The Importance of Gift-Giving
The giving and receiving of presents is one of humanity’s oldest traditions. In his essay, The Gift, sociologist Marcel Mauss explains the tradition arising from tribes of people exchanging necessities, which was the earliest economic system we know existed. We can imagine the friendships that grew between people in these tribes, resulting in the desire to sometimes offer a gift, without expecting anything in return.
Similarly, the presentation of gifts likely strengthened the economic relationships between members of these tribes. The ability to give and receive gifts is often associated with economic prosperity, as well. Mauss invokes a Maori proverb to illustrate this notion: “Give as much as you receive and all is for the best.”
It’s not necessarily about material reward, either. In a New York Times column by Tara Parker-Pope about the psychology of gifting, the author explains why ancient cultures glorified “extreme giving” during potlatches. The social status of those clans and families wasn’t dictated by their wealth or possessions, but in how much they gave away. Gifting was an investment in social prestige.
“Giftology” in Modern Corporate Culture
Today, the art and science of gift-giving is described as “giftology,” a concept recently popularized by author John Ruhlin in his book of the same name. He interprets the role of gifting in corporate culture as an important tool for companies to utilize.
“Radical generosity is the against-the-grain secret weapon of real influencers, and it will allow you to boost referrals, retention rates, and ROI like few other strategies,” Ruhlin explains on the Giftology website.
In a recent interview with Forbes, Ruhin also stressed the importance of personalizing gifts for corporate clients. At Details by DiFonzo, that’s a sentiment we share. The act of giving someone a gift is only half the battle, and sometimes an impersonal gift can weaken a business relationship, instead of helping it grow. That’s why we offer custom gift solutions and personalized subscription services, to help your company navigate the art of gifting and foster a specialized relationship with your clients.
The Benefits of Employee Gifting
In addition to client retention, gifting employees can have a positive effect on your workplace environment. It’s a special way to remind your employees that you value their work, and it contributes to their job satisfaction. Giving a personalized gift is also an effective way to acknowledge an employee’s achievements.
Details by DiFonzo can introduce your company to gifting culture on several fronts. We offer personalized gifting options for events and situations that require a sensitive approach, as well as subscription services that emphasize convenience and recurrence.
We’re also here to help your employees with our Mobile Gift Boutique, which is like a gift shop on wheels. Here, your employees can pick up gifts for their friends and family on holidays, like Valentine’s Day. Or, in the days preceding Christmas and Easter, for example, they can get a holiday-themed gift during their lunch break, in your parking lot. They’ll appreciate the convenience and perhaps save a little time with last-minute shopping.
Details by DiFonzo can help your business grow by giving your clients a personal reminder of your commitment to them, and your employees will appreciate the extra attention that a specialized gift conveys. Contact us for more info about the services we provide, all of which can be customized to your specific needs.