Christmas Gifting Guide: Practical Ideas & Tax Tips for Business

Christmas is a great time to thank your clients. What you might not know about Michael Quinn is that his wife, Deborah, owns The Christmas Cart and Gifts & Keepsakes—two Australian brands that specialise in beautiful, personalised gifting (including gifts at scale).

We asked Deborah for practical advice on choosing the right gift for your brand, and Michael to share simple tax tips so you maximise the benefit.

Deborah Quinn: How to Choose the Right Gift (Fast)

Q: Where should a business start?

Deborah: Start with three things—audience, budget, purpose. Are you thanking VIPs, many smaller accounts, or staff? Decide your per-recipient budget and the feeling you want to create: warm, premium, playful, eco-friendly.

Q: Easy winners that work for most clients?

Deborah:

• Personalised ornaments/baubles for the tree — memorable, easy to mail.
• Curated gift boxes — 3–5 useful items, not filler.
• Gourmet food & tableware — for entertaining season.
• Desk-friendly décor — that looks good beyond December.

Q: Branding—how subtle should it be?

Deborah: Keep logos small and tasteful. Make the client’s name the hero. Personalisation (names, year) gets kept and displayed—your brand stays top-of-mind without shouting.

Q: What about timing and quantities?

Deborah:

• Order window: aim by late November for custom items.
• Bulk orders: we’ll help with lists, split shipping and consistency at scale.
• Last-minute? Choose ready-to-ship pieces or digital add-ons (cards, message inserts).

 

Quick browse:

The Christmas Cart — personalised ornaments, décor, hampers.
Gifts & Keepsakes — premium keepsakes, corporate gifting at scale.

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Michael Quinn: Simple Australian Tax Tips (You’ll Actually Use)

1) Client gifts vs entertainment

• Non-entertainment gifts (e.g., hampers, personalised items, practical keepsakes): generally deductible; GST credits available if you’re registered and have a tax invoice. See our guide on Christmas tax tips for business.
• Entertainment gifts (e.g., tickets used for leisure): generally not deductible and no GST credits.

2) Employee gifts & staff parties (FBT)

• Non-entertainment employee gifts: usually deductible/GST-creditable; FBT may apply unless under $300 (incl. GST) and infrequent (minor benefits).
• Entertainment like restaurant meals or tickets: if under $300 and infrequent → often FBT-exempt, but then no deduction/GST. If FBT applies → deduction/GST generally available.
• On-premises workday party (employees only): typically FBT-exempt, but no deduction/GST for the catering.
• Off-site party / partners invited: FBT can apply unless minor benefits (<$300 per head, infrequent). If FBT applies, costs are usually deductible/GST-creditable.

3) Transport on the night

A single trip that starts or ends at the workplace (taxi or ride-share) is FBT-exempt for employees.

4) Records to keep (tiny habits, big payoff)

Want a quick sense-check before you order? Call 1300 QUINNS or send us your shortlist and budget—we’ll confirm the most tax-effective path.

Quick Gift Ideas by Audience

• VIP clients: Personalised ornament + premium tableware set; handwritten card.
• Key accounts (mid-tier): Curated box (gourmet + desk décor).
• Many recipients: Personalised bauble program (names/year) shipped direct.
• Team members: Non-entertainment gifts under $300 (minor benefits friendly).

Ready to browse?

  The Christmas Cart — personalised Christmas décor & hampers.
Gifts & Keepsakes — elegant keepsakes and corporate programs.