50+ Referral Gift Ideas [Get More Customers to Share Your Brand]

Most referral gift advice starts and stops with the same question: “What do we give the person who referred us a customer?” That matters. But it’s only half the equation.

The other half: what does the referrer get to offer their friend? The best referral programs give both sides a reason to participate. Your advocate gets a great gift. Their friend gets a special deal. That’s what makes a referral feel like a favor, not a sales pitch. 

The gifts you choose shape how your program feels. Get it right and your program feels generous. Get it wrong and it feels transactional.

Here’s all you need to know to nail both sides of the referral gift equation (and make both the sharer and their friend feel like VIPs in the process). 

Why non-cash gifts outperform cash rewards

A referral gift is a non-cash reward you give a customer when they successfully refer someone to your business, similar to referral incentives like cash, credits, or discounts. It can be anything from a gift basket to branded swag to a charitable donation in their name. 

The University of Chicago found that non-cash referral gifts are 24% more effective than cash incentives. A thoughtfully chosen gift creates an emotional connection that a generic credit can’t match. And when the gift is something tangible, your customer is reminded of your brand every time they use it.

Thoughtful referral gift-giving shows customers you appreciate their referral and makes them more likely to refer again in the future.

Don’t forget the friend

Most referral programs put all their energy into what the referrer gets. That’s only half the picture.

When your customer refers someone, they’re putting their reputation on the line. They’re vouching for you. The best thing you can do is make them look good by giving their friend something valuable too.

This doesn’t mean sending the friend a gift basket. The friend’s incentive should motivate a first purchase: a discount, free trial, store credit, or free first month. Something that lowers the barrier to trying you out. For B2B, consider incentives like getting the first month free, a free trial, or an experiential gift instead of cash back.

Here’s the reframe: the referral itself becomes the gift. Your customer isn’t just “referring” someone. They’re giving their friend a special deal, an inside track, a hookup. When you set it up this way, the sharer doesn’t feel like they’re selling out their friend. They feel like they’re doing their friend a favor.

That shift, from “earn a reward” to “give your friend a gift,” changes how people talk about your program. It’s a give, not an ask. And it makes the whole program feel generous rather than transactional.

Now that you know why (and how) you should reward the friend, what makes a great gift for the person who referred? Here are 50+ ideas across 9 categories.

1. Referral gift baskets 

Nothing says appreciation like a thoughtfully assembled collection of goodies. Gift baskets work particularly well for businesses with longer sales cycles (B2B companies, lawyers, insurance, service providers). In those relationships, you have enough time to learn what someone enjoys and personalize the basket to show you were really listening.

Source

You can even create a “grand prize” basket with a luxury or high-priced item for your top referrers (those who’ve sent 5-10+ referrals). Set up your referral reward rules so top referrers earn the premium basket.

Referral gift basket ideas

• The beachy basket: A beach blanket, towel, collapsible cooler, sunscreen, and a branded tumbler. Pack it all in a beach bag for the complete setup.

Source

• An office basket: A coffee tumbler, high-quality notebook, and a nice pen. For a high-stakes version, add a fancy keyboard or desk accessories. Pens, mugs, and stress balls can all be personalized or branded too.
• Something for the kids: Family is important. If you know your referrer is a new parent or has young kids, this is a simple way to show you were paying attention.

          Source

• Time to relax basket: Soap, lotion, bath salts, and a loofah. Take it up a notch with a gift certificate for a facial or massage. See the self-care section for more ideas.
• A fido box: Toys, treats, and pet care items. Those in the animal and pet industry can gift this to any client who refers new customers. People have a soft spot for pets.

Source

• Green thumb basket: A box of succulents or small houseplants, plus garden gloves, a watering can, or a windchime.

 

Source

• Traveler’s essentials: A travel basket with items such as a luggage tag, toiletry pouch, passport holder, and water bottle would be quite the gift for the explorer.

Tips:

• You can create a couple of basket options and let referrers choose once they hit the referral threshold.
• Mix branded and non-branded items in the same basket.
• These can get expensive, so choose how you use them wisely.

Source

2. Branded swag 

Let’s address the elephant in the room: most branded swag ends up in the donation pile. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The key is creating branded items people actually want to use. Not just a pen with your logo, but high-quality, useful items your customers will proudly display. You’re rewarding your referrers and getting free advertising whenever they use your gift in public. Plus, you can order swag in bulk, making it cost-effective.

51% of Millennials have kept promo products for more than 5 years. That’s 5 years of practically free advertising.

Source

Branded swag ideas

• Sweatshirts and hoodies: Everyone loves repping something on a sweatshirt. Think of how popular alumni and sports team hoodies are. For a B2B referral program, you can even send a dual logo gift.

