Do you run a business? Whether it’s E-commerce, retail, or another type of business, there are likely many considerations, responsibilities, and benefits to your role. Owning a business gives you flexibility and the chance to earn a living doing something that you love. And a great part of your success is due to your clients, especially for business to business (B2B) and service-based businesses. That’s why giving gifts, such as around the end of the financial year (EOFY) or Christmas, is an excellent way to show your appreciation. This article will focus on more ‘luxe’ gift giving rather than the cheap, plastic gifts many companies give, such as stress balls and pens — these are gifts that will make you stand out. So, if you’re in business and want to show appreciation to a client, read on to learn a few nifty gift ideas. 

Why Businesses Give Clients Gifts

There are a few reasons that businesses give clients gifts. One reason is that it is an excellent way to show your appreciation for a client. If someone is a long-term client and has provided revenue to your company year after year, it makes sense to show your appreciation to them in the form of a gift. Perhaps you’ve got a close working relationship, and if you’re a business-to-business sales enterprise or another B2B company, you probably both rely on each other for mutual success. A gift is a token gesture, sure, but it also helps to sustain and nourish the business relationship and will generate goodwill towards your business coming from the client. You might give your client a gift as a simple kind gesture, to celebrate an occasion or business ‘win’, or, if applicable, to allow them to try a new product or service you might be offering.

Another reason is that in some instances, gifts can be tax deductible, depending on where you live. Of course, you should check with your accountant or other expert before making decisions based on this.

Things to Consider When Gifting

Now, we’ll share a few things to consider when gifting, to ensure that your gifting approach aligns with your company’s brand, and a few other considerations. 

Does the Gift Make Sense for Your Brand

One thing to consider when your business gives a gift to a client is if the gift aligns with your brand. For instance, if you sell software, you might consider giving a tech gift, or if you provide professional services, does it align with those services? Whatever you choose to gift, there are a few things you can do to ensure that the gifting experience aligns with your brand. You can use branded wrapping paper and packaging to cement the brand in the eyes of the client when you give the gift. 

As we mentioned above, you’ll want to avoid cheap and tacky gifts, especially if you’re a premium brand and your business has an element of class and style. Cheap pens and stress balls are out. Instead, opt for a classy gift that matches your brand. For instance, if you sell wine online, a branded wine gift box with some accompanying cheese and cold cuts is an excellent gift that is firmly on brand for your company. 

Does it Align With the Client?

The next thing to consider is if your gift actually aligns with the client and their company and ethos. If you’re in the B2B space, you should have a firm knowledge of your clients, their businesses, what they stand for, and their brand ideals. For instance, if you work with a sustainable company that makes environmentally friendly products, don’t give them a single-use gift, and ensure that your gift is wrapped in recyclable packaging. If you’re working with a mocktail or zero-alcohol beverage retailer, perhaps giving them alcohol is not the best idea. Instead, they might appreciate a set of cocktail or wine glasses, or a mocktail recipe book. 

Will They Actually Use It?

When gifting to a client, it is worth spending some time wondering if they will actually use the gift. If you know your clients well, you should have an idea of their personalities and what would actually be practical, useful, or delightful for them to receive. For instance, if you know someone who has a sweet tooth, a gourmet sweet might be an excellent gift instead of a gourmet savoury snack, although we’ll cover more on this below.

If you consider gifting someone an accessory or clothing item, such as sunglasses or a scarf, you should be confident that you have a good idea of their aesthetic and personal style. Otherwise, you risk giving someone something that will be tossed in the back of a closet and never worn. 

Top Corporate Gift Ideas

Now, we’ll share some top corporate gift ideas that are excellent to give to clients so you’ve got some inspiration for your next gift, especially as Christmas fast approaches.

Tech Accessories 

You could consider gifting your clients some tech accessories. For instance, a business can buy wholesale mobile phone accessories to cut costs and give a gift that everyone can actually use in their day-to-day life. Things like phone charges, wireless charging stations, watches and other tech are great ideas for busy professionals. Another excellent tech gift idea is a noise-cancelling wireless set of headphones so someone can listen to music, take calls or listen to webinars or podcasts while tuning out the busy office environment. 

Gourmet Treats

As we mentioned above, gourmet treats are an excellent client gift idea. Think less of a box of chocolates and more luxe treats such as gourmet fudge or artisanal candy or cookies. Most people love a sweet treat, especially towards the end of the year as the festive season approaches. If you know your client prefers savoury snacks, a hand-delivered grazing board or platter with a selection of gourmet crackers, cheeses, fruit, meats and other delicacies is an excellent gift choice. If you know your client enjoys a drink, a bottle of high quality spirits or a case of good quality wine is an excellent choice. If they don’t drink, perhaps some boutique mineral water or other fancy sparkling drinks is the way to go. 

A Luxury Gift Summary

This helpful article provides a guide to client gifting and explains how your business can make a luxe gesture that your clientele will appreciate. We’ve also covered how your gifts can align with your brand as well as your client’s brand and shared some top ideas to get you ready for the giving season.

For more on the latest in business and gifting ideas, click here.