To providers:
1. What was your favorite gift ever given to you by a client? Whether this Christmas, a past one or any other holiday/occasion that sparked a client bringing or buying a gift.
2. do you feel the need to do something special for clients that do bring/send gifts? Or any client around the holidays?

To the hobbyist:
1.What makes you decide whether or not to bring your ATF or current provider a gift for the holidays- or birthday/other occasion?
2.Or for those who don't; What makes you decide not to do anything for them at all?


Of course I'll be fair and answer my own question. My favorite gift to date was a coach purse which was given to me by a first time client, upon meeting him. It was very similar to a purse that he saw on my wishlist, so I thought that was very considerate that he thought to look to my wishlist and get me something to make a lasting impression for our first meeting.
I do feel obligated to do something special after being given a gift, which has left me in a predicament with my wishlist- I have recieved a few gifts without having names attached so I didn't know quite who got it for me without having to ask or the person announcing themselves- so I felt terrible not knowing who it was that sent me a particular outfit- I always try to wear whatever the person sent me during the next appointment. I am always gracious and thankful when I recieve a gift, but when I can I try and show my appreciation by giving that person a little extra attention or time, or perhaps treating them to a drink or meal after the appointment.
This year I felt so thankful for my clients that have helped me grow and be where I am that I wanted to give them the chance to save a little money especially when they probably need it the most. I'm not sure that was a great idea or not as I somehow feel like it cheapens me and my "brand" so to speak. It comes from a genuine place of appreciation and gratitude though so if it's percieved otherwise I can't really control it!

Looking forward to seeing others views!

I like to give jewelery, especially hand crafted, one of a kind pieces.

... I wait until the 2nd visit with the provider to give her something off her wish list.

If the 1st visit was a great visit, then on the 2nd visit and other visits thereafter, I am more likely to be generous and give her something extra and NOT expecting anything in return from my gift to her. If she wants to give something a bit extra, that's up to her and is always appreciated!

I am sure you will get a variety of responses to this question, and wish lists are not a bad thing.

Put it up and let the guys decide whether or not to give from the wish list. I never thought that wish lists cheapens a provider. If anything, wish lists does give a little insight of what that provider's personality is like.

Just my 3 cents,

Serpius

1.) One client took a girlfriend & I around all of the holiday lights while I was traveling & then gave us cute wrapped things. The whole experience was probably the best present ever... I'm such a sucker for the holidays... so thoughtful things & experiences are more important to me than expensive...

2.) I think holidays are a really great time to reconnect with people (personal emails to special guys), to make appointments extra-special/festive, to give a portion of donations to charity.

was tickets to the ACC tournament
but I also have to say the car was special too

i give all my girl's fruitcakes..since they have a steady supply of them year round..i just give them a real one for the holidays..

Unless the provider really goes above and beyond the call of duty, there is no reason to bring a gift.

The only exception I might make is if she is working on Christmas Eve or Christmas, or on Thanksgiving or something.  And for that, I might give her a $100 gift card so that she could do whatever she wanted with it.

But really...I don't see a reason to give a gift.  It's nice, and it's a gesture, but it should in no way be expected.

Yep...it's a good thing that most lie here

But it could be true...really  LOL

My ATF just gave me a trip to the moon...and I get to take my pal Serpie along  

I've give a gift card or two a year, usually to a department store. I had given a few Victoria's Secret, but then the ladies thought I wanted them to wear lingerie. Better to give something to help in their holiday gift buying.

I'll look at a providers website, if she has a gift section, and if it has things listed like  wine, candles, Starbucks gift card, it's not a big deal. It makes for a nice ice breaker and usually puts the provider at ease right at the start of the date. Many also like the fact I took the time to read their website.  For a fav this holiday,  I gave her Jo Malone perfume.  

-- Modified on 12/26/2012 2:41:11 PM

And I was happy to do it, she is awesome and I got a few gifts as well.

I had a great year.

MM

Would you leave him there?

Does the word "chimp" mean anything to you?

Posted By: VegasMassage

Feel free to leave him there too. He's got plenty of hot air to survive up there awhile.

Posted By: ChgoCPA

But it could be true...really  LOL

My ATF just gave me a trip to the moon...and I get to take my pal Serpie along  

I'll bet those folks would have a field day with ole Serp.

Just another National security secret best kept under wraps  

Hey sweetie...hope you had a great Xmas and have an even better New Years!

Posted By: VegasMassage

Feel free to leave him there too. He's got plenty of hot air to survive up there awhile.

Posted By: ChgoCPA

But it could be true...really  LOL

My ATF just gave me a trip to the moon...and I get to take my pal Serpie along