Simple Steps to Sending Your Best Client Gifts

Updated: August 28, 2023

This is the second in a two-part blog series. The first post helps you define your intention and clarify the impression you want to make with your gifts. In this post, we share ideas and examples to help you achieve that impression.

When you decide to give artisan gifts that speak to value and quality, you have several memorable options. Are you celebrating long-term clients? Are you thanking colleagues for a valuable referral? Is your customer buying an exquisite property? Perhaps special guests are staying at your luxurious resort?

Regardless of your industry, here's a sample of different ideas and questions to make gift decisions easy and leave a lasting impression.

Memorable gifts come in various sizes and shapes; they don't have to be a specific size to leave a meaningful impression. For example, a popular piece we created is our custom doorstop. The doorstop idea is unique, and they are beautifully crafted and packaged. It is distinct for clients, and we receive a lot of positive feedback. And, what a great way to literally and figuratively open doors to conversation. Custom wood coasters or small cutting boards for the bar or kitchen are also excellent options.

A creative combination. Another option is a combination of elements. We recommend a group of three pieces that blend different textures. It could be a handcrafted wood coaster paired with a ceramic cup (cocktails), a tall, elegant glass (for celebrations), or a mug (casual conversation around the table), along with a stylish handwoven towel (kitchen or bar).

Passion and personality. A custom gift box is a meaningful way to highlight a client, colleague, or friend’s passions and share a story. A theme could be one of adventure, cooking, whiskey lovers, or simple elegance. Maybe a place or location has particular relevance? Is the mood you want to create about quietly sipping a beverage by the fire or a colorful conversation around the kitchen table? We typically have 4-6 pieces with unique textures inside a box, so there's room to be creative. Plus, you can add a personal note with our custom gift tags that are part of each gift box package.

A Bonus. You may want to go the extra step of engraving to make a gift more personalized. Cutting boards, wood coasters, and artisan gift boxes all have the potential to be engraved. An initial, the last name, date, logo, or a meaningful quote (that's short) can all work. Keep in mind that engraving adds time to the process, so allow space in your timeline.

Artisan is all about the feels. It's the feel of the wood, the beauty of the rich grain pattern, a ceramic cup with its kiln-fired glaze, and the touch of textures in handwoven materials. You're giving pieces of art that elevate work and play and last long after the wine and flowers are gone.

Off-Road and Online

Updated: April 6, 2023

Adventure lovers, beach-goers, and trail seekers now enjoy the opportunity to build collaborations and take conference calls on the road. The workspace concept is redefined as the family dog makes regular on-screen appearances, and the back of a pickup truck transforms into a workstation. With the shift to fewer in-person meetings, you may wonder how to stay top-of-mind with customers. The hidden benefit of remote work is seeing your clients in a new light, in more personal and interesting surroundings. It's a great chance to get to know the human behind the email and better understand how to celebrate what matters to them.

As we weave personal travel into our business agendas, deal-making, and day-to-day business decisions move from the mainstream to the airstream. Designs are drawn from the comfort of deck chairs, and strategies are solidified from the shorelines. Successful entrepreneurs drop knowledge from behind the wheel of an RV (@Jesseitzler), while others work from converted Sprinter vans nicer than most apartments. Mini cabins and newly renovated motels are enjoying a resurgence as clients post from locations that tout open hallways, no elevators, and no closed corridors.

All this blending of work and home offers a glimpse into people's passions, a chance to note their travels and tendencies. Tap into these passions as you think about your client gifts. Upgrade their morning java with a beautifully glazed ceramic mug, or add a spark of style to their campfire with a unique whiskey tumbler. Send colorful, handwoven coasters or bar towels that spice up the park table yet require little space to carry. Whatever the favored activity, a nod to your client's lifestyle with a handcrafted artisan gift box reflects genuine thoughtfulness that will last through years of road trips and rendezvous.

For all of our explorers out there, honk if you love artisan gifts, refill your mug for the ride, keep the mints and chapstick close, and set your course for the next destination.

The Elegance of Engraving

Updated April 30, 2024

How many gifts have you received over the years where someone has taken the time to engrave them? I bet you can recall each one, whether it's jewelry or an artisan piece because it reminds you of a significant occasion. The engraving isn't a quick stop en route to an event or a last-minute online order, so you know they planned. The choice to personalize sends a message of care and consideration.

