Stay Top of Mind - Without the Fruit Basket
We both know that past clients are our best source of referrals. The end of the year is the one time a “thinking of you” gift feels completely natural instead of salesy. The catch is that December is busy for everyone, you included. The agents who do year-end gifts well usually aren’t the ones with the biggest budget. They’re the ones who picked the gift early.
As a former realtor (license in referrals) and now an engraver, I have given and now make closing and client gifts for agents year-round. Here’s what I’ve seen work, what it costs, and how to get it done before the holiday rush.
Who should get a year-end gift?
Start with three groups:
Clients who closed this year. They’re freshly moved in, and a gift for their new home lands perfectly.
Past clients from earlier years. These are the people most likely to refer you, and the easiest to forget.
Your best referral partners: lenders, title reps, inspectors, and the friend who sends you a buyer every spring.
You don’t have to give everyone the same thing. Many agents give a bigger gift to this year’s closings and a smaller one to their wider sphere.
Year-end gift ideas that clients actually keep
New this year: 3-Layer Mandala Holiday Ornaments ($39 for a set of 3)
This is something your clients have never seen. Each ornament is laser-cut in three layers of red, white, and green and stacked for real depth. An ornament goes back on the tree every December, so your gift comes out of the box (and reminds them of you) year after year.
Ordering for your whole client list? Order 10 or more sets and get 10% off: $35.10 a set, or $11.70 per ornament. On our website, the discount comes off automatically at checkout.
Personalized Acacia Wood Lazy Susan or Maple Cutting Board ($60)
Engraved with the client’s family name, these gifts stay on the counter. They work especially well for this year’s closings, since it’s their first holiday in the new home.
Slate Coaster Set of 4 ($36)
A nice middle option for your wider sphere of influence. They’re used every day, they look good on any coffee table, and they come in holiday designs.
What about the $25 IRS gift limit?
I get asked this question from time to time. Most agents have heard that, under the IRS business-gift rule, you can deduct up to $25 per recipient per year for business gifts. A married couple generally counts as one recipient.
Two details are worth knowing:
Spending more than $25 is fine. The amount over $25 just isn’t deductible as a gift.
Engraving, packing, and shipping generally aren’t counted toward the $25 limit when they’re incidental to the gift. If this is a concern, ask your gift maker to list them separately on the invoice.
This is general information, not tax advice. Check with your CPA about your own situation.
Make it easy: send your list early
Here’s how a year-end order works with LaserArtsDesign:
Order a seasonal gift that does not need to be personalized. Most of our seasonal gifts aren't personalized and don't require a proof. That makes it easy, as you don't have to come up with a way to personalize it; great for end-of-year giving.
If it will be personalized, enter that information in your order and then wait for a proof from us. Once approved, we will get to work. Orders ship 3–5 business days after you approve the proof. We'll keep your logo and preferences on file, so next year’s order is even easier.
The Christmas order deadline is December 10. For a batch of client gifts, though, getting your list in before Thanksgiving means there is no rush for either of us.
Ready to start your list?
Browse our realtor gifts at laserartsdesign.com, or
Email me at bob@laserartsdesign.com or call 636-484-3950
LaserArtsDesign is veteran- and realtor-owned and based in St. Louis. I know how much a well-timed thank-you does for your business. Let’s get yours handled early this year.
Bob, LaserArtsDesign
 | Bob Baird Owner, LaserArtsDesign Former CBG West Regional Agent (License currently in “Referrals”) Veteran- & Realtor-Owned · St. Louis, MO |
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