Looking for some inspiration for you and your team this year? Follow the lead of retailer Terri King of My Secret Garden (Giftbeat's Dec./Jan. retail expert), who makes use of her time driving to and from the store by listening to audio books. One of her favorites is Hug Your Customers, which she has listened to three times now. "I encourage my staff to also read these books and learn more about how to improve our business," she says "It's not required reading, but if a staff member reads a book and can give me a written summary of how we could apply what she learned in the store, I will reward that person with gift cards."  

Pick: Spartina "Mermaids for Military"