The decision of what to say and where you want to engrave it has become much more creative as personalized gifts have surged. We've added script and block lettering on serving boards as host gifts and names, initials, and dates on wedding gift boxes. New homes are an exciting reason to celebrate. Farm and estate names make a lovely addition to our specialty gift boxes. Our hand-crafted doorstops are a favorite for move-in day. Meaningful words or mantras have increased in popularity as people have become more expressive and gifts more individualized.

For your next special event, avoid the last-minute scramble and take the opportunity to give something that can be treasured for generations. Craftsmanship and personalization enhance each gift, from beverage coasters to handcrafted cutting boards or specialty gift boxes. Anniversaries, weddings, deal closings, partner collaborations, and client gifts are noteworthy occasions to raise the bar. Engraving offers a beautiful enhancement as guests admire the custom details.

The next time a milestone event appears on your calendar, consider engraving and the chance to send a thoughtful message to friends, family, clients, and colleagues.

The Scoop on Gifts for Mixing and Making

Our cozy kitchen with its enticing smells and frosted mugs is the setting for passionate topics at the dinner table and big news over breakfast. No wonder it’s the central hub for households. (It’s where my husband proposed, so I’m no stranger to tears of joy by the refrigerator!) Gifts for mixing, making, and munching are the backdrop for sharing stories. Whether it’s for the head chef or the snack specialist, keep it simple and pick a pairing they’ll be nuts about.

As you weigh the options of what to give to friends, family, or clients, look for clues on the pace and pattern of their lives. Are they early risers who enjoy slow and steady? Or do they have kids and commitments so quick and easy rule the day? Do they prefer bright and cheerful or natural and calm? Simple and clean or elegant and elaborate? (A quick look at their kitchen or desk accessories may offer some tips.) Keep these hints in mind to create thoughtful combinations:

• The kitchen scoop is a welcome companion for breaks and the morning brew. Pair it with a specialty bag of the daily grind to perk up someone’s day. If you’re passing a gift to a sports nut, add a wooden scoop to a bag of roasted cashews to get your best fan cheering. Is natural the way to nurture the relationship? Invite zen as their day begins, give a ceramic scoop tied with ribbon, or twine to a batch of baked granola.

• Reusable bags hold their own in the kitchen and on the go. Natural materials are styled in neutral tones and vivid shades, made of cotton or linen to match any occasion. Bags make the picnic, party, or trip to the market merrier!

Imagine your gifts as part of the jokes and gestures shared between families and friends. The best choices blend fresh and fun while folding into traditions.

Tips and Treats for That Extra Touch

When your heart is big and the budget is small, use these tips and treats to create a special touch. With a splash of creative juice and a dash of detail, you can boost your gifts from mundane to memorable in a few seconds.

First, pick an artisan tumbler, cup, or mug, as the start of your unique gift. With today’s variety of glazes, textures, and designs, this hand-crafted work of art can be filled with anyone’s favorite beverage.

Next, choose one of these options to create your cup of cheer:

• Add a few fresh wrapped caramels or colorful peppermints to fill the inside of the cup. The candies add cheerful color, and they’re great for a quick grab as an afternoon pick-me-up.

• Go beyond a salty or sweet treat to complement the gift.

  • Fold a pair of cheerful hand-woven coasters into the cup.

  • Add some jingle with festive red and silver bells placed inside.

  • Insert a champagne towel into a porcelain glass for the anniversary celebration or big event. A hint of sparkle thread is an elegant way to add a touch of glamour. (Perfect with sparkling water too.)

• Pair a taste to melt or dip with a seasonal beverage, like a mug filled with apple cider mix and fresh cinnamon sticks, or a small batch of hot chocolate paired with a gourmet box of gold champagne marshmallows.

When you’re ready to wrap things up, pick a textured burlap, cotton, or linen bag with a twine or leather tie. Or hole-punch a note written in gel pen on card stock paper, run a colorful ribbon through it, and tie it to the handle or base.

While a gift may be modest in size, when packaged with heartfelt details, it carries meaning and the message that you cared enough to go the extra mile.

