The holidays can be a tricky time for advisors.
Do you give clients gifts? How many clients? What do you give to the person who has everything?
Next, we bring in the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and the rule that annual gifts to clients cannot exceed $100 in value. (While a plan to raise this limit to $300 is under review, it likely won't be approved until after the holidays.)
Here are 10 ideas to consider:
1. For the Wine Fan
Gift: Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne — Red Label packaging
Cost: About $50 a bottle
Rationale: The major champagne houses often feature limited edition holiday packaging. If you can't find it in stock, ask your favorite wine store if they can special-order it.
2. For the Gold Bug
Cost: About $7 for 2.6 ounces
Rationale: Your client is thrilled gold is up significantly this year. They can serve cookies and pastries that appear to be topped with gold at their next dinner party.
3. For the Cocktail Lover Who Wants Guests to Get Home Safely
Cost: About $42/bottle
Rationale: Imagine making a gin and tonic or martini with a famous brand, minus the alcohol! Whether your client plans to do "Dry January" or wants to be a good host to designated drivers, this de-alcoholized gin will be an appreciated addition to their liquor cabinet.
4. For the Coffee Snob
Gift: Intelligentsia coffee
Cost: About $18 to $25 for a 12 oz. bag
Rationale: You can't go wrong with seasonal or single-origin beans from this Chicago-based roaster. Discerning coffee drinkers will appreciate your good taste. You might be able to find a bag at your local high-end grocery store or coffee shop, but check for a roast date within the past two weeks. You might be better off ordering direct — the shipping cost is worth it for the widest variety of fresh roasts.
5. For the Status-Conscious Chocolate Lover
Cost: $20 for a pound of chocolate discs; gift boxes start at $22
Rationale: Foodies know all about celebrity chefs. Jacques Torres has a reputation in the chocolate word that precedes him. This comes with bragging rights.
6. For the Happy Couple
Gift: Framed picture of both of them.
Cost: Inexpensive. Frames can come from Ikea or Amazon.
Rationale: Your client has attended events you organized. Photos were taken. Perhaps you and they attended a charity gala. Maybe they shared vacation photos. You get a 4x6 or 8x10 glossy print and present it framed.
7. For the Inflation-Conscious Client
Gift: Costco gift membership
Cost: $65 a year for a Gold Star membership.
Rationale: It has been said 42% of Americans are not Costco members. The number might be over 50% for the adult population. You will open their eyes when they gas up their car for the first time.
8. For the Theater Buff
Gift: Theater tickets for 2026 (you go too)
Cost: Under $100 if you stick to local theater in your area.
Rationale: Your client likes to go out on the town. You heard about a great show. You buy tickets and present them as a gift. You mention you will be going too. You might meet for dinner or drinks beforehand. It’s an opportunity to get to know your client better.
9. For the Charitably Minded Client
Gift: Contribution to their charity, in their name.
Cost: Under $100.
Rationale: They already have everything. They might be older and trying to downsize. They don’t need more stuff. They have a favorite charity. You know a bit about their estate plan. You make a donation in their honor. It’s a sign of respect. The charity will let them know.
10. For the Christmas Traditionalist
Gift: Gluhwein
Cost: Around $20
Rationale: This mulled wine, often served warm, is a holiday tradition in parts of Europe. Buy a modestly priced (not cheap) bottle of red wine. Present it with mulling spices or a mulled grape juice mix. (Ikea sells a 750 ml bottle for about $6). Your client combines the ingredients, brings the mixture almost to a boil and pouts the Gluhwein into ceramic mugs. Cheers to a festive holiday!
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