It’s the holiday season. A major part of the holiday is the giving a receiving of gifts. In Asia, the practice of giving and getting “Red Envelopes” is common. Since they contain cash, you know Compliance would never agree. Your firm has rules. What would be some good gift ideas?
Why Give Gifts?
You’ve brought your client base from several hundred to less than one hundred. You’ve known these people and their families for years. Why give holiday gifts? The simple answer is because it’s a sign of respect, thanking them for their ongoing relationship.
Maybe everyone doesn’t get a gift. They might not get the same gift, either. The gift you bring to a client’s holiday party at their home is different from the one you send a client on the other coast. There should be some sign of appreciation for the relationship, even if it’s only a personalized card.
Twelve Gift Ideas
What should you give as holiday gifts? A good starting point is the objective of connecting enjoyment of the gift to receiving it from you.
1. Send a 2022 calendar. This type of gift speaks volumes. It says “you should be planning for the future.” It also says “2022 will be an even better year.” It encourages them to plan vacations and other trips.
Connection: Calendars can be ordered in quantity and easily personalized.
2. Buy them a book. This idea can be taken in several directions. Perhaps you wrote one about investing. They know the author! Maybe it’s a book about investing in general. If they are avid readers, you can buy them the latest book from their favorite author. These usually come out around Christmas. Remember to cut off the price tag.
Connection: You can inscribe the book inside the front cover.
3. Framed picture of your client. This takes some work, but it’s ideal if you have the younger generation as clients too. Ask them for a flattering picture of their parents. Get a glossy enlargement and present it already framed.
Connection: People tend to display pictures when they are already in presentation format. They will think of you whenever they see it. Friends will say, “Great picture! Where did you get it?”
4. Fine quality chocolates. This is what our financial advisor does every year. During the holidays, chocolates rarely go to waste because people are coming and going.
Connection: The chocolates come by mail with an enclosed card hand signed by her and her team members. The card gets displayed.
5. Homemade cookies. This might require a conversation with your manager. Starting after Thanksgiving, my wife bakes about a dozen different types of cookies. She buys boxes or tins from a holiday shop. There’s an assembly line on the dining room table. These boxes are then mailed to distant friends or delivered around the neighborhood. My gym gets a box too.
Connection: Food you prepared yourself makes a big impact. They get shared. People say: “Who made these great cookies?” Your client proudly answers.
6. Wine in large formats. When we are invited to someone’s home, we usually bring a three-liter bottle. This four-bottle size is very impressive. We saw a few examples at Costco recently. Many guests bring bottles, but yours stands out.
Connection: You can get a pen that writes on glass and add a personal message to the bottle.