Make client gifting easy and memorable this holiday season with our step-by-step guide, and let us help you with personalised, unique Christmas gift ideas

Is the holiday season creeping up on you faster than a reindeer on Christmas Eve? 

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! 

As the year rushes to a close, it’s easy for client gifts to slip down your list of priorities. But fear not, this guide is your festive lifesaver! With a little planning and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, you can give your clients something that will have them thinking they’ve been extra good this year…

Let’s sleigh this gift-giving process and ensure your clients are both surprised and delighted by your thoughtful gifts.

Your step-by-step Christmas gift guide

Step 1: Planning and brainstorming ideas

Deadline: November 20th

The foundation of a successful gift campaign starts here! Before you dive into the gift-buying frenzy, think about the message you want to convey and the experience you want to create. The more thoughtful your plan, the more magical the gift will feel when it arrives at your clients’ doorstep.

• Align with your brand’s identity: Reflect on gifts that embody your brand’s values, mission, and personality. Whether you go for something practical or whimsical, your gift should carry the essence of your brand, creating a lasting impression without feeling like it’s just another marketing tool. A thoughtful gift says “We see you,” and that goes a long way in client relationships.
• Consider client appeal and usability: Think about what your clients might actually use and appreciate. A practical item they can enjoy all year round keeps you at the top of their mind, while a playful, holiday-themed gift might bring a smile each time they see it. 
• Add a subtle brand touch: If it fits, add a dash of branding, but keep it subtle. Perhaps a small, stylish implementation of your logo, a custom colour, or a special tag that’s both festive and branded, just enough to remind your client who sent this thoughtful surprise. A little touch of your brand can make all the difference without overshadowing the personal gesture.
  

Step 2: Drafting and creating mockups

Deadline: November 27th

Once you’ve settled on the perfect gift idea, it’s time to bring it to life with sketches, designs and mockups, especially if your gift involves personalisation. This is where the magic really begins!

• Don’t get lost in the crazy of Christmas: Deck the halls with a few bells and a bit of holly. Don’t get swept up in the tinsel tornado of a tacky Christmas. Keep it clean and let the creativity of the concept shine through. It’s an all-rounder, not only will it resonate better with your client, they’ll be more likely to keep it hanging around, it’ll be easier to produce with less headaches for you. 
• Verify copyrights and permissions: Avoid any Grinch-like surprises by ensuring you have permission to use any logos or images for your design. Many printers won’t work with copyrighted material unless you have the proper rights, so make sure your elves have all the paperwork in order!
• Communicate clearly with designers: If you're working with a designer, be sure to clarify your vision, if you have something in mind already, share it! Clear instructions mean you’ll avoid those last minute “Oh no!” moments when something doesn’t turn out quite as expected. A little upfront communication goes a long way in keeping things merry and bright.

Mockups help bring your ideas to life, and they’re essential for making sure your vision is on track.

Step 3: Getting quotes and approving artwork

Deadline: December 2nd

Now that you have a concept locked in, it’s time to make sure your budget, artwork, and production plans align for a smooth holiday delivery.

• Obtain accurate quotes: Contact multiple vendors to gather accurate quotes for each aspect of the customisation process. This will ensure you’re well within budget, and you’ll avoid any unexpected Scrooge-like surprises later on. Double-check delivery timelines, and don’t forget to ask about any rush fees, those little extras can add up.
• Review vendor experience: Ask potential vendors if they’ve worked on similar projects before. Vendors with experience in holiday gifts or branded merchandise can often offer valuable advice or even creative ideas to make your gifts extra special.
• Finalise artwork approval: Before the jolly elves can start production, make sure the artwork is 100% approved. Review the proofs carefully to catch any last-minute tweaks, and remember: your designers might have great suggestions that could elevate the end product.

Approving all artwork and securing quotes early saves time, ensuring your project stays on track.

Step 4: Signing off with stakeholders

Deadline: December 6th

With everything ready to go, it’s time to check in with internal stakeholders. This step ensures that no one gets left out in the cold!

• Coordinate with all team members: Make sure everyone is updated on the progress of the project, communication is the key to staying on track during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
• Set clear production and delivery dates: Make sure you’re all singing from the same hymn sheet, for a smooth delivery everyone should be aligned on production timelines and delivery dates. Any delay at this stage could mean a late holiday delivery and no one wants that to ruin their Christmas!
  
