The holidays are here and, unfortunately, most originators are about to waste money on client gifts no one will remember.
We’ve all seen them pop up in our offices: oversized baskets, branded junk, or worse, something generic that screams, “I didn’t think this through.”
Holiday gifting isn’t about spending big. It’s about creating connection. The goal isn’t to look impressive; it’s to be thoughtful. The right gift will make your clients feel appreciated and keep you top of mind—not because you forced it, but because it feels genuine.
But, if your gift blends in with the rest, you’ve just wasted an opportunity to stand out in your client’s and partner’s minds in the early months of next year.
Holiday Gift Ideas That Actually Work
The best holiday gifts are practical, personal, and just thoughtful enough to stand out. They don’t have to be expensive, but they do have to be intentional.
Here’s a list of holiday gift ideas that work:
- Personalized Cookbooks: Share your favorite recipes (or your team’s). Bonus points if you include a holiday favorite! It’s memorable and personal, plus it lives in their kitchen forever.
- Chip Clips or Jar Openers: It sounds simple, but these are the gifts people grab daily—and they’ll think of you every time.
- Holiday Tumblers or Drinkware: Add a festive touch to something useful. A quality tumbler for coffee or cocoa will get more use than almost anything else.
- Custom Wine or Alcohol: A bottle of wine or bourbon with a personal message (not just your logo) is classy and thoughtful.
- Bottle Openers or Wine Keys: Small, functional, and timeless.
- Chapstick: Winters are cold—this one’s always appreciated and feels personal without being over the top.
What do all these have in common? They’re small, functional, and easy to associate with you. They don’t clutter up anyone’s space or make them think, “What am I supposed to do with this?”
What NOT to Give This Holiday Season
If you’re tempted to give something flashy or “branded,” stop right now. Holiday gifting isn’t about you—it’s about them. Here’s what to avoid:
- Tchotchkes, Knick-Knacks, or Bric-a-Brac: These scream “cheap and lazy.” No one needs another useless item collecting dust.
- Oversized Branded Items: No one wants a cutting board with your logo slapped on it. If they can’t imagine using it without feeling like they’re promoting your business, it’s not a good gift.
The bottom line: If you wouldn’t want to receive it, don’t give it.
The Secret to Standing Out
Holiday gifting isn’t about making the sale. It’s about making a connection.
Keep these principles in mind:
- Would YOU want it? If the gift wouldn’t make you smile or feel appreciated, it’s the wrong choice.
- Focus on them, not you. This isn’t an ad campaign. Your logo shouldn’t be the star of the show.
- Personalize when it matters. For top referral partners and key clients, go the extra mile. A gift that feels like it was picked just for them will stand out far more than something generic.
- Think long-term. The goal is to stay memorable—not just during the holidays, but long after. A thoughtful gift lingers in their mind (and their home) long past the season.
Why Holiday Gifting Works (and Why Most Loan Officers Won’t Do It Right)
When you send a thoughtful, useful holiday gift, you’re creating a touchpoint. It’s not about the gift itself—it’s about how it makes the recipient feel. They remember you not because you spent money, but because you took the time to think about them.
The wild part is most originators just won’t do this. They’ll overthink it, make it about themselves, or skip it altogether. But the ones who get it right? They win.
Some final tips:
- A $5 gift can generate a lifetime of loyalty.
- A personal note can create a deeper connection than any ad campaign.
- A consistent approach year after year builds a brand that lasts.
It’s not about perfection; it’s about execution. Pick the right gift, send it out on time, and follow up with a personal message.
Remember: the genius is in the execution. Holiday gifting is simple if you focus on what matters—utility, connection, and authenticity. Give something that feels personal, that makes them smile, and that reminds them of you in the best way possible.
