Tokens of corporate appreciation can be a measure of economic sentiment

Oser said Cross brand pens, which range from $35 to $250, tend to fly off the shelves because of the quality and value. If price is not an issue, MontBlanc pens, starting at $400, are a favorite among collectors and “a gift that no one ever forgets where it came from.” Oser anticipates Parker’s new Ingenuity collection, with its assortment of finishes and colors, will be a top seller this year. Prices range from $160 to $190.

Sterling & Burke

Personal Post

2824 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

(202) 333-2266

www.sterlingandburke.com

Few stores in the area carry as wide a selection of swanky items from Swaine Adeney Brigg, a British retailer known for its timeless leather goods. One of the most popular corporate gifts within the collection is the hand-stitched attache case, priced from $1,000 to $3,500, said principal Susan Jeffries. “If someone needs to offer a special thank you, this would do it,” she said.

For a less expensive way to say thanks, Jeffries suggests a handmade Brigg umbrella with a crook chestnut handle, starting at $150. There are also $32 leather-bound pocket calendars that can be engraved with the company or recipient's name for a few dollars more or $8 handmade leather bookmarks.

KNICK KNACKS

Red Barn Mercantile

113 S. Columbus St., Alexandria

(703) 838-0355

www.redbarnmercantile.com

Shoppers with a penchant for vintage home furnishings and antique collectibles likely have stopped in at this popular boutique. But owner Amy Rutherford also offers a number of speciality gifts that have found favor with corporate clients.

“We have a customer who is giving [a whale-shaped] bottle opener along with a six-pack of vintage-esque sodas or imported beer to her law partners,” she said.

Another customer requested 30 hand-crafted ornaments to give to her staff. One of the most popular items this holiday season has been the $32 Three Sheets to the Wind flask by Izola. “They’re just flying out the door,” Rutherford said.

Tiny Jewel Box

1147 Connecticut Ave. NW,

(202) 393-2747

www.tinyjewelbox.com

Don’t let the name fool you, this 81-year-old District store sells a lot more than shiny baubles. Vice President of Corporate Sales Gina Sherman says the store also is known for its collection of decoupage desk boxes featuring iconic Washington images, like the Capitol or White House. Those pieces, starting at $65, are big sellers during the holidays.

Another item that tends to clear off the shelves is the sterling silver enamel cufflinks, ranging in price from $100 to $175. Want more? Sherman recommends corporate clients check out the store’s selection of watches and other jewelry.

PERSONAL CARE

Blue Mercury

1619 Connecticut Ave. NW,

(202) 462-1300

www.bluemercury.com

This homegrown national chain, with four locations in the Washington area, carries a line of luxury skin care, makeup, perfume, hair, bath and body products. Seem a bit too presumptuous for a client or employee gift? Not at all, said marketing manager Alicia Lane. Company chief executive Marla Beck, she noted, has personally assembled her fair share of corporate gifts.

On Beck’s list of favorites: Acqua di Parma’s Collezione Barbiere $43 shaving gel and $75 after shave lotion. Molton Brown’s $75 Fractal Hand Wash & Lotion gift set is another favorite that is exclusively made for the store.

Grooming Lounge

1745 L St. NW

(202) 466-8900

www.groominglounge.com

A newfangled take on the old-fashioned barbershop, the Grooming Lounge, with its hot-lather shaves and waxing, is a popular haunt for executive types. In addition to its two stores in the District and Tysons Corner, the company has a thriving online business selling an array of products for dapper dudes.

Director of Stores Brittni Paul said the company logs a lot of corporate sales during the holidays and has something to fit every price point. She recommends the $25 Greatest Shave Ever Try Me Kit— a TSA-friendly assortment that’s “ideal for any corporate titan or road warrior.” She said the $110 Dovo 5-piece nail set is another great option, as “a solid pair of hands is essential for every businessman, nothing worse than a nasty handshake.”