Now that it’s September, it’s not too early to think about holiday card sending. I am already receiving greeting card catalogs, in the mail, from companies that specialize in business holiday cards.

A lot of companies have the tough call to decide whether to send “Merry Christmas”, “Seasons Greetings” or “Happy Holidays” cards to their customers, employees and business associates.

It can be a difficult decision, as well as deciding on holiday gifts. Who to give to? What to give? How much money to spend?

Here are my top three tips for holiday card sending.

1. Plan a workable budget for your holiday card and gift sending that will not break your bank, yet will also allow you to show real appreciation. There is nothing more tacky than when a customer or business associate receive an inexpensive gift that looks cheap.

2. Make your list and check it twice. Who are you sending cards and gifts to? Obviously, existing customers are on the list. Don’t forget past customers, too, who may not have done business with you in a while. Business associates, independent contractors, colleagues, or anyone that you want to thank during this special time of year.

3. Decide who gets a card and who gets a gift, and who gets both. It may not be within your budget to send everyone a holiday gift and that’s o.k. True appreciation doesn’t necessarily come in the from of material gifts. A heartfelt, personalized holiday greeting card can mean just as much to the person receiving it.

Bonus Tip! …and this is probably the most important tip of all.

Send a personalized holiday card. The holidays are a very busy time for a lot of people. Sending a personalized card shows genuine appreciation. It shows that you took the time to send a heartfelt message at a very crazy time of year.

More holiday appreciation tips to come!