Every December the same question lands on someone's desk: what are we getting our clients this year? And the team? This guide is the short version of what we'd tell you at the counter: how to set a budget, who gets what, wine or no wine, and how to get it all delivered across Winnipeg without losing a weekend to it.
Why a local gift lands better
A branded mug gets regifted. A basket of things someone would never buy for themselves gets opened the day it arrives. When it comes from a Winnipeg shop that has been on Academy Road for more than 35 years, it also says something about your business: you know this city, and you took the time.
Step 1: Sort your list into three groups
Before you think about what to send, split your list. It keeps the budget honest and turns the whole order into one phone call.
| Group | Who | Per gift | What works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your team | Staff and regular contractors | About $75 | Something to enjoy at home: crackers, chocolate, a good bottle |
| Clients | Regular clients and referral partners | $100 to $150 | A fuller basket with a bottle chosen for them |
| Top relationships | Key accounts, partners, your board | $250 and up | Champagne or a cellar bottle, with the best from the counter |
Our gift baskets start at $75, so every group on your list is covered.
Step 2: Decide wine or no wine
Wine is the classic business gift, but it isn't right for everyone. Before you order, check three things:
- Gift policies. Some organisations, often in government, healthcare and finance, cap gift values or don't accept alcohol. Check yours and your clients'.
- Who will receive it. Wine has to be handed to an adult, so an office delivery needs someone there to accept it.
- Whether they drink. If you're not sure, go without.
Every G.J. Andrews basket comes with wine or without. Without wine, there's simply more room for things from the counter.
Step 3: Choose what goes inside
Our baskets are put together in store from what's on our shelves. A few things we reach for:
- A bottle chosen for the person: an easy-drinking red, a crisp white, or Champagne such as Veuve Clicquot or G.H. Mumm for the top of your list.
- Something sweet: GNAW chocolate bars and Island Bakery biscuits.
- Something savoury: olives, gourmet crackers, and sauces and condiments for the cook on your list.
- Something to toast with, alcohol-free: our non-alcoholic drinks.
Gift ideas by recipient
The whole office
One generous basket in the break room beats twenty small ones nobody remembers. Think shareable: crackers, olives, chocolate and a bottle of sparkling for the holiday lunch.
The client who has everything
Skip volume. Pick one remarkable bottle, something they won't find at the liquor store. A big format makes the point on its own: a 3-litre 2017 Wente Charles Wetmore Cabernet ($289.95) or a magnum of 2010 Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon ($299.99), while they last. Or ask us at the counter what we'd choose.
The non-drinker
A basket without wine, heavy on chocolate, biscuits and pantry treats. Nobody feels left out.
Your own team
Give everyone the same basket and let their manager write the card. A thank-you from the person they work with means more than one from "the company".
Step 4: Add the personal part
A gift from a company still has to feel like it came from a person. Tell us what you'd like on the card for each recipient. One specific line ("Thanks for trusting us with the Henderson project") beats "Happy holidays from all of us" every time.
Step 5: Order early
December is the busiest month at the counter. If you're sending more than a handful of gifts, get in touch in November: you'll have first pick of the bottles and more choice of delivery dates.
How to order corporate gifts from G.J. Andrews
Call us at 204-487-7300, email gjandrews@gjandrews.ca, send a note through our contact page, or come by 384 Academy Road. Tell us:
- How many gifts, and roughly how many in each group
- Your budget per gift
- Wine, no wine, or a mix
- Delivery addresses in Winnipeg, or the day you'd like to pick up
- The message for each card
We'll take it from there.
Corporate gifting questions
Do you deliver corporate gifts in Winnipeg?
Yes. We deliver anywhere in Winnipeg, to your office or to each recipient. You can also pick everything up at 384 Academy Road.
Can you ship gifts outside Winnipeg?
Not at the moment. We deliver within Winnipeg and offer pickup at the store.
How much should I spend on a client gift?
$100 to $150 is a good range for most clients, about $75 for your team, and $250 or more for your most important relationships.
Can I send a gift without alcohol?
Yes. Every basket is available without wine.
Can I add a card with my company's message?
Yes. Tell us what you'd like it to say when you order.
Ready to cross gifts off your list? Call 204-487-7300 or send us a note with how many and your budget, and we'll handle the rest.
