How to Write a Good Gift Note

I'm passionate about including handwritten note with all my gifts and know it has a HUGE impact. A genuine, hand-written note with your business gift makes your recipient feel special and lets them know you genuinely value the relationship.

Why hand-written notes matter in business 

And science agrees, a study conducted by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found not only do the note writers underestimate how pleasantly surprised the recipient is by receiving a hand-written thank you note - but the gesture boosts the positive emotions and wellbeing for BOTH the letter writer and the recipient. It also boosted appreciation of the relationship from both sides. And as a business owner or manager - who doesn't want that?

How to write a great gift note

Every Christmas I hand-write hundreds and hundreds of gift notes for my client, so much so that my hand starts to cramp! However, too often I see notes that are well intended but don't make the most of the opportunity opting instead for something rather generic. You know the type: 'great working with you this year and have a safe and happy festive season'. Sure, it ticks the box, but goes it hit the mark...?

Top 3 tips for the perfect gift note

Here's my top tips to write a great gift note for your business gifts this Christmas, plus some of my favourite gift note examples I've had the pleasure of hand-writing recently.

1. Take some time to think - it’s easy to rush note writing, scrawling something to just tick that box. But spending a little time to think through what to write will pay dividends. Start a few weeks out from organising your gifts and take notes as inspiration comes to you, whether in your phone, an Excel spreadsheet or notebook. Those moments of genuine appreciation will come at unusual times, and typically not when you're rushing to get your list of gifts and notes out at once.

2. Be brave - be open to sharing how you feel. The reason you’re reading this article is you want to nurture a business relationship you care about and demonstrate genuine appreciation. It may be a business relationship, but express your feelings towards the person (within reason of course!) and you'll make your client, staff member or stakeholder feel genuinely valued for who they are.

3. Be true to your style - the perfect gift note in business shouldn't be generic, but aside from that it can be whatever you want it to be (again, within reason!). Embrace your style - the best way to make someone feel valued is to be authentic and demonstrate your individual appreciation for who they are. Particularly in the business world, people really appreciate being seen as a person, not just a role (and all your competitors are probably treating them just as a role - stand out!). 

10 examples of great - real life - gift notes for business

Following are 10 real life examples of great gift notes for business. Each comes from a genuine note my client has sent with a business gift. They go beyond the generic and will provide you with the inspiration to stand out this year.

Of course, we don't suggest you have to use these verbatim, but they provide great inspo to get you out of the generic rut and stamp your own style on your corporate gift notes this year.

• A very personal thank you for the trust you have put in our business and working with us. It has been such a pleasure to watch you grow - and work through the challenges with you - and we're all excited about how you're placed to take off in the new year.

• In a world where business can seem hard and insurmountable you are a breath of fresh air. You have been so generous with your time and expertise I am incredibly grateful. Please accept this gift as a token of my thanks and appreciation.

• Thank you once again for the opportunity to work with you this year. May the new year bring you many successes; and may your heart be filled with joy, peace and happiness. I wish you a safe and merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in person in the new year!

• Thank you so much for everything, as always. You’re the best mentor anyone could ever ask for! Merry Christmas.

• Thank you so much for believing in me and for the year we’ve spent working together. You’re incredibly good at what you do and I can’t wait to see what we’re going to create together. Merry Christmas.

• Thank you for the work we’ve done together this year. You’re a badass, strong and beautiful soul. Here’s to more great collaboration in the new year - Merry Christmas.

• We are so happy to have you as a client. You radiate success and we see big things for you. Never give up!

• To the amazing team at [insert company], this year might have been tough on you but the quality of your work and the kindness you show is the staple of your wonderful company and will take you far and wide.

• It’s a wonderful thing when work is not just satisfying but also fun - thanks for having me along for the ride. A little indulgence to help you celebrate Christmas.

• It’s hard to believe a year has already passed since I last wrote you a similar note - and what a year it’s been! I hope you know that I love working with you and watching your business go from strength to strength. However, even more importantly I appreciate your kindness and friendship! Merry Christmas.