If you’re considering client gifts this year, here’s how to do it with intention—not obligation.
Done well, these can elevate your brand and deepen loyalty. But if it feels off for your business? You can absolutely skip them with zero guilt.
Should I be giving gifts to my top clients?
The better question is: Do you want to?
If the idea feels forced, or not “you,” it’s okay to pass. But if your business is boutique-style and high-touch, an end-of-year gift might be a great fit.
Which clients should I give gifts to?
I use this to guide my list:
- Top 5-8 spenders this year (by revenue)
- Top 5-8 loyal clients—based on repeat bookings over time
This keeps my list to 10-15 and avoids the people-pleasing trap.
Everyone still gets a holiday card. These are not “I like you” gifts—these are “thank you for investing in my work” gifts. 😊 No popularity contest here.
What if I don’t have client data?
That’s okay—but let’s change that for next year.
Set up a mentoring call with me to get your systems in place, and we’ll make this part EASY PEASY for next season.
How much should I spend on client gifts?
Totally up to you. Ask yourself what feels right and check that against your budget.
(If you’re not clearing much after operating expenses and paying yourself, go with an inexpensive gift. If you’re rollin’ in dough, go higher.)
I spend $15-$25 per gift.
What should I give as client gifts?
I change it up each year based on what’s personal, fun, or on sale:
- Most recent: acrylic ornaments, personalized with names and a photo.
- The year before: mini accordion books of photos from their session. These stick on fridges and were a hit!
Should I send holiday cards to my photography clients?
Do you want to? Then go for it!
I send holiday cards to the clients who hired me that year.
The addresses come from my CRM, and I use WHCC to print the cards—you can upload the list of addresses and they’ll even come with already-addressed envelopes!
It costs a few cents extra, but it saves a ton of time.
Extra credit: design your own card
My holiday card features a photo from every session I did that year. I download one image from each session, and lay it all out in Canva.
My clients love searching for their photos on the front of the card!
On the back, I have a generic holiday message and space to hand-write a note and sign the card myself.
Remember, all of this is a nice to have.
If you’re overwhelmed, skip the gifts and just send a card. (Or nothing at all.)
And if you send cards/gifts one year but don’t do it the next, that’s okay too.
But if you’re excited to create a moment of surprise and delight—go for it.
Ways to work with me
- Download my free resources for photographers
- Check out the template shop
- Get my eyes on your website or Google Business Profile
- Schedule 1:1 virtual mentoring
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