Client gifts can be tricky. You want to get people something, they'll like, they'll use, and make them feel appreciated. The reality is that those logoed water bottles, phone chargers, and mug heaters you painstakingly chose are being regifted to their local Junior Achievement program or recycled to the "time to clean out the office" bin.
The distributed workforce (aka remote work) adds a wrinkle to client gift-giving. There is mostly no consistent physical location for our customers.
Where do we send the gift?
Do we send it to the office on the Monday or Thursday they are in?
Do we send it to their home or is that crossing a line?
Do we dare send to their Airbnb in Mexico they rented for the month of December?
What do we get for our clients that won't be regifted, they'll actually use and show how much we appreciate them?
This year, I am doubling down on sending gifts via email.
This way if someone is traveling or not at a physical location, they can always get the gift.
I am not saying don't send a physical gift. Sending a physical gift is great.
Know the best place to send so your client actually gets the gift.
Sending email gifts aren't without risks. Follow up to be sure the client got the gift and if not, ask them to check their junk box.
Finally, ask your client if they have a gifting policy. More and more companies have strict no-gift policies. You don't want to be "that person" that sends a gift then the client has to awkwardly send it back. (trust me, I've been there)
Below are my favorite client gifts to give this season:
Gift of wellness:
30-minute Somatic Breathing Session: I just started somatic breathing sessions this year. It’s been a good addition to my wellness adventure. I have been gifting it to everyone.
Sepi Aivazi with Dawn of the Earth is my favorite practitioner.
Health Coaching Package: There is no better health coach than a virtual session with Jenny Perin of Shiftlife with Jenny. She focuses on whole foods, reducing inflammation, and staying healthy while on the road.
Find something that you love and share it by giving it as a gift to your client.
You'll have an instant bond!
Backyard Ahhhhhhhhh: Find a spa near your client’s office or house and get a gift certificate.
Giving your client a healthy experience is an invitation for self-care. Our clients take care of so many people at work and at home. Giving them an excuse to take care of themselves is more than memorable.
Donate to a charity in their name: My favorites—Junior Achievement and California Hotel Lodging Association Hospitality Foundation. Take it a step further. Look at their LinkedIn or social platforms. Learn which organizations they follow, are on the board or volunteer—then donate to those organizations. Those are the ones that matter to them.
Gift the kid not the parent: Being kind to your client’s kid is a surefire way to show your client appreciation. If they play soccer—get a fun glow-in-the-dark soccer ball. If they like ROBLOX, get them a gift card. My current GO-TO for client kid gifts is LED Glow Angel wings. They are fun, festive and magical. I might also have an extra pair for myself!
Notes to self socks—Tis the season for cold weather and comfy socks. I found Note To Self socks in an Instagram shop. They are thick, comfy, and inspirational. You can buy singles OR in gift packs. I bought two gift packs and recently handed them out individually at an end-of-the-year client meeting. During the visit, each client picked the quote that best fit them. It’s a conversation starter and every time they wear them-they will positively think of you.
Choose Your Own Adventure email gift: This is something new I am trying out this year.
Subject line: Choose Your Own Adventure Treat.
Email: This is a "Choose Your Own Adventure" Gift from me to you.
Simply review the list, pick your treat, email me directly which gift you'd like and I'll send to you. Last step-and most important—ENJOY--you deserve it.
Include 5 or 6 choices of e-gifts you can quickly purchase and email once they pick. Make some personal (like the ideas above) and include a couple standard gifts like an Amazon gift card. You’d be surprised how helpful an Amazon gift card is this time of year.
Mixing the boring with the bold while giving your client the choice to pick their own gift will be appreciated.
An Experience: One of my colleagues is giving clients a bougie gingerbread-making kit to do with their families over the holidays. This is a gift that keeps on giving because you’re helping your client create lasting memories with their loved ones. They definitely won’t forget this experience or you-anytime soon.
Make them feel good with good old-fashioned professional stalking: I recently posted a picture of Byredo soap products I saw in a hotel.
I said, "I can't believe this hotel has my favorite Byredo soap actually in the room!"
A week later, a surprise Byredo gift box arrived on my doorstep. There was not a card. The sender's identity is still a mystery but the gift was great.
Another meaningful gift just landed on my lap that was a result of professional stalking.
A client gave me a beautiful butterfly necklace.
I asked, “How did you know I like butterflies?”
The client replied: "I stalked your Instagram, looked at your necklaces, saw a repeat in butterfly charms. I even saw you wearing a butterfly dress, so I took the risk that a butterfly necklace would work” It did. I love it.
Learn a little about your client. Take the time.
Clients are always giving you clues about what they love and hate.
Pay attention. Your next great gift idea is waiting.
Don't forget to include a card so they know it's from you!
I hope these ideas help you and spark new gift-giving adventures.
The goal is to make the client feel appreciated, remember you and to not get re-gifted!
This is an opportunity to build trust, build relationships, and be magnetic to your customers. You have to be willing to invest the time, take the steps, think outside the box, and practice different tactics that prioritize personalization.
Happy Gifting!
Mandi Graziano, is the celebrated author of Sales Tales, founder of Facetime Coaching Company where she orchestrates lively interactive sessions to grow sales team skills, she's a FUN professional keynote speaker, the Co-Host of Adventures in Business podcast, and Vice President of Global Accounts at HPN Global. Learn more about Mandi by following her on Instagram, Linkedin or her website.
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