Beyond the Thank-You: Creative Ways to Appreciate Clients Before the Holidays
The Power of Pre-Holiday Appreciation
Most businesses wait until December to send a flood of holiday cards, gifts, and messages. But here’s the secret smart companies know: by the time December hits, your message competes with dozens of others.
That’s why showing appreciation before the holidays is one of the most powerful and overlooked ways to deepen relationships and stay top of mind.
In fact, research from the Promotional Products Association shows that 83% of customers are more likely to do business again with companies that give them a thoughtful gift. Doing it early only amplifies that impact.
This pre-holiday period is your chance to express genuine gratitude, spark conversation, and remind clients why they chose you in the first place, long before inboxes and mailboxes overflow.
Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
When appreciation is expected, it’s appreciated but rarely remembered.
When it’s unexpected, it creates delight and that’s what builds loyalty.
By thanking clients before the holiday noise begins, you:
Stand out from the crowd. Your message isn’t competing with dozens of others.
Build trust earlier. Early gratitude sets a positive tone for year-end business.
Stay top-of-mind. You create a warm impression right before clients start planning new projects for next year.
It’s a relationship marketing move that says: “We don’t just value your business; we value you.”
Creative Ways to Appreciate Clients Before the Holidays
Let’s look at a few thoughtful, creative ways to show appreciation, beyond the standard thank-you email or corporate gift basket.
1. Send a Personalized Handwritten Note
There’s nothing more personal than a handwritten card. In today’s digital world, it shows effort and sincerity.
At Building Raving Fans, we help businesses create memorable, handwritten appreciation cards for clients, whether it’s a thank-you note, an anniversary message, or a pre-holiday “just because” card.
Even better: our Automated Gifting & Appreciation Programs let you plan and send personalized cards and gifts automatically, so your team can scale appreciation without losing that personal touch.
2. Share a “Gratitude Highlight Reel”
Before the holidays, send a message or video recap celebrating client milestones from the year.
Examples:
“We’ve completed 84 successful projects this year and we couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Here’s a look at how your trust helped us grow in 2025.”
Personalized messages like these remind clients that their partnership matters and reinforce trust in your brand.
3. Offer Value, Not Just Thanks
Another way to express appreciation? Help your clients win.
Send them an educational resource, a checklist, or a short guide that adds real value.
If you’re in construction or home services, that might mean:
“Top 3 Ways to Protect Your Home This Winter”
“A Quick Maintenance Checklist to Save You Money in 2026”
When gratitude is paired with generosity, your brand becomes more than a vendor, it becomes a trusted advisor.
(For inspiration, see our blog “Unlocking Referrals & Repeat Business Through Relationship Marketing.”)
4. Gift Something Unexpected
Skip the standard branded mug and opt for something that creates emotion or utility.
Some favorites:
A stack of post cards or gratitude cards that they can also use to share gratitude.
A seasonal gift that is useful
A memorable gift that reminds them of your service
These small gestures make a big impact, especially when they’re tied to a personal note.
And if you want to simplify this process, our Automated Gifting Programs at Building Raving Fans can handle everything, from client segmentation to timing and fulfillment, so every gift feels thoughtful.
5. Encourage Happy Clients to Share Their Experience
Appreciation goes both ways.
Inviting happy clients to share feedback not only strengthens your relationship, it boosts your reputation.
Tools like our Raving Fans Reviews Platform and Scan-to-Review QR Code cards make it effortless for clients to leave 5-star reviews in seconds.
These small touchpoints amplify your social proof and turn a “thank-you” into a marketing advantage.
Check out our post “How Client Appreciation Drives Repeat Business and Reduces Churn” for more on how appreciation impacts retention.
Make Appreciation a Year-Round Habit
The best time to start showing appreciation isn’t December, it’s now.
When gratitude becomes part of your company culture, you don’t just build customers; you build raving fans.
Simple steps to make that happen:
Automate your gifting calendar for the year.
Segment clients by loyalty, anniversary, or referral status.
Set up quarterly appreciation campaigns.
Incorporate a feedback loop through review requests or personal messages.
Want to start showing appreciation before the holidays hit?
Building Raving Fans can help you create a client appreciation plan that’s personal, automated, and effective, so your clients feel valued all year round.
Go Beyond the Thank-You
Before the holiday season gets busy, take time to connect with the people who helped you grow this year.
Appreciation done early and done right, builds loyalty that lasts long after the holidays are over.
Ready to turn appreciation into your competitive advantage?
👉 Schedule a quick chat with Building Raving Fans to discover how our handwritten cards, automated gifting, and client nurture systems can help you build loyalty, boost referrals, and create true Raving Fans.
