The Perfect VIP Client Gift for 2020: Olive Oil
A few years ago, a colleague gave me definitive advice about holiday gifting for clients: alcohol. You can’t go wrong with a nice bottle of bourbon or wine, she said. It’s classy, personal, and who doesn’t love alcohol?
Well, ever since I met my business partner Claire, who eats gluten-free due to a severe form of celiac disease and who also experienced a concussion a few years ago, I have found my answer. Claire would not love a bottle of alcohol. It would become the most expensive bottle of hand sanitizer she’s ever had.
The more I’ve learned about Claire’s dietary restrictions, the more skeptical I’ve become of alcohol as an appropriate default gift for clients. Especially this year.
This year is different. You’re not sending a bottle of alcohol to the office, where your clients can pull it out of the bottom shelf of their office drawer for Friday happy hour.
Whatever you send is going to their homes, where we don’t know what their life is like — do they not drink for religious reasons? Do they have an alcoholic family member or roommate? Are they trying to stay away from alcohol in a bid to avoid pandemic-related depression?
Client gifts are meant to be a gesture of appreciation and serve as a reminder that we understand, care about and appreciate our clients. And this year, that alcohol may not send that message. Besides, we’re not just impressing their team this time around. We’re impressing the family.
Luckily, there’s something else that’s classy, awesome and comes in a bottle: extra virgin olive oil.
The perfect upscale gift for your VIP clients
Olive oil is, as we can all agree, delicious. But it’s more than that. It’s alcohol-free, gluten-free, allergen-free and sugar-free. With all that in the bag, it already looks better than sending a box of fancy pralines to a client who may be diabetic or whose kid may have a peanut allergy.
But it gets better. Unlike alcohol, there is no culture or religion on this planet that looks down on the consumption of olive oil. If anything, there is universal enthusiasm and excitement surrounding a nice bottle of EVOO.
In a year where we can’t take our VIP clients out to a nice lunch, a good olive oil says and does it all:
It’s versatile. You can dress a nice, healthy salad with it. But you can also make this beautiful, caramelized granola recipe. Or this rich and luscious olive oil cake.
It’s diet-friendly. Keto? Low-fat? You never know what’s going on in your client’s life, but a little fat does you good. And olive oil is made up of monounsaturated fatty acids — the good kind of fat.
Culturally appropriate. If your clients are in the Middle East or South Asia, alcohol is a dicey choice. But send them a nice bottle of California olive oil? I think they’ll know exactly what to do with it.
It’s a thoughtful everyday luxury. At a time when we’re eating most of our meals at home, a fancy bottle of olive oil is something your client (and their family) will be reaching for everyday at the dinner table.
The more you think about it, the more it makes sense. I’m hard-pressed to think of a better gift than olive oil. Or should I say….cold-pressed?
(Don’t worry, we’re almost done here.)
Olive oil is the ideal upscale client gift
Olive oil for $100 or less
A nice bottle of EVOO costs about the same as what you would spend on a bottle of wine. And just like wine, it fits any budget.
I’m recommending Brightland for three reasons:
It’s sourced from a farm in California— it comes directly from a family farm the Central Coast, with a certified organic mill on-site.
It tastes amazing — fresh olive oil tastes bright, peppery and alive. It’s a FLAVOR BLAST compared to grocery store olive oil. The latter is cheap because about 80% of olive oil is fake or adulterated 😢. Really. Have you not heard about the olive oil mafia?
It comes in gorgeous packaging — I also just love the packaging this essential kit comes in. Brightland is a brand that is made to show off on the kitchen counter.
They’re also including a complimentary holiday card with each purchase, which just helps you wrap it all up.
Here are a few options:
RECOMMENDED: Brightland’s The Mini Essentials ($70)
Who wouldn’t love to receive this beautiful box on their doorstop? I know I would. These are perfect for mezzes, wine & cheese nights, pastas and that crunchy sourdough bread we’re all making at home now.
The set comes with four bottles:
Olive oil (2x): Made with heirloom California olives
Vinegar (2x): Champagne and balsamic
FOOD LOVER’S CHOICE: The Brilliant Culinarian Set ($65)
If you happen to know your client loves the finer things in life, give them the gift of travel without leaving their home. This set comes with a copy of the Gourmand, a food culture magazine from London.
It’s guaranteed to bring some California sun and some European sophistication to the dinner table this long ass winter.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY: Brightland AWAKE ($37)
Brightland AWAKE ($37)
On a tight budget this season? Make your holiday gift go further this year with a bottle of 100% extra virgin olive oil. After all, a bottle of olive oil is one of those things that are going to be used and appreciated.
And that’s exactly the feeling you want to send. With all this going for it, who knows? Maybe it’ll make a cameo on their next Zoom conference call.
Happy gifting!
Note: I may receive a small commission if you buy through these links.