Holiday Client Gift Recommendations from the Firmspace Team
Holiday gifting season is upon us.
In the business world, a client gift is sometimes just a box to check: a tin of popcorn, a box of cookies, a branded mug that gets discarded without much attention paid to who sent it.
But done well, a holiday client gift can serve as a memorable thank you and a conversation starter that strengthens your relationship. And it keeps your name top of mind.
We know coming up with gift ideas can be hard. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best gifts the Firmspace team have sent and received. Some are seasonal, but many of these gift ideas are great year-round – because the holidays aren’t the only time to show appreciation for your clients.
Here are some gifting tips and ideas from the Firmspace team that will resonate with your clients.
Client Gift Advice: The More Useful, Thoughtful, and Personal, The Better
When selecting your client gift, find something that you’d be delighted to receive if you were on the other end. Here are five general rules to follow.
1: Avoid the generic. Find something that your client can use repeatedly or appreciate immediately – "not something that will create clutter,” according to Firmspace’s Director of Member Experience Kristin Kirk.
2: Make it personal. If you’re familiar with your client’s interests or tastes, choose something you know they’ll personally enjoy.
3: Shop local. If your client is based out of town, pick something that represents your backyard and support a small business or two in the process.
4: Write a note. Be sure to include a letter that explains why you chose the gift in addition to any thank you’s and well wishes for the year ahead.
5: Wrap it well. Bethany Sheldon, Sales Account Executive at Firmspace, says that if you’re responsible for wrapping the gift: “Use high-end satin ribbon and a nice box.”
For the Foodies: Edible Gifts for Clients
A classy food or beverage gift is typically a safe bet for clients.
Take it from Alex Gold, Firmspace’s Director of Sales: “Everyone loves to eat. A food or beverage lets multiple people enjoy the gift. It works for men and women, there are no sizes to worry about, and it's relatively affordable.”
Food Worth Shipping
The pecan pie from Goode Company in Houston
Small-batch dark chocolate from Xocolatl in Atlanta
Man Crates beef jerky
A cheese board set from Cheese Meat Board in Colorado
Decorated sugar cookies from Hayley Cakes in Austin
Drink Sets for Your Client’s Next Toast
A virtual liquor tasting of a sample kit at home, like this Texas whiskey company offers
A hot chocolate kit from Katherine Anne
A mulled wine set, complete with wine and mulling spices
Food Collections for Sharing
A charcuterie spread of nuts, jams, and fine cheeses from Hickory Farms
A Harry & David gourmet specialty snack basket
A selection of local goods to support small businesses in the area, like these ones from Denver’s 5280 Gourmet
Packed with Purpose, a gift box that gives back to causes that support communities and preserve the environment
Gifts for the Workspace: Professional Tools and Accessories for Clients
Another great client gift option for clients is something practical that your client can use again and again in their workspace.
Hannah Collins, a Member Experience Associate at Firmspace, still uses the handmade ceramic coffee mug she got as a client gift seven years ago: “I appreciated it because it was useful and beautiful, and I still use it weekly. I am also a huge coffee fan, so this was particularly nice for me to receive!”
A Hydro Flask water bottle
A wireless phone charger
A succulent plant – a low-maintenance addition to any workspace
A personalized portable business card holder, like this one
An engraved notebook
For the Day: Experiential Gifts for Clients
Research shows that an experiential client gift can improve a relationship better than a material gift. That’s because experiences tend to be more emotionally evocative, and they create memories that your client can share with you when they thank you for the gift.
In the era of COVID-19, when so many people are hungry for new experiences, an experiential gift to a client might be particularly meaningful.
Good for Residents of...
Client Gift Idea
Atlanta
Any curated experience from a brewery tour to a private golf lesson via Cloud 9 Living
Austin
An upscale takeout meal from Wu Chow, Odd Duck, or Eddie V’s
Denver
The Bonanno Concepts gift card, which gives access to its family of food venues and restaurants
Houston
Anywhere
A gift certificate for SpaFinder.com, which you can redeem for any spa servie
A day office rental from Firmspace, available in Atlanta, Austin, Denver, and Houston
For Good: Charitable Gifts for Clients
For clients who are purpose-driven, making a donation in lieu of sending a material or experiential gift can send a powerful signal that your businesses share the same values.
Here are some great organizations to consider donating to on your client’s behalf:
In Atlanta
In Austin
In Denver
In Houston
Nationwide
American Cancer Society or Testicular Cancer Foundation (founded by Firmspace owners – Firmspace COO Kenny Kane serves as CEO)
Great Holiday Gifts Build Strong Client Relationships
Your next client gift shouldn’t be a standalone gesture this holiday season. Consider it an opportunity to connect over something outside of work and deepen your relationship.
In the note you include, ask your client if they’d like to catch up in the new year or suggest ways you can better serve them. Offer to set up a Zoom call or rendezvous for coffee, if they’re comfortable meeting in person.
Should you need any help with suggestions of the suggestions above, Firmspace is here to help. Happy Holidays.