There’s much more to your business than simply offering a product and making a sale. One of the most important and worthwhile things you can do is develop and maintain your relationships with clients over the long term – so they know that you’re interested in more than just making a sale today, but also taking care of their needs into the future. A client gift is a great way to express this sentiment, and a creative gift even more so.

Here are some highly effective ways you can get creative with client gifts.

1. Personalize your gifts

When it comes to giving a gift that’s going to make a lasting impression, taking a one-size-fits-all approach is not the way to go. Instead, draw on your experience with the client or do a bit of research to find a gift relevant to their interests. Perhaps they’ve mentioned fishing in the past and you can give them a new set of lures, or if you know they have a passion for food, you can gift them a fun cooking class. Not only will this show that you pay attention, it will also communicate that you think of them as a person – not just a number.

2. Get branded gifts

When giving clients a gift, it doesn’t hurt to remind them of your business. Gifts featuring your company’s branding can help improve recall of the benefits of your relationship, and keep you top of mind when they have new business needs. Getting a branded phone charger, calendar, stationary, or even a mug or water bottle is simple gesture. Best of all? These items can be used every day.

3. Give the gift of learning

A great way to endear yourself to clients both new and old is to keep track of what their interests might be and give them a class, course, or lesson that can help them take their game to the next level. You might also consider giving them a gift card to spend a few hours honing their cooking, photography, or golf skills. The nice thing about giving a lesson is that the client will be grateful for more than just an object, but a life experience that’s meaningful to them.

4. Charity makes a great gift

In a case where you feel a material gift is not appropriate, there is always the option of making a charitable donation in your client’s name. As always, the more you can personalize the donation, the better. For instance, if you know your client has pets or is passionate about animals, then an animal welfare organization is a good bet. This kind of meaningful gesture does much more than show your appreciation for your client’s business, it also reflects your company’s values.

5. Restaurant gift cards

Eating good food is a universal delight, and a great way to treat your clients You can research hot new restaurants in your client’s neighbourhood or ask them about their favourite cuisines, then set them up with a gift card so they can dine at their own convenience. This is another example of offering your clients an experience, rather than a material gift. And, if you’re lucky, they might just invite you along for the meal.

Have your own ideas for creative gifts you’d like to share? Feel free to post them in the comments below.