Shopping for the right gift for your customer is a difficult task. You could go out and spend a bundle of money, but this sends the wrong message in a difficult economy.

Every year, my goal is to find 10 unique gifts under $20 that my customers can use, abuse and enjoy into the New Year.

1.    Emergency Clown Nose. This is a key tool for those difficult moments your customer will face in 2011. In the world of small business, we all need to learn to find the humor in everything we do in order to move forward and be successful. During tough times, just break the emergency glass and your customer will be surprised the solutions that appear. Price: $5 

2.    Scape Goat Doll. “Blamestorming” is a popular game around the office, especially when things go wrong. Save your customer time in looking for someone or something to blame by buying this stuffed goat. Simply stick a pin in to place the blame and then look for ways to fix the situation instead of focusing on the mistake. Price: $6

3.    “Stay Puft” Caffeinated Gourmet Marshmallows. Who can be “un-cheered” by marshmallows especially this time of year? Add the caffeine to them and your customer has the perfect pick me up for that afternoon snack or late night energy boost. This is a definite productivity plus! Price: $19

4.    iPlunge Phone Stand. The perfect solution for those video emergencies wherever your customer’s business takes them. Perfect to pass the time to watch their favorite “educational” video especially on delayed flights. Price: $6

5.    Phantom Keystroker. This is actually for the customer you love to hate. Plug it into their computer and it makes random mouse movements and types gibberish intermittently. A perfect way to create a problem for your customer that only you can solve. Price: $13

6.    Fiverr. For the customer that has everything. In this tough economy, it’s amazing what American entrepreneurs can dream up. This website is the place where for $5, you can get other people to do many things for your customers. Try the following gifts:

a)     Have a jingle written about their business. Price: $5

b)    Advertise their business on a mercedes. Price: $5

c)    Record a video testimonial for their business. Price: $5

There are thousands to choose from. Unsure? Gift card!

7.    Soul Pancake. For “The Office” fan, Rainn Wilson has written a thought-provoking book on the meaning of life. It includes 180 of life’s biggest questions with pictures. This is a great way to get to know your customer better and build a deeper relationship. Price: $14

8.    Fake Shirt and Tie. This is perfect for the customer that works at home and has the occasional video chat call. They can use this gift to “wear” whenever they need a temporary dress up over their pajamas or sweatpants. Price: $6

9.    The “Always There” Travel Pen. This unique pen is neatly looped onto their briefcase so they always have a pen to sign your contract at a moments notice. Your customer will never go looking for a pen again. Price: $7

10.  Touch Screen Gloves. The most popular gift around my office this year were gloves you do not have to take off to use your touch screen phone or pda. When it’s cold, your customer will be reminded everyday how much they love you. Price: $18