Meaningful Holiday Gifts for Clients Made Easier
Guest blog & narration by Voice Over For The Planet member Dustin Ebaugh
The holiday season is a great time to show your clients that you value the relationships you’ve built throughout the year. Thoughtful gifts can leave a lasting impression and remind clients that you appreciate their support and trust.
A couple of years ago, I sent a small, carefully chosen gift to an agent I had worked with for several years. It wasn’t expensive, but it reflected a shared interest we had discovered during our meetings. The note I included mentioned a specific project we had collaborated on. A few days later, I received a handwritten thank you note from her, and that simple gesture strengthened our connection more than any generic gift could.
When considering gifts for clients, it helps to think about personalization. Something that speaks to their tastes or needs often stands out. Even small gestures—like a handwritten note paired with a favorite snack, a quality coffee, or a branded item that feels useful rather than purely promotional—can make a big difference.
Fifteen years ago, I sent everyone on my list a letter opener with my business card in it. I had received one similar from my realtor and used it daily to open mail. I sent it to my clients. I also sent it to my agents and coaches and termed it a “check opener” for them. People are still using that to this day, and they tell me about it.
Timing matters, too. Sending gifts a little before the holidays gives clients a chance to enjoy them without the last-minute rush. And when logistics make shipping tricky, experiences or digital options, such as a curated playlist or a subscription they’d appreciate, can be equally meaningful. I make sure everything is delivered after Thanksgiving, but before the first week of December ends.
It’s also wise to consider your relationship with each client. Long-term clients may appreciate more personal touches, while newer connections might respond better to professional yet thoughtful selections. The key is to show that you know them well enough to choose something meaningful, not just convenient.
Finally, remember that the gesture matters more than the price tag. A small, well-thought-out gift with a note of appreciation often communicates more warmth and sincerity than a flashy or expensive item.
Last summer, my wife and I had an epic 6-week road trip and drove over 5500 miles from our home and back. We explored the Canadian Maritimes. On Prince Edward Island, she took me took me to PEI Preserve Company, where she used to stop with a motorcoach full of guests when she was a tour guide years ago. It was delightful! We sampled their amazing products, and I knew right then I would send them to my clients, team and agents for the holidays last year. I told the story of our trip and sent them some preserves. It was a nice, personal touch that resonated with many of them. Most, I hope.
Thoughtful gifting can strengthen professional relationships in ways that last well beyond the holiday season. Taking the time to choose something meaningful is a simple yet powerful way to show clients that they matter to you.
- Handwritten Note with a Favorite Treat – Pair a personal note referencing a project you worked on together with a small gourmet snack or local specialty.
- Quality Coffee or Tea – A carefully chosen bag of coffee beans or tea, especially if it reflects a regional or artisanal brand. I send coffee roasted in Kansas City, where I live.
- Branded Notebook or Planner – Something useful, with your branding subtle and tasteful, not overpowering.
- Curated Book – A book that aligns with their interests, industry, or personal hobbies.
- Desk Accessory – A simple, elegant item like a pen set, paperweight, or calendar that enhances their workspace.
- Plant or Succulent – A small, easy-to-care-for plant adds life to their office or home.
- Experience Gift – Tickets to a local show, museum membership, or online workshop based on their interests.
- Subscription Service – A month of a streaming service, magazine, or specialty box (coffee, snacks, or wellness) they might enjoy.
- Charitable Donation – A donation in their name to a cause they care about, paired with a note explaining why it reminded you of them.
- Artisan or Local Goods – Handcrafted items like candles, soaps, or small artworks that feel personal and unique. I lived in Henderson, NV for nearly a dozen years and sent Ethel M Chocolates. Now, in Kansas City, I send the lucky ones Christopher Elbow Chocolates.
- Digital Gift – Curated playlists, a useful software tool, or a professional template relevant to their work. If you know they love Spotify or Pandora (both clients of mine), send them a gift certificate for the paid service.
- Holiday Ornament or Keepsake – A tasteful ornament or small item that can become a seasonal tradition for them. Hallmark is also based in Kansas City.
These ideas keep the focus on thoughtfulness, not expense, and can be adapted to the personality and preferences of each client. Happy gift giving this season, if you choose. -Dustin
