It feels like only moments ago, we watched as our digital calendars switched from 2022 to 2023, seamlessly updating all meetings and appointments into the new year. With this, the event marketer doesn’t miss a beat because the new year means tradeshow season is right around the corner, and they need to start preparing the best part: company-branded swag that people will truly appreciate receiving.

Benefits of Unique and Innovative Promotional Items  

Curated promotional products don’t have to be boring. It’s no secret that each company will be on the lookout for new marketing materials that people will enjoy, and if they are lucky, that is memorable. At tradeshows and expos, everyone is handing out free merchandise, making it even more important to have unique items. After all, the purpose of these products is to generate buzz while connecting with target audience members.  

However, company-branded swag is for more than just tradeshows and expos. Offering promotional products to employees can help build a cohesive culture and boost internal engagement by allowing your employees to become brand ambassadors. Employees are one of the best places to start showcasing your values and sharing what your brand is all about. 

Avoid the Challenges That Come with Typical Branded Swag

Unlike digital ads and Google Analytics, we aren’t always able to track whether or not traditional promotional giveaways such as company-branded pens, notebooks, and water bottles have hit the mark by providing a positive ROI. Consider that 56% of U.S Consumers own logoed writing instruments. If you want your company-branded swag to stand out, it has to be unique and memorable. 

TisBest Charity Gift Cards are an ideal branded swag for trade shows, gifts, and corporate events for more reasons than one:

• Customisable: TisBest Charity Gift Cards can be custom branded to feature your logo and brand messaging and can even be personalized to your recipients.
• Tax-deductible: TisBest Charity Gift Cards are 100% tax-deductible.
• Trackable: Unlike other types of swag, TisBest Charity Gift Cards are trackable! You receive a notification when your recipients redeem their cards, revealing their chosen charities (a powerful insight into the causes your target audience cares about). 
• Flexible: TisBest Charity Gift Cards let you choose the amount to give while allowing your recipients to choose which charities to donate to using their gift cards. It’s a heartwarming experience that is meaningful, distinctive and demonstrates that your company cares.
• Versatile: TisBest Charity Gift Cards make the best-branded swag that can be gifted to anyone on any event or occasion. 
• Last-Minute Swag: TisBest Charity Gift Cards offer digital and printable gift card options in addition to our biodegradable plastic cards, making them the perfect branded swag, even in a pinch!
• Ecoconscious: TisBest’s biodegradable plastic, digital and printable gift cards are good for the earth by minimizing waste. 

Branded Swag With Good Value(s)

Branded swag can be a valuable reflection of your brand and company’s principles. Low cost doesn’t necessarily translate into low quality. By using TisBest Charity Gift Cards with your company’s branding, you can create a lasting impression on existing and prospective clients (while helping to make the world a better place).

Rather than worrying about the production and distribution costs of your promotional items, let one of our business professionals help you create the perfect raffle prize, giveaway item, or employee appreciation piece. TisBest Charity Gift Cards are meant to be used and given away, ensuring your branded swag won’t be left behind on the flight home or in a trash can at the end of a tradeshow. 

Order Your Branded Swag Today

TisBest Charity Gift Cards are a stand-out experience you can share with your employees, current clients, and prospective clients. 

Share your company’s values by supporting causes and charities that matter most to your community, clients, colleagues and friends. With a branded promotional item that is meant to be given away, you don’t have to worry about the money spent ending up in the trash. Order your branded TisBest Gift Cards in minutes, or let our sales team manage your order.

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The Evolution of the Corporate Gift

The first recorded corporate gift dates back to 1883 when John D. Rockefeller gave his employees calendars. By the 1900s companies were handing out branded pens and keychains as fun promotional tokens. In the 1950s business gifts became a bit more creative as company merch expanded to t-shirts and coffee mugs. In more recent years, as businesses started seeing the connection between brand association and customer loyalty, the purpose of corporate gifts began to shift.

Fast forward to our post-pandemic world. Today’s business owners, HR managers, and marketing execs are looking for meaningful corporate gifts to attract, motivate, and retain employees and strengthen relationships with clients. Before you get lost in the virtual vortex Googling deductible business gifts, let’s take a look at the tax implications for your business and your associates.

