Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Clients

December is almost here, so it’s time to finalize your holiday shopping list! You might already have the perfect gifts picked out for your family and friends… but what about your financial planning clients?

Giving holiday gifts to your clients isn’t required, but it’s a nice touch that helps you continue building trust with them. Plus, giving a gift is an extra chance to engage with your clients, especially during a season that often brings financial stress. If you haven’t thought about gift-giving yet, consider adding it to your list of holiday preparations.

While you can certainly choose something “traditional” like a holiday wreath or fruit basket, thoughtful, on-brand items will make a bigger impact. Here are some unique, usable, and affordable holiday gift ideas that are perfect for financial planning clients!

Holiday Gift Idea #1: A Personalized Journal

A personalized journal is a classy gift that’s also useful. Even better, it’s something most people wouldn’t buy for themselves, which makes it feel like a special luxury.

There are many different styles, colors, and price points to choose from. Look for something with an aesthetic that aligns with your brand, and double-check the spelling of each client’s name on the personalization form.

You can also include an encouraging note — maybe say the journal is there to help them along their financial journey. Or you can make it more general and say it’s a gift to help them commemorate all the special events that will happen in the coming year.

Holiday Gift Idea #2: A Luxury Pen Set

Another classic option is a high-quality pen or writing set. This can be a good choice for clients who prefer timeless, useful gifts and enjoy physical documents over digital notes.

A luxury pen is also something that stands out in a sea of corporate gifts. Consider how much your clients would enjoy using a beautiful pen compared with the low-quality, mass-produced pens most businesses give away.

Holiday Gift Idea #3: Branded Swag

Want to make sure your clients keep you and your financial planning services in mind throughout the year? Give your clients useful everyday items featuring your logo, firm name, or tagline.

There are endless options for branded merch:

Mug or coffee tumbler
Water bottle
Notepad
Hat
Writing utensils
Golf balls

Choose high-quality items that your clients will want to keep and use frequently.

Holiday Gift Idea #4: A Financial Planning Book (With a Personal Note)

A book can be a valuable gift for your clients, especially those who enjoy researching and learning independently. There are countless financial planning books out there, so take the time to thoughtfully select a good one.

Choose a book that’s approachable and written by an author whose financial planning philosophies align with yours. Then, add a handwritten note (or bookmark) to the package to make it more personal. It doesn’t have to be a long letter — just a quick note about why you chose this book or what you hope your clients will get out of it.

Holiday Gift Idea #5: A Digital Subscription to a Financial News Platform

Another option for clients who enjoy research and self-driven learning is a subscription to a paywalled platform focusing on financial news. Think something like The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, or Bloomberg.

A subscription gives your clients the ability to access financial information and insights that align with their interests. It’s also a good option for a minimalist client who would prefer a gift that doesn’t become “clutter” in their home.

Holiday Gift Idea #6: A Charitable Donation in Their Name

If you have clients who prioritize charitable giving, consider making a donation in their name. This is a very meaningful gift that honors your client and gives back to a community or cause they care about. Make sure to choose a philanthropic organization that aligns with each client’s values.

Holiday Gift Idea #7: Pre-Packaged Offers to “Gift” Family Members

Some clients may be uncomfortable receiving gifts for themselves but enjoy giving gifts to others. If you have any clients like this, consider whether you can create a pre-packaged offer they can purchase (perhaps at a discount) for recipients on their own gift list.

For example, our founder Hannah Moore, CFP® (founder of Amplified Planning and owner of the RIA firm Guiding Wealth) offers one-time financial plans for specific circumstances, like saving for a home or planning for a baby. These are affordable service packages that provide valuable financial planning advice without a long-term commitment.

Clients who are invested in their kids’ or grandkids’ financial futures may love the chance to give a gift that supports their family members in a meaningful way. If you already have a pre-packaged offer, consider sharing it as a gift option with your clients. If you don’t have an offer like this, think about whether you’d like to create one in the future.

Holiday Gift Idea #8: A New Way to “Imagine” Their Money

If you want your gift to be useful and directly related to your client’s financial planning needs, consider gifting them a set of BudgetingBlocks™. These tools make it easier for clients to visualize and manage their money — in a low-stress, gamified way!

The BudgetingBlocks™ system is perfect for clients who dislike traditional spreadsheets or who find financial conversations stressful. The colorful blocks offer a hands-on way to imagine money and analyze different potential spending and saving patterns. It’s a great gift option for clients who would appreciate a new tool in their financial planning toolbox.

Psssssst: These boxes are branded for Everyday Money, a brand that Hannah started in 2018!

Set the Stage for Next Year With Thoughtful Holiday Gifts

The holiday season is a great opportunity to engage with your clients by giving them thoughtful, unique gifts. There are several great holiday gift options, from classic luxury items — like fancy pens and personalized journals — to practical solutions like a financial planning book or online platform subscription.

When choosing gifts for your clients, focus on high-quality options that your clients would find valuable. Including a personal note or giving a branded item helps solidify a professional relationship with your clients and keep your services in their minds throughout the year.

The BudgetingBlocks™ system makes an excellent gift, especially for clients who dislike traditional financial planning tools. Learn more about BudgetingBlocks™ and how they can help your clients!