How to Craft Client Gifts That Are On-Brand AF

Ah, the season is upon us – that time of year when we start planning holiday (or end-of-year) gifts for our clients. It can be tempting to do the usual: a wine bottle, a gift basket, even a candle (we’ve seen them all), but how about breaking free from the mundane and spicing things up instead?

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Remember, clients are more than just transactions – they're the real MVPs behind your success story. Building a strong client bond creates trust and helps make them feel seen and valued. Instead of the same-old, boring, generic corporate swag (complete with a logo slapped on like an afterthought) consider gifts that are more unique to you and your brand.

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In this blog post, we're talking about branded holiday gifts your clients will actually love – the ones that don't just gather dust, but instead spark joy, strengthen connections, and leave a lasting impact on your client relationships.

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Present Planning

Setting a budget will help you make a game plan and figure out what your gift options are. You don't have to go overboard and break the bank, but identify what your sweet spot is. Consider the time for any printing or production, as well as longer shipping times or additional costs that can come up during the holiday season.

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We learned our lesson last year, when we realized normal manufacturing times were extended an extra three weeks (!) during the holiday season, resulting in our custom vinyl records shipping so late that our end-of-year gifts turned into beginning-of-the-new-year gifts. 🤦‍♀️

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Get Client Savvy

Understanding your clients is a strategic way to take your gift-giving skills from basic to badass. Think back to your conversations together or review old notes to remember little details about them, like preferences, hobbies, or quirks. This way, you can craft gifts that resonate personally and show you've invested genuine thought. It demonstrates your commitment to make this special for them and adds to the experience of working with you.

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Those custom records we previously mentioned included music selected by our clients. It was a curated playlist with songs from musicians/bands that they felt best represented their brand. The record represented the diverse personalities of our clients, who each got to play a little part in bringing the piece to life.

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Your Story, Wrapped

Aligning gift ideas with your brand’s values and image can't be overstated. This is an opportunity to weave your brand's story into the fabric of the gift. When your clients receive something that mirrors the essence of your brand, they're not just receiving an object – they're experiencing a slice of what your business stands for.

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If you know us, you know we love music and nostalgia (hence the vinyl gifts), but we’re also fans of tattoos. Throughout the year, we had created some fun illustrations for social media and we turned some of those into temporary tattoos for our clients to rock.

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Elevate the Unboxing

Packaging and presentation are the magic that transforms a gift into an ~experience~. Branded packaging isn't just about looking good; it's about creating a whole vibe that your clients won't forget. You want your clients to feel that feeling of excitement of unwrapping something special. Branded packaging reinforces your identity and elevates the perceived value of the gift, showing that you've gone the extra mile.

This can be as simple as a customized branded tape or colorful packing filler. For our client gifts, we made custom tags, opted for pink shipping mailers instead of standard ones), and created a custom “DO NOT BEND” sticker that got the message across in a fun, quirky way that’s totally on brand.

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Personal Gesture

Never underestimate the power that cards and stationery hold in gift-giving. Handwritten notes or personalized messages can help transform the ordinary into something more meaningful. You can use the opportunity to express thanks and appreciation in a genuine and personal way.

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Don’t want to get too personal? Consider using stationery to celebrate your successes. Whether it's marking your company's milestones or achievements, sharing these highlights in a custom card builds a deeper connection. Your client becomes an accomplice in your journey, fostering trust and a sense of shared accomplishment.

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Spice Up the Mundane

While classic items like gift baskets, wine, mugs, or calendars can be tried-and-true choices, giving them a unique twist can make all the difference.

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Instead of a standard gift basket, opt for an artisanal subscription box filled with handcrafted goodies by local businesses. Create a calendar featuring artwork or illustrations by your favorite artists. Wine or alcohol can be elevated with fun, branded labels or the addition of personalized glasses.

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By infusing creativity and personalization, you can transform these mundane gifts from corporate merch straight from a catalog to thoughtful items your clients will appreciate.