5 Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Clients

We've all been there. It's the early weeks in November, holiday inquiries are swarming your inbox and you're just trying to get through holiday season in one piece. Client gifts are on the mind, but this is a task that often gets pushed back until last minute.

Although client gifts don't always yield "direct sales", it is a thoughtful way to let your past (and best) clients know you're thinking of them during the holidays and that your relationship is more than just a transaction. Repeat customers and meaningful business relationships are more often than not built on the small gestures outside of your services.

Think about all the times you've blasted an email promoting a sale or passed out a flier with a ticket special and felt as though it was meaningless and not effective. That's because most clients are immune to be "sold" things. Just look at your own inbox (or mail box!). Now, think about a time you received something completely unexpected as a thank you or 'just because'. It's a totally different feeling and a much better way to bring your client back to you and starting dialogue again!

Gifting clients can be challenging; you want to gift something they can enjoy right away (and you want them to actually use it!). I broke down some of my favorite client gift ideas for private event professionals that are fun, personal and will surely give your clients the warm fuzzies.

1. Assorted Tea

Is it just me or is there nothing better than a warm beverage (especially if you're in Chicago!). David's Tea offers unique tumblers, like the one displayed that offers a sipping spout for warm and hot beverages. Not sure what kind of tea your client likes? David's Tea offers a 25 sachets for $15 and you can choose between dozens, like Strawberry Rhubarb Parfait and Detox.

2. Jams & Meats

I used to work next door to PQM and my favorite thing to do during a lunch break was visit their shop and see the different jams, oils and gourmet meats they offered. I know I'm not the first person to suggest a jam as a gift, but here me out: shopping locally can give a bigger impact. I hate to burst everyone's bubble, but most clients can tell when your gourmet gift basket is from a rogue online store. Go local for these delicacies (and have fun while you're at it)! Not in Chicago or near a gourmet store? Try Etsy.com for something unique.

3. Artisanal Soaps

It is true that most people will be gifting food (hey, 'tis the season!). Why not gift your clients with something that they can use even after the holidays? LUSH has always been a favorite as far as putting together a gift box with different amenities. My current favorite it a small company out of North Carolina called The Soaperie.

4. A Customized Candle

Get a candle...but make it PERSONAL. Check out these two-toned black glass candles from West Elm, which are a perfect accent for anyone with a knack for home decor. Is a client stuck in town for the holidays and you want to cheer them up? Check out Homesick Candle, which features candles named after different cities, countries and memories, like Grandma's Kitchen.

5. Kitchen Towels

Are kitchen towels glamorous? No. Are they needed? YES. I've gifted these hilarious 'What the Fork' and 'Bite Me' Gingerbread towels from World Market and they are a hit! They're also inexpensive, so pair these towels with a small baked good and you will for sure give your client the giggles.

Again, while all of these gifts are sure to leave your client feeling appreciated, there are so many other ways to show your appreciation throughout the year. Do you struggle with how to build a meaningful client relationship? You know, one where you come off as a trusted professional and not just someone spamming your client with email fliers? I know it can seem like work, but it is SO doable!

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