The December holiday season presents an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to your clients that you appreciate the value they bring to your business. In fact, it can be argued successfully that your clients are your business—what would you have without them? Not billable hours and revenue, that’s for sure! Can we agree that in the waning days of November, Freelance professionals have some shopping to do, no matter how modest your budget? No Freelancer can let this occasion pass without showing gratitude for the business clients have done with you—and subtly encourage them to contact you in the new year and make a referral or two, as well.

In our hypercompetitive B2B marketplace, where buyer expectations continue to rise, it was found that78% of companies reported that thoughtful December holiday gifts given to clients improve their retention rates and promote stronger business relationships. It was also found that approximately 62% of business owners feel that the quality of gifts given is important and that holiday gifts can increase client lifetime value (by promoting client loyalty and retention).

Boxing up some generic “gift” will not suffice in our hypercompetitive B2B marketplace, where buyer expectations continue to rise. Today’s B2B clients expect a holiday gift that demonstrates thoughtfulness, relevance and quality. They want to know you’ve considered their preferences, industry and company culture. Consider your December holiday gift and card as an integral component of your marketing strategy.

When putting together your marketing budget for the new year, you may even want to make holiday gifting a line item, to ensure that you’ll have the funding to make an impression that aligns with the customer experience your company provides and its brand reputation. Your holiday gift needn’t be extravagant— over-doing it will likely leave the wrong impression. You want to find the sweet spot between professional and personal, memorable and appropriate, impressive and budget-friendly. You also want to present your clients with a gift they want to use. To that end, I’ve combed through numerous websites and discovered 10 items that should help you express this important element of your marketing strategy.

1. Expandable Packing Cube Set – Medium/Large $34.95

Organization is integral to travel preparation and the REI Co-op Medium/Large Expandable Packing Cube Set makes it easy to pack—and find—items in your luggage. The set includes one medium and one large packing cube that can expand or compress by three inches to adjust packing volume as needed. Mesh on top lets you see what’s inside and there’s a handle to allow for easy carrying. FYI, the REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label. The company funds efforts to reduce carbon emissions across its business and supports climate projects around the world.

2. Stay Cool Adjustable Laptop Desk $39.00

Clients who work from home or travel for business will appreciate this practical and attractive bamboo portable workstation desk. Its adjustable height and tilt settings accommodate laptops from 11 to 16 inches. There’s enough workspace to keep a notebook, mobile phone, or drink within reach and the anti-slip surface with cup holder indent keeps drinks and devices in place. A built-in side drawer keeps office essentials like pens and earbuds organized. The Stay Cool Adjustable Laptop Desk is also designed with ventilation holes and a pair of built-in USB-powered fans to help maintain your laptop’s temperature and prevent its hot surface from disrupting the workflow (USB to USB-C adaptor required.)

3. Stonewall Kitchen Holiday Sampler $34.95

Perfect for pleasing all sorts of palates and elegantly packaged in a white-and-green gift box that features a festive winter design, the Stonewall Kitchen Holiday Sampler gift set contains mini-sized versions of six Stonewall best-sellers: Wild Maine Blueberry Jam, Raspberry Peach Champagne Jam, Holiday Jam, Red Pepper Jelly, Maine Maple Champagne Mustard and Caramelized Onion Mustard. This ready-to-give gift box is a perfect holiday gift.

4. Mongolian Cashmere Gloves $29.90

Your clients will be happy that you’ve taken a hands-on approach when you gift them with lovely and practical Mongolian Cashmere Gloves. The gloves have a long cuff that make wearers feel extra cozy on a cold winter day. They are made of good quality cashmere that is incredibly soft, long-lasting and three times as warm as wool. They are also sourced sustainably and ethically.

5. Holiday Hygge Gift Box $40.00

Made by BeyondGiftsCo. and sold on Etsy, the Boho Mini Holiday Hygge Gift Box is a warm and wonderful winter care package that will sustain the recipient when the snow piles high and the cold wind blows. The Boho Mini contains items that make those fortunate enough to receive one feel good on a cold and wind-swept day: a nice mug, tea (inside a burlap bag), a gold tea spoon, cozy socks, salted caramels and a holiday-themed wood ornament.

6. Ice bucket $39.20

Elevate entertaining with the timeless elegance of the Asti Ice Bucket. Designed in 1972 by Sergio Asti and crafted from 100% recycled plastic and fully compostable, this sustainable design is a true work of art. Its versatile use as an ice bucket, storage container, or even a vase makes it a must-have for any occasion. Works by the late Sergio Asti, Italian-born industrial designer and architect, can be found in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York City, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the RI School of Design Museum in Providence, RI.

7. Tabletop Dwarf Lemon Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa Wilma Goldcrest) $28.95

The Tabletop Dwarf Lemon Cypress adds a festive touch of nature’s elegance that illuminates holiday decor. The narrow, bright green foliage has a subtle lemon scent and its compact size make it perfect decoration for small spaces, such as tabletops, mantels, buffet tables, or a centerpiece. The pre-wrapped, gift-ready Tabletop Dwarf Lemon Cypress is a memorable client gift that keeps on giving.

With proper care, the plant can retain its vibrant color and health throughout the season and beyond, bringing good cheer to your client’s home or office. Designed to require minimal maintenance, your client can enjoy the Dwarf Lemon Cypress indoors during the holidays and then move it to a patio or plant it outdoors when spring arrives. Your client will be delighted with this gift for years to come—and experience a happy feeling about your brand time and again!

8. Blanket Scarf $14.97

This luxuriously oversized Italian-made Blanket Scarf is true to its name: it’s part scarf, part blanket and made in Florence, Italy from warm and super-soft woven fabric. Including its 4 inch fringe, the Blanket Scarf is 30″ w x 90″ h, made of 100% acrylic and makes a stellar festive statement when the weather turns chilly. You may add your business name and logo, beautifully embroidered monogram for a personal touch by emailing WSIB2BGift@wsgc.com.

9. Cheery Umbrella $22.99

Classy coverage through wind and rain, your clients will be happy to be protected from the elements by the wide, waterproof and wind resistant shield of a Cheery Umbrella. Drawing inspiration from the timeless wooden cane umbrellas but with a modern flair, this rain gear is will add comfort and style to dreary wet weather days.

10. Scout Soft Tote Cooler $39

Pleasure Chest is the perfect size for small family outings, road trips, or a 12-hour work shift—this tall, square cooler is a great shape for stacking containers. Stash napkins, utensils, or chocolate bars (no judgement!) in the outside pockets for quick access. Remember to take ice packs! Because it squishes flat in a suitcase, your client will love the Pleasure Chest for travel—and it makes a great leave-behind hostess gift. Please note that an additional 5-7 days of processing time will be added to your order due to personalization, regardless of shipping method.

• 9″ W x 12.5″ H x 9″ D
• Weight: 0.8 lbs
• Handle drop: 12.5 “
• Holds up to 30 lbs.
• Foam insulation layer helps to keep contents cool (ice packs recommended)
• Fits: 12-oz cans: 15 | skinny cans: 18 | 16.9-oz. water bottles: 8 | wine bottles: 4-5
• Two exterior pockets: one zip (front) and one slip (back)
• Heat-sealed, food-safe liner
• Reinforced straps with velcro fabric handle wrap
• Zips closed

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate. To everyone, thanks for reading!

Kim

Image: Filene’s Department Store (Boston, MA) toy department, 1938