The best client gifts are useful and quietly branded. Check whether your client has a gift policy, keep in mind that the IRS lets you deduct only $25 per client per year, and send early enough that the gift does not get lost in the December rush.
Ideas by budget
| Budget | Ideas | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under $25 | Insulated tumbler, leather-look notebook, premium pen, desk plant kit | Fits most gift policies and the $25 deduction |
| $25 to $50 | Insulated wine or coffee set, quality umbrella, tech pouch, small blanket | A good default for most clients |
| $50 to $100 | Premium tote or backpack, quarter zip, gift box with two or three items | For key accounts; check client policies |
| $100 and up | Brand name outerwear, travel bag, leather goods | Top clients only; check limits first |
Brand it like a gift
Clients keep gifts that do not look like an ad. Use a small or tone-on-tone logo, debossing or engraving instead of a big print, and put your name on the box and card. A handwritten note does more than a bigger logo. Premium brand items can be co-branded with your logo.
Check gift limits before you order
Some clients cannot accept gifts above a set value.
- Financial services: FINRA Rule 3220 limits gifts to $300 per person per year, effective March 30, 2026.
- Federal government employees: $20 per occasion and $50 per year from one source.
- Many private companies cap what their employees may accept, often $50 to $100. Ask your contact if you are not sure.
The $25 tax deduction
You can deduct up to $25 per recipient per year for business gifts. Engraving, packaging and shipping usually do not count toward the $25. Items that cost $4 or less with your name permanently imprinted, such as pens, are not counted as gifts. Confirm with your accountant.
When to send
Gifts that arrive in early December get noticed; gifts that arrive December 22 compete with everything else. Approve proofs by early November for individual shipping. A Thanksgiving or New Year gift is a good way to stand out.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a good client gift under $50?
- An insulated drink set, a quality umbrella, a tech pouch or a small blanket, with a small or tone-on-tone logo and a handwritten card.
- Are client gifts tax deductible?
- Up to $25 per recipient per year. Engraving, packaging and shipping usually do not count toward that amount.
- Can I send a gift to a client at a bank or brokerage?
- Yes, within FINRA Rule 3220's limit of $300 per person per year (effective March 30, 2026). Logo items of nominal value are excluded.
- Should client gifts have our logo?
- Yes, but small. A subtle logo makes it feel like a gift and gets it used. Put the bold branding on the box and card.
Related tools
- Gift compliance checkerCheck a gift against FINRA, federal, pharma and IRS limits before you order.
- Gift budget plannerPlan holiday and client gifts by recipient group: total budget, IRS $25 deductible amount, gift limits and order dates.
- Order deadline plannerEnter your in-hands date and see when to send your brief, approve the proof and ship.