The Ultimate Guide to Sending Client Gifts for Small Business Owners

I looooove giving gifts. It’s definitely how I show love in my personal life and in the business world! Sending client gifts is a small but impactful gesture. It shows you’re thinking about and appreciating how your clients support your business.

If you don’t currently send any client gifts, I hope this blog will convince you to start after reading it! And if you don’t know what to send or how much to spend, I’ll cover that, too!

Key Takeaways:

• The benefits of sending client gifts
• The best times to send a gift to a client
• What’s the right budget?
• Ideas for what to send as gifts

The Benefits of Client Gifting

Sending client gifts at key points in your workflow helps build stronger relationships and trust with your clients. You’re surprising them with a little gift to show your appreciation and loyalty to them as a client, beyond contracts and invoices.

Client gifts can increase referrals and repeat business. Although you aren’t buying their business, it shows you’re going above and beyond their expectations. 

Would you rather sign another contract with someone who does what they’re contracted to do, no more and no less, or someone who does that plus thoughtful gestures here and there? 

It just elevates the client experience and makes them more likely to continue working with you and/or send more business your way because they’re so happy with your work.

When to Give Client Gifts

There are several situations in which you could send client gifts. Do what makes sense for your business and workflows!

Holidays

I always send holiday gifts to my clients at the end of the year to show my appreciation. I use the company SugarWish to send all my client gifts. 

It’s my favorite gifting company because my clients can choose the gift they want and enter their own shipping address. There’s no awkward, “Can I have your address?” And I know they’re choosing something they will enjoy.

Client Anniversaries

If you work with retainer clients (Pinterest, blogging, virtual assistance, etc.), an anniversary gift makes sense for your business. 

Working with someone for a year allows you to get to know them more personally, and it’s appropriate to send an anniversary gift to show your appreciation for their loyalty.

Project Kick-Offs and Completions

On the other hand, if you offer project-based services (web design, SEO audit, automation build, etc.), you could send a gift as the project is starting or after it’s complete. 

The gift celebrates the project kick-off or completion and thanks them for hiring you to get the job done.

My web designer sent me a keychain with my logo and a QR code to my new website when our project was done. It was a thoughtful gift that I wasn’t expecting, but appreciated.

Birthdays

Client birthday gifts or handwritten cards are a nice personal touch to your client experience! Ask for their birthday in your client questionnaire or when you first start working with them.

Referrals

I always send a small gift when a client (or anyone!) refers me to someone for my blog writing services. As soon as the new client’s contract is signed and the invoice is paid, I send a small gift to the person who referred me to show my appreciation.

Referrals are SO valuable in entrepreneurship. It always helps to include a small incentive to encourage more referrals from clients in the future.

You may even consider creating an official referral program to explain your process.

Just Because

A ‘just because’ gift always puts a smile on someone’s face. They aren’t expecting anything, but a little gift arrives in the mail. It shows you’re thinking about them and wanting to express your gratitude for their business.

I received a ‘just because’ gift from my bookkeeper, and it was so fun to open the package. It was a wooden box with my logo engraved on it, filled with cozy socks, a candle, matches, a small puzzle, and a handwritten thank-you note. 

I was already happy with their services, but this gesture makes me want to continue working with them because I know they appreciate me as a client.

Types of Client Gifts

I’m sure you’re thinking, “But what do I actually send?” Picking a gift is sometimes the hardest (and most time-consuming) part. So here are some ideas to get you started!

Don’t forget to support small businesses when you can 😉

Personalized Gifts

Personalize gifts with either the client’s business name or yours. It adds a thoughtful touch to the gift, especially if it’s tailored to the client’s interests, passions, or hobbies.

• Monogrammed items
• Engraved stationery
• Custom artwork
• Luxury notebook and pen
• Tech gadgets
• Custom coffee mugs

Experience-Based Gifts

Everyone loves to receive experience-based gifts because we all have too much stuff as it is! This is something they can use and enjoy.

• Event tickets
• Memberships
• Travel experiences
• Gift cards for dining, spa, or online services

Gift Baskets

I enjoy sending gift baskets to clients, providing them with a variety of small gifts to enjoy.

• Artisan Chocolate and Coffee Basket
• Spa-In-A-Box
• Healthy Snacks Basket
• Wine and Cheese Basket
• Seasonal Basket

Classic Gift Card

There’s nothing wrong with a good old-fashioned gift card! E-gift cards are the easiest option if you’re in a pinch.

• Amazon (because who doesn’t love Amazon?)
• Online subscriptions (courses, apps, streaming)
• Restaurants or coffee shops
• Shopping

Charitable Donations in the Client’s Name

I honestly love this option. If you know a client is super involved in a charity or cause, donate on their behalf to an organization of their choice. It’s a way to give back and make the client feel valued.

Choosing a Budget

What’s an appropriate budget for client gifts? If you’re anything like me, you LOVE giving gifts, and sometimes we go a little overboard.

When you’re budgeting for client gifts, consider how long they’ve been a client, how much they spend on your services, and the reason you’re sending a gift in the first place.

If someone has worked with you for years, you know they’re a loyal customer and have probably spent thousands of dollars on your services. You could splurge a little more on this client on their anniversaries.

If someone JUST signed with you and the holidays are approaching, you may consider scaling back on their holiday gift. They still receive a holiday gift, just like every other client! It just may look different from other client gifts who have worked with you for a long time.

A referral gift could depend on the package their referral selected. A smaller package means a smaller referral bonus, and a bigger package means a bigger referral bonus.

You get to decide how much to spend on client gifts! Choose a method and system that works best for your business.

Turn Every Gift Into a Lasting Impression

Sending client gifts is an investment in relationships, not just a transaction or a to-do list item. You’re showing your appreciation for supporting your small business.

No matter what type of gifts you choose to send, show some love to your clients!

Want a referral bonus from me? I would love and appreciate any referrals you send my way! Please send the link to my website or Instagram, or introduce us via email. When they sign a contract and pay an invoice, I will send you a little gift to show my thanks!

FAQs About Sending Client Gifts

Are client gifts 100% tax-deductible?

Not always. Consult with your bookkeeper or CPA to determine whether a client gift is tax-deductible.

Is it ethical to give a client a gift?

Yes, as long as you aren’t asking for anything in return. You should give client gifts because you want to, not because you’re expecting anything from them.

Are client gifts considered marketing?

It can be! For instance, sending a client a gift as a thank you for a referral is considered marketing. Or if you brand your client gifts, that can be a marketing strategy.