If you’ve ever wondered how to make your clients feel truly seen and appreciated, holiday gifting is one of the most powerful ways to do it. In this episode of Engage Your Brand™, I sat down with my friend Whitney Zimmerman, founder of Wild Hive Studio, to talk all things client gifts, brand experience, and how small, thoughtful gestures can lead to lasting loyalty.

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Prefer to listen later? Save the episode for when you’re packing client gifts, sipping hot cocoa, or planning your Q4 marketing strategy.

Why Holiday Gifting Matters in Your Brand Experience

There’s something special about receiving a gift that feels personal, something that says, “I thought of you.” That’s exactly what makes client gifting such a powerful extension of your brand.

Gifting goes far beyond sending a box at the end of a project. It’s an experience that shows clients they’re more than just another name on your calendar. It tells them you see the person behind the payment and that you value the relationship you’ve built together.

The act of gifting can strengthen client loyalty, boost referrals, and even reinforce your brand’s tone and personality. The key is intention. When your gifts feel like a reflection of your creative process and your heart for service, they become a story your clients remember and share.

Whitney’s Story: From Corporate Design to Wild Hive Studio

Before launching Wild Hive Studio, Whitney worked in corporate retail design, creating packaging for a teen beauty brand. When the pandemic hit, she took a leap of faith and built her own studio blending packaging, branding, and Shopify design for product-based businesses.

Her journey is a reminder that great client experiences come from understanding what people value. Whether through her studio name (a mix of “wild” creativity and “hive” community) or her design systems, Whitney built Wild Hive to feel human, something every creative entrepreneur can take inspiration from.

Your gifting process can follow the same philosophy. Make it meaningful, personal, and rooted in your brand’s values.

The Psychology of Gifting: What Clients Remember Most

When it comes to gifting, clients rarely remember the price tag but they always remember how it made them feel.

A thoughtful, personalized gift creates a “moment” that sticks. It might be the cozy scent of a candle that reminds them of your calming client experience, or a handwritten card that makes them smile long after the project is over. These small emotional anchors become part of your brand’s story in their mind.

As creative entrepreneurs, we often focus on visuals — logos, websites, photos — but emotional design matters just as much. Gifting is one of the simplest and most authentic ways to make your brand felt.

When to Send Client Gifts (And Why Timing Matters)

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but timing is everything.

For many creative service providers, the most meaningful gifts arrive at moments of transition — not just during the holidays. Here are a few ideas:

During Onboarding
Welcome your client with something small but memorable. A coffee gift card, branded stationery, or a mini “welcome kit” with a handwritten note can immediately set the tone for the experience they’re about to have.

At Offboarding
Once the project wraps up, a thoughtful thank-you package like a custom candle, keepsake, or photo album closes the experience with warmth and professionalism.

At Year-End
If your schedule doesn’t allow for multiple touchpoints, an annual gifting ritual can work beautifully. Holiday gifting after the New Year (instead of during the December rush) ensures your gesture stands out and feels intentional.

Gifting isn’t about hitting a specific date. It’s about creating a rhythm of appreciation that feels sustainable for you and meaningful for your clients.

How Much Should You Spend?

A realistic gifting budget helps you plan ahead without stress.

Think of gifting as part of your marketing strategy, because it is. The goodwill and loyalty it creates often bring more return than any ad campaign.

For most creative entrepreneurs, a good benchmark is:

• 1–3% of your total project value, or
• $25–$100 per client

This range keeps your gifts thoughtful without stretching your budget. What matters most isn’t how much you spend, but how personally the gift aligns with your brand and your client’s experience.

Consumable vs. Keepsake Gifts

One of the biggest decisions is whether to send something clients can use up or something they can keep.

Consumable gifts — like candles, coffee, tea, or gourmet treats are practical, easy to ship, and often universally appreciated. They bring an element of comfort that fits any brand personality.

