Despite the challenges all Americans have faced together since March of this year, real estate markets have more than rebounded. Although there were initial concerns that the pandemic would tank real estate prospects across the country, we’ve seen the opposite; sales are up, and it takes less time to close a deal than it did this time last year. 

In recognition of the impact your clients have had on your life during this challenging time, consider giving your top clients—or, if you can afford it, all of your clients—a meaningful gift this holiday season. Let us preface: this isn’t the time to focus on branding; rather than delivering a gift inscribed with your own name or logo, it’s far more tasteful to inscribe the client’s own family name. 

In fact, if you’re able to recall personal details about your client from the time you spent together, select a gift that shows you were listening. They’ll be far more likely to recommend you to others if you demonstrate that you connected with them on a personal level that goes beyond your own bottom line. 

Due to the realities of the pandemic, this is a year to choose more affordable gifts. Even if you are tempted to deliver something that packs a financial wallop, consider that this may lead your clients to suspect that you charge more across the board to be able to afford such luxuries, which will be ill-received when so many Americans are facing substantial hardships. 

Furthermore, if you have employees of your own, you may engender resentments by gifting lavishly to clients rather than giving your team members larger holiday bonuses. At the end of the day, your staff is the backbone of your business. Your clients will likely be delighted with a small, thoughtful gift, so be sure to keep your “MVPs” in mind, too.

Be sure to include a thoughtful, handwritten note with whatever gift you choose to send. Communication is key, and research indicates that the note is often more impactful than the gift itself. A note shows that you care and were deliberately thinking specifically of them as you selected and wrapped their gift. Some appropriate gift ideas include:

1.) Custom Holiday Ornament

A beautiful ornament consistently makes a great gift - and even better if it’s customized with your client’s family name, address, and the year they purchased their home. Even if they sell their home years down the line, the memories they created in this home will spring to mind as they unwrap and hang their ornament every holiday season.

2.) Donation to a Local Charity

Last month, we covered local charities that are spreading hope and resources throughout Middle Tennessee. If your clients are minimalists, or are invested in humanitarian efforts, you might offer to make a donation to a local charity in their name. You can offer a handful for your client to choose from, or you can include the name and information about the charity you’ve selected. 

3.) Pie

Nothing says Happy Holidays like the gift of fresh pie! Remove the stress of holiday dessert-making from your client’s to-do list by either baking a pie yourself, or supporting a local bakery/restaurant that would love the patronage. The great thing about giving pie as a gift is that your clients have the option of sharing with neighbors, coworkers, or members of their extended family. In this way, pie will give them an opportunity to strengthen their bonds with members of their community, despite the distance the current pandemic necessitates. 

4.) Homemade Apple Cider

If you’re not a baker, or for those who eat gluten-free diets, homemade apple cider is an excellent holiday gift. Choose a local farm to support and be sure to include the name of the farm and variety of apple you chose when gifting. These personal touches will make this labor of love even more impressive!

5.) Personalized Cutting Board

If you have a small list of clients, cutting boards personalized with their family name might be just the right gift. When they’re well-made, cutting boards last for a decade or more, and odds are, your client will think of you every time they pull it out to use it.

6.) Winter-ready Potted Plant

Whether you choose a succulent that blooms in the winter, or a more delicate plant that can survive the winter months, a potted plant is always a welcome gift, especially to new homeowners. 

7.) Stationery Set

In this time of distanced social connections, people are increasingly returning to letter-writing habits of years gone by. This year, a stationery set customized with your client’s last name or initials could be both classic and trendy!

8.) Gift Card to a Hardware Store

Practically any homeowner will appreciate extra funds for home repairs and improvements. To make this gift more personal, jot a note about something the client mentioned wanting to improve within their new home: “Hope this helps a bit with your lighting fixtures!” is as detailed as you need to be. 

9.) Gifts for the Children

If your client has children, it’s guaranteed that they’ll appreciate a gift for their kids far more than a gift for themselves. Whether it’s a simple tub of holiday popcorn, a stuffed animal, or a science kit, the parents will surely appreciate your thoughtfulness toward their beloved kiddos. 

Remember, you aren’t a Scrooge if you choose to send a handwritten note alone this holiday. If you do have the budget to splurge a little, though, why not? Spend the time and a bit of money to remind your clients that you appreciate the success they helped you achieve this year.

Due to CDC recommendations, this is the year for socially-distanced drop-offs. Text or email your client to arrange a good day for a drop-off, then follow up with a text or email once you’ve delivered their gift. Hopefully by the next holiday season, we’ll all be able to spend a few minutes catching up in the warmth of each other’s homes.