Movie tickets, facials and books, oh my!

“REEL’ FAMILY FUN Giving the gift of an enjoyable experience has become a popular trend, and clients of…

“REEL’ FAMILY FUN

Giving the gift of an enjoyable experience has become a popular trend, and clients of Cindy Havenhill’s wealth management firm were some of the first recipients.

Every year, Ms. Havenhill bestows “movie boxes”: enough tickets for the whole family, as well as snacks to sneak into the theater. “All the wonderful junk food we love,” she said.

The packages have been so well-received that clients have copied the idea, she said. “It helps build a bond with the kids, too,” she added.

Hey, it’s never too early to start prospecting.

GIFT CARDS THAT INDULGE

Sometimes clients who work long and hard for the money advisers manage need to be enticed to enjoy life with a gift card for a fancy restaurant or luxury store.

Brittney Castro, founder of Financially Wise Women, likes to give her clients, who are all Gen X and Y professionals, gift cards to a local spa.

“Most women are so busy, they forget to treat themselves,” she said. For those who prefer the outdoors, setting up a tee time and picking up the greens’ fees at a local golf course could do the trick.

FOR CHARITY’S SAKE

What do you buy the high-net-worth client who wants for nothing?

Getting away from “things” can be the best answer.

Adviser Carolyn McClanahan, founder of Life Planning Partners Inc., finds that the best holiday present is one given to a charity. She asks clients to recommend organizations, and then picks three or four to donate to every holiday season, switching them up every year. The effort has been a big hit with clients.

“They like it much better than gift baskets,” she said.

CARDS TO IMPRESS

Holiday cards may seem like a cop-out, but to Lee Munson, principal at Portfolio LLC, it’s the main front in the holiday war.

“It’s an arms race to be front and center on the mantle piece,” he said. “When people come over and say, “Cool card, who’s it from?’ it gets conversations started.”

To make sure his firm stands out, Mr. Munson spends about $20 a card at the online store of New York’s Museum of Modern Art. “They’re like little pieces of art,” he said.

TOP SHELF

Carefully chosen books, videos or music can convey thanks in an affordable and meaningful way.

TABR Capital Management stopped sending a December holiday gift five years ago, and now sends a book to clients at Thanksgiving. “Lead … for God’s Sake,” by Todd Gonger, was the pick this year, according to TABR president Bob Kargenian. The firm said its best response came from James Stovall’s “The Ultimate Gift.”

Neal Van Zutphen, president of Intrinsic Wealth Counsel Inc., also sends a book. This year’s selection: “5: Where Will You Be Five Years from Today?”

CUSTOMIZE THOUGHTFULLY

Gifts that are uniquely meaningful will always create good will. Some advisers send personalized photo frames or hunt for out-of-print books with a connection to particular clients. Ms. Castro gathered dietary intelligence on certain clients, to whom she sends vegan cookies.

Anything illustrating that the adviser knows a client beyond the financial details will be spot on, said Mike Byrnes of Byrnes Consulting LLC.

HOLIDAY LORE

Many advisers send an item meant to be used or displayed over the holidays, such as a Roth-ko Christmas ornament. Ms. Haven-hill gives all her clients a Norman Rockwell calendar, and some receive fresh, hand-decorated wreaths.

— Jason Kephart and Liz Skinner