Sustainable
Choosing environment-friendly companies is rewarding in more ways than one; marketing is boosted by positive image. Most reflective buyers’ require gift products that contain natural ingredients, environmentally friendly packaging and dovetail some humanitarian issues. For instance, consider non-GMO premium nuts held in reusable tins or homemade pineapple tarts using genuine butter and fresh eggs only.
Give Back Through Gifts
Some hampers give part the amount raised to charity, which means you can also bring joy to underserved communities too. For overseas clients, endeavour to find good quality souvenirs from local social enterprises that offer employment to the needy. Not only does this demonstrate Singapore culture, your clients can be auspicious gifting forward to others as well.
This is because personalisation makes it special. This is because personalisation makes it special. Take it one step further and personalise baskets according to the taste of your clients or, if you want to establish your corporate identity, create your own corporate baskets. Consult with suppliers to make a top-notch cookie or tea which has your company’s logo or the greeting, which includes your client’s name. You can also select their own choice of products that are relevant to them on a one on one basis. The extra thought that is incorporated with the design goes a long way.
Endeavour to Pack Beautifully for the First Time
Decoration allows gifts to make splendid first appearances to entrancing clients before they open the packages. Enhance everyday products using luxurious gift baskets in a fashionable cartons, tin plates, matching baskets with satin liners. Additional features with ribbons or flowers or other decorative trims Add. Five’s symbolic meanings are the five blessings: success, wealth, health, pleasure, and longevity. Containers that are clear or transparent also invite a sneak peek at what is on the inside.
Auspicious Sayings and Decorations must be included
Integrate traditional Chinese New Years greetings or New Year blessings such as oranges that are designed to have Chinese sayings of luck. Put staples such as the yu sheng crackers, pickled ginger in brightly coloured trays for an aesthetic gift for prosperity and unity when tossed. Funny and entertaining were, Chocolate gold coins in red packets also brought happiness.
Stay Within Your Budget
Make sure to set up how much you are willing to spend in the spirit of gift giving. It aims to benchmark your peers – is your budget within the industry average? It is always wise to have a word with your hamper provider regarding great value options. Making gifts exciting as with rebranded cookies in a classy basket means that if you premiumise some components then it shall not necessarily mean a premium price. You want real gifts not expensive ones that will cause your clients to feel pressured especially in this harsh economic times.
Gift prompt to make certain there is nobody slips
When gifting CNY goodies, it’s important to avoid cultural pitfalls. Objects like knives, which symbolize cutting relationships, should be avoided as they can send the wrong message. Always check for cultural taboos too—items like beef or alcohol may not be suitable for certain recipients. Make sure your hamper contents are diverse, hygienic, and neutral to appeal to a wide range of preferences. If you’re unsure, stick to themes of prosperity that focus on family, health, and togetherness.
The Lunar New Year symbolizes hope for a fresh start, a reminder that any challenges faced can be overcome. Take the time to carefully select the right festive goodies that will bring joy and motivation to your clients. Leverage auspicious symbols and thoughtful gestures in your gift to convey warm holiday wishes and optimism for a prosperous year ahead. These considerate choices will leave a lasting impression and set a positive tone for your business relationships in the new year.
