Client Gifts: How, What, When, Where & Why to Send Them
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I often get a ton of questions when I start talking about processes, especially when it comes to client gifting. People always ask, "What do you do? Where do you shop? What should you buy? How much should you spend? When do you send it?" and all those good things.
Well, that's exactly what we're diving into in this post!
If you want to SEE the items, watch the video or click any of the links included in this post to check it out yourself.
PLEASE NOTE:
In this post, I’m linking to a lot of specific items & listing approximate prices for products I’ve searched for & saved to a wishlist or purchased myself. Prices are subject to changes, so please don’t rely on listed prices here.*And some of these links may be affiliate links (marked with an asterisk)! If you use one of these links to make a purchase, I may get some perk or benefit, at no extra cost to you.
Client Gifting Strategies
I'll show you some examples, making sure to include links (later on in this post) for a couple of the online shop options where you can order pre-made & create your own gift boxes.
But first, here are the basics of client gifting for solopreneurs (& service-based businesses), without the ‘corporate’ rules.
A Basic Gift Budget
The general idea for client gifts is to say ‘thank you’ when a client books a big package with you, –and NO you are not required to do this at all. I imagine most service providers don’t do this, so if it doesn’t sound like something you want to do, then don’t.
If you do, there are a couple ways you can do this:
Lump Sum Gift:
Send a single, larger gift at the beginning of a project to get them excited about the process & show them you’re happy to work with them.
In this option you spend your whole budget on this one gift; either for 1 item or 1 package with multiple items in it.
Split Budget:
Divide your budget to send smaller gifts at different stages, such as:
75% of your budget at the start for a welcome gift, and 25% at launch for the farewell gift, or vice versa
50% of your budget at the start for the welcome, and 50% at launch for the celebration
Customizing the Gifts
There's no perfect or one-size-fits-all method. It's really up to you, how you want to celebrate with your clients, and what they might like.
Here are some ideas:
Generic Gifts show excitement and appreciation before the project starts; it’s a great way to help relax any fears, concerns, etc about the money they just spent because you’re thanking them for their trust, showing your excitement, & that you care about your clients & this project.
Client-Specific Gifts are customized based on the client's interests and preferences, so it’s very obvious you took the time to pick something specifically for them, showing you listen, discern, and can be trusted. It’s an unexpected touch that’s likely to surprise them, and really helps build trust & camaraderie even more, to start the project off on very positive footing.
Basic gift examples
Here's a list of items I've used in my gift boxes:
Nice Every-Day Pens: Different colors & styles to match the client's branding
Stickers: A variety of styles, colors, &/or phrases to add a personal touch
Thank You Cards: Totally blank cards, or custom-printed ones from Canva with space to write your own blurb each time
Candles: Small, easily packaged sizes with relaxing scents, and either pretty or unexpectedly funny packaging, like champagne bottle-shapes, or candles with funny labels related to the project (such as a label that reads, “smells like freshly signed divorce papers” for a project with a divorce attorney)
Notebooks: Small & portable, but stylish notebooks with motivational quotes or unique designs for quick note taking on-the-go
Enamel Pins: Fun pins with empowering or inspiring messages aimed at business owners
Hand Sanitizers: Small, colorful hand sanitizers in colors that match their brand
Coffee/Tea Mugs: Personalized mugs that fit the client's style or hot drink of choice, often paired with a variety pack of tea or a fresh bag of ground coffee
Gift Cards: Starbucks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or other relevant gift cards; the more specific you can get with this one the more thoughtful it will seem (such as, a gift card to a coffee shop or restaurant near your client)
Creating Custom Gift Boxes
What I usually do is send a welcome gift (only), spending most or all of my budget at the beginning of the project. It's my way of saying, "I'm thrilled you're here and I’m really excited to work with you!"
I've tried many approaches, from buying gift sets to creating my own custom gift boxes. Making these boxes isn't too difficult, especially since I buy items in bulk.
Lately I’ve been making my own gift boxes online (choosing items to go together in one package), but I’ll show you some examples from my leftover inventory in my little goodies box.
Buying Stuff for Your Gift Box
Here's a few options I may include so you can get a sense of how much it costs to create inventory for your boxes. It’ll cost a bit up front, but per box/client it’s much less expensive & way more customizable if you get creative!
Pens: I got a 6-pack of U-Brand pens* from Amazon for about $10-15/ea. They come in different colors, and I like to include 1 or 2 in the gift box depending on the client's branding. I have several packs of these in different styles, including a pastel set, a patterned set, and a set with multiple colors with gold accents. Some have a soft and rubbery coating that offers a good grip, and they all write like Sharpie pens, –just cuter. If a client's branding fits these colors perfectly, I include them; if not, I get another pack.
