Giving gifts isn’t just a thoughtful gesture – it’s a strategic tool for strengthening client relationships, enhancing brand loyalty, and ensuring your work leaves a lasting impression. A well-timed, well-thought-out gift can elevate your service and turn one-time clients into long-term advocates.
Here’s how to seamlessly integrate gifts into your client’s work to create an experience they’ll remember.
Make Gifting an Extension of Your Brand
Gifts should feel like a natural extension of your brand and service, reinforcing your identity rather than feeling like an afterthought. When selecting gifts, consider your brand’s aesthetics, values, and target clientele. If your work is high-end and tailored, a luxurious, personalized gift speaks volumes. If your brand is playful and modern, something with a bit of fun and creativity can make a stronger impact.
For example, an interior designer known for bespoke, layered spaces might gift a custom-made candle featuring scents inspired by the completed design. A decorator with a minimalist approach could offer a beautifully packaged book on modern design principles.
Is Gifting Bribery?
Gifting and bribery may seem similar, but the key difference is intent.
- Gifting shows appreciation or strengthens relationships with no expectation of return.
- Bribery seeks to influence decisions or gain unfair advantages.
A gift crosses the line if it’s excessive, secretive, or tied to a favor. Ethical gifts are thoughtful and transparent and align with industry norms. If a gift feels questionable, it’s best to reconsider. Make sure your gift is not tied to some kind of action from the receiver’s end, such as “If you book a call, I will send you a gift”.
They should want to book the call because they are looking to get the value from your company, not just because you send them something awesome!
When to Give Gifts to Your Prospects and Clients
So, when should you give gifts? Anytime, really, but here are a few great situations in your client experience. Note, I count marketing also as part of your client experience, hence, we start with prospecting gifts!
Prospecting Gifts: Winning Over Potential Clients
A strategic gift can help turn cold leads into warm prospects by adding a personal touch to your outreach. These gifts should be thoughtful yet subtle – designed to spark interest rather than feel like a sales pitch. These gifts can be tailored for many, such as a card and a branded candle that you send to anyone who inquires to do business with you. Also, if a prospect has gone silent, a well-placed gift can reignite interest.
I was in a meeting with a group of entrepreneurs a while ago, and the host had placed small boxes of mint candy at each person’s seat at the table. It was a simple, lovely gesture.
Onboarding Gifts
First impressions set the tone. A welcome gift when a client signs on can make them feel valued and excited about working with you. This could be a beautifully curated box with a candle (I love candles) or maybe a bottle of delicate olive oil from your local farmer. The point is that you want to hand over something during the onboarding phase.
Milestone Gifts
For longer projects, celebrating key milestones can keep momentum and engagement high. For example, after finalizing a floor plan or completing the sourcing phase, a small token – such as a specialty coffee blend – can keep excitement alive. Are you designing a primary bedroom? Maybe a set of luxury sheets could make your clients happy and excited about the project!
Project Completion Gifts
This is where gifting has the most lasting impact. Once a project is completed, a thoughtfully chosen gift serves as a reminder of the journey and your work. It could be:
- A framed rendering of the design concept
- A curated coffee table book aligned with their home’s new aesthetic
- A monogrammed throw or set of linen napkins matching their decor
The thing is, the closing of the project is so often ignored, and both the client and you are happy you got to the goal together. Also, maybe there were some bumps on the road? Well, nothing soothes them better than, besides a great end result, a thoughtful completion gift!
Anniversary or Check-In Gifts
Following up a few months or a year after project completion keeps you top of mind for future projects and referrals. A note with a small gift like seasonal gourmet chocolates or a discount on a future consultation, can subtly invite further collaboration.
Personalization Makes the Difference
A generic gift won’t have the same effect as one that feels tailor-made. Here are ways to ensure your gifts feel special:
- Use their preferences: If you notice a client loves a certain color, scent, or material, incorporate that into their gift.
- Handwritten notes: A personal message expressing appreciation is more memorable than a generic thank-you card. You can have ready-made cards; just write a personalized note.
- Custom packaging: Thoughtful wrapping with your branding adds to the experience and makes even small gifts feel significant. While your clients might not appreciate getting lots of merch as a gift, you can add your brand elements to the packaging!
Budgeting for Client Gifts
Gifting should be factored into your client experience budget, and if you have no such budget, it’s called a Marketing Budget. (If you have no such, then I strongly recommend you to consider getting a job and building those reserves. Harsh, I know, but you can’t skip on marketing.)
While high-end projects may warrant more substantial gifts, even small tokens can have a big impact when they are well chosen. Consider:
- A percentage of the project fee is allocated for gifting
- A set amount per client tier (e.g., smaller gifts for shorter projects, premium gifts for high-value clients)
- Seasonal or bulk gifting for repeat clients
Great Gifting Platforms
You can handle your gifting logistics by yourself or let professionals help you. Here are some great online gifting platforms for business and client gifting:
Corporate & Custom Gifting Platforms
- Loop & Tie – Personalized, choice-based corporate gifting.
- Snappy – Recipients choose their own gift from a curated selection.
- Tinggly – Experience-based gifting with global options.
- Sendoso – Automated corporate gifting and direct mail platform.
- Giftagram – Curated luxury gifts for corporate and personal use.
Luxury & High-End Gifting
Sustainable & Ethical Gifting
- Packed with Purpose – Gifts that support social and environmental causes.
- Uncommon Goods – Unique, artisan-made gifts.
These platforms offer a range of options to make your client’s gifting thoughtful and impactful.
The Power of Thoughtful Gifting
When done right, client gifting isn’t just about generosity – it’s about strategy. It enhances your client experience, reinforces your brand identity, and ensures that your work remains top-of-mind long after the project ends. Thoughtful, well-timed gifts turn clients into loyal advocates who will not only return but also refer others to your business.
Here’s a great book about gifting!
By weaving gifting into your client workflow, you transform a simple service into a memorable, high-touch experience.