Choosing Deductible Business Gifts Can Be Taxing

Although corporate gift giving has evolved, the fifty-five year old tax law has not. According to the IRS, organizations can deduct gifts of up to $25 for each individual per tax year. This includes direct gifts given to an employee, or indirect gifts given to the family of an employee or to a client. The law does not account for inflation or the fact that companies want to give something more thoughtful than a holiday ham, service award plaque, or the predictable corporate gift basket.

In fact, let’s take a peek at the cellophane wrapped basket filled with sweet and savory snacks. Gourmet baskets range anywhere between $50 to $200 or more. If you send a gift basket to your clients every year, you can only deduct $25 per basket. You’ll have to absorb the remaining expense as a loss. What’s more, what if some of your employees or clients have food allergies or an aversion to alcohol? Not only are you losing out on tax benefits, but your gift may not be well-received. That is one reason why many companies are embracing retail gift cards so recipients can choose their gift. However, your business associates may not be smiling when tax season rolls around.

Tax Ramifications of Retail Gift Cards

As many companies transitioned to remote and hybrid work models, gift cards became a popular way to show appreciation to employees. They are easy to send and recipients can use them to buy what they want. In a recent survey, gift cards – both physical and digital – account for 37% of all corporate gifts. In fact, more than half of the study participants include gift cards in their corporate gifting programs. The average card value is between $75.00 and $100.00 — much higher than the tax limit. 

Regardless of the amount, traditional gift cards raise a red flag with the IRS. Gift cards are considered cash equivalents and are subject to payroll and income taxes. That’s not exactly the type of end-of-year bonus employees want to receive. For example, if you give your employees a $50 Thanksgiving turkey it is not considered taxable income. Conversely, if you give them a $50 Visa gift card to purchase a holiday turkey, the gift card value is considered taxable income. When you give employees gift cards of any denomination, you must withhold federal, state, and local income taxes and deduct the employee’s share of Social Security and Medicare taxes. Next, you’ll have to pay unemployment tax on these amounts. Then you’ll have the added headache of reporting the taxable payments to the IRS on your quarterly payroll tax report, and the annual income tax report for employees and the Social Security Administration.

Employee Gifts That Impact More Than Your Tax Return

Here’s the good news. There is one type of gift card that is 100% tax deductible for your business and has no negative tax repercussions for you or your employees. TisBest Charity Gift Cards are the best deductible business gifts for employees without the head-spinning tax ramifications. They work just like traditional gift cards, except you decide the donation amount and your employees pay it forward to their favorite charities. Your business writes off 100% of the card value. (You file the deduction, your employees do not.) 

Unlike traditional gift cards, TisBest Charity Gift Cards cannot be redeemed for cash. When you buy TisBest Charity Gift Cards, you’re making a charitable donation to TisBest Philanthropy, a donor-advised fund and IRS approved 501(c)(3) charity. The tax-deductible donation happens when the charity gift cards are purchased, but they can be given and redeemed anytime. At the time of your purchase, you’ll receive an itemized receipt to submit with your corporate tax return. When employees redeem their cards, TisBest will send 100% of the gift card value to the charities of their choice.

Removing the Red Tape from Client and Vendor Gifts

Sending gifts to clients and vendors adds another layer of complexity. First, ask yourself if your gesture will be well-received by all recipients — regardless of religious or cultural beliefs, dietary restrictions, or other personal preferences. Second, even if you find the perfect gift, some organizations, government employees, and C-suite level executives are contractually unable to accept them.

TisBest Charity Gift Cards are the perfect way to show your appreciation to clients and vendors because they are not monetary gifts. The value of the card is a charitable donation. Your client simply enters their gift card code on the TisBest website and designates the receiving charities. Plus, these deductible business gifts are easily trackable, allowing you to gain unique insight about your clients’ values. After clients redeem their cards, your TisBest spend report will update to show which charities they supported. On your next business call you can talk about their charitable giving experience and learn about their affinity for certain causes. It’s a great way to strengthen relationships with your clients without all that red tape.

