You’ve seen them, you’ve used them, and perhaps you’ve even printed client gifts of your own in the past.
And if you’re here, there’s a good chance you recognize that meaningful client gifts can go a long way in demonstrating appreciation, building trust, and reminding your customers or prospects that you’re there when they need you!
Whether you’re looking for simple, inexpensive promotional items to stay top-of-mind, or more memorable gift ideas that will leave a lasting impression, branded merch is something we do all day, every day. Our team loves helping businesses come up with fun novelty gifts with a personal touch!
Here are 12 of the most effective small (and big) gestures you can make for your customers and prospects.
Some Of Our Best Corporate Gift Ideas for Customers
The Forever Traveling Pen
A pen is small, simple, and incredibly effective at simply making your brand a presence.
It travels, it gets borrowed, and most importantly, it keeps your brand visible with every note, signature, and scribble. Custom pens are budget-friendly and work well for businesses of all sizes looking to boost brand awareness without breaking the bank.
Want to add an extra touch? Pair it with a notebook featuring your company logo for a complete office supply gift.
Ceramic Mugs
A high-quality ceramic mug with an elaborate logo or even one-color imprint is a practical and thoughtful client gift that finds its way nicely into daily routines. Whether it’s morning coffee, afternoon tea, or an evening cup of cocoa, your brand stays front and center.
These mugs also make great additions to a gift box or a gourmet food basket with locally roasted coffee or tea blends.
Bonus Tip
When it comes to gift giving, a mug or other item as part of a locally curated gift box or subscription box is a cool way to “co-brand” with your neighbors. For example, chocolate covered pretzels and a cocoa mix from the sweet shop down the road, with one of your mugs, is both thoughtful and demonstrates a local focus.
Printed Calendars
Calendars are one of the best corporate gifts because they offer year-round brand visibility.
Retail stores, medical offices, and service-based businesses benefit from appointment calendars, while specialty options like table tent calendars work well in restaurants or office lobbies. They are an excellent way to reinforce customer loyalty while keeping your brand top of mind.
Fingernail Clippers
At just $2 per piece when purchased and printed in bulk, fingernail clippers are a unique, underrated, but extremely useful gift idea for customers. These compact, easy-to-carry tools fit in pockets, purses, and travel bags, making them great for business trips. A small but mighty example of thoughtful client gifts that get used instead of tossed – with some really novel flair!
High-End Drinkware
Few things scream quality and little bit of luxury like a Yeti, Stanley, or Arctic tumbler.
These insulated travel mugs keep beverages hot or cold for hours, making them a favorite among busy professionals, frequent travelers, and coffee lovers. A branded tumbler is a gift that clients appreciate because it blends the “everyday essential” with premium branding.
Premium Backpacks
Backpacks from brands like SwissGear, Wenger, North Face, and High Sierra are client gifts that add real value.
These aren’t cheap throwaways, they’re durable, practical items people will use for work, travel, and daily commuting. They work especially well for corporate giveaways, business relationships, and customer appreciation gifts that go the extra mile.
Branded Apparel
One of the tricks for the best branded apparel as a gift: reputable and recognizable clothing brands.
Carhartt, North Face, Eddie Bauer – you name it – gear is always a winner when it comes to corporate gifting. Unlike generic t-shirts that end up at the bottom of a drawer, high-quality branded apparel is something clients actually want to wear.
Cozy fleeces, a durable jacket, or even a stylish polo, premium apparel reinforces your own brand in a way that feels professional and personal.
GCI Rocking Camping Chairs
If you want to really impress, a GCI Rocker is one of the best gifts for outdoors or sports enthusiasts.
These high-end chairs provide comfort, durability, and a generous imprint area for your company logo. While they come with a higher price tag, they are a fantastic choice for businesses looking for a thoughtful present for new customers or old, or to create memorable gift experiences. Your clients will love these, and they’re useful for years to come – plus your brand will be at every Little League game in the area!
Barbecue Kits
A barbecue kit in a sleek roll-up fabric bag or a decorative aluminum case is a fun gift for grill enthusiasts. They travel well and add a personal touch to client relationships whether included in a gift basket or given as a standalone present.
Battery Packs
A dead phone is a modern nightmare, making branded battery packs a really excellent promotional product.
Gifting clients these modern tools helps clients literally “boost” productivity with something they may not have even known they could use! They work great as part of a tech-focused client gift idea, paired with wireless earbuds or a Bluetooth speaker, for example.
LED Flashlights
Quality LED penlights or high-intensity flashlights with your logo or brand make for premium, practical gifts that are always useful. Kept in a glove box, nightstand, or toolbox, these high-intensity lights provide real value when your customers need it most!
Custom Playing Cards
Branded playing cards or custom Rook decks and are a unique way to add fun to your promotional gifting.
While custom board games tend to be costly, a custom deck of cards can be a cost-effective and creative client gift. Perfect for game lovers and promotional products in Lancaster County especially!
Other Tips For Meaningful Customer Gifting
Don’t Just Wait for the Holiday Season – Be Spontaneous
While holiday gifting is a tradition, surprising your clients with unexpected gifts throughout the year can be even more impactful. A small gesture at an unexpected time – like a handwritten note and a branded snack – can go a long way in maintaining strong business relationships.
Personalize Whenever Possible
Instead of a generic promo item, consider adding a client’s logo or choosing something tailored to their interests. Personalized client gifts show that you put in the extra effort to make them feel valued.
Consider Functionality Over Novelty
A novelty gift might seem fun in the moment, but practical items tend to stick around longer. Everyday items like office supplies, insulated travel mugs, or even subscription boxes with useful items will keep your brand relevant while also being genuinely appreciated.
Why These Gifts Work
- They strengthen business relationships.
- They’re mostly items your clients will actually use.
- From affordable to premium, there’s a gift for every business.
Ready To Talk To A Dedicated Gifting Pro? Give Us A Call
Looking for the perfect corporate gift for your best customers?
At Little Mountain Printing, we help businesses of all sizes create high-quality, branded promotional items that will make an impression. Whether you need practical items, luxury corporate gifts, or unique branded merch, our team is here to help. Contact us today!
