I thought you'd like to see what we've been cooking up on the newsletter side. Here's something we recently sent out, and we really had a lot of fun doing it. Since all we've been sending out of late are sale newsletters, we thought it would be good to do something different for a change. Something fun. And this is how it came out. Did you like it? You can get subscriber-only discounts on promotional items when you sign up with the Branders newsletter.

Holidays or no holidays, these are just the kind of gifts that, when given to friends, co-workers, employees, or business clients, elicit a response such as, "Aww, you shouldn't have!" And it makes you go, "Good thing I did!" Here are my five most favorite corporate and holiday gifts that get just the reactions you want: Promotional travel alarm clock (SALE! $6.15) - This pocket-size flip travel alarm clock comes with a white LED flashlight and a clock with date, time, alarm, chime, and stopwatch functions. Female recipients will especially love these in pink. Perfect for breast cancer awareness giveaways or any other event that celebrates feminine power. Also available in blue, green, and silver. Custom silver telephone clock (at least $19.53) - This telephone-shaped clock is a great desktop accessory and a perfect gift for business clients. Lift the receiver and the clock rings like a telephone. Personalized silver compass (at least $23.86) - This extravagant-looking gift comes in a sleek silver case and is a subtle tool to point customers to the right direction: yours. Promotional vanity mirrors (at least $7.02) - This 2X magnification mirror has a leatherlike texture that's made of PU and makes a good year-end gift for special customers. Personalized ...

If you're planning to give away some Christmas hampers to friends, co-workers, employees, and business clients but find the ready-made holiday food baskets too expensive, why not put together your own? Here are some stuff you can slip into those wicker baskets: Chocolate-covered espresso beans ($1.81) - These are perfect for those who love coffee and chocolate and can be shared by many, which is what a Christmas hamper is all about. A bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon ($23.48) - Just the right amount of spirit for a more enjoyable Christmas. Mini coffee break ($7.02)- This comes with an 11oz white mug that you can personalize, plus some chocolate biscotti, gourmet cappuccino pack, and three coffee candies. Christmas cookbook ($17.07) - A Williams-Sonoma cookbook, this one contains 40 time-honored holiday recipes to inspire the homemaker who is running out of culinary ideas.

According to USA Today, good benefits and fair compensation are what makes women most satisfied at work, rating an 84 and 81 percent, respectively. Other factors include high trust between managers and workers (81%), rewards for excellence (77%), and open communications (75%). Benefits and compensation are easy, but it's the relationship building part that involves a lot of effort and time. Here are some things you can do to improve relations in the workplace: Reward employees for doing a good job. It may be as simple as leaving a note at an employee's workstation, sending off a congratulatory e-mail, or better yet, a small gift. Try to make time for small talk. It doesn't have to be about work. Here's a secret: People like to talk about themselves (which probably explains our penchant for talk shows). Small talk helps build rapport, and it improves working relationships. It's easy to work with people we like, didn't you notice? Keep communication lines open. Start Mondays talking about the week's goals over coffee. You don't always have to be looking over their shoulder, but be there when you're needed.  The best managers are those who know when to let go.

Are you planning early for a Christmas party? Here are some practical Christmas giveaways below $5: Promotional ripstop backpack (SALE! $4.10) - it's made of 450d ripstop material and features a rubber grip handle and an opening for a music player's headphones. Write N Roll promotional luggage tag (as low as $3.44) - this one's a perfect gift for employees who are constantly traveling for business. Unlike the usual luggage tags that display one's personal information for all to see, this one rolls up to keep details safe from onlookers. Custom pocket-sized radios (as low as  $3.35) - people will surely bring this along with them wherever they go, and it's easy to do so, with the handy clip that keeps this nifty gadget in place in a purse, pocket, or briefcase. Ms. Hollywood promotional sunglasses (as low as $2.66) - a perfect fashion accessory for every woman. These custom sunglasses will make them feel like stars! Promotional metal money clips (as low as $2.86) are one of the few accessories that your male recipients will find practical.

There's nothing like seeing the smiles on the faces of your recipients when they unwrap your gifts. It's a priceless memory both for the giver and the recipient. For the upcoming holidays, see beaming, happy faces when you give these corporate gifts from Branders' Gift Collection--whether it's a present for the office, a practical gift for the home, a luxurious item for their wardrobe, or something they can bring anywhere, an item from our gift list will surely be magical. Start your corporate gift list early! Browse Branders' Gift Collection and take your pick.