9 Creative Ways to Say Happy Birthday to Clients

Admit it. No matter how old you get, you still like to feel celebrated on your birthday. After all, birthdays aren’t just about honoring another year of life; they’re also an opportunity for friends and family to come together and enjoy one another’s company.

In the workplace, birthday celebrations are just as important. Recognizing birthdays is a way for businesses to build strong relationships with employees who make a difference as well as establish camaraderie within specific teams or departments. It’s a chance to go above and beyond for the people who go above and beyond for you.

Formal birthday greetings allow business leaders to demonstrate that they value their business relationships and take the time to remember personal details. But for birthday messages and gifts to have the biggest impact, they need to make a connection. In other words, a generic “Happy Birthday!” simply won’t do. Try a few of these creative “Happy Birthday” opportunities that you, as a business, have:

1. Embrace a classic: send a business greeting card

Birthday gifts for clients, partners and employees don't have to be complicated to make an impact. It's the act of remembering that makes the real difference, and saying "Happy Birthday" with business birthday cards from a brand that's known for quality shows the care you extend to every part of your organization. You may think with the popularity of digital communication that the importance of physical birthday cards has diminished, but the majority of people still want a real card they can hold and save.

Send happy birthday wishes to clients and customers with Hallmark and you'll show them your relationship is "card worthy." This simple, thoughtful touch is always appreciated and strengthens business relationships. Start shopping now from our wide selection of corporate birthday cards for clients.

2. Make a Donation

People tend to gravitate toward businesses that support charities or implement socially responsible marketing tactics. Use birthdays as an opportunity to give back! Integrate a birthday promotion with a charity that's related to the business. This can create goodwill and help support a cause.

3. Support healthy habits

With the rising popularity of healthy lifestyles in and out of the workplace (just think of all the vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, carb-free people you know!), surprise your customers with a birthday treat full of healthy goodies. Celebrate your wellness-conscious employees or customers with a delicious fruit basket, a water bottle to stay hydrated, a self-care gift or a health-focused greeting card.

4. Take them out for a meal

Send a birthday card about a week in advance, and in the card, ask to meet up at a local coffee shop or restaurant to catch up and celebrate. The location and specifics of the get-together don't really matter. What does matter is reconnecting and making them feel valued.

5. Send a sweet (local) treat

Everyone loves birthday cake! Partner with a local bakery and have treats delivered to your VIPs on their birthday. This is a great way to put a smile on customers’ faces and help show support for local businesses at the same time. Your key influencers will appreciate the caring gesture and the local baker will enjoy the exposure.

Make it even sweeter by adding a funny birthday card that features cake (and ice cream!) too.

6. Send a book

Look at the books that have been most influential to your company. Give one as a gift and tuck a nice birthday card inside. This gesture offers insight into company culture and opens the lines of communication for a future discussion about the book.

Gift books and activity journals are another great way to show clients you care. Hallmark's inspirational books will bring a smile to a client's face, give them an encouragement boost and build personal connections.

7. Send a gift that correlates with their hobbies

It’s important to keep tabs on your clients’, partners’ and employees’ favorite hobbies or passions. That way, when their birthday comes around, you can send them a thoughtful gift. As experts in birthdays and building relationships, you can count on Hallmark for great birthday gifts.

If you don’t have a pulse on their interests outside of work, a gift card always does the trick. Plus, it fits perfectly inside a Hallmark greeting card!

8. Give clients the gift of focus

In 2022, a top client gift is headphones. With many employees working hybrid or full-time remote, it can be difficult to focus in ever-changing work environments. By gifting your closest or most loyal clients a new pair of earbuds, you can help them dial in to virtual business meetings, block out unexpected noise with music they love or even just give them some peace and quiet as they work on their task list.

9. Above all: focus on the non-promotional

Birthday wishes for clients should focus on celebrating them and expressing appreciation for your partnership. The authentic, meaningful experience that results from just saying "Happy Birthday" and not asking for anything in return means a lot.

After all, building a relationship is the first step; maintaining it helps your business grow and remain healthy.

Hallmark Business Connections offers a wide range of cards to help you say happy birthday to clients. Browse our wide range of designs and find your favorites!

SHOP ALL BIRTHDAY CARDS

Keep in mind—you don't need to wait for birthdays to send clients greeting cards that deepen your connections. Check out Hallmark's cards for every occasion and show customers and clients how much you care today!