A Realtor’s Guide to Last Minute Holiday Gifts for Clients

We’re a week out from Christmas, and if you don’t have your holiday gift shopping done yet…well, you’re just like most of us. The good news is there is still time to pull together some gifts for clients and vendors that feel thoughtful and not the least bit last minute.

Remember that the important thing is to stay top-of-mind with your sphere and clientele — and it can be hard to stand out from the crowd during the holiday season. If you’re sending a gift, even if it’s last minute, make sure it will truly resonate with each person on your list. This is where your client profile sheets come in handy!

As a Realtor, you are no stranger to acting on a strict deadline so why is this moment any different? We’ve done the research, and in some cases, taste testing for you…so go ahead and get shopping.

Lottery Scratchers 

Cost: $1-30

Where to Buy: Online or at a local market to gas station

Looking to mail a gift that you know will still arrive on time? Lottery tickets will fit in a standard envelope and are the perfect fun treat to receive. Not to mention scratchers couldn’t be easier to snag while avoiding the malls. Grab a handful at the supermarket, liquor store, or even the gas station. Be sure to attach a card for a personal touch. Here are a few fun ideas for a punny note to leave:

“Just thought you should know, I’ve already hit the jackpot with you as a client!”

“Wishing you a LOTTO joy and cheer this holiday season!”

“Wishing you a LOTTO luck in the new year” 

 DIY Gift: Holiday Bark 

Cost: ~$25+ for materials depending on size of batch

Where to Buy: Check out this link for 25 bark recipe ideas

Sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones that take a little elbow grease. Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, anyone can throw together some seasonal holiday bark like in the recipes linked above. Pack some bark in a festive tin from HomeGoods or your local craft store, and you’ve got yourself a great gift! Plus, your giftee can always bring the bark to a party as a host gift if they aren’t fond of sweets.

DIY Gift: Baked Goods Basket

Cost: ~$25+ for materials depending on size of batch

Where to Buy: Local market

Never underestimate the power of homemade treats! There’s no shortage of holiday-themed recipes out there that range from easy (chocolate pretzels) to more challenging (these adorable Santa cookies). Or maybe you have a signature family recipe, and you can even include the recipe card with your gift. Just remember to note potential allergy concerns.

Need more inspiration? Katy is opting for these Christmas Monster Cookies this year, while Justine loves a good lemon bar or fruit tart. Aaron’s favorite is a little harder to transport, but he stands by his preference for tres leches cake!

Greetabl Box 

Cost: $15+

Where to Buy: Online

Justine sent one of these boxes to Katy for her pandemic birthday in 2020, and we’ve been big fans since. The best part is that they won’t feel last minute, but are easy to send at the drop of a hat. Plus, they are just as fun to order as they are to receive. Personalize each box with photos (a "Sold" photo will work!) or choose one of the provided design options, and pick from a range of fun gifts like Sugarfina candy, face masks, and gift cards. These boxes feel super personal, which is exactly what you want when it comes to sending gifts to clients. It’s a great time to pull out their client profile sheet and remember their favorite color/candy/etc.!

E-Gift Card

Cost: $10+

Where to Buy: Online

Sure, a gift card can feel impersonal and last minute — but it can also feel extremely personal and thoughtful if done right! Maybe you remember a client’s favorite restaurant or spa. Or perhaps you know the client has family in town, so you send over a gift card to Whole Foods to help them stock the fridge. Gift cards are delivered instantaneously (which is great!), but won’t feel like an after thought if you pair them with a thoughtful note and personal touch. 

Remember: all retailers offer gift cards, too, so there’s no shortage of options. If all else fails, there are always Visa gift cards!

Food Delivery

Cost: $20+

Where to Buy: Uber Eats or Doordash or Instacart

Know your giftee’s favorite restaurant or treat? Or maybe you want to send over a bottle of wine and a cheese plate if you know they are having guests. If you’re getting to know your sphere and vendors like you should (wink, wink), this should be an easy way to send your regards this holiday season — no one needs to know it was thought up last minute!

Subscription Delivery

Cost: See Ideas Below

A gift that keeps on giving? Subscriptions might come at higher price points, but they're also a great way to stay top-of-mind all year round. What better excuse to reach out than to see how this month’s subscription box turned out? Here are some subscriptions we’ve been gifted in the past and continue to be a big hit!

For the Music Lover:

Pandora: $54.89 for one year of ad-free listening

For the Hot Sauce Enthusiast:

Hot Sauce of the Month Club: $45 for 3-month subscription

For the Beauty Buff:

Dermstore Beauty Fix Box: $21-25/month

For the Book Worm: 

Book of the Month Club: $49.99 for 3 months

For the Ultimate Foodie:

Goldbelly Monthly Subscription: $35+ per month

About the Author

Katy Peer writes about all things content, marketing, and real estate branding. She is the Head of Content Marketing for SellWell, lead editor for The Well, and a former copywriter and senior editor for a spattering of tech and media brands. Find her articles on social media, writing agent bios, and more here on The Well.