by Rachel Smith
19 November 2014
I’d like to send my editors and clients a gift this Christmas. Wine is a tad predictable. Do you have any cool gift suggestions that won’t break the bank? Karen
From the freelancer’s perspective (Rachel): This is an interesting one. As a freelancer I do like to remember editors and clients at Christmas. I think it’s nice to thank those who’ve given you work throughout the year, as well as helping to build an ongoing relationship with that person. However, I never really go overboard. A box of Lindt choccies and a nice card has always been my go-to gift to editors and I’ve sent wine to clients a few times (whoops, I am a bit predictable). We will however be doing our annual gift guide this Friday which will have some good, way more creative options – so stay tuned for that! You can check out last year’s gift guide here.
From the editor’s perspective (Leo): Christmas has always been one of my favourite times of year. Especially when working for ACP with its yuletide hamper bursting with goodies, turkey – the big kind – included – even to this day I miss them! The avalanche of booze and sweet treats from PRs didn’t hurt my enjoyment of the festive season either. However, during my time as an editor I can’t recall receiving anything other than the predictable, ‘hey thanks for a great year, I look forward to working together in the new year’ message from freelance writers and photographers. So personally I’d recommend saving yourself the stamp. If your relationship is really important pick up the phone and suggest drinks, lunch or better still arrange a catch up at a mutual festive bash. Over Christmas would be the perfect time as it’s one of the slowest times in the office even with a skeleton staff!
Do you acknowledge editors/clients at Christmas? We’d love your gift suggestions in the comments.
I personally believe that giving clients a little something at Christmas is important. It can get expensive and yes the range of promotional products available can be rather predictable. I think the solution is to find something that is on brand, unique and memorable so that it creates a lasting memory and shows your client that you have put effort into it.
Definitely Amanda, great advice.
Rachel
I’ve always sent the editors who have given me a lot of work a bottle of wine for Christmas. Predictable perhaps, but… I live near a wine region (Mudgee)so I go to one of the local cellar doors and get my editors something they won’t find in their local bottle-o. I’m also into my wine and always pick something good. Editors work out very quickly that the wine I’ve given them is to be taken home and used to impress significant other rather than drunk at the end of a boozy office party. And really, just think through the numbers, you can get a really good bottle of wine for about $30, I’ve got clients who some years put tens of thousands of dollars worth of work my way. Bit of a no-brainer really.
Leo
Perhaps for the editor of a glam fashion magazine or the like, but I did and still do a lot of work for small trade mags and those editors always appreciated their wine and rang me up to tell me so. There was one whom I worked for over several years and took me from publication to publication until she went into management. She said she looked forward to her Christmas bottle of wine from me every year because she knew it would always be really good and a bit different.
How nice that your editors started to look forward to their Xmas wine Darren! Best proof that it really is worth acknowledging those who look after you with commissions through the year – and a small price to pay as a thank you.
You’re spot on Darren I am sure with smaller indie titles the thought really does count. But if you’re trying to impress a Lifestyle or Fashion Ed get in line behind the free OS trips and swanky spa vouchers.
Movie gift cards: sufficiently valuable and they fit within standard postage.
I once received a (nice) branded pen from contributor once, and I liked its practical value.
I LOVE that idea Adeline. Thanks for sharing it!