Set the Mood for a Moment of Escape

Winter can be a time when we’re all looking for an opportunity to take flight, set sail, cozy up, in short, to escape. Is it possible to package up that relaxing experience for clients without them ever having to leave the room? With the right mix of elements in your gift box, you can set the mood and encourage a few blissful moments to let the senses unfold.

Maybe it’s a journey to the crisp air of the slopes, the feel of a warm ocean breeze, or a quiet trail walk, packaged into one distinct gift. Like a favorite song, or the smell of a certain fragrance, the right combination of artisan pieces can do wonders for the imagination. For any skeptics out there on the power of setting a mood, consider the rise of Hygge, the Danish lifestyle of embracing light and texture to inspire feelings of well-being and contentment. We first heard about it from friend, and branding expert, @andrebean who shared the concept and how it complemented our artisan gift business. As we soon discovered, much has been written on the topic. (More here.)

While you’re planning the details of your next client gathering, consider how the gift choice will set the stage. Is it smooth and sophisticated (porcelain glasses, hand-crafted cutting boards) or casual and upbeat (colorful tumblers or steaming mugs of tea and coffee)? If visions of warm summer nights are the goal, light textures make a nice addition (festive ceramic cups with hand-woven coasters). On the other hand, rich leather and woolen blends conjure up visions of a cozy fire inside a winter retreat (whiskey tumblers, ceramic flasks). How will your gifts stir excitement and anticipation?

The right textures can deliver an experience that helps transport your guests to a place of quiet respite. And the good news is, there’s no waiting line or baggage fees on this journey.

Artisan Displays Along the Backroads & Byways

Traveling across the backroads and byways of the east, we navigated between a few fierce rainstorms to explore new open air markets and main streets. It was part of our quest to see what the summer season had on display. We found the local shops and maker booths brimming with fresh floral vases, colorful books, tools for outdoor adventures, blankets, and artisan sauces and scents reflecting unique cultures. In the midst of this digital world, it’s heartening to see people appreciate beautiful textures and the feel of hand-crafted pieces, whether it’s smooth glassware, a ceramic glaze or supple leather.

Words don’t seem to do full justice to the sights, smells and sounds of our open air strolls, so we’ve selected a few photos to help bring the sensations home for you. (Photos taken in Burlington, VT, Phoenicia Flea, and Kingston, NY)

How to Match Artisan Storytelling with Your Corporate Mission

Sitting at an end table in a busy local restaurant, we began a conversation about how to tell the story of living a healthy lifestyle through elements of artisan work. Our contact was looking for a way to give custom hand-crafted gifts, and at the same time, represent a corporate brand of health and wellness. Between spoonfuls of soup, we picked through sample ceramic pieces and bantered about ideas.

Big meetings with special clients require a lot of planning, agenda outlines, and logistical coordination. At the end of all that planning, a client gift had better cap off a productive day with surprise and delight! Deciding on the contents of a meaningful gift can be tricky because these professionals represent many international cultures, and you likely have never met them before. Still, you want to leave a lasting, positive impression of your company. The question becomes how does one give a thoughtful gift, in line with the company brand, without crossing any cultural boundaries that may inadvertently offend someone.

The beauty of artisan work is that it offers variety, and the ability to select unique pieces that are both meaningful and reflect a company’s mission. In working with this global corporation, we considered different options and challenges. Food items were off the list when we evaluated transit times and the guests’ travel plans. Avoiding any direct implication of alcohol was another variable we removed. Their brand encourages healthy living and outdoor activity, so how best to blend those ideas with artisan appeal?

The solution was twofold, first to select elements created by artists located in different areas of the country, places where their employees live and work. This was a creative way to showcase the company’s geographic diversity while highlighting the craftsmanship of a unique set of artists. And, in picking certain pieces, we accomplished the second objective, which included a subtle reference to healthy lifestyles (cutting board and veggie/cheese slicer) and enjoying the great outdoors (National Parks postcard book, woolen to-go-cup holders, and brass hiking bells).

To complete this story, we chose styles from upstate New York, the Hudson Valley, Vermont, and Maryland to create the gift boxes. We also shared the individual artists’ information, and how each element represented a different local region.

