When you work in a standard office, it may be a bit of an annoyance more than anything if you have to donate money to somebody’s birthday fund, especially if you aren’t particularly good friends with that person.
But, if you run your own business or if you are a corporate entity, celebrating your clients’ birthdays can have a massive impact on your overall business. For one thing, it showcases that you know enough about your clients to give them gifts and that you appreciate them and want to foster better relationships with them.
Depending on how long you have had this client and based on your relationship with them, your gift should not be too flashy or too personal, which can be tough to balance. So, read on for some great ideas on what you can give your clients on their birthday.
Gift Basket
One of the easiest things that you can give to a client on their birthday is a gift basket. Just make sure it is appropriate. For example, if your client is known to have a love of cheese, then giving them a cheese-based gift basket is one way to wish them a happy birthday.
If you aren’t sure of their personal favorites, then ask around for the best ideas on how to wish your clients a happy birthday, and always be aware of the price of the basket that you buy.
Gift Card
Next in line is a gift card. While this may seem impersonal, especially compared to a gift basket, it isn’t! Aim to make the gift card for a company that is popular (not your own, as that would just be a bad idea!) and if possible, make it more tailored to your client’s personal tastes. So, for example, if your client is a well-known vegan who is all about cruelty-free toiletries, you could get them a gift card for a company that offers these types of products.
Day Experience
Next on the list is an experience day, but these can be very tricky to get right and will require you to have a bit more of an intimate relationship with your client. For example, you don’t want to be sending them on a birds of prey experience if they have a fear of birds! So, make sure to ask around your colleagues or their colleagues about what would be a good idea for a day trip for them.
Personal Item (sometimes!)
If you have known your client for many years and you have wished them happy birthday many times before, you may want to make this year a bit more personal. In this instance, gifts such as aftershave, perfume, or even alcohol can be appropriate. Customizing gifts with names or initials, like modern desk name plates, adds a personal touch that makes the gift truly unique and special. Just make sure it is tailored to your already existing relationship with them, as it would be odd to gift perfume to a brand-new client on their birthday!
Restaurant Voucher
Finally, a restaurant voucher is usually always going to be welcome, especially if your client is someone who is always busy and never has the time to make reservations or to cook food at home! As tempting as it is to make this a business trip, do not go with them when they attend the restaurant, and allow them to have this as a personal experience, as this will harbor better long-term relationships.