Come Diwali, firms delve from divinity to electronics, seeking smart gifts for employees

The only time of the year that a few lucky employees go home happy (or is that happier?) is during Diwali, when some companies offer bonus and a few give a gift too. The gifts usually given out are utilitarian with a few companies in the IT, Shipping, Real Estate and consultancies that give out high-end goods as gifts in this once-a-year gifting ritual to employees. So what are the most preferred items (read that as common, budget-happy gifts) that India Inc is giving its employees for Diwali 2015? The items are more or less the same as the ones given out last year for Diwali. Remember, we warned you right at the beginning, it is about utility? So most organisations are giving out goody bags that ensure you are connected. To? To the office and work, of course. Here are some of the gifts popular on corporate lists this Diwali: 1)Power Banks: With more and more Indians taking to smartphones and mostly the Android kind, the biggest problem they face is battery life. Added to this is the fact that most professionals today carry more than one smartphone or a smartphone and tablet combo, and charging them is a pain. Whether it’s an employee who can’t be productive on her smartphone or as a gift to business contacts, Power Banks, which are small, portable battery packs that can charge one or more devices (based on feature availability), are extremely popular and in vogue. In addition, the fact that power cuts are a reality in even many Indian metros adds to the lure of this category.   [caption id=“attachment_2501462” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Pic Courtesy: Xtend Gifting[/caption] When you have a vigilant employer gifting you a power bank, the subtle message is: Don’t make ’no battery’ in to an excuse.   Power banks are available at various price points and most gifting companies say they have seen a 35-40 percent rise in demand in corporate bulk orders at the Rs 550-750 price point, with most companies opting for branded ones. The most expensive ones that some gifting companies have in this segment are with a capacity of 10,000 mAH for tablets and smartphones which usually come with two separate USB outlets for charging tablets and smartphones. Shobhit Arora, Managing Director of Chennai-based Xtend Gifting says customers are lapping up products which are mobile related– power banks, mobile stands for viewing movies, mobile chargers for cars. 2)Household items: Some of the ones in this category double up as items that can be used by any age-group, especially with those who still struggle with technology. Some organizations prefer old-fashioned favourites and perhaps it may have something to do with [caption id=“attachment_2501468” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Pic Courtesy: Xtend Gifting[/caption] durability as compared to gadgets that seem flimsy. The usual knick-knacks find their place on this list, ranging from table-top display sets like pen stands (Rs 250), coasters (Rs 200),  and also what employers see employees use often such as thermos flasks (Rs 1200), sippers (Rs 185), backpacks (Rs 1000), combination pack of coffee mugs, business card holder and coasters (Rs 600-Rs 700). “We had to fit in what we could in the limited budgets that corporates gave us,” says Suvir Khullar, Director, Gifting Ideas, Mumbai. 3) Idols: You can’t go wrong with the Gods. When they are made of precious metals like silver, they have excellent value too. Ganesha, Lakshmi figures stamped on silver coins encased in glass containers have been a perennial favourite with organisations. Gold coated ones are also popular. When you pray for auspicious [caption id=“attachment_2501582” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Pic Courtesy: Xtend Gifting[/caption] beginnings to Ganesha and to the Wealth Goddess Lakshmi, some corporates have also put in one more figure with them and that is of Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning. So the trend is to offer three gods in a glass encased stand that can be displayed as a table top ornament. The prices range from Rs 350 and it can go all the way up to Rs 1000, depending on size and weight of the metal. 4)Bluetooth speakers: With videos embedded into news too, listening to them with Hi-Fi speakers is but mandatory. Also, Indians love music and Bollywood’s popularity is testament to that. With Internet music becoming very popular, tinny smartphone speakers can’t keep pace and sound awful, and that’s where external Bluetooth speakers come in. They are small, can be battery- or USB-powered and can turn a smartphone or even a feature phone with a music player into a little personal music hub. They can also work well in a small party or at the gym or when playing games. Companies that go for the unbranded speakers place orders for the ones between Rs 700-800, while the branded ones are available for Rs 1000. 5) Gift Vouchers: When in doubt, this seems to be the best option. Give a gift voucher at a fixed price point and let the recipient choose goods to her liking. Some organizations have taken this route and have made bulk order purchases for the entire staff through vouchers. What they do is identify five items at a fixed price and give out gift vouchers for the amount. The employee can no longer say, a gift was dumped on her.