Client Gifting for the Holidays; ‘Tis the Season?

It’s the holiday season, and many home businesses are thinking about client gifting.  From wondering if you should or shouldn’t gift clients to worrying about whether your client celebrates a certain holiday or not, it can be a stressful decision to make.  Here are a few pointers to help you navigate client gifting for the holidays.

Should You or Shouldn’t You?

Deciding whether or not you want to include clients on your holiday gift list can be tough.  After all, most of us are stressed enough with the list of friends and family already on it.  Yes, client gifting is a great way to make connections with your clients and show your appreciation for their business. That doesn’t mean it’s right for every business.  Also, remember that the holidays aren’t the only time you can send a client a little gift or card.  You can always choose another time of year to send them a little something.  And if you decide that client gifting for the holidays isn’t for you and your business, don’t feel guilty.  Remember, it’s your business and you may have an even better way of letting clients know they are appreciated.

Christmas? Hanukkah? Kwanzaa?

So you’ve decided to send a little something to your clients for the holidays.  The next stressor is, which one?  Do you know if your clients celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa?  Maybe all three?  Or perhaps none.  If you’re not sure, refrain from sending a gift or card with a specific holiday theme and go for a more general ‘Happy Holidays’ feel.  

DIY or Purchase?

Is making a do-it-yourself gift tacky?  It depends.  If you’re a crafty or artistic sort, a hand-made card or gift is a wonderful touch.  I’ve done both.  Some years I’ve created things like monogrammed notecards, personalized journals and water cups. Other years I’ve sent gifts that I felt my clients would enjoy.  As a mixed media artist and avid crafter, I probably create gifts more often, but I also do so for my friends and family members as well. 

Gifts for every client?

Another decision that can keep you up at night is should you give gifts to all of your clients?  You may have a long list of clients, but only a few of them are long-term.   Or you may have some clients who retain you and others who have only worked with you on one project.  Should you gift them all?   Again, this is your preference.  I personally only gift those clients who are long-term, online technology retainer clients during the holidays.  My website clients receive a month of free maintenance with the option of continuing at a discount at the time of their projects, rather than a holiday gift. 

You’re the boss when it comes to client gifting for the holidays.

If the thought of client gifting causes you stress, remember, you’re the boss.  You run your business the way it fits you best.  There is no right or wrong when making the decision about client gifting for the holidays.  As Marie Kondo would say, do it if it ‘sparks joy’.

Looking for ideas for client gifts?  Check out  5 Ideas for Showing Your Appreciation This Holiday Season or check out one of the Biz Buddies podcasts from the archives below: