Cacao Crazy
Whether it's a classic combination of dark chocolate and almond, or a more obscure mixture of white chocolate and Cheerios (we won't judge!), Chocomize lets users customize their bars online with everything from healthy fruits and nuts to funkier ingredients like bacon and 24k gold flakes. Company logos and images can be added to the bars and/or packaging. Price varies, based on ingredients; discounts available on orders of 50 bars or more. (856) 375-2041; chocomize.com
Sleek Carryall
Landmarks & Lions' Madison wallets hold just the necessities -- iPhone, credit cards and cash -- for easy fitting into jacket pockets and small handbags. Available in black or cognac with a choice of red, green or navy-striped lining. Cost $59. landmarksandlions.com
Take Your Pick
Instead of searching for a one-size-fits-all gift for a high-end group, let recipients customize their own in an interactive setting. For example, have a jewelry designer set up shop in your conference room for a private shopping spree. New York City-based Kim Rittberg of K*ritt Jewelry offers this service and will bring only pieces that are within your price range. K*ritt jewelry from $45 and up. krittjewelry.com
Dessert First
Many smaller bakeries and sweet shops around the country offer fresh, creative treats that can be shipped to recipients. We love Have It Sweet's Pecan Pie Caramel Bars, about $20 per pound. The bars from this California confectioner -- which taste exactly like the pie -- also can be set out during a holiday party so guests can slice off their own chunk of salty, sweet goodness. Haveitsweet.com
Shop the Cause
For a quick way to find gifts that benefit more than just the recipient, search Filanthropists.com by cause or charity. The site lists more than 300 gift ideas in 30-plus categories, e.g., edibles, collectibles, etc. Filanthropists.com
Say Cheese
Creamy, fresh goat cheese -- yum! Harley Farms tops their chevre with the best in both sweet and savory ingredients, including tomato basil, cranberry walnut, apricot pistachio and edible flowers. Cost, from $8. (650) 879- 0480; harleyfarms.com
Sustainable Suds
From the recycled packaging to the carbon offsetting, the makers of Hand in Hand soaps have thought of everything to ensure their product gives back more than it takes. The orange blossom-scented, shea butter soap is made from organic ingredients and free of parabens, and for every bar purchased, Hand in Hand donates one bar to populations in need by working with the charity Clean The World (cleantheworld.org). Cost: $72 for a pack of 10. (267) 714-4168; handinhandsoap.com
Save the Date
For those who prefer the pen to the keyboard, the pocket day planner from Graphic Image's Brights Collection will be a welcome gift. Available in a variety of vibrant hues, the goatskin leather diary includes year-, month- and week-at-view pages. Cost, $34; bulk discounts and customization available. (800) 232-5550; graphicimage.com
Shipping Saver
Leftover tchotchkes and materials on your hands? Save on return shipping and get a tax write-off by donating them to charity. For example, a teachers' association can donate items to a local education group, such as A Gift For Teaching (agiftforteaching.org), or a building organization can donate materials to Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org). Thanks to Visit Orlando's destination management services team (orlandomeeting.com) for the idea.
Moody Hues
Check out color trend forecasts from the Color Association of America (colorassociation.com) to learn how hues can affect the mood and tone of your event. For example, to give an event an upbeat vibe, choose the red, orange or gold tones of an international bazaar, a hot palette forecasted for 2012. Also poised for popularity: cool blues and neutral grays, both perfect for setting a businesslike atmosphere. Thanks to Leslie Harrington, executive director of the Color Association, for the tips.
Power Sacks
Powerbag's briefcases, messenger bags and backpacks include built-in batteries that charge almost any device that uses a USB cable, e.g., tablets, smartphones and e-readers, all at the same time. Cost, from $140. (888) 251-2026; mypowerbag.com
Smart Code
QRDevices laser-engraves QR codes onto a business card case, key chains or any other product and are compatible with any QR reader/scanner app. The QR codes link to a website, contact information or any message of up to about 3,000 characters, so if the company name or address changes, no problem; just update the link. Cost, $19.95 for key chain; bulk discounts available. qrdevices.com