‘Thank You’ Stickers: I usually have a big pack or roll of ‘Thank You’ stickers* for about $6. They're not exactly my branding style, but they're close enough or generic enough to use. Typically they’ll have various styles, so I can pick a few that match the client's preferences and include them in the box, either stuck onto the box, onto items in the box, or loose & unused so they can be used by the client.
‘Thank You’ Cards: I also have a couple of blank thank you cards* styles in a large multi-pack ($20-$25), where I can write a personal message. Additionally, I’ve also had about 25 custom cards printed from Canva (for about $25-30) that say, "Here's a little thank you because," and on the back, "I'm so excited to work with you!" with my logo at the bottom. I then write something personal in the blank space on the back.
Fake Champagne Bottle Candles*: Found these on Amazon for $13/pack of 6. They're a fun alternative to actually shipping alcohol, which can be tricky, especially with international clients. I usually tape them to the card so they don't get lost in the box.
Notebooks &/or Note Pads: I’ve gotten a few inspirational quote packs from Amazon with phrases like "Take epic chances," "Stay curious," and "Make it happen." Or small, portable note pads with cute covers from Rifle Paper Company* are always a good option & you can get a 3-pack for around $20. I also like to have funny notepad options* (about $12) for clients who would appreciate the sentiments. I pick whichever fits the client's branding the most. There's also a pink marbled set.
Enamel Pins: My “Badass Business Woman” pins were ordered from Abbie Ren Illustrations on Etsy for $10/ea. They have a glossy finish and two connectors on the back. I’ve also bought
Empowerment Stickers: I purchased this sticker from UntamedEgo.com originally & can’t remember the price, but I can’t find it anywhere but here now. (I’ve never bought anything from RedBubble before.) Sticker messages I lean toward are things like, "Empowered Women Empower Women" and "Everything will be okay eventually, probably." Either inspirational or funny/entertaining.
Smell-goods: I bought a multi-pack of travel size hand sanitizers from Amazon that smelled good & came in cute packaging. You could also get a travel-size body cream (nice lotion) from Bath & Body Works or whatever brand you love, or a nice aromatherapy candle like this Stress Relief candle* from B&BW.
Drinkware: like this super girly, funny & cute coffee mug* for $13 that says, “You’re awesome! Keep that shit up.” or unique hand-warmer mugs* for tea or coffee for $30-ish (keep in mind these have left-handed & right-handed styles).
I love customizing these gift boxes to include items that fit the particular person I’m sending it to. If I have the time, I may even order specific items for particular clients, like mugs that I think they’d appreciate. I also keep a stock of various items so I can quickly put together a thoughtful and personalized gift box even if I don’t have time to order something unique.
photo of a homemade gift box for a client; candle not pictured (wrapped in the craft paper with the smiley face on it)
Example of a Homemade Gift Box
Here's what a typical pre-packed gift box includes:
pen(s)
sticker(s)
a fake champagne candle
hand sanitizer (taped shut to prevent leaks)
‘Thank You’ card
notebook or notepad
drinkware
I keep everything organized in a small bin in my office, so it's all within reach when I need to put together a new gift box.
Packing the Homemade Gift Box
To assemble your gift box:
Select items that fit the client's branding, and personal preferences or lifestyle.
Use packing crinkle paper to stuff the box and arrange the items neatly.
Add a personal note or thank you card.
Secure (tape shut) anything that has liquid, such as the hand sanitizer, so it won’t pop open & explode onto everything else in the box.
Seal the box and add a shipping label.
I pack these items inside a thank you style shipping box* (~25 for $20-30) with a lot of crinkle packing paper* ($35 for ~2lbs of it from Amazon) to keep the items safe during shipping, and top it with as sprinkle of fun confetti paper* ($10). Those boxes are super quick & easy to assemble, fill, and ship.
Pro tip:
Measure your mail box & get a box that will fit inside, so your mail carrier can pick it up for you on his/her route, to skip a trip to the post office!
Remember, the goal is to create a personalized and thoughtful gift that makes your client feel appreciated and excited to work with you.
I hope these ideas inspire you to create amazing gift boxes for your clients!
How to Personalize Your Gifts for Each Client
When you add some fun questions to your onboarding form or process, it can make a huge difference in how easy this can be collected during your process! I usually send these questions inside a brand personality workbook-style form after the client has paid the invoice, signed the contract, and is officially booked into my calendar. This form asks business-related questions, marketing questions, stylistic preferences, personality questions, etc, so it’s easy to loop ‘fun’ questions into the mix & hide them under the guise of ‘getting to know them’ so you can customize the design better.
