The Magic of Branded Client Gifts for the Holidays
The holidays may not be your favorite time of year, and that’s okay. (Fellow Halloween and autumn lovers, raise your hands!) The pressure to tie up end-of-year business as an entrepreneur can make it a tough season. Add in buying great gifts not only for loved ones, but for clients? It’s enough to make anyone want to hide under a blanket and zone out on some Netflix.
However, the benefits of giving your clients gifts far outweigh the extra planning and expense. Unique, branded client gifts show your customers that you appreciate your business. Plus, when you go with branded client gifts, you’ll stay top of mind with your clients for their next project — and there’s just something magical about sending something custom!
If you’re one of those people who agonizes over finding the perfect gift for someone, I’m here to help relieve some of that gift-giving anxiety with a few branded client gift ideas!
Get cozy with it
When you hear “branded client gifts,” what comes to your mind first? You might think of free promotional swag that you get at networking events, like pens and tote bags and notebooks. While those all certainly come in handy, they don’t really make much of a statement because they’re so commonly gifted.
My first suggestion for a unique branded client gift? Something cozy to keep your customers warm during the holidays. Think gender-neutral cold weather gear like beanies, scarves, or socks, or even a branded throw blanket. Cozy items like these have a lot more staying power than a pack of sticky notes or a paperweight.
You might even want to give them a fun tool for those cozy weather meals, like a cast iron skillet (yes, really!). Or, if you know someone with impressive craft skills, give them what they need to make their own warm and snuggly accessories! A previous client of mine called Shiny Dime Fibers sells gorgeous embroidery kits with naturally dyed wool, hand-dyed embroidery thread, needles, templates, and more.
A box of goodies
Rather than give each of your clients a single gift, why not up the ante with a personalized gift box full of goodies? Whether you buy a curated gift box or put together your own, make sure you choose thoughtful gifts that align with a client’s interests. A monthly wine subscription or beer brewing kit may not go over so well with someone who doesn’t drink, for example.
You might even curate your own gift box with items from your favorite stores! I had the pleasure of working on new packaging for Wildflower Tea Shop in Chattanooga, and their items would make a great gift box!
Julie Holder Photography http://www.julieholder.com/
Wildflower Tea Shop offers tasty artisanal tea blends like Rose Cardamom Chai and Ginger Green, but they also partner with local vendors like Almanac to sell seasonal candles, crystals, and home goods. So, a client like me who’s into astrology, nature, and supporting local businesses would love a gift box of both their items. See what I mean about thoughtful gifting?
Sweet treats and eats
No holiday celebration is complete without delicious food and drink! The great thing about choosing personalized treats to give as client gifts is that there are so many options available. Sure, there’s the standard gift basket with cookies, hot cocoa, popcorn, and a cute mug, but do a little digging and you’ll find some fun, creative ones.
One of my go-to recommendations for gourmet gift boxes is Divine Goods. They’re a fellow company in Chattanooga that sources gift items locally — shout out to The Bitter Bottle! — and across the United States.
If I had to choose just one gift box from Divine Goods, I’d go with That’s Amore, which includes tools and ingredients for making a delicious margarita pizza. Or maybe Who Put All My Exes in Texas, a gift box with coffee, essential oils, energy patches, and bath salts. Okay...maybe I can’t choose just one!
‘Tis the season to give
These are just a few suggestions for unique client gifts. Ultimately, you’ll need to do a little brainstorming to figure out branded gifts that your clients will appreciate, but also align with your brand and what it stands for. For example, a high-quality metal water bottle with your logo or tagline would make sense if you’re all about being eco-friendly or encouraging simple wellness practices.
Thoughtful, unique client gifts will strengthen bonds between you and your clients. They can also start your business’s next year off on a good note. If you find yourself panicking over what client gifts to buy, take a deep breath and remember why you’re giving them in the first place! You may find it easier to come up with the right gift ideas that way.
Want help create a branded gift experience for new or current clients? I can help with that.