Happy New Year!

Dear Clients: I would like to thank all my loyal and valued customers for their support in this troubled economy. In spite of all the ups and downs faced during 2008, OBB has remained strong and has continued to grow.

I'm facing 2009 how I face every new year - Challenging myself to do something new. This year I've signed up to run in the Music City Marathon...don't worry I doing the 1/2!!! Training is going well but feel free to pass along any tips you may have.

The Art of Giving: Whether you need help with a corporate thank you or personal gifts for birthdays, holidays and special occasions we are here to help with gift selection and delivery. Please email Gift Specialist Tami Ross at tamir@obbgifts.com or call 615.423.1471 to place an order or to set up a time to discuss your gifting needs!

Dates to Remember:
Valentines Day – February 14th Please place orders for “my chocolate valentine” baskets by February 9th.
Music City Mardi Gras – February 20th I sit on the board of this wonderful non-profit group that works to support families touched by blood related cancers and assist animal welfare organizations. Our big fundraiser is a Mardi Gras party showcasing one of the largest silent auctions in the city. www.lrpfoundation.org

BE ORIGINAL! GIVE ORIGINAL!

Corporate Gifting Programs

According to OPEN from American Express(SM) Semi-Annual Small Business Monitor, the top corporate gifts are:
• cards or calendars (49%)
• gift certificates for retail or restaurants (26%)
• company branded items (23%)
• fruit/food basket or charity donation (both 18%)
• flowers/plants and wine/liquor (tied at 10%)

Whether you’re new to the art or have been doing it for years, corporate gift programs can be used all year long and for a variety of reasons. December holidays offer a great opportunity to recognize the support of customers, get a foot in the door at a prospective client and to also thank employees.

Reaching out to your current client base doesn’t have to add stress during the holidays. As the digital age expands our online shopping horizon you’ll find there are a lot of options available to you. The Original Basket Boutique can customize your gift and also take care of the shipping for you!

Here are a few other things to help you when making a purchase:

• Order early so you can take advantage of shipping ground! The week of December 10th is the perfect time to send your gifts. Plus you won’t miss anyone who may take vacation during the holidays.

• On that note, personally delivering your gift offers an opportunity to be top of mind as well as the added bonus of connecting with your client.

• Everyone has their own interests and tastes. Gift cards and Gift baskets offer a wide range of appeal. Custom gift baskets however, allow you to add a special “favorite” item for that personalized touch.

• Always go with quality. This gift ultimately represents your company. Work with your gift specialist to stay on budget using the great variety of options out there!

• Hand written notes!!!

• It’s always good to check corporate regulations (both for the giver and receiver) for value or gift prohibitions.

• The State of Tennessee does not permit the shipping of Alcohol.

• Business gifts are tax deductible up to $25 per person for the tax year. For more information please check Revenue IRS Publication 463.

If you want to step out of the holiday rush, a great way to have an impact is to send gifts on your clients’ birthday. A corporate gift program is a cost effective way of maintaining a personal connection with your clients and building a partnership that can lead to referrals and business growth. Let us know how we can help!

Tami Ross
Gift Specialist
The Original Basket Boutique

tamir@obbgifts.com
615.423.1471

BE original! GIVE original!

Celebrate Relationships!

The holidays are filled with celebration! More than ever this year, warm wishes that celebrate relationships are welcome. Thriving in business can be challenging and we need to thank those who make it possible, especially in these changing times.

OBB will help you. There’s never been a better time to give a gift in good taste, and we’re here to make it happen. Our variety of gifts covers every sentiment, matches any circumstance, and works with individual budgets.

This year, return to the familiar comforts of tradition. As always, you can count on OBB to make your message memorable and meaningful. It’s what we do and who we are. We’d be pleased to show you how partnering with us this year will generate good will that will last long beyond this season.

The Original Basket Boutique
Be Original! Give Original!
615.423.1471 / tamir@obbgifts.com

We're Here for You!

We're Here for You

When there is uncertainty, relationships make a difference. For businesses, investing in relationships is never more important than now. Smart business people challenge themselves in challenging times. They increase their marketing efforts. They get closer to the people who matter – their family of customers and colleagues. Even in a climate of change, they stand steadfast and can be counted upon.
We are reaching out to you because we appreciate you. We know that upheaval and change is demanding of your time, your finances and your energy. And we know that appreciation and gratitude are important to you, too. At the end of the day, it’s all about relationships.

Making a gesture of appreciation doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. What you do give has to be good. That’s where OBB comes in. We’ll work with you. We’ll help you thank your customers and colleagues with tasteful gifts to fit any budget.

We know value is more important than ever in these times. We’ll deliver it for you, from you, to those who matter. We always have and we’re ready now. Get in touch with us and, together, we’ll get to work.

The Original Basket Boutique
Be Original! Give Original!
615.423.1471 / tamir@obbgifts.com

Sincere Appreciation

Sincerity. Never has it been more important. Gratitude never goes out of style, and simple pleasures are even more appreciated these days. Good business is making sure those who are important to you know how important they are. That’s where OBB helps you shine.

Your customers have faith in you because you’ve worked hard to keep it.

You’ve relied upon your colleagues and they’ve come through for you.

It’s time to say thanks and look forward.

We know what you want to say, and have great ideas about how to send the message. We’ll make sure a tasty selection is beautifully presented for a memorable impression. Personal touches like handwritten gift cards and imprinted ribbon differentiate your gifts. Most importantly, we’ll worry about the details, so you don’t have to.

We know how to help you say what needs to be said with a heartfelt gift. We’ll make sure no detail is overlooked and provide the highest value. We’re OBB and we’re sincere about working for you.

The Original Basket Boutique
Be Original! Give Original!
615.423.1471 / tamir@obbgifts.com

One Stop Shopping...

It's a crazy time we live in. I'm always trying to maximize every minute, especially while researching a new product or client online. In expanding my marketing efforts I found this fantastic website for the bride-to-be. While I'm a planner at heart and take pride in my organization skills, I'm always looks for ways to find what I need in as few places as possible. This one stop shop for brides is one of those great tools I was happy to find!

www.AshleysBrideGuide.com



Tami Ross
The Original Basket Boutique
423-1471 / tamir@obbgifts.com

Be Original! Give Original!

Thanksgiving

My favorite time of year is fall! I love the crisp mornings, the falling leaves and early evenings that make cozying up on the couch in front of the TV very appealing! I also love Thanksgiving!!! We may be 8 weeks away but our neighbors to the north will be celebrating Turkey Day October 13th!

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to send thank you gifts to your customers. As you know, it costs 60% more to find a new customer than it does to keep the one you already have. At OBB we can help get your name in front of your customers one more time by imprinting your logo onto the bow ribbon. If you send gifts at Christmas, have you thought of beating the rush and getting your gifts out the week of Turkey Thursday??? It’s memorable, doesn’t get lost in the shuffle and frees your time during the December holidays!

Tami Ross
Gift Specialist
tamir@obbgifts.com