The holidays are a perfect time to show your clients how much they mean to you.  Holiday gift giving not only conveys your appreciation, but is vital in maintaining and strengthening professional relationships. 

Customers often take their business elsewhere not because of product dissatisfaction or better pricing by a competitor, but when they feel a company or service provider is indifferent to them. This factor is largely, if not completely, within your control.  With that in mind, it’s a mistake not to say thank you in some way at the end of the year.

Here are five gift ideas your clients will appreciate:

1.  Something sweet or savory.  Everyone loves food.  Whether you send a box of chocolates, a cheese platter or a coffee and some pastries -- it will make you stand out and provide positive thoughts about you and your business to your customers. Consider sending healthy options like a basket full of fresh fruit or organic snacks as well and be a contrast to the rich foods that abound during holiday season.

2.  Holiday décor. A festive wreath or flower arrangement will leave your mark on clients’ offices and homes for the duration of the holiday season.  One creative idea is a relaxing bamboo zen garden arrangement or succulents for their desks. Another is to consider providing a subtle hint of a faraway land—such as a wintry evergreen basket with pine cones for those located in warm climates; those up north might appreciate an exotic tropical bouquet. 

3.  Help them stay connected.  Since our commutes and workspaces look a little different these days, it's important to stay connected with your clients and their business. A great way to help them is by providing a tech item like a great pair of headphones or a multi portable USB cable / charger for their laptop and phone when they are on to go. so they never find themselves off the grid. 

4.  Provide an experience. Whether movie tickets, or something more involved like a wine tasting, painting or cooking class, “activity” gifts are a great way to step outside of the box and distinguish yours from the typical holiday gift. Although these experiences are currently limited due to COVID-19, it could give your clients something to look forward to in the future. 

5.  Subscribe your clients to your business.  There’s no better way to get into peoples' minds--and stay there--than with an ongoing gift, such as a subscription to a relevant industry magazine, or a personally selected publication if you know a particular customer’s interests or hobbies.  

The most important part—personal touch.  Taking time to handwrite a holiday message or card to accompany your gift will make a thoughtful impact, especially in the digital age, as more companies send holiday cards via e-mail.  Specify why you are thanking your customer, and reference a shared event or memory.  

Be sure to say thank you this holiday season to demonstrate how much you value your business relationships. Whether large or small, a token of gratitude can go a long way when it comes time to renew or solicit additional business.  Happy Holidays!