If you love consumables but want to make sure your clients can choose something they’ll actually enjoy, consider using Sugarwish. It’s an online gifting platform where you set the budget, and your recipient chooses their favorite treat — from candy and popcorn to candles, tea, and even pet gifts. It’s personal, flexible, and completely stress-free for both you and your client.

Use code EFCREATIVE for $7 off any Sugarwish (yes, even their Halloween gifts!), a fun way to try it out for your own client holiday gifting this season.

Keepsake gifts, on the other hand, create a longer-lasting impression. Think custom notepads, framed prints, or something that becomes part of their daily space.

Both approaches work, it just depends on your brand’s tone. If your style is warm and down-to-earth, consumables might feel right. If your brand leans luxury or artistic, keepsakes might match your audience better.

Ideas to Inspire You

• Locally made candles with personalized messages
• A “design day survival kit” for creative business clients
• A cozy blanket with your brand’s color palette subtly woven in
• A digital photo album or printed mini book of your client’s project
• Spa or self-care kits for couples after their wedding day
• Coffee beans from your favorite small-batch roaster

The best gifts tell a story — either about your brand or about your shared journey with your client.

What Not to Do

Avoid the temptation to turn client gifts into marketing tools. Oversized logos or overly branded swag can make your gesture feel more promotional than personal.

Instead, let your branding appear subtly, a beautifully printed note, a small tag, or packaging that matches your visual identity. Your thoughtfulness is the brand moment.

Gifting Beyond Clients: Vendors, Partners, and Collaborators

Your community matters just as much as your clients. Gifting to vendor partners, planners, or creative collaborators helps nurture long-term professional relationships.

For example, a wedding planner might send small holiday gifts to photographers and florists they’ve worked with. Or a designer might thank copywriters and developers for a great year of collaboration.

The key is to keep it genuine, not transactional. A short note that says, “I’ve loved working with you this year, you make every project better,” will always mean more than a branded mug.

Making Gifting Simple and Sustainable

Let’s be honest: gifting can easily slide off your to-do list when you’re juggling clients, launches, and deadlines. The best way to stay consistent is to systematize it.

Try this:

• Keep a running list of client names and addresses in a spreadsheet or CRM.
• Add a column for “Gift Sent?” and “Date Sent.”
• Set a recurring reminder every November to start planning your gifting batch.
• Order extra packaging supplies so you’re not scrambling last minute.
• Write your cards as projects wrap up — even if you don’t send them right away.

If you have a small team or VA, delegate this process. Provide your brand guidelines, your gifting list, and a sample note so the experience stays consistent with your voice.

The goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Gifting

What if I can’t afford gifts for every client this year?
That’s okay. Start small. A handwritten note, digital thank-you card, or even a personalized email goes a long way. The gesture matters more than the cost.

Should I send the same gift to everyone?
You can — but personalize the packaging or message. For VIP clients, consider an upgraded version or a little extra touch that fits their personality.

How do I handle gifts for clients who booked through planners?
If the planner is your point of contact, send the main gift to them with a message to share your gratitude with the couple. You can also send both: a small token for the planner, and a thoughtful gesture for the client.

Can I gift digital products or experiences instead of physical items?
Absolutely! Virtual options like e-gift cards, workshop passes, or mini digital prints can be just as special, especially for clients who live abroad or for creative collaborators you mostly work with online.

When should I start planning my holiday gifting?
Start brainstorming in early November, finalize your list by the end of the month, and order everything before the rush. If life happens, remember: a January gift is still a wonderful surprise!

The Heart Behind Every Gift

Holiday gifting is about more than the items you send. It’s about nurturing the relationships that sustain your business. The clients who trusted you, the vendors who supported you, and the creative peers who’ve cheered you on along the way.

Every handwritten note, candle, or coffee card is a reflection of the brand you’ve built: thoughtful, intentional, and human.

And that’s what makes your business unforgettable.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

If this inspired your next round of client gifts, don’t miss the full conversation with Whitney Zimmerman of Wild Hive Studio on Engage Your Brand.
👉 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or right here on the blog.

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