  Clear coordination helps avoid any snowballing issues and ensures everyone is jolly and bright.

Step 5: Receiving and inspecting your order

Deadline: December 11th

When your goods arrive, don’t let the holiday frenzy cause you to overlook quality control. Take the time to inspect each item to make sure it’s up to standard.

• Quality assurance: Inspect each item to ensure that everything is exactly as ordered, down to the last detail. If there are any issues, it’s better to catch them early before you’re rushing around at the last minute!
• Pick-up coordination: If you’re having someone else pick up the order, make sure they know when and where to collect it. A little extra planning now means less stress later.

Taking a few moments to double check everything will help you deliver a picture-perfect gift to your clients.

Step 6: Assemble and package gifts

Deadline: December 16th

The best part! It’s time to add that final festive sparkle and prepare your gifts for distribution.

• Thoughtful presentation: Remember, it’s all about the little touches that make your gift extra special. A beautifully wrapped gift, perhaps with a ribbon or handwritten note, will make your clients feel like they’ve received something truly special.
• Delivery cut-off dates: Don’t let your gifts get lost in the Christmas rush! Research the delivery cut-off dates for your preferred carriers (Royal Mail, DHL, etc.) and be sure to send your gifts with plenty of time to spare.
• Pack fragile items carefully: If any of your gifts are fragile, treat them with care and include sufficient labelling to communicate this for your delivery partner. Proper packing is key to ensuring your gifts arrive in perfect condition, leaving your clients with only the sweetest memories of your generosity.
  

A beautifully presented gift will shine even brighter with a thoughtful, professional touch.

Step 7: Track deliveries and follow up

Deadline: December 20th

Your gifts are out the door, now it’s time to make sure they get to your clients safely and on time.

• Monitor shipping progress: Track your shipments to ensure they’re on schedule and ready to arrive in time for the holidays.
• Send a follow-up email: A simple follow-up email to thank your clients for their partnership, confirm that the gift has arrived, and wishing them a Merry Christmas can go a long way in reinforcing the positive relationship you’ve built throughout the year.
  

A personalised follow-up shows genuine care and appreciation for the relationship, keeping spirits high well into the New Year! 

Our unique gift ideas

Looking for something special to send to your clients? Here are some fun and festive gift ideas that are guaranteed to make your clients’ holiday season shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose:

Branded Christmas crackers
These fun crackers are a perfect way to add some seasonal cheer! Customisable with small branded goodies or industry specific jokes, they’ll bring joy and laughter to your clients’ holiday celebrations.

Christmas tree decoration
A timeless gift! Choose between DIY baubles filled with chocolate or elegant acrylic decorations that can last for years. Not only will they look great on the tree, but they’ll also serve as a lasting reminder of your thoughtful gesture!

Gift hamper with a twist!
Who doesn’t love a hamper filled with treats? Add a unique twist by personalising the contents with branded items, or throw in a fun little surprise, like a special ‘addSQUIRRREL’ smart sticker for an interactive gift giving experience 

Donate instead of gift
Want to skip the physical gifts? Why not donate to a charity in your clients’ name? It’s a thoughtful and meaningful way to make a difference and it’ll leave your clients feeling good about their holiday season.

Playing cards
Because who doesn’t need a pack of playing cards at Christmas? Whether they’re used for holiday games or as a fun family tradition, they’ll bring a smile to everyone.

Christmas day survival kit
Be the hero they didn’t know they needed and put together essential Christmas Day items… mini screwdriver, batteries, bin bags, Champagne…

Wrap up!

As the holiday season approaches, remember that with a little planning, creativity, and care, client gifting doesn’t have to be stressful. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your holiday gifting process runs smoothly, leaving your clients delighted with thoughtful, memorable gifts that reinforce your brand and relationship. From brainstorming the perfect idea to the final follow-up, every step matters. And if you want to take the pressure off and make your gifting process even easier, we’re here to help! Whether you’re looking for more unique gift ideas or need custom, personalised options tailored specifically to your business, our pack at Weird Wolf Agency is ready to help you unleash the true potential of your brand at Christmas. Just remember, this can be a festive and enjoyable experience with the right guidance, so take a deep breath, and let’s make this holiday season one to remember!