St. Paul, MN—A truly impressive business gift in the $20 to $60 range is a rare find. Yet top performing business leaders and sales executives know that savvy gifting is the way to build solid client relationships.

Dawn Bijou Janes, president of Minnesota Insurance Group, is always looking for unique business gifts to distinguish herself from her competitors. So for the past two years she has tapped into the gourmet cuisine craze by sending clients premium, European-style chocolate truffles as her signature gift.

"While everyone else is giving small novelty items or yet another coffee mug during the holidays, my clients receive a box of gourmet truffles from Chocolat Céleste. They tell me it's the one gift they look forward to each year," says Bijou Janes. "New clients always call back and ask 'where did you get these chocolates?' It's a great conversation starter--and way for me to nurture business relationships in a personal, fun way."

"Chocolate is a great gift for business because the price points are right and it's always a thrilling reward for a job well done—especially for administrative assistants and other important gatekeepers," says Mary Leonard, a national award-winning chocolatier and the owner of St. Paul-based Chocolat Céleste. In 2004 Americans spent more than $14 billion on chocolate and Leonard says she has seen the trend grow as we become a nation of connoisseurs. Today she counts Chase Mortgage, Carlson Hotels, US Bank, American Express, Belagio and The Mirage resorts in Las Vegas as pleased customers of ChocolatConcierge, a business gifting service offered exclusively at Chocolat Céleste.

"Highly effective business gifts are memorable on many levels. Our truffles convey connoisseurship and grab all five senses—from the initial aroma wafting from the box when it arrives to the rich cocoa taste and finish. And it's a gift that lets the recipient indulge, which is always a hit," says Leonard.

To guide professionals, the specialists at Chocolat Céleste share their five-point guide to selecting client gifts that mean business.

1. Price. Gourmet foods are great values in the $25 to $60 per gift range. At Chocolate Céleste The Grand ($59.95) is an elegant box of 16 grand-sized truffles is a generous choice for important clients and valued colleagues. The Petit ($17.95) and The Classic ($35.95) are also great ways to follow-up on business meetings or express gratitude to assistants and administrative professionals.



2. Presentation. "The look of a business the gift should be elegant and classic in a timeless way," says Mary Leonard. Planning ahead to bulk order luxury gifts that are private labeled with a company logo is highly recommended. "Set a tone that equates your company with excellence."



3. Personalization. At Chocolat Céleste, handwritten gift cards featuring your personal message are included when you use your complimentary ChocolatConcierge account.



4. Conversational. Effective business gifts will get clients talking. Connoisseurship is a savvy conversation starter that can reveal a shared passion. Select a gift, such as premium chocolates, which can be shared with colleagues and friends.



5. Convenience. One-stop shopping is key for making sure everyone on your list receives an impressive gift with your personal touch. Our ChocolatConcierge staff expertly services entire gift lists for professionals year round with the simplicity of a single e-mail or toll-free phone call. Professionals with ChocolatConcierge also receive discounts on bulk orders and invoicing options.