I'm a member of a few fitness groups on Facebook and a common question I've seen a few fitness owners ask recently is what gift should they give their clients to show appreciation.

People have been suggesting yoga mats, gloves, jump ropes, t-shirts, water bottles with the business logo on them, journals, towels with the business logo on them and gift cards.

I don’t think any of these are great ideas.

First of all, if you give your clients a gift with your business logo on it, it smells of self-promotion, NOT true appreciation.

Secondly, if you get every client the same gift, it shows that you didn't put much thought into truly appreciating them.

If you get everyone a Starbucks gift card, guess what? Not everyone drinks coffee (or likes Starbucks).

If you get everyone a bottle of wine, guess what? Not everyone likes wine. Or they might be a recovering alcoholic.

Many of these clients have been with you for a year or longer.

And they've spent hundreds, if not thousands of dollars with your business.

Spend a little extra time and money to personalize the gift to each individual.

This goes for any business owner, or anyone that wants to show appreciation in the workplace.

If you truly care and love your clients (which I know you do or you wouldn't have a business without them) take a little extra time and spend a little extra money to make the gift personal.

That little extra effort will go a long way.

There is a great book that I just finished reading called Giftology.

It's all about the art of appreciating clients with gifts.

The book suggests you make the gift one that the spouse can enjoy too.

One of the suggested gifts is an engraved carving knife (engraved with the client's name, not your logo). :)

Then, anytime the recipient or spouse uses the knife, your name will come front and center in their mind,

And if you don't have the money for gifts, no worries.

A well thought out handwritten thank you note showing true appreciation for your client will be a winner!

Much better than a towel with your logo on it, don't you think? :)