Our agent made $30,000 from our deal, and didn’t even say thank you.
That message, from a recent Reddit post sparked a wildfire of responses after one couple shared that their agent, who closed a dual transaction, walked away with a sizable commission, but didn’t so much as say “thank you” on closing day. No card. No gift. Not even a follow-up text.
They weren’t expecting anything over the top. Just a gesture. A sign that the trust they placed in him meant something.
Judging by the hundreds of comments that followed, they’re not the only ones who feel that way.
In a relationship-driven business, moments like closing day aren’t just about handing over keys; they’re opportunities to build loyalty, spark referrals, and show your clients they matter.
But what exactly does that look like?
The Reddit Post That Hit a Nerve
Before we dive into the best closing gift ideas we’ve seen (including some creative responses from BAMx members), here’s the Reddit post that started the conversation.
The headline itself is heartbreaking: “Did we do something wrong?”
But the deeper conversation wasn’t just about the stuff. It was about feeling valued. It was about being treated like a human being, not just a means to another bank deposit.
This is where standout agents make their mark. And it’s where the right closing gift, or the right gesture, can be more than a thank-you. It can be the beginning of a lifetime relationship.
So, what are the best gifts agents are giving right now? We’ve got answers, from Reddit commenters and agents in the field.
Best Closing Gifts to Show Appreciation & Build Trust
For starters, plenty of the commenters on Reddit gave props to their agents for closing gifts that made them feel valued and appreciated.
Some of the standouts:
- Ring cameras (mentioned multiple times)
- Cutting boards (especially when high quality or paired with other items)
- $200 gift card to Home Depot/Lowe’s (especially for fixer-upper buyers)
- Painting of a deceased pet (died during the home purchase process)
- Lemon or blood orange tree (tied to client’s story or yard plans)
- BBQ grill or grilling tools
- Power washing and paid-for termite inspection
- PS2 console (given to a child in the household)
- Costco membership and $100 gift card
- Holiday pies or Thanksgiving pie delivery
- Wreaths mailed at Christmas
- Holiday brunch invitations with free professional photos
- Gift basket with local treats, gift cards, household items, etc.
- Annual Christmas gifts or cards following the sale
- Professional house deep-cleaning before move-in
- Personalized Yetis or coffee mugs
Closing Gifts That Missed the Mark
In the “some gifts are worse than nothing” category, Redditors shared details on closing gifts that were tone-deaf, impersonal, or came across as cheap, awkward, or inappropriate:
- Wine for a visibly pregnant client
- Champagne or alcohol for clients who don’t drink (despite the agent knowing)
- Cutco knives paired with a pitch for the wife’s MLM business
- Bottle of wine kept in a hot car
- Ugly branded cutting board
- “Massive” Christmas floral arrangement
- “Hang it on the wall” home decor item that felt like clutter
On a more uplifting note, BAMx members shared their own closing gift ideas in a recent community post.
Closing Gifts for Buyers
- Custom address tile for the outside of the home
- Personalized address stamp
- Ring doorbell or similar smart device
- Canvas painting of the home by a local artist
- Welcome mat with monogram
- Canvas print with home coordinates, packaged in a gift basket with snacks, wine, glasses, and a blanket
- Custom gifts for kids or pets, when applicable
- Follow-up delivery of needed items a week after move-in
- Holiday or seasonal gifts (like pies or wreaths)
Closing Gifts for Sellers
- Canvas print of a listing photo
- Hardcover photo book made from listing photos
- Painting of the home by a local artist
- Personalized video message from a favorite athlete or celebrity
- Local, meaningful items, such as homemade bread or cutting boards made from reclaimed wood
- Canvas painting with “thanks for the memories” message
- Nice bottle of wine, tailored to the client when possible
What would you add to this list? Or will any of these make it into your own client appreciation strategy for 2025?
