Some would argue that it’s much harder to shop for clients than it is to shop for friends and family because it requires balancing professionalism with personalization.
Unlike with loved ones, where gifts can be more casual or humorous, client gifts must maintain a level of professionalism and reflect positively on your brand. This is tricky when you may not have much insight into your clients’ personal preferences, hobbies, or lifestyle, which are typically known factors when choosing gifts for friends and family. Additionally, clients vary widely in roles, backgrounds, and tastes, making it difficult to find something universally appreciated that still feels thoughtful and unique. Ultimately, a client gift has to represent not only your appreciation for the relationship but also your brand’s values, which adds an extra layer of consideration.
Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered! Here are 8 unique gift ideas to help you deliver the perfect holiday surprise to your clients:
Unique Gift Ideas for the Holidays
- Personalized Notebooks or Journals
- Everyone loves a notebook, and I’d like to argue that you can’t ever have too many. A high-quality, personalized notebook with their name or initials shows thoughtfulness and can be useful for planning the new year. In lieu of some of the big swag store notebooks, consider taking your search over to Etsy! You can find something truly one-of-a-kind, and add a personalization as well.
- Luxury Hot Chocolate Kit
- A cozy, indulgent gift for winter, a high-quality hot chocolate kit with gourmet cocoa, marshmallows, and mix-ins like peppermint or cinnamon sticks creates a warm experience they can enjoy at home.
- Artisanal Coffee or Tea Sets
- A selection of premium coffee beans or a tea sampler set with a small French press or tea infuser makes a perfect winter treat. If you’re in Baltimore, then definitely visit Cuples Tea House, a premium loose-leaf tea company based in Baltimore. They can educated you on the benefits of loose-leaf tea, and help you create the perfect client gift.
- Local Goodies or Gourmet Snack Boxes
- Curate a box of treats from local vendors or a selection of gourmet snacks that reflect your brand’s values and location. We started gifting LeccareLollipops forever ago, and they never disappoint. The flavor combinations are as delicious as they are unique (think Blueberry Vanilla Bean or Salted Marshmallow) and we always end up ordering extra for our personal stash.
- Artisanal Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Set
- A set of premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars can elevate everyday cooking. Kosterina offers premium cold pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil from southern Greece, it’s authentic, healthy, and delicious. They’re a small, woman-owned business that offers an incredible line of organic olives, vinegars, and olive oils. Bonus – they even have all natural skincare leveraging the power of extra virgin olive oil for deep hydration and antioxidant protection. You can up-level your charcuterie board and skincare routine!
- Customized Candles
- You might think that candles are a boring gift, and they can be if you’re just grabbing a random scent from your local drug store. However, high-quality candles with a custom label or scent can create a cozy, personal touch. Consider giving the gift of candle making to your clients with a gift card from Lumière Candle Studio. They’ll be able to blend their own fragrance, pour their own candle, and create something just as unique as they are.
- Plant or Mini Succulent
- There’s always room for one more plant in my heart and my home, or desk, or front porch. A low-maintenance plant like a succulent or desk plant adds greenery to their workspace and reminds them of your relationship. If you aren’t sure where to start, and you don’t have a green thumb, head over to The Sill. They can help you choose the perfect plants, and even handle the shipping.
- Handwritten Thank-You Note with a Gift Card
- In the age of slacks, text messages, and emails, the art of writing a note and the joy of receiving one has been lost. A handwritten note expressing gratitude along with a gift card (to a local bookstore like our beloved Charm City Books, coffee shops like Thread Coffee Roasters or Vent Coffee Roasters, or charity donation) adds a personalized touch.
How to be Mindful When Gifting
Now that we’ve got that covered, let’s touch on common mistakes to avoid when choosing your client gifts this season.
- Always avoid overly personal gifts. Gifting something too intimate, like personal care items (perfume, skincare), can feel invasive and may not be suitable for professional relationships. Stick to universally appreciated items.
- No more swag gifts. While branded items can be nice, excessive logo placement on everything can make it feel like a marketing effort rather than a genuine gift. No one needs another water bottle, trust us.
- Don’t mass-send the same gift with a generic gift card. “Here’s $10 to Amazon, Happy Holidays!” Clients can usually tell if they’re receiving a “cookie-cutter” gift, and it really does feel impersonal.
Choosing the perfect client gift can indeed be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to show thoughtfulness and strengthen connections. With these unique ideas, you’ll be able to give a gift that feels both personal and professional, creating a memorable impression. The best gifts remind clients of your appreciation for their partnership while offering something they’ll genuinely enjoy. This holiday season, embrace the art of meaningful gifting and celebrate the relationships that drive your business forward. Happy gifting!
Naomi Oriol is a Customer Experience Specialist with over seven years in her profession. Her expertise include customer experience design, service recovery, quality and training, customer insights, self-service programs, leadership, and project management.
