It’s hard enough to shop for the perfect gift when it’s for a relative or a close friend. Gifts for clients are even trickier.
Pens, mugs and umbrellas bearing your firm’s logo are boring and overdone. To find gifts clients will actually appreciate, follow these guidelines:
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Make it useful.
If you give your clients something they won’t or can’t use, they will throw it away.
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Make it delicious.
There is no better way to reach a client than through his or her taste buds.
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Make it sharable.
If clients can share your great gift, by extension they can share you.
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Make it personal.
Your female clients are likely sick of male-oriented gifts like cigars and oversized baseball caps. Think about what your clients like to do in their leisure time; this gives clues to what they’ll appreciate.
10 gifts your clients will love and 10 to steer clear of:
Love — Chocolate Covered Fruit:
Now that it’s been mentioned, you want some right now.
Steer clear of — Key chains:
No one wants these. Why would they want one with your company’s logo?
Love — Portable Shoes:
Women often regret their choice in heels by the end of an evening out. Companies are now creating roll-up ballet flats that fit in a purse for a quick, convenient switch.
Steer clear of — Wine:
This is not an every-person gift. Your clients may not drink for a variety of reasons, from religious to health. Wine lovers also are notoriously finicky. If you give this gift, make certain you know the client will appreciate your choice.
Love — Gift Certificates to Local Specialty Shops:
Want to feel the love with your community? Find the best gourmet chocolate, cheese and ice cream shops and load up on gift cards.
Steer clear of — Paperweights:
What exactly is the point of weighing down paper? Last time I checked, my office was inside.
Love — Beauty Supplies:
Are your clients stylish? Professionals will appreciate this mini hair dryer to keep in the office for snowy or rainy days.
Steer clear of — Laser Pointers:
Everyone thought these were so cool 15 years ago. Time for another round? No. Canada’s airline pilots will thank you for not putting any more of these in circulation.
Love — Frames:
Standard picture frames are impersonal and may not fit with your clients’ décor. But a digital photo frame shows you’re up-to-date and care about their families.
Steer clear of — Stress Balls:
You don’t want your clients to associate your firm with stress.
Love — Sports Equipment:
Were your clients enthused by the recent Euro Cup? Do they have kids? How about a regulation soccer ball with your company logo? Avoid the cheap knockoffs, though.
Steer clear of — Clothing:
The ill-fitting company polo is a bad idea. While you’re at it, steer away from clothing altogether. It might not fit. There’s a good chance it’ll be the wrong colour. It might be completely opposite to your client’s taste. Just don’t do it.
Love — Bags:
For women, sleek leather satchels. For men, classic structured carry-ons. They don’t have to be designer to look sharp and they’re easy to fill with other goodies.
Steer clear of — Cigars:
It’s not the ’80s any more. Smoking isn’t cool.
Love — Espresso Maker:
Does your client always have a coffee during meetings? Give her the tool she needs to make her own cappuccino!
Steer clear of — Mini Tools:
If people needed these, they’d buy a Swiss army knife.
Love — Luxury Soaps Baskets:
Many companies package selections for corporate gifting. So give a little indulgence. Avoid single bars of soap—that sends a hygiene-related message.
Steer clear of — Coasters:
These are frequently cheap, and ugly 95% of the time.
Love — Concert Tickets:
Is your client passionate about music? Connect on that level; whether it’s tickets to the symphony or his favourite rock band, he’ll thank you.
