Business dilemma...

aephi alum · #1 07-31-2003, 11:09 AM

OK here's my dilemma.

I run a computer consulting business. One of my clients is a small company with a handful of employees, including the owner's wife, who is the receptionist. She is about to have a baby.

She has always been very nice to me. He has been, well let's just say, NOT.

She had a baby shower, to which I was not invited, but the company's only other female employee was.

My husband has suggested that I get a small gift for the baby in the interests of business relations. I was planning on a congratulatory card, but nothing more.

Soooo... card or gift?

KappaKittyCat · #2 07-31-2003, 11:13 AM

I'd say nice card or very small gift (like a book).

FeeFee · #3 07-31-2003, 11:19 AM

If the baby shower was held at the office, I highly doubt that she organized it. Depending on how good of a rapport you have with her, I say get her a gift anyway (If most of the gifts were for the baby, she could use a gift for herself - new moms often feel neglected). Your gripe should be with the person in charge of the shower, not her.

That's just my 1 cent.

Any other suggestions/thoughts??

Optimist Prime · #4 07-31-2003, 05:24 PM

My new mom wife would not feel neglicated, i would always remind her she's special. The bringer of life onto earth.

Yeah, see, I'm romantic. Who wants to have my baby?

sigtau305 · #5 07-31-2003, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by aephi alum
OK here's my dilemma.

I run a computer consulting business. One of my clients is a small company with a handful of employees, including the owner's wife, who is the receptionist. She is about to have a baby.

She has always been very nice to me. He has been, well let's just say, NOT.

She had a baby shower, to which I was not invited, but the company's only other female employee was.

My husband has suggested that I get a small gift for the baby in the interests of business relations. I was planning on a congratulatory card, but nothing more.

Soooo... card or gift?

Card.

PiEp299 · #6 07-31-2003, 05:42 PM

Gift, she's a client not some random girl you work with.

amyleigh · #7 07-31-2003, 07:50 PM

I'm pregnant and can tell you that a card really is meaningful. It is the thought that counts. Go with your gut-thought, which is a card. Note- pregnant women are overly emotional, so a card means more to her you might thing.

bethany1982 · #8 07-31-2003, 07:53 PM

Take the high road, give the gift.

Rudey · #9 07-31-2003, 10:37 PM

Do you always give gifts if you get something in return? If she was nice to you and you want her or her child to have a gift, then give one. If you want to ensure good relations, give one. Nobody is asking you to buy them jewelry.

-Rudey

ToBeSororityGrl · #10 08-01-2003, 01:04 AM

How about a gift card to barnes & nobles or borders? A nice book I could pick out would cheer me up and maybe with the baby being due soon she'd like to relax and just read?

valkyrie · #11 08-01-2003, 01:57 AM

I think that a card is more than enough.

ZTAMiami · #12 08-01-2003, 09:02 AM

Its really up to you. Either a card or a gift is a nice gesture. Just realize that she probably had nothing to do with the invite list.

MoonStar17 · #13 08-01-2003, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Optimist Prime
My new mom wife would not feel neglicated, i would always remind her she's special. The bringer of life onto earth.

Yeah, see, I'm romantic. Who wants to have my baby?

Thats about the cutest thing ive heard in a while..."bringer of life onto earth..." awww.. any woman would melt at that...

justamom · #14 08-01-2003, 09:14 AM

First, she may have felt "funny" inviting you since they are clients and PAY you for services. Perhaps she didn't want to appear to be trying to get something in return, know what I mean?

I would go with a small gift, but something well thought out.
One of my most "prized" baby gifts was for my daughter. It was a Christmas ornament-porcelein faced angel with the birth date on the angel's gown. Every year I hang it, I remember Gina and smile for the gift she gave me.

Another simple idea is a receiving blanket or a little cap since cooler weather is around the corner. On a slightly higher end is a
Royal Doultin baby cup or bowl.

If you want to look to the bottom line, they ARE clients and it falls under promotions.

Optimist Prime · #15 08-01-2003, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MoonStar17
Thats about the cutest thing ive heard in a while..."bringer of life onto earth..." awww.. any woman would melt at that...

Okay, so what time are you coming over? I'm making lobster.