Deductible Business Gifts Exempt from the $25 Limit

Whether you buy a $25 dollar card or $2,500 dollars worth of cards, TisBest Charity Gift Cards are 100% tax-deductible for your business and are not subject to tax withholding for your employees or clients. That means you can send as many cards in any denomination as often as you like. TisBest Charity Gift Cards are the best deductible business gifts to:

• Congratulate an employee for a job well done
• Motivate your team with a unique team-building gift
• Welcome new employees
• Thank your clients for contributing to your company’s success
• Spread holiday cheer
• Give to prospective customers at trade shows

In addition to the recognition, you’ll be giving them the opportunity to support the causes that are near and dear to their hearts. Plus, regulated industries can rest assured as charity gift cards are FINRA-compliant. It’s a gift that will make your employees, clients, your compliance officer, and your CFO happy.

One Donation, One Receipt, Multiple Charities

Rather than donating to individual charities on your associates’ behalf, you can support all of their varied favorite charities in one transaction through TisBest. TisBest Philanthropy is a 501(c)(3) registered charity under EIN 20-8630809. When you purchase TisBest Charity Gift Cards for employees and clients you’ll receive one receipt for your total donation. In turn, your gift card recipients pay their card value forward to any of the 1.8 million U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) organizations on the TisBest website. You can rest assured that your donation will benefit reputable charities – all while remaining anonymous to the receiving organizations.

Redefine Corporate Gifting

Before we head into the holiday season — the most popular time of the year for corporate gifts — consider the tax ramifications for you and your associates. You could spend hours scouring the internet for deductible business gifts and consulting a tax professional – or simply join us on the mission to #RedefineGifting with meaningful gifts that give back.

Order Your TisBest Charity Gift Card Today! You know your clients and employees best. We’re here to help you connect with them. Contact our sales team today at 206-501-3005 or sales@tisbest.org and we’ll design a custom-branded TisBest Charity Gift Card for you. Or create your own in just a few easy steps!

The post Deductible Business Gifts That Pay Forward and Give Back appeared first on TisBest.

How Corporate Values Impact Your Bottom Line

The foundation of all healthy, long-term relationships is based on shared values. According to the National Retail Federation, 44% of consumers choose brands that align with their values. Also, since the pandemic began, 66% of consumers said they are willing to change their purchasing habits to reduce their environmental impact. In fact, consumers aren’t the only ones considering a brand’s reputation.

According to Deloitte’s 2022 Millennial and Gen Z survey, these employees rank culture, diversity, and high impact over financial benefits. Nearly two in five employees say they have declined a job offer because it did not align with their values. Conversely, those who are happy with their employers’ societal and environmental impact are more likely to stay with their employer for more than five years.

Greenwashing Raises Red Flags

Now that businesses are held to higher environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, it is important to weave those elements into all aspects of your corporate culture. However, it has to be authentic. Consumers are savvy to companies’ greenwashing tactics. Some companies advertise their products as nontoxic, but the product label includes substances that are harmful to people, animals, and the planet. What about gasoline companies that claim to be low carbon, yet rely completely on fossil fuels?

Simply changing your marketing language is a red flag. Consumers and employees want to engage with companies that actually practice what they preach. Your commitment to sustainability should be transparent at every touchpoint where employees, clients, and investors encounter your brand. Yes, even down to the freebies you hand out at corporate events. As a result, businesses are actively searching online for sustainable promotional products. Just be careful which ones you choose.

What Does Your Merch Say about Your Brand?

It’s time to Marie Kondo your marketing supply closet. When evaluating the inventory, hold up each item and ask yourself:

Is this promo product making an impression or making a difference?

Consider the branded polo shirts handed out at the company’s annual golf tournament. That poly-cotton fabric is made with chemical treatments that are harmful to the consumer, the manufacturer, and the environment. Courting a prospective client with an expensive wine and cheese basket? Not only is that cellophane packaging non-recyclable, but the recipient may have a food allergy or aversion to alcohol. We haven’t even gotten to the worst offender yet — trade show giveaways. Those nylon, drawstring bags filled with key rings, mini flashlights, stress balls, and wrapped candy all end up in the circular file. Although company merch may seem like a small piece of the ESG puzzle, choosing sustainable promotional products fits into the overall big picture.

