Hightstown, NJ -- September 9, 2008 -- As the sun begins to weaken and the leaves show hints of yellow hues, the thought of an upcoming holiday season trickles into our minds. In business, holiday gifts can either be a resonating chime: memorable and evoking of warm regards. Or, if not done correctly, can permanently damage professional relationships. “We give (gifts) to promote goodwill, to demonstrate gratitude and to continue good relationships. Everyone loves receiving a well-thought-out gift” says Giovinella Gonthier, author and owner of Gonthier's Selections and Protocol in Chicago.

This year, more than ever, there is a need to promote stability and reliability, to stand out among competitors and to send a gesture of gratitude to loyal clients. Consider these points when selecting your company’s holiday gifts:

• Think of the recipient when selecting gifts: consider their cultural beliefs and personal desires.
• Plan in advance so the gift does not appear as an afterthought.
• When possible, hand-write the note card or hand-deliver the gift.
• Consider different gift “levels” for different individuals within the same organization.
• As many gifts are sent during this holiday time of year – make sure your gift is remembered.

In a disposable world of mass production, high volume and packaged foods, it is difficult to find gift options to help achieve these goals. Marrying these concepts of being unique and personal yet professional is what one NJ-based company has achieved. Blue Ribbon Artisan is a collection of artists from around the US. These artists feature several award-winning glassblowers, Gen-X potters and retired engineers turned wood turning artists. “Our gift sets are a perfect blend of “the personal touch” and traditional elegance” remarks Donna Zimet, President of Blue Ribbon Artisan. “I love working with artists and introducing them to professionals looking to give something different from the standard holiday gift baskets” she says. “Artists do not have the time to tell the world about themselves, that’s my job - they are too busy creating”.

Each gift set they feature offers one-of-a-kind handcrafted art such as a blown glass bowl and wine stopper, thrown and hand-glazed pottery and handcrafted pens such as an Amboyna Burl 22kt gold pen. Blue Ribbon Artisan elevates these artful gifts to another level by adding a traditional touch that compliments the artwork such as gourmet truffles, handmade brownies and Italian leather journals.

To save a company time and make the gifting process easier, the company offers personalized card writing, wrapping and mailing services as well. For these gifts, artists need time to create the customized gift per the request of its clients so requires notice in September or early October.

Gonthier concludes, “You can never go wrong with artistic, one-of-a-kind.”

To view Blue Ribbon Artisan’s 2008 Gift Gallery, visit their web site at www.blueribbonartisan.com

Media Contact:
Donna Zimet
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