Client gifts · Law
What are good client gifts for law firms?
Client gift ideas for law firms by budget, with what ABA Model Rule 7.2 says about thank-you gifts for referrals, the IRS $25 rule and order-by dates.
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Short answer
Law firms do best with understated client gifts: a shareable food or gift box for a client's office, or one quality everyday item for an individual, with a card instead of a big logo. For referral thank-yous, ABA Model Rule 7.2(b)(5) allows only nominal gifts that aren't compensation. Check your state's rule.
On this page
Gift types by use
Each row matches a type of gift to who it suits, with the source for the reason. Survey figures are from a vendor survey.
| Best for | Gift type | Why it fits | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate client's legal department | Shareable gift box with per-gift message | Packed with Purpose ships to multiple addresses and prints a message up to 800 characters per gift | Packed with Purpose |
| Individual client after a matter closes | One premium everyday item | 55% prefer one premium item; daily utility is the top reason a gift is kept (51%) (employee data) | Custom Ink survey |
| Referral sources | Nominal thank-you (card + small consumable) | Rule 7.2(b)(5) "nominal gifts as an expression of appreciation" | ABA Model Rule 7.2 |
| Firm seminars and events | Low-cost imprinted items | Items ≤$4 with your name imprinted, widely distributed, aren't gifts for the $25 limit | IRS Pub. 463 |
Frequently asked questions
What do law firms give clients for the holidays?
Common choices are shareable food or gift boxes for a client's team and one quality everyday item for individual clients, with a handwritten card. Keep logos small.
Can lawyers give gifts to people who refer clients?
ABA Model Rule 7.2(b) bars giving anything of value for recommending a lawyer's services, with an exception in (b)(5) for nominal gifts of appreciation that aren't intended or expected as compensation. States adopt their own versions, so check your state bar's rule. Not legal advice.
How much can a law firm deduct for client gifts?
IRS Publication 463 limits business-gift deductions to $25 per recipient per tax year. Incidental costs like engraving and shipping generally don't count. Not tax advice.
Can we send gifts to government clients?
Federal employees generally may accept unsolicited gifts of $20 or less per source per occasion and $50 a year from one source, not cash (5 CFR 2635.204). Other public employers set their own limits.
Should a law firm put its logo on client gifts?
Keep it subtle or leave it off; 42% of employees in Custom Ink's 2026 survey preferred a small logo. Branded items work better for firm events than as client thank-yous.
Sources
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