5 minute read
Thanksgiving has passed, and the holiday season is here. For financial advisors, this is a great time to show clients how much you value their loyalty. A well-chosen gift doesn’t just say “thank you”— it keeps you top of mind and strengthens your client relationships.
Finding the right gift for clients can be tricky, especially with compliance rules to follow. This client gift guide will help you choose thoughtful, compliant gifts under $100. Each idea is great for financial advisors who want to show appreciation and leave a lasting impression.
And whether your client loves cooking, travel, or simple comforts, you’ll find something meaningful and memorable here.
Understanding Client Gift Regulations
As a financial advisor, you must consider more than just budget and preferences when gifting clients - you also have compliance requirements to keep in mind.
For those who enjoy gift-giving, the limit can feel restrictive. But there are still many excellent, meaningful gifts you can give clients for under $100.
Choosing the Right Client Gift: Key Considerations
One way to show sincerity to your clients is to select a gift that is personal and meaningful to that client. Here are some considerations you should make when choosing a client gift:
1. Age: Choose a gift that aligns with your client’s age and lifestyle.
- Location: Mittens are a cute gift in Connecticut, but they won't be as helpful if you live in Southern California. Ensure the client gift you select is usable in your client's geographic location.
3. Price: Quality is key. Even within the $100 limit, aim for quality over quantity.
4. Size: Consider how you’ll deliver the gift. Is it something they can easily carry or bring on a plane?
5. Hobbies: Show your clients that you have been paying attention to them by purchasing a client gift that reflects their hobbies.
The bottom line, when it comes to gift giving, is to think about what matters to your client: What makes them happy? What are they interested in? When you make considerations such as these, the gifts you give become very thoughtful and meaningful to the recipients.
Top Thoughtful Gifts for Clients Under $100
Here are some client gifts and the considerations made while selecting them.
1. Mortar and Pestle: This client gift runs well under $100 and can be very high quality at a reasonable price. A mortar and pestle would be a wonderful gift for a client that expressed an interest in cooking or has recently moved into a new home.
2. Coffee Table Photo Book: This gift is incredibly flexible because you can choose the content of the photos. Furthermore, good photography makes a quality gift, and your client can use it as décor, a sentimental memory, or reading material.
3. Fountain Pen: Fountain pens are an excellent client gift for a client you may not know as well. It is suitable for any businessperson and has both utility and decorative purposes. It is a business gift.
4. Subscription: The best gifts are the ones that keep on giving. A way you can continue to give to your client and keep yourself on the top of their mind is by purchasing an annual subscription for then. There are subscriptions for a multitude of things like razors, soap, coffee, wine, etc. This is a low contact gift that would be delivered to your client through the mail.
5. House Plant: This gift you would give to a client you know enjoys plants. If you have seen a plant on their desk or they have spoken about plants to you, this client gift would be very thoughtful. Try to avoid giving a plant to a client that you don't know if they like plants or if they travel a lot. A plant could be burdensome for a client like that.
6. Donation In Your Client's Name: This client gift is significant if you have a charitably inclined client. Donating to their favorite charity in their name shows your client that you know their heart and favorite charity. It also benefits whatever charity the money ends up going to.
7. Charcuterie Board: A Charcuterie Board is a beautiful client gift for clients you know like to host people in their homes. These boards can be exceptionally well made for a very reasonable price.
8. Water Bottle: A high-quality water bottle can be hard to come by and is something that many people use. You can tailor the water bottle to match your client's lifestyle while still providing a useful and thoughtful client gift.
Final Thoughts on Thoughtful Client Gifts
The best gifts are personal. If you’re not sure of your client’s preferences, a handwritten note and careful packaging add a meaningful touch. If possible, deliver the gift personally - it makes a lasting impression.
You’ve heard it said, “It’s the thought that counts,” and that couldn’t be more true here. Clients may not remember the most expensive gift, but they will remember the most thoughtful one. Following these guidelines and adhering to compliance rules, you can make this holiday season a memorable one for your clients—and set your firm apart in the process.
Don’t forget to document client gifts according to your firm’s policies to stay compliant.
[1] https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/key-topics/gifts-gratuities-and-non-cash-compensation
Disclosures:
This communication is general in nature and provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered or relied upon as legal, tax, or investment advice or an investment recommendation, or as a substitute for legal counsel. Any investment products or services named herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered an offer to buy or sell, or an investment recommendation for, any specific security, strategy, or investment product or service. Always consult a qualified professional or your own independent financial professional for personalized advice or investment recommendations tailored to your specific goals, individual situation, and risk tolerance.
Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser and Broker/Dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC.
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