Holiday gifts ideas for your recurring clients?

Last year for one of my regular clients (I won't lie, they are my favorite. Perfectly behaved and to die for owners) I did an entire scrapbook for them for Christmas. I used all the best photos I took throughout the year, the last one with them dressed as santa. I glued a dog collar around it to "clip" it closed and got a dog tag engraved with their names for the front. It was so darn cute I wanted to keep it honestly lol Needless to say they loved it! For the semi-regulars I did a great framed photo and a few small treats and toys.

Last year I did some custom holiday cards thru a local store using the cutest of their pet's photos I could find in my photo reel. This year I've had very regular clients every week all year, so am looking at a bulk rate for Chuck It ball launchers, or some similar generic toy. I like the idea of the magazine and some cute companion gifts. Great ideas!

I use photos from stays and use them for Shutterfly's 'free item' promos--you do pay more than you would expect for shipping. All good quality items for a good price, even considering shipping. Just don't expect it to be free. When they offer the set of 4 magnets--I usually jump on that. Just about $2 a magnet and it's personalized. I will include a small treat or toy that the dog would like as well as a little treat for the owner (such as a gourmet cookie or nice chocolate bar).

For new guests that are at least a 2-3 night stay, I will give a similar 'goodie bag' minus the personalized item, though. I throw in a small card, stamped with dog images/words/phrases, encouraging them to leave a review. Rarely expected, but very well received. I am rather new and am trying to build a client base as well as great reviews. An extra $4-5 is worth it to me--I would do a little more if it were a regular client on Christmas, but not necessarily for a brand new one. You have to buy the stuff ahead of time to make it a good value. Pick up things on clearance that will last long (like the toys and some treats). Ebay (so many cute dog related items for cheap) and even the dollar store are great places to look.

I make home made dog treats, so each client gets a goody bag of treats that I "dress up" with stuff from the dollar store. I like your idea of giving out subscriptions to The Bark....I'll have to check it out before giving it away as gifts though.

I've ordered holiday cards from Vista Print and plan to give my clients a bottle of wine and some dog treats.

I did this for Halloween! I bought the cheap $1 package of "party favor" bags at Walmart, and filled each one with a handful of treats for the owner to take home. It didn't cost me much, maybe $2 a dog, and the owners loved it.

I'm planning to do the same for Christmas boarders.

I hesitate to give anything that costs too much, because at the end of the day, I run a business. If I charge $30 a night and give a gift that costs $12, then I'm not making enough to justify the stay (in my opinion). I think in many cases, it is more about the gesture than the quality of gift.

Now, I might throw in a free groom: that would be something of high value to them but cheap for me as I already have all of the products! Cost of shampoo, cologne, and electricity would probably still add up to a mere $2 a dog! hmmmmm.....now you have me brainstorming!