Now, my business is very personality-driven, so it especially doesn't feel out of place if I ask questions like, "Are you a tea or coffee drinker?" or "Do you prefer cocktails, champagne, wine, or beer?" or “What do you enjoy reading, if anything?” As a result of these questions, I've been able to give clients unique champagne glasses, beautiful coffee mugs, and cocktail or tea-related gifts—all because I asked what they liked!
These questions help me decide if they might want a cozy blanket and a hot cocoa mug, or maybe martini glasses because they love drinking cocktails at home with friends. This way, I can personalize their gifts without directly telling them, "I'm sourcing ideas for your gift; please answer these questions." 😂
Another tip:
Include the request for shipping information in the billing section of your booking process. This way, you know where to send the gift without giving away the surprise that you’re sending them something. I love surprising and delighting my clients, and none of them ever know what's coming. It’s so much fun to make someone's day with an unexpected gift!
Personalization Questions
Are you a tea or coffee drinker?
Do you like cocktails, champagne, wine, or beer? Pick your favorite! (Make sure to include a Not Applicable option for non-drinkers)
What’s your favorite book?
What's your favorite type of music?
What movie, TV, or book character are you most like?
What’s your favorite thing (activity) to do?
Gift Ideas Based on Those Questions
Tea or Coffee Drinker: Unique coffee mugs, tea sets, gift cards to specialized shops
Alcohol Drinks: Unique champagne glasses, martini glasses, actual bottles of wine, gift cards to local brewery
Readers: Cozy blankets, hot cocoa mugs, gift card to local or national chain stores
Family-Friendly: puzzles or games to play with kids, breakfast kit (pancake mix, maple syrup, and nice package of coffee), movie trivia, theater gift cards, booklets of activity ideas for families
A client’s ‘thank you’ message to me when she got her box from KnackShops
Alternative Gifting Options
When it comes to gift ideas, you don't have to keep stock or inventory at home if that doesn't work for you. I started that way because it was more budget-friendly, but there are plenty of great gift box options out there. Here are some of my favorites:
Gift Box Services
There are tons more, but here’s a handful I’ve used or bookmarked to use in the future:
BoxFox.com: great for a wide variety of gifts.
Thoughtfully.com: (previously known as Knack Shops) they offer everything from blankets and mugs to coffee, breakfast items, and even games. They’re currently rebranding & I haven’t ordered from them since they merged with Thoughtfully, but you can still find a lot of amazing options here.
Sugarfina.com: perfect for candy and sweet lovers.
THNKS.com: this one’s unique because it doesn’t send physical items; it’s digital gifts only. Definitely worth checking out!
Personalized Cards
Handwrytten: You can type out your message, then their AI-bot literally grabs a pen & writes it by ‘hand’ for you, with various handwriting styles available to choose between. So, when your client receives the card, it looks like a handwritten note, but it’s not your handwriting. Neat, right?
How I Customize Pre-Made Gift Boxes
Instead of picking a pre-configured gift set, back when it was Knack Shops, I used to load up my cart with different items that fit the client (creating my own box most of the time) and would then narrow it down to create a customized box for each client.
Then I can personalize it for the recipient by:
Writing or recording custom messages
Add my logo
KnackShops offered a feature where you could record a video message, and include it via a QR code printed on the box packaging, for the recipient to scan and watch. I don’t know if Thoughtfully does this also; I haven’t tried yet!
I always write a message that will be printed on the packaging, even if I do/don’t record a video message with it.
Bonus Tips
There are so many options to make your client gifts special and memorable! Whether you keep inventory at home or use one of these gift box services, you can create a personalized experience that truly delights and excites your clients.
One thing to keep in mind is that shipping items like alcohol can be super tricky, depending on where you're sending it to and from. Many states in the U.S. have restrictions around this, so it might be easier to use a company that specializes in selling alcohol online. Otherwise, many gift box services offer alcohol-free options to help navigate these shipping limitations AND work for non-alcoholic preferences. Just research first, and decide what works best for you.
In the corporate world, there may be standard practices that people follow without much thought, so the gifts seem cold, random, or bogus (items no one actually needs/wants).
Remember, this is your business, and you get to run it in a way that makes you happy while staying within reasonable spending and budgeting limits!
I hope my list of ideas has sparked some creativity and given you a better sense of the parameters you can work within. Surprising and delighting clients has been one of my favorite parts of the project process. The notes I get back and the excitement when they receive their surprise are always super rewarding!
PLEASE NOTE:
In this post, I’ve linked to a lot of specific items & listed approximate prices for products I’ve searched for & saved to a wishlist or purchased myself. Prices are subject to changes, so please don’t rely on listed prices here.*And some of these links may be affiliate links (marked with an asterisk)! If you use one of these links to make a purchase, I may get some perk or benefit, at no extra cost to you.
