For businesses, the holiday season provides the opportunity to say "thank you" to key clients, prospects, and employees with gifts. The challenge is finding a gift that makes the impression that you want. After all, part of the thank you message is also "I look forward to continuing to work with you." Luckily, iPod gifts fit the bill. They're cool, lots of fun, and not too expensive. So, if you're thinking about giving employees or clients end-of-year gifts, here are some items to consider.
1. ITunes Gift Cards
image copyright Apple Inc.
These are great gifts, especially if you have to give out a lot. They can be purchased in denominations starting at $15 and can net recipients great new movies, music, audiobooks, and more. And, since they let the recipient choose what they get, they'll always be happy. Especially good when you don't know the recipient too well. Potential downside? Could be seen as kind of generic.
2. IPod Shuffle
image copyright Apple Inc.
When you want to make a splash, don't just give music, give an iPod. The iPod Shuffle is pretty affordable at US$79 and packs a solid 1 GB of storage. Though it's not quite the same as getting an iPhone, you're still giving someone an iPod, and even in this iPod-saturated day and age, most folks think that's pretty cool.
3. iPod nano
image copyright Apple Inc.
If you've got a shorter gift list, want to really make an impression, or have a lot of money to spend on gifts, consider the iPod nano. The new models, with 4 GB and 8 GB of storage, as well as the ability to play video, are pretty fine little gadgets. They'll cost you US$149 and $199 respectively (the review is of the second-generation nano, also a worthy iPod).
4. IPod Classic or iPod touch
image copyright Apple Inc.
For someone that's one above and beyond, you might consider one of these high-end iPods. But considering they start at US$249 and could cost you as much as $349, you better not be buying too many of these.
5. A custom iPod gift
I'm not the only one who's thought of iPods as holiday gifts. So has Apple. In fact, they have a special corporate gifting program that lets you place bulk orders, get discounts, and add cool features like engraving or pre-loaded content (what better way to thank a client than with a personalized message on their new iPod!)6. What NOT to buy: An iPhone
image copyright Apple Inc.
It's really hot and very cool, sure. But it also requires a service plan with AT&T and, unless you're planning to pay for two years of phone services, too, giving a gift with that kind of string attached is a pretty bad gift indeed. Plus, its likely that your recipient already has a cell phone and it may not be through AT&T. Giving a gift that could cause them to switch providers might be more hassle than joy. If you really want to get close to giving an iPhone, consider the "iPhone without the phone" – the iPod touch.
