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As the holiday season approaches, businesses are gearing up to express gratitude to their valued clients. Of course, the art of gift-giving in the corporate world can be tricky. The gifts you choose to give your clients can make a lasting impression that impacts your professional relationships and brand image. The key is to leave the most positive impression possible.
Below, 15 Forbes Coaches Council members share what they plan to send to their own clients this holiday season, providing unique ideas that others can use. Explore their suggestions to make thoughtful gift choices this year that both align with your business goals and convey sincere appreciation for your clients and customers.
1. Gifts With A Theme Of Mindfulness
This year, the theme of my client gifts is mindfulness. The gifts will include a personalized mug to enjoy their favorite cup of tea or coffee and a book they will enjoy based on where they are on their leadership journey. I send my client gifts in November each year, as November is a month of gratitude and thanksgiving. I hope these gifts reflect my gratitude for their partnership. - Jennifer Durbin Tuffy, Scoutenger Executive Coaching
2. Items That Are Local And Consumable
Many people feel as though they have enough “stuff.” No matter what you choose to give this year, consider items that are local and consumable. For example, a basket with tea and local honey or olive oil and artisan vinegar with a loaf of bread. Another option is an easy-to-care-for plant in a beautiful pot. - Gina Riley, Gina Riley Consulting
3. Flexible Gift Cards
I choose a flexible gift card if I give my clients gifts during the holiday season. This way, my clients can select something meaningful to them or donate to a charity that resonates with their values. This approach aligns well with my principles of inclusivity and authenticity. - Jessica Hill Holm, Hill Holm Coaching & Consulting
4. Packs Of Self-Coaching Questions On A Card
I give my clients a pack of three self-coaching questions printed on a card. The aim is to help them self-coach through the holiday season. Many professionals in healthcare work through the holidays due to the nature of the industry. It’s a little something to show my gratitude for their work while I have the privilege to be with my family. - Beaulah M. Chizimba, Limitless Nurses
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5. Handwritten Cards
Things have become so fast-paced in these times that a simple handwritten holiday card with a personal, meaningful message has the biggest impact. Investing your own time and truly caring for your clients counts more than spending a huge budget. - Stephan Lendi, Newbury Media & Communications GmbH
6. Complimentary Sessions
I offer a complimentary coaching session with the purpose of supporting the client in articulating their most meaningful shifts in perspective from the work they did in the current year and beginning to envision who they want to be at the end of the upcoming year. Clients have seemed to enjoy reflecting on their journey and how far they’ve come, and it supports intentional goal-setting moving forward. - Lisa Walsh, Beacon Executive Coaching
7. Charitable Donations
I make a donation to a charity followed by a personal, handwritten (yes, handwritten!) card. The charity I donate to is connected to their company values. This supports the true purpose behind why their employees connect to their customer experience. It shows that I, as their executive coach or team coach, pay close attention to the impact they are having in the world. - Linda Allen-Hardisty, Allen-Hardisty Leadership Group
8. Electronic ‘Gratitude’ Cards
Our team sends electronic “gratitude” cards to our clients the week before Thanksgiving each year. This is an eco-friendly, nondenominational way to keep our thoughts from getting lost in the holiday crush and to put us in a spirit of thankfulness for the honor of making an impact. - Sheri Nasim, Center for Executive Excellence
9. Individualized Gifts Based On Clients’ Preferences
Gifting should always be about the recipient. Many of my private coaching clients are executives and advisors who prefer to send custom gifts to their top-tier clients. Each year, we develop a personalized gifting plan that takes a client’s preferences and likes into account. Clients are thrilled when they receive the “perfect” gift—one curated for them, and not simply sent to “every” client! - Kristin Andree, Andree Group
10. Nondenominational Thank-You Cards
A personalized non-denominational seasonal thank you card lets your clients know you are thinking of them and are important to them. It also makes you top of mine for future services, goodwill and referrals, all of which hold significant weight and value. Not many take the time for this old-school touch, but it does stand out. - Laura DeCarlo, Career Directors International
11. Anniversary Cards
If you have annual clients, I think giving them a small card on their anniversary of working with you is best. You never know if they even follow the same holiday schedules as you, and you don’t want to offend someone. However, recognizing each year that you’ve worked together (or known each other) spreads the recognition out over the year and doesn’t offend anyone. - John Knotts, Crosscutter Enterprises
12. Personalized And Practical Branded Items
Choosing the right holiday gift for clients can be tricky, but a personalized item, such as a custom-made diary or a branded USB drive, could be a winner. This serves a practical purpose and keeps our brand in their minds. Plus, it shows we’ve put thought into our gift, strengthening our relationship. - Peter Boolkah, The Transition Guy
13. ‘Off-Cycle’ Gifts
I prefer to give gifts “off-cycle,” meaning not tied to an expected gift-giving reason. Everyone is surrounded by gifts during the holiday season, both personal and corporate. If a gift shows up when not expected, just because the giver thought of it, I find it far more meaningful. - Jamie Flinchbaugh, JFlinch
14. Curated Mindfulness Exercises Or A Digital Workshop
I’d give a curated collection of mindfulness exercises or a digital well-being workshop. It not only promotes mental health, but also aligns with my commitment to infusing spirituality into everyday experiences, fostering deeper connections and personal growth. - Anna Yusim, MD, Yusim Psychiatry, Consulting & Executive Coaching
15. Gifts That Are Unique To The Client
I love to give gifts to my clients, and each year it’s something different—from gratitude journals with their names on them to more personalized gifts aligned with their specific hobbies and interests. In the past, I have given out concert tickets, signed memorabilia, ornaments, books and much more. Each gift is unique to the client. I never batch gifts and embroider their names into tchotchkes. - Joshua Miller, Joshua Miller Executive Coaching
