Key Takeaways: Client gifts are a must to show your regulars just how much your appreciate them. The kicker? They can be tough to choose. Enter the NAOB Client Gift Guide – your one-stop shop for all the best client goodies for the holiday season this year.
It's no secret that you wouldn't be where you are without your barbering clients. Right? Easy yes. And at NAOB, we think that calls for a little something sweet for your fave clients (or, you know, all of them).
The holiday season is the perfect time to show your appreciation for the clients who trust you to keep them looking sharp all year round. While a quality haircut or beard trim is your bread and butter, Christmas presents an opportunity to elevate your client relationships with thoughtful gifts.
Gifting is an exciting, emotional, and fun experience—but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Sometimes, finding the right gift for your clients can be challenging or frustrated.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with this barbering client gift guide, packed with ideas to suit every budget and client style.
The Must-Read Barbering Client Gift Guide
Whether you consider this guide your client gift Bible or you’re just using this list for a little of your own creativity inspo, we’re proud to present a helpful, fun, and killer guide for gifting to your barbering clients.
These gifts span a range of prices and purposes, but remember, you don’t need to get your client a super pricy gift to let them know you care and you're appreciative of their patronage (and friendship, too).
Our advice for gifting? Always aim for something thoughtful, functional, and fun within the barbering-client relationship realm.
Travel Friendly Grooming Kits
For clients who are always on the go, a compact grooming kit is a practical and thoughtful gift. Include essentials like a travel-sized comb, mini styling products, and a small mirror. You can even brand the kit with your shop’s logo for an added personal touch. This gift is functional, sleek, and a constant reminder of your stellar services.
Barbershop Gift Cards
Let’s be real—there’s nothing better than the gift of a fresh cut. Create custom gift cards or vouchers that clients can use for their next appointment. Bonus points if you offer a small discount for January redemptions, encouraging early-year bookings. Gift cards are versatile, appreciated, and easy to tailor to any budget.
Custom Combs or Brushes
Invest in high-quality combs or brushes and personalize them with your logo or a heartfelt message. A sleek wooden comb or detangling brush makes a great gift that blends utility with sentiment. Plus, it subtly markets your business every time they style their hair.
Premium Beard Care & Other Products
Beard care isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle for many of your clients. A small bottle of beard oil, a tin of balm, or a boar-bristle brush can go a long way in showing you care. Look for products with natural ingredients and versatile scents to appeal to a broad range of clients.
Seasonal Styling Stuff
The winter months bring dry air, frizz, and other hair challenges. Surprise your clients with styling products tailored for cold weather, like a hydrating pomade or anti-static spray. Choose high-quality, salon-grade products to elevate their grooming routine.
"Sometimes, it's the simple gestures that leaves the biggest impressions–especially when it comes to barbering client gifts."
Treats, Goodies, and Festive Sweets
Sometimes, it’s the simple gestures that leave the biggest impression. A small bag of holiday-themed treats—think chocolates, cookies, or even a mini bottle of champagne—can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Add a handwritten note to make it extra special.
The Gift of a Monthly Expense
If you’re looking to really wow the barber in your life, consider gifting them a monthly expense. Whether you want to cover their electric bill, their water, the monthly rate for PPE in the shop, or even their delivery lunches for the month, it can be a great way to really make a difference in their bottom line. The other great thing about this gift? It’s a sliding scale. If you have the resources or desire to pay for something substantial, go for it—if you want to offer a smaller, but equally as meaningful gift, you can do that through this avenue, too.
Barbering Hot Towel Experience (But at Home)
OK, so, no, they'll ever be able to replicate what you do in the shop. But, you can help them kind of recreate the luxury of a barber shop hot towel service with a DIY kit. Include a small hand towel, a guide to warming and using it, and perhaps a calming essential oil like eucalyptus or lavender. It’s a thoughtful nod to one of the most relaxing parts of the barbering experience.
Your Barber Shop's Swag
Custom merchandise can be both a gift and a branding tool. Think stylish snapbacks, beanies, T-shirts, or even reusable water bottles with your barber shop logo. These items are great for regulars who love repping their favorite local spots.
Tiny DIY Hair Cut Kit (For Emergencies)
We all know there are times when clients can’t make it to the shop—holiday travel, unexpected closures, or life’s little emergencies. A small DIY haircut kit, complete with trimming scissors, a guide for basic touch-ups, and a voucher for their next appointment, can show that you’re thinking ahead for their needs.
Exclusive Loyalty Perks
Why not use the holidays as an opportunity to reward your most loyal clients? Offer a special “Client Appreciation Card” with perks like discounts, a free service after a certain number of visits, or early access to new products or services.
Mini Coffee or Cocktail Kits
Tap into the festive spirit with mini kits for making coffee or cocktails. Include high-quality coffee grounds or beans, a festive mug, or a tiny bottle of holiday liquor and mixer. For a non-alcoholic option, hot cocoa kits are always a hit.
Personalized Holiday Cards
Don’t underestimate the power of a handwritten card. Write a personalized note thanking each client for their support throughout the year. Mention something specific, like how you’ve enjoyed cutting their hair or seeing their beard evolution. It’s a small but meaningful way to connect.
A Subscription Surprise
Give the gift that keeps on giving with a subscription to a grooming or lifestyle service. From monthly shaving kits to premium coffee deliveries, there are plenty of options to match your clients’ preferences.
Give Back Together
If you want to create a lasting impact, consider making a donation in your clients’ names to a local charity or community cause. Inform them of your donation with a card explaining how their support of your business made it possible.
Host a Holiday Raffle
Instead of individual gifts, organize a holiday raffle where every client gets an entry with their December visit. Offer a grand prize like a deluxe grooming set, a free haircut for a year, or a holiday gift basket. It adds a fun and festive twist to their appointments.
See, we’re not all boring insurance talk on this blog. We’re really here to help barbers boost their careers (and even get what they want for holiday presents). In other words, when it comes to barbering and everything surrounding it, we’ve got barbers’ backs – including the ultimate client gift guide (like this one right here!)
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