As the year starts to come to a quick close and *poof!* the holidays are here, just like that, the season for giving gifts is upon us. (Is it just me or was it just August?! Take me back to France!)
I like to use this time of the year to send my utmost thanks to both the clients I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past year, as well as the vendors I’ve collaborated with (they really help make it all happen).
A little token of thanks goes a long way and even the smallest of gestures can make a big impact. Gratitude is something I try to practice all times of the year, and spending a little on something thoughtful that I know my clients and collaborators will love is a no-brainer. And while I am always super excited and oh-so touched when my clients and collaborators send me gifts, I can’t help but agree that it truly is better to give than to receive!
I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite go-tos for gifting – a little bit at all price points and styles. I hope this guide inspires you to practice gratitude and get a little something for those who have helped you over this special year. Or, if you haven’t done any holiday shopping yet and just need a little help… On to the good stuff:
Diptyque Candle in Feu De Bois – $64
This one is hands down my top go-to for gifts for the winter: Diptyque, the venerable French candle company, in Feu de Bois. With the scent of a chic night by a cozy fire and a well-designed label, this is something I have sent to many clients. I usually purchase from Bergdorf Goodman and select “gift wrap” at checkout, as they will perfectly package it in a signature purple box ready to go. And who doesn’t love getting a box delivered from Bergdorfs?!
Custom Confetti by The Confetti Bar – $25
The Confetti Bar is a unique business that solely creates custom and bespoke mixes of confetti. For around $25 a cup, you can send a logo and/or color scheme to them and within a week or so a perfectly branded mix comes back to you. Brilliant, right? This would be ideal to send to clients whom have just started up a business, to celebrate a client’s big win, or even make up one for any business and send it off for a New Years greeting to celebrate 2018! Très festive!
A Case of their favorite refreshments– price varies
Have you been paying attention to their habits? Whether it’s Mexican Coke or La Croix, send ’em a case of their go-to refreshment! I used to have a client who constantly drank from a blue bottle of Saratoga Sparkling Water, which is not easy to find. I sent her a case and she was super touched. For a case to arrive at their doorstep, this simple idea will actually go a long way (and save them a trip from the dreaded big box stores… At least for a few days!).
Reusable Stainless Steel Straws – $14
To add to the above suggestion and make it that much better, send along these eco-friendly steel and rose gold (!) straws. I love that they include cleaning brushes as part of the set.
Femme Extraordinaire Poster – $45-$65
Designed by famed French designer and bon vivant Garance Doré, this print would be perfect for someone’s desk, office space or gallery wall. This translates to “Extraordinary Woman” and I can’t think of one woman I work with that isn’t just that.
Designer, Maker, Thinker Pin Set – $35
This cool little set from Skinny Vinny, a Brooklyn-based studio, would be great for the designers, makers, and thinkers in your life. I could see this gifted to an artist or production manufacturer… Anyone that helps create and inspire.
In The Company of Women – $25
It goes without saying that books make great gifts. A time-honored tradition of giving a book for a milestone or at a certain time of the year is a tradition that I practice and enjoy. This one, by Grace Bonney of Design Sponge fame, profiles dozens of strong and creative women, each trailblazing and inspiring in their own right. I love giving this to any of the women I work with and for, as this empowering and truthful account of others can be enjoyed by many. (Also! For more female entrepreneur inspo check out my recap from “The Other Festival”)
Personalized Pencils – $16/set
Get a client’s name, business tagline, or personal motto inscribed on a set of chic pencils! This makes a wonderful desk accessory and pencils are that perfect blend of retro practicality and modern charm; they can both “draft ideas” and “inspire brainstorming”… Something we could all use a bit more of.
Flip Top Card Case – $60
This cheeky engraved steel card case makes the act of carrying a business card a little bit special. I like send gifts like this to my clients who might need a little encouragement to get out their and promote their business in the new year.
Do you have go-to gifts for your clients/collaborators? What’s the best year-end gift you’ve received from a professional contact? Do tell!
Happy gifting and happy holidays!