5 Client Gift Ideas That Make a Difference
I’m a big gifts giver. And I don’t just like giving gifts, I like searching for gifts that mean something to the person receiving. My close friends know that I am fairly good at finding something super niche to them for their birthdays. As wedding photographers, we also want to be thanking our clients that trust us with capturing their day. It’s a big deal and great honor!
At the same time, as I’ve traveled the world, I’ve become more aware of how my purchases can negatively or positively affect our communities. Working in the nonprofit realm has introduced me to many small companies that are creating new pathways for beautiful items to be made sustainably and fairly. These initiatives are empowering women in unequal communities, changing lives of refugees affected by violence, and giving fair wages to low income families. Why wouldn’t we shop with a purpose?
Here are 5 products perfect for your wedding clients made by companies that are changing the world. Not only will you be giving to your clients as a “thank you” but you’ll be giving to others around the world!
Burlap Tote Bags from The Little Market
Okay, so cute right?! These tote bags come in two sizes: a gift bag tote and a larger reusable market tote. Your bride can perfectly combine this with a white dress to celebrate the big day at her bachelorette or bridal shower. I also included the wine bag because what Sonoma County native doesn’t love to give a good bottle of wine?
The Little Market was started by Lauren Conrad (from Laguna Beach!) and the entire shop features ethically made products that she and her co-founder have personally sourced from around the world. I want everything on their site but I love these for brides!
Every purchase of these totes supports fair wages, skill development, and training for artisan women in rural Bangladeshi communities.
2. Candles and Soap Sets from Preemptive Love Shop
Preemptive Love is one of my favorite NGO’s that responds fast with relief on the frontlines of conflict: food to help families survive, shelter to remake home, and medicine to mend the wounds of war.
They also are creating jobs—providing capital for vulnerable families to start businesses, coaching to help their businesses thrive, and connection to global marketplace. Their online shop is a direct connection to buy products from these exact businesses that they are helping to create. There are many different candles, soaps, and sets to choose from and each one will tell you where it’s made and what it is funding!
Preemptive Love Candles are handmade, one at a time, by women affected by war in Iraq. The ceramic vessel can be reused after your candle is done, providing a lifetime of enjoyment. Every candle funds our peacemaking work on the frontlines of conflict on the US-Mexico border, in Venezuela, Syria, Iraq, and beyond.
3. Boho Turkish Towels from PASHA
If you’ve never owned a Turkish towel, you need to buy one for yourself too! Curated and crafted in Turkey, these vibrant two-toned textured towels are the essence of ancient quality and modern luxury. The perfect multi-purpose essential to pack to the beach, host your guests, dry your hands, or lay on the grass to stargaze!
PASHA is a company started by friends-of-friends of mine. One of my besties purchased these for each of her bridesmaids as gifts for her wedding and I have mine decorating my bed right now! They come in different patterns and sizes. It would be super cute to include a set of the mini ones as newlywed gifts for their kitchen.
PASHA is committed to providing jobs for local people wherever they conduct business. This means ensuring their suppliers have good standards for their workers and that all Turkish weavers receive fair wages and have a clean and safe work environment. Turkey is home to the largest number of refugees in the world, many of them widows and orphans and they are committed to providing food, clothing and education to the least of these.
4. Personalized Candles from The Little Market
Another unique find from The Little Market — these customized candles! Put your couple’s names and wedding date OR you can create signature candles for your business with your logo. This would be a cute addition to their home or office leading up to their big day.
Their website also allows you to create your own customized gift sets that are ready to send with personalized messaging.
These candles are made in small batches by women who resettled as refugees in the United States. They earn living wages and develop their skill sets while creating a brighter future for themselves and their families.
5. Create Your Own Box from BOXFOX
Want to customize each gift to your client? BoxFox is an amazing company that helps you create your own boxes that they ship out for you! Their e-commerce site lets customers either pick a curated option (ready-to-send boxes!) or build the perfect gift box for any occasion through their platform. Whether personal or corporate, they top each gift with a handwritten note and ship around the world.
My favorite part about their platform is that you can filter their brands and products by BIPOC owned, Eco friendly, Gives Back, and Women owned. This allows me to curate client boxes with multiple products that give back to the community. I’m super impressed by their available product selection!
