The holiday season is a special time of year for friends and family, but it’s also the right time to thank clients and customers. When you find ways to give a gift that is meaningful, it makes your investment go even farther. Here are some thoughtful ways to say thank you at this festive time of year.
Gift company branded swag
From high-end pens and stationery sets to shirts and jackets, company swag always makes a great gift. This gift rewards your customers, but it also serves as a valuable form of advertising.
Another way to say thank you while standing out from the “stuff” that accumulates this time of year is to choose a quality whitelabel wine, and top it off with your own custom-printed labels.
Create holiday gift baskets
Gift baskets are a staple for corporate holiday gifts, and a customized basket is even better. The more you know about your customers, the easier it will be to create a truly customized present with small items that reflect their business and your relationship.
Want to keep it simple to appeal to broader tastes? Tried and true gourmet gift baskets, like fruit, gourmet cheeses or holiday sweets are always a safe bet.
Extend a party invitation
The holiday season is a time for celebration, so why not let your customers join in on the fun? If you are holding a holiday party, invite your customers to share in the festivities.
If your party is onsite, a fun “extra” is to include a tour of your facility. Take photos with your clients to share on social media. Prospective customers will love seeing how you engage with your clients, and they may remember this the next time you reach out.
Gift a Subscription Service
With so many subscription services out there—from meal kits to pet toys to entertainment—there are more than enough options to pinpoint the perfect one for your client.
The ideal gift will allow your clients to try something new, while saving them time in the process. Whether a short-term subscription or one that lasts a full year, it’s the gift that keeps giving.
Out-of-office entertainment
Everyone likes some form of entertainment, so why not give your favorite customers an excuse to get out of the office? Tickets to an upcoming event or a gift card for a local theater are great ways to say thank you.
Better yet, invite them to join you on a golf outing or spa visit. Socializing outside a business setting creates a personal connection, which increases the likelihood of client retention.
Your Favorite Book
If you’ve read an amazing and share-worthy book, consider gifting it to your clients. Purchasing the hardcopy and flagging your favorite quotes (with help from your team if needed) can transform an ordinary gift into one that is deeply personal, thoughtful, and–most importantly–memorable.
Make a charitable donation
If you know your clients well, consider making a charitable donation in their name to a cause they care about. This is an excellent way to show your client you care about what is important to them, which makes a lasting impression well past the holiday season.
A few more things to remember when gifting to clients:
Don’t Overspend
Inexpensive doesn’t always mean cheap! You can easily find a thoughtful gift within the normal spending range of $25 to $75. However, this is just a guideline. If a client was responsible for a considerable amount of your revenue this year, you may consider spending more on that client’s gift.
Include a Handwritten Note
In the digital world of email and text messages, receiving a handwritten note is rare. Taking the time to write a thoughtful note on quality stationary will take any gift to the next level.
Understand Tax Guidelines
Don’t forget, you get a tax break when giving client gifts. Regulations state that you can deduct the full amount of a business gift up to $25 in value. However, keep in mind that any personalization (name engraving, embossment, gift-wrapping) doesn’t count toward that amount. Tax guidelines around gift cards can be a little tricky, so we recommend that you consult your business accountant to gain more insight in this area.
The holidays are the perfect time to thank the ones who helped your business thrive throughout the year. Whether your business is brand new or well-established, thanking your customers is always appreciated. These holiday gift ideas can help you say thank you in a sophisticated and memorable way during the holiday season.