In these times when our differences are often the focus, it was rewarding to see how artisan gifts so beautifully aligned diverse cultural connections with a positive corporate mission.

Now Boarding...How Cutting Boards Serve Up a First-Class Gift

Updated April 6, 2022

If you’re tired, dare we say “bored,” of traditional gifts, welcome a new friend to the neighborhood with a new look, and make it a block party! A chopping block kind of occasion.

The standard cutting board has a fresh, new gifting style, thanks to the finishes, wood, and tools now available. Even color combinations can vary depending on the wood, adding a deep, rich appearance that highlights the artisan appeal. Red oak, mahogany, and maple are a few of the woods we use but take your pick. 

If you want to add a personal touch, pair your cutting board with a unique accessory that matches a specific style or passion. 

If cooking is a favorite pastime, a veggie chopper (or cheese cutter), matched with a cutting board is a thoughtful option for crunch time decisions. 

For folks who love the taste of limes, we pair our handcrafted boards with an iron-forged slicing knife to keep it dicey. (Given our #ruggedstyle we like to use a strip of leather to tie pieces together.)

Small is mighty, despite what some may say. Having a compact cutting board handy for quick jobs like slicing lemons, onions or cherry tomatoes is perfect. It’s still big enough to be useful, yet small enough to tuck away. Custom edging can make a big difference too, creating a sleeker look.

In terms of maintenance, a splash of Howard Cutting Board Oil will do the trick every three to four months to keep it looking spectacular. Beautiful and easy! (Any of the cutting boards shown above can be added to our gift boxes using the Custom page form.) 

The good news is that custom tools and wood options have elevated the old idea of a cutting board. There’s no need to be a chip off the old block anymore.

View From the Rail - How the Host Keeps it Stylish on Race Day

Updated September 2020

For those who've enjoyed tailgating along the rail at national horse races or local ones like the My Lady's Manor here in Maryland, the spreads are known as much for their attention to style details as for the racing itself. When the day begins with mimosas, salmon, and home-made blueberry scones, you know there’s a fun day ahead!

Whether it's My Lady's Manor, Preakness Stakes, or the Kentucky Derby, the challenge is how to create a unique and enjoyable setting for guests, with all the beautiful spreads on display? Here are a few simple ideas that can go a long way, based on our two decades of race outings. It's about how to add a creative flair that makes it fun for everyone. We’ve spent many years taking in race days, since our kids were young, and we started by trekking our food and drinks around in backpacks and coolers from the muddy parking areas, all the way up to the grassy hillsides to watch the finish. It didn’t matter if it was the full picnic blanket action, or the big tailgate, the style was part of the planning.

Even in those early years, we were fortunate to be connected with friends who always included special ceramic pieces as part of our decor. (A precursor to the launch of Red & Rugged perhaps?!) There’s no need for formal glassware that all looks the same, and the standard red solo cup won't fly here!  You can serve up your best sparkling or Cabernet in a hand-crafted ceramic tumbler that adds a personal touch.  One of the best things about ceramics is that no two pieces are alike, each one has a texture and finish to call their own.

Preparing a stylish race day celebration:

If you’re attending the live event, include a basket of binoculars as a thoughtful touch, so all your guests get a close-up view of the finish line. 

Offer a variety of ceramic cups, let each person select one at the start of the day. What a fun way to treat your guests and give them a personal gift that lasts. It’s something we look forward to, and you can bet we have all our ceramic cups from years gone by.

The younger generations know cool when they see it… Whether you're 25 years old or 55 years young, cool ceramic tumblers make the selfie.

Small cutting boards are easy to pack, great for serving small bites, and to use for slicing. Perfect for adding to your backpack or the picnic basket, a small cutting board is a handy option to have on race day as different food options are served throughout the day. Slice the bacon and veggies for Bloody Mary’s, followed by the cheese when crackers and breadsticks are served. (Engrave an initial on the boards for a surprise take-home gift to commemorate the day.)

As far as centerpieces go, a ceramic vase filled with a fresh flower bouquet is all you need. Gorgeous! And easy!

As you gear up to enjoy the time-honored traditions of horse race season and the parties that follow, there's no need to be overly formal to host a classy event. Be original, and surprise your guests with things they’ll hold on to, and remember, for years to come.