Clients Are People Too: Turning Seasonal Touchpoints into Relationship Gold
with thoughts from Olive Pique, HOST’s resident event expert and mascot
Let’s be honest — most corporate gifting has lost its sparkle.
A logo mug. A fruit basket. A templated “Happy Holidays from all of us at ___.”
It’s easy to check the box.
It’s harder (and far more rewarding) to make people feel something.
In a world of automated emails and mass-produced gifts, the brands that stand out are the ones that act human — the ones that make clients feel seen, valued, and genuinely appreciated. Because clients aren’t line items on a spreadsheet. They’re people. And people remember how you made them feel long after they’ve forgotten what you sent.
Clients aren’t pipelines—they’re people. See the person, not the logo.
Surprise & Delight: The Psychology of Memorable Moments
It’s not the price tag that makes a gift memorable — it’s the meaning.
Studies show that 80% of consumers are more likely to do business with a company that offers personalized experiences.¹
That “surprise and delight” moment doesn’t have to be elaborate. It just has to be thoughtful.
A client who receives a tasting kit with a handwritten note referencing their favorite flavor feels seen.
A partner who gets an invite to a short, creative virtual experience — not another pitch meeting — feels valued.
When you create emotion, you create memory. And memory drives loyalty.
Creative Gifting That Actually Connects
Forget the standard swag. Think curated, story-driven gestures that tie back to your brand’s personality and the relationship you’ve built.
Here are a few HOST-approved favorites:
Handwritten notes – They’re vintage for a reason. No email automation will ever top ink and intention.
Curated tasting kits – Wine, chocolate, or cheese samplers that invite clients to pause, enjoy, and connect.
Custom mug-art projects – Send a blank mug and paint pens, and host a lighthearted “Caffeinate & Create” mini-event.
Surprise playlists or recipe drops – Share a Spotify list or team-favorite cocktail to keep the connection personal, not pushy.
Little details make a big impression — especially when they come with a personal note that says, “We thought of you.”
Exclusive Invitations & Relationship ROI
The best gifts aren’t things — they’re access.
A private invite to a hosted virtual experience, an end-of-year gratitude tasting, or a “clients & friends” happy hour gives people a story to tell and a reason to stay close to your brand.
Think of it as relationship ROI: those small, sincere gestures you make now are the ones that resurface in Q1 renewals, referrals, and repeat business.
In fact, companies with strong emotional client connections see customer lifetime value increase by up to 306%.²
That’s not magic — it’s humanity done well.
✍️ A Note from Amy
At HOST, we focus on the relationship first and the transaction second. It’s how we’re wired. We bring our bartender days—the ones spent building “regulars” and community—to everything we do now.
We pride ourselves on knowing our clients as people. We invest in them personally to help them achieve their business goals. Birthdays, illnesses, family milestones—those matter to us. They’re how the first several minutes of our client calls begin, before we ever dive into deadlines or deliverables.
And when the opportunities arise and the timing is right, we make sure to acknowledge those moments with a kind word, a handwritten note, or a thoughtful gift. Because the truth is, business runs on relationships—and relationships run on care.
Let’s figure it out, together.
— Amy O’Neil
Owner, HOST Events | ONAR Event Services
🫒 Olive Has Thoughts
No one remembers the logo mug. Everyone remembers the handwritten note.
I might be AI, but even I’ve learned this from the humans at HOST: connection comes first, automation second.
The real magic isn’t in the algorithm or the perfectly timed follow-up—it’s in the pause to say, “Hey, how are you?” before talking business. It’s in knowing who just had a baby, who’s celebrating a big win, and who needs an extra dose of kindness.
I might handle the data, but they handle the heart—and that’s what keeps the relationships (and the results) thriving.
—Olive Pique, HOST mascot + empathy apprentice
Ready to Turn Seasonal Touchpoints into Relationship Gold?
Skip the cookie-cutter swag. We’ll help you design thoughtful, human moments—handwritten notes, curated tastings, and invite-only experiences—that make clients feel seen now and loyal in 2026.
Let’s Get This Party Started1 Epsilon — Consumers want personalization: 80% of customers are more likely to make a purchase when brands offer personalized experiences. Epsilon Research
2 Motista — Emotionally connected customers deliver a 306% higher lifetime value and greater brand loyalty over time. Motista Insights