With one year ending and another about to begin, the holiday season is a great time to express your appreciation for your clients. Not only can you thank them for placing their trust in you during the past year, you can also help set a positive tone for the year ahead by taking the time to thoughtfully express your gratitude.

When it comes to showing appreciation, there are near limitless options - and that’s the problem. While only you can really know what is most appropriate for your specific clients, here are some ideas to inspire you and hopefully help narrow your search.

Rethinking the Traditional Gift Basket

Gift baskets range wildly in terms of options, and what is a welcomed treat to one person can be a complete waste to another. From dietary restrictions to personal preferences, you simply cannot expect to choose the perfect gift for everyone. But fortunately there are ways around this problem.

One way to avoid giving an unwanted gift basket is to allow your clients to select exactly what they want. Corporategift.com’s E-Gift It program allows you to select gift options for your clients to choose from. And there’s the added bonus of reduced admin work involved since all you have to provide them with is your clients' email addresses and they take care of the rest. They’ll send your clients a personalized email with the gift options included and take care of collecting the correct mailing address at the same time. It’s one of the few instances where extra personalization actually takes far less time than normal. 

Giving Two Gifts In One

Another great option is to give a gift that is far more than what is first appears. For instance, you can gift a collection of Kiehl’s skin care products that also supports Feeding America or a selection of Grounds & Hounds coffees that also supports animal rescue organizations. By giving a gift that includes a donation to a charity, you’ll be expressing your appreciation in a way that also supports a cause you believe in - something which your members will surely appreciate as well.

Hosting In-Person Appreciation Events

Assuming the size and location of your client base doesn't preclude this option - hosting an in-person client appreciation event is another great option that allows you to give the gift of a good time or of a valuable service while also allowing you to express your gratitude in person. Face to face interaction is one of the most impactful way to make an impression and that certainly holds true for expressing gratitude. Further, your team’s presence will help extend the sentiment and add a personal touch - something that is invaluable in business.

As for the type of in-person event you host, there really is no end to the possibilities. You can host a traditional holiday party with food and drinks, which is always a great option with everyone typically being in the holiday spirit. You can even invite your clients to bring their significant other or a close friend, making it even more of a personal occasion. Or you can host an event that provides a valuable service to your clients like a group yoga session for relaxation (something much needed over the holidays) or you can hire a photographer for a day and offer free professional headshots.