Buying a gift for a client can be a frustrating adventure. How do you budget for something that is supposed to be a way to thank them for the business they send your way? And at the same time, you have to make sure that you do it in a way that is honest and represents your true thanks. Handled correctly, not only will your gift giving reap you continued business in the new year but it can also be seen as a marketing expense, thus making it a write-off.
For the past 10 years or so I have been all over the place in regards to client gifts. Like most business owners, I have multiple clients that I interact with each day. So, when it comes time to send gifts, I usually end up sending out 20-30 each year.
In years past I have flown out to see clients and have taken the whole group out for a night complete with drinks, dinner and karaoke. Other times I have given iPods, Nano’s to Touch’s, as gifts. I make sure to order them inscribed with my company name and current year. I even gifted a 50 inch HDTV and a Disney vacation for individual, but exceptional, clients.
In more recent years I skipped the gift giving and instead made generous donations to various charities around the country. I made sure to send a note in our holiday card telling clients what we did and how much we spent, along with a list breaking down the amount given to each charity. I focused on charities that are local to me AND those that are local to my clients, so that they know that their investment in my company is an investment back to their area too. A win-win for everyone.
So, following in the footsteps of our “30 Great Gift Ideas for Coworkers and Your Boss” article that we published on Monday, below are a few gift recommendations for you to share with your clients, whether you are looking to give a single gift to one client or a gift for the entire office. Feel free to comment on your approach to client gifts below.
Top 10 Client Gifts: The Gadgets
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Apple iPad MC349LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi + 3G) Bottom line is this, the iPad is the hottest gift to give this year and if your goal is to make an impression or give big thanks to a great client, then this is the choice for you. It's the best way to experience the web, email, photos, and video. With incredible battery life of 10+ hours per charge, the iPad defines the the next generation of computing. From the beautiful design to the thousands of productivity and entertainment apps, the iPad will reap you many rewards for 2011! |
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Apple iPod touch 8 GB (4th Generation) NEWEST MODEL The new iPod Touch is the next inline when it comes to client gifts. It does everything the new iPhone 4G does minus the monthly calling plan. It includes 2 cameras (both can be used for FaceTime video chat) and full access to the App Store. A great way to thank a client is with a gift they can use all year long. |
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Apple TV MC572LL/A (2010) I promise you that Apple is not sponsoring this list! They can't help it that they have the 3 top gadgets this holiday season and the Apple TV might be the one that is flying under the radar. If your client already has an iPad, iPhone 3Gs/4G or newer iPod Touch, then this is the perfect compliment to those devices. 1 cable connects it to an HD set and you're ready to rent and buy movies online, stream NetFlix, but the best part of this gadget is the integration of AirPlay. With Airplay you can display photos, stream audio and more right from your iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone. Expect it to open up even more in 2011 with the ability to stream video, (FaceTime too) and even display your apps (games on your large screen!), add to that that it's under $100 - BONUS! |
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Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6" Display, 3G Works Globally - Latest Generation Think of the Kindle as the iPod for books. It's the number 1 bestselling ereader on the market. If your client is an avid reader, then the Kindle makes an obvious choice as a gift. Why, because they'll be able to carry 15,000 books around with them at all times. Coupled with Free 3G access, downloading a new book takes less than 2 minutes. |
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Barnes & Noble NOOK COLOR eBook Reader Tablet (WiFi Only) w/ SanDisk 1GB microSD Card The new Color Nook is a very smart choice too. Positioned between an iPad and Kindle, it does double duty as both a tablet and as an ereader. The screen is a color touch screen so there's added productivity for the user and it can download books instantly too. Look for more support for this device in 2011 as app developers look to bring some of their bestselling apps from other platforms to the Nook (yes, that means Angry Birds ;) ). |
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Samsung Galaxy Tab (T-Mobile) The Samsung Galaxy Tab is the only real alternative/competition (for now) to the iPad. It's the perfect gift for any client who does not buy into the whole Apple ecosystem. The 7 inch touch screen is a thing of beauty to look at and under the hood the Galaxy Tab is sporting a 1 GHz processor and Android 2.2 operating system. |
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Roku XD Streaming Player 1080p Listed at under $80 for 1080p streaming, the Roku XD delivers higher definition video than the Apple TV. Not only does it work with Netflix, Huluplus and Amazon Video on Demand but it also supports Premium content such as Major League Baseball and other main events. Best of all is that there is no PC required for it to work. Hook it up to your wireless network and minutes later your client will be enjoying streaming content. |
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Flip MinoHD Video Camera - Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (3rd Generation) NEWEST MODEL The Flip series of camera's have led the way for HD video on the go for almost 4 years now. These handheld HD video camera's will allow your clients the opportunity to shoot video anywhere. With 2 hours of video recording (for the 8 GB version), the Flip UltraHD Video Camera is perfect for the boardroom, conference interviews or views from the golf course. |
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Boxee Box by D-Link The Boxee is the 3rd contender vying for your streaming dollars. With its unique design, on demand TV and huge movie library, the Boxee is a fine addition to our client gift guide. Again, streaming 1080P video, whether it's your clients video (from a Flip UltraHD video camera listed above) or from the internet. There's no keyboard or mouse required to get this thing working, just plug it in, dial in the wireless network and away you go. |
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Apple iPod classic 160 GB Black (7th Generation) NEWEST MODEL The Apple iPod classic is the final gift in our gadget guide. Consider this, at 160 GBs not only will your client be able to carry around every song/album that they own but that means there is plenty of room to add more for years to come. Add to that all of the 1000's of audio books available (via Audible.com) and this iPod just became a little more helpful around the office. Begin the day with some Mozart, enjoy an audio version of the One Minute manager over lunch. |
15 “Under $50″ Bestselling Gift Baskets for the Office
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