A Custom Portrait of Your Client’s Home

Whether your seller is saying goodbye to their longtime family home or your first-time buyer is putting roots down in their starter house, a custom house portrait is a thoughtful real estate client gift that is sure to impress.

Look around for a local artist or check out Etsy — there are no shortage of talented artists and illustrators who will work from a photograph to create a realistic, heartwarming interpretation. 

A Robot Vacuum

Robot vacuums (the Roomba is a popular brand) seemed like a silly fad when they first hit the market. Today, they’re a homeowner favourite thanks to how they quietly and unobtrusively help keep floors clear of crumbs and dust. 

These gadgets are an especially great gift for elderly clients or young families who will appreciate any extra help they can get in keeping their new home clean.

An Air Fryer

Air fryer owners know: once you try the mini kitchen appliance, you can’t go back.

Gift your client the ease of no-mess bacon, crispy sweet potato fries, reheated pizza that’s as good as the night before and vegetable side dishes that impress.

Make sure to include a gift receipt: air fryers have become very popular, so there’s a chance your client may already have one in their kitchen cupboard.

Snow Removal Service 

If you work in Canada (or areas of the U.S. where large snowfalls are a regular winter occurrence), the gift of a snow removal service is sure to delight any client whose new home has a driveway, walkway or stretch of sidewalk. 

House Cleaning Service

Looking for all-season service to give? 

House cleaning is a no-fail gift idea. Purchase a gift certificate from your preferred local provider and let your client handle the booking. 

A Large House Plant

Here are two facts about house plants:

• They work wonders in any home to add colour, dimension and a pop of interest
• They can be expensive — especially the large house plants with major “wow” factor

An impressive, sizable house plant will be a deeply appreciated gift by many real estate clients (think about whether they had plants in their home when you first saw it, or whether they ever pointed out plants when touring listings). 

Birds of paradise palms and bushy monsteras are both great options. 

A Streaming Service Subscription

A subscription to a streaming service like Hulu or Disney+ is something that many would love but not all treat themselves to.

It can be tricky to know what your client has or doesn’t have, but with some sleuthing, you should be able to figure it out. 

Plus, gift cards for some services can be applied to existing user accounts (Apple TV+ and Hulu are two such subscriptions) so even if your client is already a subscriber, they can use your gift to enjoy some free months of service.

A Mailbox

Any item that makes a house feel like a home is a winning real estate client gift idea. Especially for first-time buyers moving into the first place of their very own.

A mailbox is one such item. You can order something custom (again, search out local artisans or explore Etsy) or look for something that fits their style and their new home, like warm and woodsy or sleek, black metal.

A Polaroid Camera

The analogue charm of a Polaroid snap can’t be beat. For younger buyers or buyers with kids, a Polaroid camera and a package of film is a delightful real estate client gift. 

You don’t have to scour eBay for a vintage camera; Fujifilm and Polaroid both have current models on the market.

A Special Food Delivery

Have a foodie client? Treat them to something they wouldn’t treat themselves to. 

This could be an epic meal delivery — think a box of two dozen oysters alongside prosecco, or a dinner with all the fixings from a local steakhouse.

Or a basket loaded with high-end gourmet items — like wine, handmade pasta, fancy butter and a variety of pantry picks from a nearby delicacy store.

A Night Away

Who wouldn’t love the gift of a one-night getaway? 

Pick a destination within a short driving distance to avoid this gift feeling more like an errand than an escape. 

An Interior Design Consultation

This real estate client gift idea isn’t for every client. 

But if you have a client who is moving into a raw space or a new build, or who has expressed wanting to work with a designer to bring their vision to life, the gift of a paid-for interior design consultation is extremely thoughtful and useful.

A Smart Doorbell

A video camera doorbell — like a Nest or Ring — can make a client feel more confident and secure in their new home.

These devices provide video feeds of front porch action (plus alerts) so homeowners can see who is on the other side of the door and when and where packages have been dropped off.

Event Tickets

Tickets to an event are an easy way to wow your client. If you took enough notes during your working relationship, you should have a good idea of the types of things they’re into — sports, music, theatre, etcetera.

A pair of tickets to a specific event is the most thoughtful way to go but if you’re not sure exactly what show or game is the right pick, a gift card for a ticketing platform or local venue is a safe bet.

Yard Games

For families moving into a new home with backyard space, we love the idea of gifting yard games.

A bocce set, ring toss, Spikeball kit or badminton net and racquets are a fun and thoughtful way to welcome them home.

A Museum or Gallery Membership

A six-month or annual membership to a local art gallery or museum is often more affordable than one may think, plus there are typically options for a two-person or family membership.

These memberships are the gift that keeps on giving for couples or families — they typically provide open access to regular exhibitions and first visiting rights to special shows and events.

A Flower Delivery Subscription

Fresh flowers will always make a home feel homier. Regular flower delivery is a lovely way to say “welcome home” to your client.

Depending on your budget, choose a weekly or monthly delivery for a set timeframe.

A Cashmere Throw Blanket

Luxury items are a great way to leave a lasting impression with a real estate client. And when it comes to luxury, it’s hard to beat cashmere.

A cashmere throw blanket in a neutral colour is a perfect housewarming present. 

High-End Cookware

Did the kitchen in your client’s newly purchased home seal the deal? Give them something they’ll love to put to good use when whipping up a meal.

A beautiful piece of cookware, such as a classic Dutch oven or trendy multi-use pan, is a great pick.

New Home Photoshoot

It’s simply a memorable experience! It might not be as important as selecting their new home but it’s probably a whole lot more fun! It’s a fantastic way to commemorate the milestone of purchasing a new home and share the moment with their friends and family.