The holiday season is fast approaching, and many law firms will want to show appreciation to their clients—and perhaps their alumni—with a special gift. This annual practice can quickly become a difficult exercise, with an eye on ethical rules, corporate policies, government regulations, cultural sensitivities and logistical challenges.
Holiday gift-giving is not just about spreading cheer and saying thank you. It is often a battle to find something meaningful and appropriate while avoiding potentially costly missteps.
Perhaps the biggest suggestion for gift giving and card development is to START EARLY.
Know Your Clients
The most memorable gifts are the ones that feel personal. That means going beyond knowing a client’s company name or matter number and paying attention to each individual. Do they drink alcohol? Are they married or single? Do they have a family? Do they have pets? Do they observe particular cultural or religious traditions? Do they work remotely or in the office?
Each of these factors can influence what will be well received. A family with young children might appreciate a board game, a movie night or another shared activity. A remote-working client may value an e-gift or something delivered to their home. Many vendors now offer email gift certificates that allow clients to select their own gift within a set price category.
Regulatory and Client Constraints
Lavish gifts, especially to in-house or government lawyers, may raise compliance issues or violate strict no-gift policies. Many corporate legal departments limit gifts to nominal amounts, require reporting or ban them outright. Government clients are often prohibited from accepting anything of value. Failing to check these rules can cause embarrassment or even lead to ethics violations.
When planning holiday gifts for clients or colleagues, it is important to remember that shipping alcohol is heavily regulated. Many states prohibit the shipment of wine, bourbon or other spirits to residents, and those that allow it often require special permits or licensed carriers. Firms must verify state laws and shipping restrictions before sending liquor to avoid legal issues and ensure gifts arrive safely and compliantly.
A simple solution to avoid complications is to host the in-house team for a holiday lunch with a bonus CLE program.
Striking the Right Balance
A $100 bottle of wine or bourbon might seem like an easy choice, but it can be a mistake if a client does not drink, avoids alcohol for religious or medical reasons, or simply dislikes wine. The same goes for fruit baskets, cheese assortments or specialty chocolates, which can conflict with food allergies, dietary restrictions or cultural traditions. Sending something inappropriate can turn a thoughtful gesture into an awkward situation.
Logistical and Strategic Challenges
Clothing items raise questions about how to discreetly obtain sizes. Remote and hybrid work arrangements make delivery more complex and often require confirming home addresses, which can raise privacy concerns. Even storing these records from year to year can be problematic if people change sizes or move.
Sending a golf jacket to someone who does not play golf is simply providing another item to donate. The same goes for logoed golf shirts year after year—how many do they really need? And remember, one size or one gift never fits all.
If you are sending gifts to multiple people at the same client, equity matters. Giving one person a high-value gift and others a small token can create problems. At the same time, personalization is important, and achieving the right balance can be challenging.
Some Like It Hot
Some of the most popular gifts are those that can actually be used, and electronic gifts or accessories are at the top of that list. Power banks, extra charging cords, electronic storage bags or phone accessories are practical, and when branded, provide continued recognition for your firm.
Keep Good Records
A client relationship management system (CRM) can be one of your strongest tools in creating a smooth and thoughtful gifting process. Tracking past gifts, allergies or dietary restrictions, clothing sizes, family details and work locations helps prevent repeat or inappropriate choices and avoids awkward mistakes. Just as important, it ensures consistency across the firm, keeping partners, assistants and marketing teams aligned. Diligent CRM use makes gifting more coordinated and intentional.
Make It Memorable
Gifts can also serve as a reflection of the firm itself, reinforcing its identity and roots. Regional specialties are a natural fit. A Southern firm might share pralines. A Nashville-based firm could send Goo Goo Clusters, a treat tied to the city’s history, or a music-themed gift. A Philadelphia firm might send Tastykakes or soft pretzels. A Cleveland firm could share items featuring the city’s iconic script logo, instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with the area. These kinds of gifts not only delight clients but also connect them to the firm’s culture and community. Reliable vendors can also be on the lookout for items that reflect your firm’s holiday giving parameters.
Conclusion
Client gifting continues to evolve, with many firms moving toward options that feel more personalized and less transactional. Experiential gifts such as event tickets or local activities are gaining popularity, as are charitable donations made in a client’s name when they align with causes that matter to them. Family-inclusive ideas such as cooking kits or craft sets create opportunities for connection, while digital options like e-gift cards or streaming subscriptions offer convenience. Regional specialties that highlight the firm’s local roots can also be meaningful.
Some firms are even moving away from the December holiday rush, choosing instead to send gifts at milestone moments—after a project wraps up, on an anniversary or at another point in the relationship when the gesture feels especially thoughtful.
Best Practices
- Plan early, ideally by October, and confirm budgets, lists and policies.
- Know your clients’ preferences, rules and sensitivities.
- Check company gift policies before purchasing.
- Use your CRM for accurate, coordinated information.
- Prioritize your most important client relationships for personalized gifts.
- Be fair when gifting to groups, ensuring consistency in value.
- Avoid high-risk categories such as alcohol, perishable food and apparel.
- Consider nonholiday timing for greater impact.
- Make sincerity the priority over cost.
- Consider group gifts or hosting an office lunch to foster shared experiences.
Reprinted with permission from the September 5, 2025 edition of The Legal Intelligencer © 2025 ALM Media Properties, LLC. All rights reserved.
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