What Makes a Client Gift Unforgettable

Gift-giving: It isn’t always easy. If socks from grandma are the worst gift you’ve ever received, consider yourself lucky. Chances are, you’ve been given much worse—and you’ve likely given a bad gift or two yourself.

Client gifts can be just as complicated. You know—or you should—that branded gifts are not gifts, so forget the coffee mug with your logo on it. And don’t give another generic gift basket that will soon be forgotten. You want truly unique client gift ideas—the kind that make them take notice. So what makes corporate gifts for clients unforgettable? And what are some of the best client appreciation gifts for this year? Here are some tips and ideas.

How to Find the Best Client Gifts

Great gifts for clients will vary based on your industry, your relationship with them and more. But there are things that all good client gifts have in common.

They’re Useful

The number-one way to ensure your client gift goes right in the trash is to give them something they won’t use. Forget your branded T-shirts, keychains, stress balls, and yes, even pens. And don’t assume the client who shows no interest in tech or working out will use that fitness tracker or smart watch.

Instead, forget the typical corporate gifts for clients and opt for something useful to them. Just think of things they may use every day, like coffee mugs and reusable water bottles (but keep your logo off it) or base it on their interests outside of work. Do they like to cook? Try unique spice blends or a kitchen herb growing kit. If they’re a film buff, set them up with the perfect at-home movie night. Any time they use their gift, they’ll be reminded how much they like you.

They’re Unique

The best way to flip the script on corporate gifts for clients and make them unforgettable is to get creative. You don’t have to bust out the glue gun and felt (although you can if you want to). Creative client gifts are more about thinking outside the box—the gift box, that is.

Send along a little piece of your city or neighborhood by purchasing something from a local business or choose something that’s handcrafted from locally sourced components. Better yet, don’t send a gift at all. Donate to their favorite charity or purchase a nameplate in their name at their favorite theater or the park where they go for their morning run. Thoughtful client gift ideas find ways to be different and meaningful.

They’re Personalized

Let’s face it: Most people want to hear about themselves. It’s a central principle of business, and it also goes for gift-giving. This doesn’t mean you need to send them an engraved paperweight or a “#1 Client” trophy with their name on it. The best client gifts are personalized in more subtle ways—and show that you truly know your stuff.

Send a gift based on your client’s hobbies and favorite things, like sports memorabilia, movie tickets, or a round of golf at a local green. Or send a personal note that includes a thoughtful message. Don’t think you have the time to get this granular? You don’t have to. A client gift service is a great way to send personalized gifts while keeping your effort low. Your client never has to know.

They Keep You Top of Mind

The real reason gift baskets of cheese and jam aren’t the best client gifts isn’t because everyone seems to give them—it’s also because they’ll be gone before you know it. Gifts that your client will continually see and use throughout the year are a smarter choice. Or, if you do give consumable items, don’t make it your only gift of the year.

Client gift services can help, by sending meaningful items throughout the year with little planning needed on your part. The best way to stay top of mind, and to let clients see your thoughtful side, is to never miss a birthday, work anniversary, or other important date.

They’re High-Quality

To give a gift that keeps on giving, it has to last. Gifts for clients that serve a function should be made of durable materials with a high-quality construction—and this goes for everything from water bottles to technology.

To really wow your client, you can even consider giving a gift where the material itself stands out. A leather wallet, Murano glass figurine, or cashmere pashmina will ensure you and your company are unforgettable.

5 Unforgettable Client Gift Ideas

You know what to look for—but the date is quickly approaching, and you don’t have enough time to search around for the perfect client gift. We’ve got you covered with these client gift ideas for all occasions.

High-Tech Gifts

These client gifts are perfect for the technology guru or a client that could use a little technology boost. Plus, they’re just plain useful.

Portable phone charger: Have a client who constantly needs to charge their phone? This could be the best client gift ever for any person often on the go.
Wireless headphones: A noise-canceling option is an especially good gift for the client who’s frequently traveling.
Portable speaker: Remote workers can’t have too many speakers. Help them achieve their goal of a speaker in every room.
Phone case: High-tech client gifts don’t have to break the bank. A new phone case suited to their tastes is the perfect mix of personal and useful.

Hobby-Related Gifts

It’s always flattering to receive a gift that makes you feel like the sender really knows you. Gifts related to your clients’ interests will always win over generic ones.

Beer or wine subscription: If your client is a beer or wine aficionado, think beyond a bottle or two; give them a subscription that keeps on giving.
Coffee table book: Choose a topic related to their interests—whether that’s golden retrievers or Italian Renaissance art.
Custom golf balls: Your client is sure to remember you at their next retreat when they play with personalized golf balls that highlight their interests.
Cookbook or kitchen gadgets: Does your client love to cook? You can find unique client gifts for the kitchen in every price range.
Gardening kit: For the gardener, create an adorable basket with a watering can, seeds, and other gardening tools.

Practical Gifts

A gift becomes unforgettable when your client uses it every day. Corporate gifts for clients don’t have to be flashy; good gifts check off the “useful” box.

Smart beverage cup: It’s more than a mug. It maintains its own temperature and keeps coffee and tea hot for hours.
Calendar: Get them a calendar related to their interests, and it will remind them of you every single month.
Bento lunch box: Help your clients up their lunch game with a stylish, portable lunch box that will impress the rest of the office.
Notebook: Whether your client keeps meeting notes, likes to make lists, or writes recreationally, a nice notebook is thoughtful and inexpensive.

Relaxing Gifts

Your clients work hard—and they deserve some relaxation. One of these thoughtful client gifts will recognize their long hours and make them feel appreciated.

Spa gift certificate: Nothing says “relax” better than a spa day. Send them a gift certificate and leave it up to them when to use it.
Zen garden: A small, desktop Zen garden is the ultimate relaxation. They even come with a small rake so they can “doodle” patterns in the sand.
Scented candles: Everyone loves scented candles. They’re inexpensive and can be personalized for the occasion, for example birthday-cake-scented or holiday-scented.
Tea blends: Another inexpensive client gift idea, tea sends the right message at the right price. Or create a kit with a strainer, mug, and more.

Situational Gifts

Don’t limit your gift-giving to birthdays and holidays. Sending gifts to clients when they least expect it will make you stand out even more.

Get well kit for a sick client
Engraved champagne flutes for a wedding
Heartfelt card for condolences
Baby essentials for the birth of a child
Pet supplies for a new pet adoption

You don’t have to be a professional personal shopper to master the art of gift-giving. Client gifts that are thoughtful, personal, and unique will always stand out. If you’re still stressed about your gift-giving game, don’t be. Client gift services like Client Giant have you covered.