Custom Client Gifts for the Luxury Home Industries
photo credit: David Christensen
Client Gifts are year-round. And here we talk about client gifts especially for interior designers, real estate agents, and anyone who loves a hostess gift.
Updated November 2023
Everywhere we turn right now, we see Gift Guides. They’re always fun, as it’s sort of like having s professional shopper do all the work for you. And, for those who need to find gifts for clients year-round, these Guides are fabulous resources, so be sure to bookmark them!
You may or may not give your clients gifts around the holidays - your call. But it is always helpful to figure out your signature gift and experience, and the holidays are a good time to think through these. I have updated my Guide to Client Gifts which you can download here or below.
Before we go any further, though, let’s talk about branding these gifts.
do. not. add. a. logo.
I’m BEGGING you not to do this. I get it - you’re spending a lot of money and you want them to remember you. And heck, if you put the logo on the backside of the cheese board, they’ll be the only ones to see it, right?
Sighhhhhhh.
It doesn’t matter who sees it - don’t do it.
Make the gift special enough that they can’t help remember that it came from you.
And by the way, “special” does not mean “expensive.” Below is a list of gift ideas at all price points.
A logo’d anything is a promotional item. A gift is a gift. A gift says thank you and I appreciate you, not this is about me.
“A promotional item is about you. A gift is about your client. ”
So before we start with all the lists, let’s consider some of the times you might want to give a luxury gift to your clients:
The start of a project - this isn’t really a gift, but you should include a welcome packet and give something small but special with it.
End of a project - flowers and champagne are great, but make sure you think about what they want and value.
Holidays - what we are entering now. Another idea is if you know that one holiday is when they go all out - Easter, July 4, etc. and give them a special gift then.
Birthdays.
Anniversaries - your company’s anniversary or their anniversary.
Big event - perhaps they are throwing their first party in their home. Could you send a case of wine that is special to them? Or a marvelous bottle of champagne just for the couple? Or a housekeeper the next day? Or offer to take care of the flowers in such a way that they complement the rooms?
The ideas below run from a simple thank you, to huge, day-of-install gifts. Of course, they may also inspire ideas for your friends, so be sure to download it here.
The most important thing is that the gift is personal. It shows you thought about them not just as a client, but as a person. Think about these things and use them as a checklist.
Is this gift something that will make an emotional connection? Make them smile? Remember? Oooooo and ahhhhhh?
Is it on-brand? Meaning, does it make sense for your businesses? Better yet, is it part of your signature experience and can you see how it is part of connecting the dots of your brand?
Did you include a handwritten note? Even if it’s just two sentences on a notecard - be sure to do this.
Here are some of my favorite gift ideas from the Guide.
A Home Suite of paper products such as calling cards, stationery, monogrammed cocktail napkins, etc.
perhaps add a beautiful pen or letter opener.
A personal retreat basket
Teas, robe or cashmere yoga wear, magazine subscription, a journal with pens/pencils, etc.
Special cleaning supplies with a list
I wouldn’t give this as an actual gift, as it’s sort of like receiving a kitchen appliance from your husband on Valentine’s Day. But maybe you give the actual fancy gift and then a week or two later, a gorgeous box or basket with these items, supplies, tools, and a fun note.
If you've styled a photoshoot, was there something she loved that you could leave it behind with a note?
Stocked Bar Cart in an unexpected place
was there a random room that would be perfect for a bar cart?
Candle and gorgeous matches with an antique snuffer
At the end of this post, I talk about where logos might work, and this is one of them
Something local, especially if they recently moved to the area.
For instance, a Sweetgrass Basket if someone has moved to Charleston
Oversized napkins - you always need more.
Might be monogrammed. Maybe a (pretty) gift card to the dry cleaners in your area that specializes in cleaning linens?
(gift cards are tricky - it can’t feel like a gift card)
Barware and a case (or bottle) of wine
Luxurious, fluffy pool towels
with several gorgeous coverups that they can use for guests
A clutch made in a complementary fabric as a room
Heck - she’s already spent so much money on the space, she might as well take some of it with her when she goes out!
A few other thoughts . . . .
Always pay attention and make notes about your clients. The magic happens (magic isn’t really magic - there’s some strategy behind it!) when you remember what they talk about - what they wish they had - what they love to do.
Let's say a client moved here from San Francisco, which he loves. You find an old drawing of San Francisco streets - almost like a map and have that framed.
I know - how do you find stuff like this? Well, once you get to know them, you just keep it in the back of your mind - and in your notebook.
And back to logos . . .
Candles are an interesting one as I think you can print a label with your logo and name (and whatever safety verbiage candles require) and put it on the bottom of the candle. If your logo is simple and something most people would like, you can engrave it on the candle. Or (my favorite), you can have custom boxes created with your logo and printed with the story behind this signature scent and how it relates to the lifestyle that you help create.
Coffee Table Books - you can always write in books, which will help clients remember that it is from you.
