The Perfect Thank-You

There is an art to saying thank you. Sometimes the words are enough, but other times a card, a handshake, a small gift or even a trip out to dinner is needed to properly express gratitude. How we determine how to say thanks best is based not only on social guidelines and the size of the debt owed, but also our understanding of what the person would like in return. You don't thank a neighbor for feeding your cat while you're away with a pair of Yankees tickets if you know he or she prefers the Red Sox, and you don't give your mom a Conan the Barbarian DVD box set for Mother's Day (unless you have a really cool mom). This is where the artistry of gift-selection comes into play—finding that one perfect item that will make the recipient happy and grateful enough to understand how appreciated they really are—and it's an art that's doubly important in the promotional industry.

In a business where all of the talking is done through physical items, it's very important that if a client is trying to say thank you, you're able to help them find exactly the right "words." From crystal awards to emblematic jewelry and other reward-worthy items, below are some pointers on finding the best way to say thanks.

AWARDS
Visually dynamic and easily connected to themes of achievement or appreciation, a good award, trophy or plaque can be the perfect choice for a recognition program.

On picking the right award:
There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting an award. Audra Lehnert, marketing coordinator for Crystal D, St. Paul, Minn., pointed out recipient preference, award theme, corporate brand and even the setting of the awards ceremony as possible elements influencing design. "If the event is a black-tie occasion, choose an award that is equally elegant and majestic," she said. "On the other hand, if the event is an outdoor picnic choose an award that is lighthearted and playful in nature."