With the arrival of the holidays, there comes the challenge of finding the perfect gifts for your valued clients. However, a tired, generic gift isn’t a sign of appreciation – in fact, it can be interpreted as quite the opposite: “My Realtor doesn’t value me or my business enough to think about a gift just for me.” This is no easy task, and after extensive searching it can begin to feel a bit like that Barenaked Ladies song: “It’s all been done.” The good news is that thinking outside the box/mall/Amazon can result in the type of unique finds that your clients will remember for long time to come – and some that even help make the world a better place!
Etsy
This e-commerce website is considered by many to be ground zero for unique items and art pieces. While collectors and vintage enthusiasts swear by Etsy and sift through innumerable offerings in search of the perfect treasure year round, usage of the site skyrockets during the holidays as people search for the perfect custom gifts. With about 1.5 million active sellers, the chances of finding something that fits are near perfect. The site specialises in handmade items, vintage effects (defined by Etsy as items over 20 years old) and unusual factory-manufactured items. The range of specific items offered is nearly endless: jewelry, art, clothes, food, toys, furniture and even handmade mobile accessories are just a few of the different types of items available. With an intuitive customer interface, visible customer feedback to determine a seller’s trustworthiness and even a Gift Ideas category, Etsy is a Godsend for finding clients a unique and/or personalised gift.
Giftagram
This Toronto based startup has brought some good old fashioned Canadian practicality into the gift giving process. Initially serving only the Greater Toronto Area when launched in 2013, the app is now available throughout North America. Quite simply, Giftagram allows you to choose an item from their extensive selection of curated gifts which includes not only products but also local services and experiences. Seemingly aimed largely at young urban professionals, options include a decadent Bento Box style chocolate collection, George Clooney’s line of tequila, a host of dining experiences and even a breakfast in bed delivery. All you’ve got to do is choose a gift and then provide either the recipient’s phone number or email, through which they’ll be alerted of their waiting gift. They provide their preferred shipping address and then receive said gift in 3 – 5 business days. The straightforward process combined with a selection of impressive and unique gifts makes Giftigram a great choice for gifting clients and other types of corporate gift giving.
Experiences
Gifting experiences rather than products has become a popular choice, and for good reason. A nice decorative piece for client’s living room will be appreciated, but it certainly doesn’t create memories or loyalty. The gift of an actual hands-on flying lesson, however, certainly does. Armed with the knowledge of your client’s hobbies and passions, you can pretty much ensure that you provide him or her with the gift of the year. For example, your most valuable client may have mentioned on multiple occasions his dream of owning a Ferrari one day. Well, the gift of a track day behind the wheel of the Italian supercar will leave the type of lasting impression that forges permanent business relationships. From being schooled in the rock star life by famous musicians to a $100,000 trip into space, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination (and your firm’s bank account). You can find many of these on deal-of-the-day sites such as Groupon, but specialist companies such as Try That {!} offer a wider and well organised selection.
Socially Conscious Giving
In the past, a socially conscious gift would often consist of an envelope informing the recipient that money or supplies had been donated in their name to the needy. While philanthropy is one of the greatest gifts, it’s important in a business setting to provide the client with something more substantial. These days, however, it’s easy to get the best of both worlds thanks to companies like Earth Group (formerly Earth Water). Arguably one of Canada’s most passionate charitable organisations, they offer their own brands of water, coffee and tea for sale – all of which are sustainably produced and packaged with the environment in mind and while adhering to fair trade practices. Amazingly, they give 100% of their profits to the United Nations World Food Programme. In the spirit of the holidays, they’ve put together a special gift box containing all three products – as well as a note highlighting the fact that the purchase of that gift box has fed an educated a child for one year. A quick Google search will uncover many more ways to make holiday giving an opportunity to also give back.
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