At V2 Growth Strategies, we help our clients create long-lasting relationships with their partners and customers. One of the simplest and most overlooked ways to strengthen those relationships is through thoughtful gift giving.
Every year, as the holidays roll around, companies send out boxes of chocolates, branded mugs, and logo-covered gear. The intention is good, but most of those gifts end up blending together. They feel more like tradition than appreciation.
The truth is, the best gifts are not about your company. They are about the person receiving them.
Give When It Matters Most
Everyone expects a gift in December. That is why most holiday gifts get lost in the mix. But when a thoughtful gift arrives unexpectedly in the middle of the year, it hits differently.
It says, “I appreciate you,” not “It’s that time again.” It shows genuine thought, not obligation.
That kind of timing builds stronger relationships because it feels personal and intentional.
Make It About Them
The biggest mistake I see in gifting is making it about the giver. A pen with your logo is nice, but it is not memorable. The most meaningful gifts are personal, practical, and chosen with care.
Some of my favorite gifts over the years were thoughtful and simple:
- A custom notebook with my name on it.
- A water bottle engraved with my logo.
- A fuzzy blanket from Minky Couture that I still use all the time.
- Six quarts of Jeni’s Ice Cream, each a different flavor.
Each one made me feel seen and valued. Someone took the time to choose something I would actually use and enjoy.
How to Give with Purpose
If you want your gifts to make a real impact, here are a few principles I share with clients when we talk about thoughtful giving:
- Personalize it. Include their name or a small detail that shows you were paying attention.
- Skip the logo. A gift should reflect them, not promote you.
- Focus on quality. One great item is better than a box of forgettable ones.
- Give outside the holidays. A surprise in March or August feels more genuine than an expected December delivery.
- Add a handwritten note. Simple words of appreciation can make the biggest impression.
The Real Impact
Gift giving in business is not about checking a box. It is about connection. When done thoughtfully, it reminds clients and partners that you value the relationship beyond the work itself.
Whether it is a cozy blanket, a personalized notebook, or a few pints of ice cream, the best gifts show appreciation and strengthen trust.
At V2 Growth Strategies, we believe thoughtful gestures like these are what build loyalty and lasting partnerships. Growth happens through connection, and authentic appreciation is where that connection starts.
My Go-To Gift Resources
If you are looking for unique, personalized gifts that people will actually enjoy, here are a few of my favorite companies to work with:
- Custom Charm Necklaces – Twice As Nice Uniforms
Simple, personal, and memorable. - Custom YETI Products – YETI Custom Shop
Durable, stylish, and easy to personalize. - Custom Engraving and Design – Swipper Designs
Great for engraved notebooks, tumblers, and keepsakes. - Luxury Blankets – Minky Couture
Exceptionally soft and always appreciated.
