Unique Holiday Gifts for Clients and Employees: Custom Wooden Gifts

Every year around the holidays, businesses start looking for gifts for their employees, customers, and people they've worked with throughout the year. There are plenty of options out there, but finding something a little different can be a challenge.

At Horn Dog Maps, most people know me for my 3D wooden lake maps. I also make wooden cribbage boards and trophy boards, offering a variety of designs for people who enjoy spending time at the lake, playing cards, and making memories at the cabin.

If you're looking for unique holiday gifts for employees, a thank-you gift for a longtime customer, or something meaningful for your real estate clients, I've got a few ideas worth considering.

Personalized Client Gifts That Go Beyond the Usual Holiday Basket

Client gifts can be tricky, especially when you've worked with someone for years and want to give them something more personal than a standard holiday gift basket.

One approach is to think about the person receiving the gift rather than starting with your company logo.

If you know your client spends every summer at a cabin, a wooden map of their favorite lake could be a good fit. If they're a cribbage player, a wooden cribbage board might make more sense.

I make 3D wooden lake maps using actual lake depth data. The layers of wood show the shoreline and changes in depth, along with details of the surrounding area. They're made for people who have a connection to a particular lake, whether that's a family cabin, a favorite fishing spot, or somewhere they've been visiting for years.

You can browse my Minnesota lake maps and Wisconsin lake maps to see examples, or search for your favorite lake to see what's available. I also make maps of lakes throughout the United States and Canada, provided suitable lake depth data is available.

A gift doesn't have to have a business logo on it to come from your business. Sometimes choosing something specific to the customer says more than putting your name on another promotional item.

Unique Realtor Gifts for Clients and Lake Home Buyers

Real estate agents have a few different opportunities to give personalized gifts throughout the year. There are closing gifts, referral thank-you gifts, and holiday gifts for past clients.

If you're a realtor who works with lakefront properties, a wooden lake map is a gift worth considering. Think about a client who just purchased their first lake home or a family who finally found the cabin they've been looking for. A map of that lake is something they can display in their new home, connecting the gift to an exciting milestone in their lives.

But closing gifts aren't the only opportunity. Maybe you helped someone purchase their lake home earlier in the year, or you have a longtime client who spends every weekend on the water. A wooden lake map could make a thoughtful holiday gift or a way to thank someone for a referral.

It's a way to give something that reflects your client's interests and the relationship you've built with them, rather than another standard closing gift.

Find the Holiday Gift at Horn Dog Maps

Whether you're a business owner shopping for employee gifts, a realtor looking for a closing gift, or someone searching for a Christmas gift for a lake lover, take a look at what Horn Dog Maps has to offer.

I make 3D wooden lake maps, cribbage boards, and trophy boards that make great gifts for people who love spending time at the lake or cabin.

Take a look around Horn Dog Maps to explore my available products and find something for the people on your Christmas list.

Looking for a particular lake that you don't see listed? Contact Horn Dog Maps with the lake's name and location, and I'll let you know if it's something I can make.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Gifts

What are some unique Christmas gift ideas for employees?

If you're looking for something different from the usual gift cards or company merchandise, wooden cribbage boards and 3D wooden lake maps are worth considering. They're especially fitting for employees who enjoy playing cards, spending time at the cabin, or getting together with family and friends.

What makes a good realtor closing gift for someone buying a lake home?

A 3D wooden lake map is a personalized closing gift for someone purchasing a lake home or cabin. Instead of giving something generic, you can choose a map of the lake where your clients purchased their property. It's something they can display in their new home and enjoy for years. 

Can I order a wooden lake map for a lake outside Minnesota or Wisconsin?

Yes! I create wooden lake maps for customers throughout the United States and Canada, provided suitable lake depth data is available. If you're looking for a specific lake, contact me with its name and location. I'll let you know whether I can make a map of it.

How far in advance should I order Christmas gifts for employees or clients?

I recommend ordering early, especially during the holiday season. Production and shipping times can vary depending on the product and the number of orders I'm working on. If you're considering a wooden lake map or cribbage board as a Christmas gift, give yourself plenty of time for it to be made and delivered.

Are there larger custom lake gifts for special clients or occasions?

Yes! In addition to my 3D wooden lake maps, I also make custom lake map tables. These are larger woodworking projects that incorporate a lake's shape and depth into a functional piece of furniture. I've created tables using layered wood and epoxy, as well as carved wood designs with blue epoxy to represent the water.

A custom lake map table could make a memorable gift for a special client, a lake home owner, or someone celebrating a milestone. Each table is a custom project, so the design and details depend on what you're looking for.

You can see examples of my work in my blog, Custom Lake Map Tables: Bring Your Lake Into the Living Room.