Give an experience

For a gift your business partners and customers won't forget, offer an experience of a lifetime. Whether the people on your gift list are thrill-seekers or mild-mannered, you can find an event or experience that they'll always remember.

I recommend: SignatureDays.com and XperienceDays.com offer dozens of adventurous and not-so-adventurous experience gifts across the nation, including hang gliding, scuba diving, hot air balloon rides, gourmet cooking classes, dance lessons, even riding in a NASCAR sports car.

Give charitable donations

Showing that your company cares about more than just profits can improve your image. Giving a donation on behalf of your business partners or suppliers is one way to create goodwill. Tip: Choose a charity that's nonpolitical in nature to avoid offending anyone.

I recommend: Gifts That Count and JustGive.org let you choose from long lists of charities and send a gift certificate to the recipient.

Give the gift of relaxation

In today's chaotic business environment, a gift of relaxation and rejuvenation will thrill busy clients, suppliers and especially employees. Remember, helping reduce daily stresses with a gift that promotes well-being can help your business, too, since workers who aren't stressed out are generally more productive.

I recommend: Gift certificates for all kinds of relaxing spa treatments, such as massages and facials, are available from SpaFinders.com and can be used at thousands of spas around the nation. YogaFinders.com lets you search for peaceful yoga retreats across the nation or around the world. Consider give soothing, meditative gifts, such as a miniature Zen garden or an indoor tabletop fountain for desk-bound workers.

Give personalized gifts

Personalization doesn't mean slapping your company logo on something. Create something that's unique to your company. For instance, take a photo of your staff, have everyone sign it and have it framed. Or write a brief history of your company and turn it into a book with photos showing how far you've come.

I recommend: Make a personalized photo book, calendar or greeting cards with iPhoto for Mac users, MyPublisher.com or Shutterfly.com, where you can also find frames.

Contact corporate sales for volume gifts

If you're planning to purchase in large quantities, it's a good idea to investigate the corporate sales services from retailers who are known for their unique product lines. Corporate sales departments usually handle the shipping and fulfillment of your orders.

I recommend: RedEnvelope.com, Sharper Image and Brookstone have earned a reputation for unique business gifts.