How to Choose Effective Thank You Gifts for Customers



Choosing thank you gifts for your most important clients goes beyond selecting what's easiest to give, cheapest to buy, or trendiest at the moment. The most effective approach for this type of campaign is a strategic one. When determining how to reward their loyalty, follow these guidelines for picking the perfect promo items.

Looking for specific gift ideas? Check out our blog:
Thank You Gifts for Customers (They'll Actually Want to Keep)

Know Your Customers

Choosing the right gift is all about understanding the recipient - and that applies to client gifts as well. When deciding what to give, consider both the individual you work with and the association or business they may be affiliated with. What promotional products and themes aligns with both their personality and that organization's values? For example: a company that values sustainability will appreciate the thoughtfulness of eco-friendly items such as an eco-conscious organic beanie, environmentally friendly lunch box, or bamboo charcuterie board

This is where you should involve your other teams as well. The sales team may have detailed insights into individuals - they are likely to have mentioned hobbies, interests, and frustrations in passing. These everyday conversations provide observational data that can be used to identify high-value thank you gifts. 

Utilize Your Brand Identity

Your customers’ identity is important when choosing promotional gifts - but so is the identity of your organization. If you’re not sure what products will impress, fall back on your own brand’s story. Because your customers work closely with you, they likely respect or hold similar values to those of your company.

➨ Related Content: Use Promo to Tell Your Brand's Story  

For example: A brand that advocates for mental health and donates to charitable organizations might prefer thank you gifts from companies that donate their proceeds or provide products that help spread awareness like t-shirts, cards, and pins

Consider the Whole Package

Picking specific products is key, but don’t ignore the presentation as well! A thank-you gift leaves a bigger impact when delivered in thoughtful packaging with an intriguing design. When sending by mail, try choosing sustainable packaging to differentiate from the rest. You can also utilize branded containers to add an extra level of cohesion and create a compelling unboxing experience.

Most importantly, always make it personal by accompanying your gift with a custom note. Why are you giving this gift? And what do you enjoy about working with this client? Whenever possible, try to handwrite your thank you notes - taking extra time and care shows customers your appreciation for them and their business.

Determining effective thank you gifts is certainly a strategic endeavor. Consider personalizing your selections, reinforcing your brand’s values, and delivering an unboxing experience as fantastic ways to impress your clients. 

Customize Your Branded Merchandise with QRG

From choosing the right product(s), to getting your design and logos done correctly, to organizing drop-ship locations, the process of offering branded merchandise can be a hassle. 

Luckily, QRG specializes in these marketing solutions and will handle your next project from start to finish so there’s no worry involved.

We offer everything from promotional products to identity apparel and uniforms, printed materials, custom online stores, and much more. When deciding on your next branding adventure, let us help coordinate the selection, design, decoration, and production of your logo’d merchandise. Bring your brand to life with custom merchandise from QRG!


QRG is a customer-driven, single-source commercial printer, branded merchandise agency, and direct marketing firm tailored to meet your business goals. Our corporate identity solutions create deep connections with a lasting impact on your audience. Learn more about how it works and check out our website for more information. 

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