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At Dunham, we’re grateful for your trust and ongoing engagement - thank you for being part of our community. As we celebrate the season of gratitude, we’d like to wish you a happy Thanksgiving.

That said, the holidays are the perfect time to express gratitude and strengthen relationships. In other words, it’s gifting season.

But let’s be honest - finding the perfect gift can feel like balancing on a knife’s edge. On one side it's the sentiment that truly matters. And on the other, the fear of appearing thoughtless or cheap.

The challenge becomes even trickier when shopping as a financial advisor since they must adhere to strict gifting rules. FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) limits annual gifts at $100 to ensure these exchanges remain gestures of goodwill - not undue influence (and vice versa if a client is shopping for their financial advisor).

The good news? With a bit of creativity, $100 is plenty to deliver a meaningful, high-quality gift that shows your clients that they are valued.

So, just in time for Black Friday, here are 10 thoughtful and creative gift ideas designed to help financial advisors elevate their gifting strategy this season. . .

1. Compact Wireless Earbuds - Sleek, high-quality earbuds are perfect for work calls, podcasts, or music on the go. Options on marketplaces like Amazon offer premium choices under $100.
   
   
2. Personalized Duffel Bag - A stylish, embroidered duffel bag is both practical and personal. Perfect for clients who travel, hit the gym, or need a dependable bag, it combines utility with a touch of customization to make them feel valued.
   
   
3. Soft Cooler Insulated Bag - A soft cooler insulated bag is lightweight, leak-proof, and keeps food and drinks cold for hours. Ideal for outdoor adventures like picnics, beach trips, or pool days, it’s both practical and stylish. As a gift, it’s perfect for clients who value functionality and versatility in their lifestyles.
   
   
4. Mini Herb Garden Kit - Help clients bring a touch of greenery into their lives with a mini-indoor herb garden kit - like an AeroGarden. It’s easy to maintain and offers the satisfaction of growing their own vegetables and herbs - because who hasn’t run out of basil at the worst moment?
   
   
5. Premium Alcohol Gift Set – Do your clients enjoy a nice drink? Then celebrate your clients’ milestones with a classy alcohol gift set. Consider a sleek whiskey or scotch decanter and glass set, a wine aerator paired with matching glasses, or a complete cocktail-making kit featuring a shaker, jigger, and recipe guide. For a personal touch, include a high-quality bottle of their favorite spirit or a curated selection of mini liquors. Add a thoughtful note, such as: "Here’s to toasting your success and celebrating the journey ahead."
   
   
6. Gourmet Tea Sampler Set + Tea Kettle - pair a collection of premium loose-leaf teas or tea sachets with a stylish infuser or teapot. Consider flavors like chamomile, green tea, or Earl Grey for a timeless selection that appeals to most tastes. You could also give them a nice tea kettle or electric water boiler along with this gift.
   
   
7. Portable Espresso Maker - For coffee enthusiasts, a portable espresso maker or a sleek travel coffee press is perfect. Pair it with a small bag of gourmet coffee beans to really impress with this.
   
   
8. Investment-Themed Art or Décor - Add a touch of financial flair to your client’s space with thoughtful, professional décor. Consider a sleek bull and bear statue for their desk, a framed replica of a classic stock certificate, or minimalist wall art inspired by financial markets. For something unique, a modern resin lamp can serve as both a conversation starter and a functional gift that brightens their workspace or home.
   
   
9. Cluebox - A Cluebox is a 3D puzzle combining an escape room and treasure hunt experience. Made from intricately laser-cut wood, it challenges players to solve clever riddles and unlock hidden compartments. Perfect for puzzle lovers, it’s engaging, memorable, and can be reset and shared - a unique gift for any client. It also looks great on a desk. For instance, try the Davy Jones’ Locker Puzzle – a cult classic.
   
   
10. Local Artisan Products - simple, yet unforgettable. Support small businesses and impress your clients with handcrafted goodies. Things like locally made candles, artisanal pottery, gourmet snacks or food straight from your community to send out to clients. These gifts are unique, personal, and will make a lasting impression by showing your clients you value not just their business but the local communities.
    

Why Thoughtful Gifting Matters for Financial Advisors

For financial advisors, thoughtful gifting isn’t just a holiday gesture - it’s a strategy to strengthen relationships year-round.

So, set a budget, mark key dates, and choose gifts that reflect your practice while showing clients they matter.

Track your results by measuring client retention, referrals, and satisfaction. Many financial advisors find that a well-planned gifting strategy boosts loyalty and practice growth.

Figure 1: Teak & Twine, February 2024

Tips for Financial Advisors to Choose the Perfect Client Gifts

Finding the right gift doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to guide your choice:

• Reflect Your Practice: Choose gifts that align with your practice’s professionalism and values - something they'd feel like you would give them.
  
  
• Consider Their Interests: Tailor your gifts to your clients' hobbies or
  lifestyles. A personal touch is key as it shows thoughtfulness and strengthens connections.
  
  
• Focus on Quality: A thoughtful, high-quality gift always makes a stronger impact than something flashy or generic.

Final Thoughts for Financial Advisors

Thoughtful gifting goes beyond the holidays. For financial advisors, it’s a way to show professionalism, build trust, and strengthen client relationships year-round.

So, don’t let this holiday season end without making a lasting impression.

With gifts under $100, you can stay compliant, impress clients, and grow your practice. Don’t let this season - or any opportunity - pass without showing your clients they matter.

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 or tax 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. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes only.

Information contained in the materials included is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations or guarantees are made as to the accuracy or completeness of information. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice.

Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser and Broker/Dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services and securities offered through Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc.