Holiday Gifts: Memorable, Not Meh

It’s the thought that counts, right?

Wrong!

Think back to a time when you received a perfect holiday gift from a business.

• What was it?

• Why did it make you feel special?

Chances are, you haven’t received one that was memorable and connected you more to their brand.

The gifts you received probably make you feel like Ralphie in that bunny suit courtesy of Aunt Clara.

A lousy holiday gift sends the wrong message – perceiving you as either stingy or not invested in the relationship.

If you’ve already ordered branded notepads, a cheap gift basket, or perishable foods… STOP READING NOW AND CANCEL THAT ORDER!

The holiday season offers you a chance to humanize your B2B relationship, strengthen loyalty, and create memorable touchpoints that build goodwill into the coming year.

When you get it right, you’ll be the star of the show – the person everyone remembers and suddenly wants to grab lunch with.

Thoughtful over flashy

Your gift, no matter the cost, should hit your client right in the feels.

I’m not talking about making them cry, but resonates emotionally, in a relatable, heartfelt, or nostalgic way – to touch them on a personal level, sparking genuine emotional impact.

Let me explain.

Imagine you are an insurance broker, and your top strategic partners are accountants. They work closely with clients on finances, often identifying needs that align perfectly with your services.

Their trusted relationships with clients position them as natural advocates, referring clients to insurance partners who can meet specific financial needs.

So, you send them a branded, corporate coffee mug.

Nothing screams “We tried!” like your boring corporate swag.

Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary

Standard, branded gifts miss the mark.

But what if you could turn these ordinary gifts into the extraordinary by adding that unexpected spark to what might be otherwise overlooked.

Here’s how…

A simple addition to a boring coffee mug relates directly to the work of accountants by capturing the high-stress, high-stakes nature of their job.

Heck, this might just become their new go-to mug for coffee, tea, and all those “don’t talk to me yet” mornings!

DISCLAIMER: I’m not advocating for this to be your only gift – it all depends on your budget, audience, and importance of the recipient.

These types of gifts allow people to showcase their personality, humor, and unique style with minimal effort on your part.

Whether it’s finding beauty in everyday routines, creating memorable moments out of simple gestures, or transforming practical tools into powerful symbols, there’s magic in the art of elevation.

By putting yourself in the shoes of your target audience and approaching the mundane with creativity and intention, you can turn the smallest details into meaningful experiences that surprise, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.

Consider experiences over physical gifts

Did you know?

A study by Expedia and the Center for Generational Kinetics found that 74% of Americans prioritize experiences over material goods?

This trend is especially strong among Millennials and Gen Z, who see experiences like travel, dining, and events as more valuable than owning physical products.

One day, they’ll be the grandparents bragging, “Back in my day, we didn’t own things – we rented, shared, and Airbnb-ed our way through life!”

If your decision-makers, influencers, or strategic partners fall into this category, you might want to consider choosing an experience gift over a physical gift – allowing you to offer something truly personal and engaging.

Here are some ideas to consider…

1. Wine tasting event

2. Concert tickets

3. Sporting event tickets

4. An annual state or national park pass for outdoor lovers

5. Zoo passes for clients with young children

6. A Masterclass subscription (non-business related)

7. Book reservations and pre-pay at a nice restaurant

8. Indoor rock-climbing adventure

9. Mail ingredients for a fancy homecooked meal with a bottle of wine (for cooking enthusiasts)

10. Party bus rental for their team

Experiences not only create lasting impressions but also demonstrate thoughtfulness, as they provide your clients with an opportunity to unwind, learn something new, or make meaningful memories.

Here’s the bottom line

Holiday gifting isn’t just about sending another fruit basket or pen with your logo, it’s about crafting an unforgettable moment that says, “We don’t just think of you when there’s a contract to sign.”

Done right, a thoughtful gift can stick in your clients’ minds longer than that last webinar – unless you make the mistake of going for the Aunt Clara gift.

Whether it’s funny swag, a unique experience, or a gadget they didn’t know they needed, holiday gifts can bring a smile, spark a conversation, and maybe – just maybe – make them look forward to your next email.

So, skip the crappy and generic corporate gifts and go for something that truly wraps up the year in style!

~ Joseph
(hit reply - it’s not going into the email abyss. It’ll land straight in my inbox)