5 tips for gifting clients you don’t actually like

Not every client relationship feels like a match made in heaven. You know the ones. The micromanagers who question every spreadsheet cell. The ghost clients who disappear for weeks then expect miracles overnight. The perfectionist who’s never quite satisfied with anything you produce.

But the holiday season is your secret weapon for turning that all on its head. Because while it’s easy to send a thoughtful gift to someone you genuinely adore, it takes a lot to extend that same thoughtfulness to the people who test your patience.

The relationships that start rocky could become the most rewarding. That overly detailed client might become your most reliable source of referrals. The perfectionist who drove you crazy might push your work to new heights. The ghost client might finally become the collaborative partner you both needed.

Here are our top tips for transforming those difficult client relationships into something worth celebrating.

1. Give them that ‘warm glow’ feeling

When someone receives a gift, their brain releases dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin—chemicals linked to happiness, reward, and bonding. Even your most demanding client gets a neurological hit of good feelings when they unwrap something you’ve chosen specifically for them.

Because gifting sparks reciprocity, companies that have gifting strategies see a 9x higher response rate.That perfectionist client who usually sends your proposals back with red ink might just start seeing your work through slightly rosier glasses.

2. Deliver the ‘Surprise and Delight’ factor 

The beauty of gifting difficult clients lies in the element of surprise. They’re not expecting thoughtfulness from you, especially if your relationship has been purely transactional. This creates what psychologists call the “surprise and delight” moment. Nearly half of professionals who receive holiday gifts from vendors are influenced to continue working with them. 

3. Make it personal 

Your most demanding client probably receives plenty of generic holiday messages and throwaway gifts. But a carefully chosen and personal gift that shows you’ve actually been paying attention to who they are beyond the project specs goes a long way. 

Personalization is really what makes gifts land. 80% of professionals say a personalised gift strengthens a business relationship, and 77% admit the usefulness of a gift shapes how they perceive the giver. 

Rather than defaulting to something anyone could have, think about what their quirks, habits, or daily routines reveal. Here’s how to tailor your gift to the personality behind the client:

The Micromanager: A MOO Twist Pen. They’re going to be editing everything anyway, so give them a pen that makes the process stylish.

The Coffee Addict: Premium Drinkware keeps its fuel at optimal temperature while showcasing thoughtful branding.

The Note-Taker: A Notebook or Journal. Transform their constant scribbles into something professional.

The Ghost Client: A custom Planner. If they can see your project timeline laid out in an organized format, maybe they’ll actually stick to it.

The Perfectionist: For the client obsessed with details, Stickers hit the sweet spot: small, precise, and perfectly executed.

4. Play the long game 

Be aware that you might not see immediate payoff and think of it as slow-burn gifting. You’re not trying to magically transform your most challenging client into your favourite person overnight. You’re planting seeds for better communication, more trust, and yes, potentially more business down the line.

Be consistent all year round. Think of gifting not as a one-time holiday obligation, but as part of an ongoing rhythm in your client relationships.

That doesn’t mean showering them with packages every month. Instead, be strategic. Send a Planner at the start of the year to set the tone. Gift a set of Notebooks when you kick off a big project, or branded Stickers as a playful mid-year touchpoint. Small, well-timed touches show reliability, thoughtfulness, and keep your business top of mind.

5. Take care of every detail

Presentation is part of the experience and the first thing people notice. So take time to wrap it beautifully and add a custom Label for a luxury feel. 

Most importantly, include a handwritten Holiday Card with a personal message. Even a small thank-you note can carry more weight than the gift itself. Studies show people feel genuinely more valued when they receive a handwritten message over a digital one. Sometimes, it’s the pen on paper that can make all the difference. 

Ready to transform those difficult client dynamics?

Discover the best corporate gifts for the clients you don’t really like that much. With MOO Business Services, you can create personalised, premium gifts with our expert support. To get started, fill in this simple form, and one of our team members will be in touch shortly.