Feel-Good Sustainable Promotional Products That Give Back

People may not remember what you say, but they remember how you made them feel. You can spend ad dollars telling everyone about your commitment to sustainability or engage employees and clients in your efforts. The former may create some brand awareness. Sustainable promotional products like TisBest Charity Gift Cards help businesses evoke brand affinity. 

Charity gift cards work just like traditional gift cards with one exception. First, you choose the denomination. Then, your business associates pay it forward to the charities of their choice. TisBest Charity Gift Cards are the best sustainable promotional products as they protect the environment and support the causes that your employees and clients care about most.

Swag That Actually Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

As companies switch from plastic tchotchkes to environmentally-friendly products, it’s important to consider the entire life cycle of the product. The product itself may be eco-friendly, but what if the production of that item produces carbon emissions? Sustainable promotional products must adhere to environmental and ethical standards across the board – from the production, packaging, and end use to the values of the organization that sells them.

TisBest Philanthropy’s mission is to replace gifts of stuff with meaningful, sustainable gifts that give back to those who need it most. TisBest Charity Gift Cards come in three eco-friendly formats:

• Order custom-branded digital gift cards which TisBest will email directly to your remote workers and clients. Celebrate a birthday, holiday, or business milestone, or thank them for contributing to the company’s success.
  
• Instantly recognize employees for a job well done. Simply download a printable PDF and send it via direct email or text to your team members.
  
• Hand out physical, biodegradable cards during team meetings or for new client onboarding. Many companies still prefer to give a tangible gift. 

Show Them You Care About What They Care About

Many companies donate a portion of their sales to support a charitable cause. While the intention is good, the chosen charity may not resonate with your clients and employees. Charitable giving is a very personal choice. With TisBest Charity Gift Cards, businesses give employees and clients the chance to support a cause that is meaningful to the individual — rather than a charity designated by the company. Every time a charity gift card is redeemed, the company receives a detailed report including the name of the receiving charity. That information is vital as you continue to align your company’s ESG efforts with the shared values of your stakeholders.

Values-Driven Merch To Attract and Retain Employees + Clients

By 2025, Millennials will make up 75% of the workforce followed by newcomer employees Gen Z. Both generations are holding their employers to higher ESG standards than their Baby Boomer predecessors. According to Deloitte’s 2022 Millennial and Gen Z survey, they want to work for organizations that reflect their values, have a positive impact on the environment, and make them feel like they as individuals can make a difference. What if your promotional products could do all of that?

Your company merch may be your prospective client’s or employee’s first encounter with your brand. Don’t make it their last. Stand out from your competitors with sustainable promotional products that make your people and the planet happy.

Order Your TisBest Charity Gift Card Today!

You know your clients and employees best. We’re here to help you connect with them. Contact our sales team today at 206-501-3005 or sales@tisbest.org and we’ll design a custom-branded TisBest Charity Gift Card for you. Or create your own in just a few easy steps!

The post Create Brand Affinity with Sustainable Promotional Products appeared first on TisBest.

Look out CSR, there’s a new kid in town. ESG (environment, social, and governance) measures a company’s sustainability efforts, ethical compass, and leadership diversity and accountability. It’s changing the way employees and clients look at your business – and, yes, even the corporate gifts they receive. Next time you’re searching for gifts to strengthen business relationships, consider eco-friendly corporate gifts that reduce your company’s carbon footprint and increase your social impact.

Buy Less Stuff, Give More Good

Individual eco-friendly corporate gifts may seem like a small part of the ESG equation. However, if businesses nationwide adopt a greener gift model it can have a big impact. Consider this: according to a study by Coresight Research, U.S. corporate gifting is expected to reach $258 billion in 2022 and climb to $312 billion in 2025. 

For years, companies have given cellophane-wrapped gift baskets, tech gadgets, and branded shirts, coffee mugs, and pens. First, producing and shipping these types of gifts emits toxic greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Second, all of that gift packaging and kitschy marketing swag ultimately ends up in landfills. Now, imagine if that $258-$312 billion was spent on eco-friendly corporate gifts that actually helped people in need and our environment.

