Client Gifts: 10 Under $25

It’s that time of year again. The sales and marketing bonanza known as The Holidays are fast approaching. In this most unusual year, when many Freelancers and other business owners have had little to no contact with our clients since March, thanks to the shutdown, the December holidays represent a hugely important relationship maintenance opportunity. This is our big chance to reach out to clients with gifts without looking either pushy or desperate and reminding them that we’re still relevant.

You can’t lose. Not only that, you might get some work again when business picks up. Holiday shopping must start early this year. Shipping, which has grown exponentially during the shutdown, will be much more busy during the gift giving time. More holiday gifts will be shipped this year than the industry has ever seen.

Please see the 10 gifts below. I recommend shopping no later than December 6 (for domestic shipping) and sending cards by December 10. Remember that mailing to a client who’s working from home will be complicated by the need to transport items from client’s office to client’s home and the mechanism to do that probably doesn’t exist at this time. Call office building concierges before Thanksgiving and ask about mail and package deliveries.

The gifts

1. Make working from home a little cozy with a warm throw blanket. $20.

2. Find the AirPods in their case when they’re needed. $25.

3. Luscious chocolates from Serenade Chocolatier, a favorite place. $25.

4. Pet lovers will adore the Tiny Tent, a clever item that gives cats and small dogs a place to play hide’n’seek or take a nap while Mom and Dad are working from home. $20.

5. A personalized post-it note cube brings style to a utilitarian desk item. $17.49 (sale price, $24.99 regular).

6. Wild, wacky, luxurious soap and lotion gift sets from Lush. $14.95 – $24.95.

7. Plants bring beauty and healing energy to every space. The Hedgehog Aloe requires bright, indirect light, no drafts and water every 7–10 days. $19.95.

8. Home cooking is more fun when the chef wears a 100% cotton apron by Ayesha Curry, cookbook author, Food Network chef and wife of basketball star Stephen Curry. In aquamarine or burgundy. $19.95.

9. A dollop of ripe fruit sparked with a cocktail spritz creates a yummy jam condiment your clients will love. $24.

10. COVID evenings at home become more satisfying with soft lighting provided by candles shaped like wine corks. $20 (12 candles).

Sending holiday gifts and/or cards to clients with whom you’ve worked in the past 3–5 years is one of the smartest and most effective marketing campaigns that can be run. Holiday outreach positions you and your company as a class act. The company name, and by extension its products and services, lands directly in front of decision-makers in a most pleasing way. Your acknowledgement reminds clients of a great working experience as you create yet another great experience by showing that you’re thoughtful.