All around the blogosphere people are talking about gift ideas. Normally I am not one to jump on a bandwagon but this seems like something useful I have experience with and can recommend.
So, here are some great inexpensive gift ideas to show your clients how much you care.
1. Shout Out. If you have some type of publication that has a readership, a tip of the hat to your clients is a great way to say thank you for the service. Let your readers know about them and if your publication is online, add a link to their website. Good example at Problogger.
2. Company Gear. If you have some swag or stationary with your company logo, send it over to them. Even though it is kind of self promotion, people generally like free stuff and will appreciate your efforts.
3. Free / Discount Coupons. This one will not work for every business but giving your clients a discount coupon for a service or product you provide is a good way to show you care and bring in business for yourself. Use caution as necessary on this one.
4. Free Products. A step up from a coupon would be to just give them a product - Free! If you have smaller products within your company, why not give them to your most valued customers. It won’t cost you much and it may even lead to future sales of that product as well as your other ones.
5. Donation. Make a donation in their name or the name of their company. It’s a tax deduction for them and it shows you do not just care about money and really want to do good in the world. Be genuine though. Take the time to pick something you think they would donate to themselves.
6. Classic Fruit Basket. This one is an oldie but a goodie. Sending over some fresh fruit with a message of appreciation, though kind of corny, can go a long way.
7. Something Usable. Every business’s client base is different but giving them something they can use is a really special way to show you care. For example, my target market being artists, I would send over a small pack of art supplies for their craft or a book on someone famous within their craft.
Warning: Do not send any materials that could be construed as condescending like a “how to” book on their craft. Regardless of your meaning, it may be taken wrong.
8. A Cd. Depending on how well you know your clients, a Cd containing music they would like shows a good connection to them. I try to get to know my clients the best I can but I couldn’t do this for all of them. If I could though, I just might. It is a really genuine gift.
9. An eBook. If you have written an eBook or can purchase one in your target market for a decent price, give it away. The great thing about these are they are fairly inexpensive and very easy to distribute.
10. A Company Card. If you have a close nit team in your company, then send your clients a holiday card with a photo of the happy group who is ready to work even during the holiday season. 
11. Candy! Everyone loves sweets. Regardless of the health nut they may claim to be, your clients will appreciate some sweets during the holidays.
12. Gift Cards. A money card to places your clients would find appealing is a great way to get them something inexpensive that they most definitely will use. And if you have a very specific niche, you can get the same thing for everyone and it will still feel personal.
13. Tickets. This is a great way to personalize gifts for your clients. They are a little more expensive than the other gift ideas on this list but are much more professional and can really make an impression. Whether this one will be worth it depends the value that will be returned to you.
14. Wine. Who doesn’t appreciate a fine wine? When ordered in bulk you can get wine (even printed with your company brand) for fairly cheap per bottle. I have a business friend who does this and gets a tremendous response of joy from their customers (and not just while their tipsy from the wine).
15. Ornaments. Getting an ornament can be a thoughtful gesture. The great thing about this gift is that it has nothing to do with business. It just shows you appreciate them in a way that does not promote yourself at all. It is something they and their family can enjoy.
Any other ideas? Leave a comment.
Photo by uberculture
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