Eco-Friendly Corporate Gifts for People and the Planet

TisBest Charity Gift Cards redefine corporate gifting by replacing gifts of stuff with gifts of good. Charity gift cards work just like traditional gift cards with one exception. Businesses choose the card denomination and employees and clients pay it forward to the charities of their choice. It’s a gift that leaves a lasting impression on business colleagues, the causes they care about most, and the planet.

TisBest Charity Gift Cards are the best eco-friendly corporate gifts as they come in three sustainable formats.

• Order custom-branded digital gift cards which TisBest will email directly to your remote workers and clients. Celebrate a birthday, holiday, or business milestone, or thank them for contributing to the company’s success.
  
• Instantly recognize employees for a job well done. Simply download a printable PDF and send it via direct email or text to your team members.
  
• Hand out physical, biodegradable cards during team meetings.

Employee Appreciation Gifts They’ll Actually Appreciate

Not only are TisBest Charity Gift Cards eco-friendly corporate gifts, they’re a great way to show employee appreciation. According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, 86% of employees prefer to work for companies that care about the same issues they do. Sharing some of the company’s profits to purchase TisBest Charity Gift Cards is one way to show employees you care about what they care about. 

Employees can redeem their card to support any of the 1.8 million U.S.-registered charities on the TisBest website. 100% of the gift card value goes to the charity of their choice – whether they use their gift to protect endangered species, support a black-owned non-profit, or expand access to clean and safe drinking water. The charitable giving experience will be remembered long after their branded pen runs out of ink. Plus, unlike the 1.6 billion disposable pens that consumers and office workers throw away annually, digital charity gift cards won’t end up in a landfill.

Engage Clients in Your ESG Efforts

Employees aren’t the only ones interested in companies’ environmental impact. The PricewaterhouseCoopers’ study also revealed that between 76% and 80% of consumers are more likely to buy from companies that adhere to ESG practices. Consumers want businesses to invest in making sustainable improvements to the environment and society, rather than simply comply with regulations.

One small but impactful way to do that is to send clients eco-friendly corporate gifts like TisBest Charity Gift Cards. It’s a great way to demonstrate your company’s commitment to environmental and social change and learn about the causes that matter to your clients most. First, invite clients to “spend” their gift card. Then, at your next meeting, ask your clients why they’re passionate about their designated charity. Engaging clients in your ESG initiatives will create a more meaningful relationship. What’s more, the gift card value is 100% tax-deductible, FINRA-compliant, and leaves clients with a lasting, positive impression of your brand.

Connecting Your Brand to Your Company’s Social Values

TisBest Charity Gift Cards can be custom-branded throughout the redemption process. First, employees and clients will see the company’s logo on the digital or physical gift card. Then, after they enter their unique gift card code on the TisBest website, they’ll see the branded welcome greeting with messaging of your choice. Next, after clients and employees have paid their gift forward to their designated charities, they’ll receive a custom thank you message. Thank them for joining in your efforts to create a better world. To take it one step further, invite them to read about your company’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and sustainability on your company’s website or social platforms.

Small Steps Today, Cleaner Planet Tomorrow

The global climate goal is to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030. Some major U.S. corporations are actively working to achieve this. Microsoft, for example, is striving to become carbon negative by 2030. By 2050, it plans to remove the amount of carbon it has emitted since it was founded. Not all companies have the means to evoke radical change, but even small companies can make a positive impact. 

Installing a new energy-efficient HVAC system may not be in the immediate budget. However, you can take micro steps toward your company’s ESG goals. Use eco-friendly paper or go paperless when communicating with your clients, turn the lights off when conference rooms are not in use, and encourage employees to work from home. Then send employees and clients eco-friendly corporate gifts to thank them for doing their part. You needn’t install solar panels on your employees’ homes to make a big impression. Send something a bit more down-to-earth – or better yet a gift that will help protect it.

Order Your TisBest Charity Gift Card Today!

You know your clients and employees best. We’re here to help you connect with them. Contact our sales team today at 206-501-3005 or sales@tisbest.org and we’ll design a custom-branded TisBest Charity Gift Card for you. Or create your own in just a few easy steps!

The post Eco-Friendly Corporate Gifts That Align with ESG Goals appeared first on TisBest.