As we lead into Christmas I thought this e-newsletter may be appropriate!

WHAT!!!!! Less than 1 month until Christmas. If you are anything like me, you are still thinking we are in July. I have been asked by a few clients for any great staff/client gift ideas to say thankyou for a great year. Below are some of my favourite picks which I am happy to share with you all.

Be sure to consult your accountant for expert advice about FBT applicable on employee gifts however in relation to the FBT exemption, the good news is the threshold has increased to $300 per person in Australia. This allows you to provide employees with low value, no cash benefits free of FBT (for the employer) and free of income tax and reportable fringe benefit (for the employee). Examples of common benefits are Christmas gifts, general monthly reward gifts, gym memberships and movie vouchers.

Price Range $35-$250+ per person (national)

Edible Blooms! You can’t go wrong. Something for everyone….Chocolate Bouquets, Fruit/Cake Pops and fantastic hampers! PS Good male gift ideas covered as well with some great Cheese/Wine hampers, the Connoisseur Beer Tasting Hamper and Scotch on the Rocks to name a few. PLUS Edible Blooms can also BRAND items and decorations to personalise it from your Company if you choose….so it really does have your gifts all wrapped up.

Contact:                Tanami Kaye on 03 9234 7411 or 1300 768 996

Website:               www.edibleblooms.com.au

Price Range $150+ per person (national)

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS idea and so will any recipient!!!!!! A Gift Voucher for your own Personal Concierge at Lifestyle Elements. Need someone to pick up your dry cleaning, be at home when you cant be there to let a ‘tradie’ in, go and do your shopping– basically help organise your life!!!!!!!! In an environment where we are all looking for more time, this gift hands it to your team/clients in a voucher!

Contact:                P: 08 8234 8657 or M: 0407 972 694

Email:                   abbie@lifestyleelements.com.au

Website:               www.lifestyleelements.com.au

Price Range $200+ per person (for SA customers/clients)

Tour Barossa/SA – Get a Gift of Happiness by getting a Tour Barossa/SA Gift Voucher. The team at Tour Barossa will tailor a special accommodation/tour and experience package that is the perfect getaway for any booking (romantic, relaxing, friends, family or wine tasting getaway). Less than an hour out of Adelaide, the fabulous staff at multi-award winning Tour Barossa/SA make it their job to ensure that every experience is phenomenal and one to remember. A wonderful opportunity to refresh and refocus. PLUS…they have also now moved in to the Adelaide Hills, Clare and McLaren Vale and have some great tours/accommodation to recommend and be packaged together.

Contact:                P: 08 8563 1000 or 1300 13 69 70

Email:                   getaway@grs.com.au or book@getaways.net.au

Website:               www.getaways.net.au

Price Range $500+

BespokeHR – Well of course, I needed to add my own business as professional development is incredibly valuable for any staff/clients (and also should be excluded from FBT)! Support your staff/clients with some personalised coaching or contribute towards some of my public training programs. Also, can you imagine… providing an SME that may be a client of yours, a HR Consulting voucher! Trust me, they will definitely thank you for it.

Contact Details:     Paulette Kolarz on 0412 393 068

Email:                      paulettek@bespokehr.com.au

Website:                  www.bespokehr.com.au

Lastly, I would like to wish you and your families a very safe, happy and joyous festive season and I hope your 2015 will be filled with lots of love, success and wonderful memorable moments.