There isn’t any real reason to sugarcoat it here. Business gifts all focus on one purpose. You need them to earn the attention of someone higher up the chain. They are just little novelties that ultimately remind the person that you are around and that you are aware of what’s going on. That’s two big points in your favor.
You don’t have to be too blatant about your executive gifts though. It is certainly nice to make sure that they really get something they like. Instead of just getting them another desk toy, you could look into getting them something that they could really use. A nice fountain pen always has a touch of elegance to it. You could also look into getting them a nice business card holder. With any luck, they will set it prominently on their desk and put it to work. This means that they’ll have a little reminder of you on their desk every day. This is a good thing. It’s really the gift that just keeps on giving.
You should at least have a few ideas in mind for your next gift at the office. There are tons of options out there. Just remember that a cute novelty isn’t always the best answer. Try to pair your gift with good function if you can.