A classic and often time-consuming task for a PA is finding suitable presents to reward staff and clients. PA Life takes the stress out of shopping with a selection of corporate gifts for all occasions, such as Spicers (pictured), which packs thousands of gift, corporate and personal hampers every year from its base in Hythe in Kent. It’s still a family business – Robert Spicer’s son and daughter now run it and it is known for its collation of specialist foods into beautiful hampers that have a universal appeal. The new Eternal Grocer range of products has been named in honour of Robert’s contribution to the business. Although the original grocer’s store where the business began is now closed, it continues the legacy of using quality produce, sourced in the UK, as the inspiration for this new range. spicersofhythe.co.uk
Cross
A timeless gift for the office is a stylish pen. The new Cross Tech 2 is a versatile pen and stylus in one, allowing the recipient to move easily from pen and paper to using the stylus on a touch-screen tablet. The collection can be personalised with deep-cut engraving with a coloured fill, corporate imprints or a logo emblem on the clip, and is available in a variety of colours or a silver chrome finish (£25). Other Cross Tech styles are also available, as well as a variety of fountain, ballpoint and rollerball pens, many of which can also be personalised. cross.com
Drinks21
Drinks21 offers a comprehensive range of premium alcoholic drinks. Carefully tried, tested and selected from seasoned, authentic producers located around the world, items can be delivered to you or direct to your clients. From limited-edition rare finds to popular quality brands, it serves up a selection of inspired corporate gifts for all occasions, which include elegantly packaged boutique spirits, champagnes and wines. What’s more, if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, the experienced Drinks21 team will be more than happy to assist. drinks21.com
Harrods
For the lady who has everything, the most recent addition to Harrods’ corporate service is an exclusive gift card experience following the opening of luxury French designer Christian Louboutin’s first boutique within the iconic London store. The private shopping room can be booked for bespoke individual, or small group consultations. Recipients will receive a personalised card tailored to the Louboutin experience and pre-loaded with a specified spend. Harrods gift cards can be delivered to any client, company or event in the UK or overseas and may be purchased in any denomination, from £10 to £10,000. harrods.com
John Lewis
If you’re looking for a wide variety of gifts that can be given a personal touch, John Lewis has a range of options for your customers or colleagues. From elegant champagne bottles featuring your choice of message to beautiful fountain pens inscribed with a person’s name, you’ll be inspired to choose something more unusual. Get your boss or colleagues a stylish prosecco set (£25) or choose from quirkier items such as doormats and personalised maps; there is something for everyone. johnlewis.com
Jo Malone
British fragrance house Jo Malone produces evocative and classic scents such as the newly launched Peony & Blush Suede. Fragrances in the company’s distinctive smart striped packaging make perfect rewards for customers or employees. Other product lines include colognes, bath and body products, scent diffusers and candles. The company’s service also extends to entertaining. Jo Malone will help you create and organise events tailored to your specific requirements, including providing the venue, taking care of refreshments and ensuring that each of your guests leaves with a gift as a scented memento of the evening. jomalone.co.uk
Links of London
Links of London provides a customised gift service to suit your budget and occasion. Add a personal touch by engraving or debossing your company logo or message on to pieces from the latest corporate gift collection. Items include leather bags, document holders, jewellery and watches. You can even talk to the in-house design team to create a completely distinctive piece, plus discounts are available, based on the size of your order. linksoflondon.com/gb-en
Not on the High Street
If you don’t want to buy mass-produced items, but can’t spend hours trawling the shops to find something for each individual client or colleague, try visiting Not on the High Street. The website provides access to hundreds of small businesses that sell quirky products such as novelty champagne corks (£44.90), so there will always be a relevant, personal and original present to help build your brand and relationships. A business gift team is also on hand to provide ideas, plus there is a discount for ordering in volume. notonthehighstreet.com
Rococo Chocolates
Go for the ultimate crowd-pleaser: chocolate with credentials. Rococo Chocolates was voted Chocolatier of the Year 2011 by the Academy of Chocolate. Founded in 1983 by Chantal Coady, creator of the British School of Chocolate, it brings unusual packaging, engaged ethics, provenance, pleasure and flair with flavour to its creations. You can choose from such tantalising delights as almond and rosemary sea salt milk chocolate or Italian zabaglione nougat. The four different chocolate hampers are among the most sought-after when it comes to corporate gifts; prices for these selections range from £37 to £160. rococochocolates.com
The White Company
The White Company specialises in stylish white designer items, including linen, home accessories, china, tableware, day and nightwear, children’s and baby clothes, toys and gifts. Its gift vouchers allow the receiver to choose from any of these products so they’re ideal for staff rewards, or customer and consumer incentives. The vouchers are available in £5, £10 and £50 denominations and can be spent online, in-store and via the phone. Uniquely, the gift can be remotely activated, so that no value is assigned until it is delivered safely to the recipient. thewhitecompany.com
