The year is wrapping up, and you might already have one foot in 2022. Before you dive too deeply into planning your next big year of business, make sure you take some time to celebrate everything that you’ve accomplished in 2021– and the people who helped you get there.
Remember: Your business is not a one-person show.
Your clients, customers, and (if you have them) team members make this shit happen. The end of the calendar year is your chance to shower them with love, appreciation, and gratitude.
And what better way to do that than with a thoughtful gift?
If gift-giving isn’t really your love language, I’ve got you covered.
I asked friends, colleagues, and team members to share their favourite tokens of appreciation. Scour through the list below and find something that feels good to you.
The magic of gift-giving is in the personal touch, so be sure to include a card or a note that shows you care and that you thought of them specifically.
Here are some great ideas to show your team and clients some love at the end of the year:
- Send them a handmade card in the mail.
- Make a donation to their favourite cause in their name.
- If they have kids, send an activity they can do together over the holidays.
- Give them a year-end cash bonus or service credit.
- Send a gift card to their favourite restaurant, coffee shop, or store.
- Choose a fun coffee mug for their desk.
- Find a snazzy water bottle with a cute note about how they’ll need to stay hydrated for 2022.
- If they have a pet, send them some fun treats or toys for their fur baby.
- Send them a book by their favourite author or on a topic they love. (Bonus points if you can get it signed!)
- Book them an experience like a cooking class, spa service, or yoga class pass.
- Offer them credit for a course if they want to uplevel a skill.
- Pre-pay a coaching session with an expert they love.
Make sure you know of any intolerances, allergies, or exemptions so that your gift can be well-received.
For example, if your client doesn’t drink, they’re not going to appreciate the nice bottle of wine you chose. If they eat a gluten-free diet, they won’t be able to enjoy the cookies you sent. Or, like me, anything scented gives me hives, so all the “girly” bath bombs and creams are lost on me.
Gift-giving can be an incredible way to connect with your people all year long.
You can set up an onboarding gift for new clients, a long-weekend bonus for your team, or a spirit-boost virtual event any time of the year.
When planning an annual strategy with my clients, client care plans are a top priority. Having a system in place for who receives what and when is a great way to make an impression and set a great tone for your work together.
Appreciate your people. Love on them hard (consensually, of course).
Happy Holidays!