Source

• Fleece zipper jackets: Practical, useful, and a little more polished than a standard hoodie.
• Backpacks: Travel gear is huge, and a nice backpack works for daily use or travel.
• Tote bags: Great for any niche. Pop in a branded pen and notepad too.
• Insulated drinkware: Water bottles, travel mugs, and wine tumblers. Reusable and eco-friendly. People bring insulated cups practically everywhere (work, school, travel).

Source

• Hats: Trucker hats, baseball caps, winter beanies. 69% of consumers own some form of promotional headwear, even those who usually don’t wear hats.
• Blankets: A cozy throw blanket works for years. Perfect for real estate or home service industries.
• Portable speakers: Bluetooth speakers can get pricey, but they’re awesome appreciation gifts. Easy to transport, useful, and great for hard-to-shop-for people.
• Coolers: Branded coolers are still hot on the market. Great for corporate outings and family events alike.

Source

Tips:

• Not everyone wants to wear something branded, so find a balance between visibility and subtlety.
• Many distributors offer discounts for bulk orders.

3. Useful items

Not everyone wants to be a walking billboard for your brand, and that’s totally fine! Sometimes the best referral gifts have zero branding but tons of usefulness.

When does it make sense to skip the branding? Businesses who have high-value items or luxury brands may choose to skip the branding as that may be more preferred by their clients. 

Also, depending on your type of business, people may not be comfortable sharing certain information on blast. For example, someone who has had cosmetic surgery or denture work may not want to announce it by wearing or using branded merch. 

Types of useful gifts 

Pretty much anything mentioned in the branded swag section can also be used as a non-branded referral gift. So, fleece jackets, travel mugs, backpacks, laptop sleeves, water bottles, etc. can all work. Because you are not branding anything, you can also cater to the individual and choose more industry-specific gifts, such as the ones below. 

• Outdoorsy items: Your customers may be one with nature. Why not supply them with something to make their time spent outdoors more enjoyable? Items like camping gear, beach gear, hiking gear, or something for the patio are enjoyable gifts. 

Source 

• Kitchen tools: These make sense for someone in the food industry. If they happen to be a top referrer, you can gift them a high-ticket item like an espresso machine, a set of pots and pans, or a Cuisinart mixer.
• Working hour gifts: You don’t need to gift a computer – though you could. But you can consider accessories and smaller gadgets that can be useful for the average work day. A nice journal or calendar can make sense. A small tablet, charging station, tabletop clock, letter board, and desktop organizer are also great work-related referral gift ideas. They also make great corporate or B2B referral gifts! 

Source

• A handy item: A nice multitool can be both functional and well received. For someone in a hands-on industry, this gift can be truly appreciated. 
• Fitness-focused gifts: You can really go in any direction here. Yoga mats, massage guns, fitness journals, and workout equipment are great for clients who focus on fitness, or ones that you have learned are fitness fanatics. 

Source

• Something for the globetrotter: You may have clients who travel frequently. Whether it’s for work or play, someone who travels often could really love a travel-related gift. Luggage, a solid toiletry set, noise-canceling headphones, a personal emergency alarm, or something like a portable water purifier can make any travel enthusiast jump for joy.

 Source

Tips:

• Useful gifts aren’t always a one-size-fits-all option. But if the majority of your clientele are interested in the same sorts of things, you may be able to work out a deal if you do a bulk order. 
• If you’re in an industry where referrals aren’t necessarily flying in, you can probably send a niche gift to each referrer. But, if you’re having to send gifts constantly, perhaps choose 1 or 2 items to stick to.
• These gifts can get expensive. But if you’re in an industry where referrals are extra-gold, the ROI can absolutely justify the cost.

4. Self-care gift ideas

Life happens, and even those who act calm, cool, and collected need a little me time. Everyone wants and deserves a little time to decompress, regroup, and move on. Everyone needs a reminder to take a breather sometimes, especially your high-achieving clients in stressful positions. So why not offer gifts that encourage customers to take the time to relax? 

Types of self-care gifts

These items can be given individually or combined as gift sets to create the whole experience. As we mentioned previously, self-care baskets make amazing gifts. You can fill them up with bath salts, bath bombs, robes, slippers, oils, and even tools to create the perfect self-care experience for saying thank you to your referrers. 

• High-quality or luxury brands: High-end soaps, body washes, lotions, and skincare sets may offer your referrer something they have never tried before. People are into skincare and luxury bath items now more than ever. Revenue for the beauty and personal care market amounts to $564.40 billion, this year alone!
• Soft and fuzzy: Fuzzy blankets and fuzzy socks pair really well with other self-care items. You can offer them together or along with an eye mask or face mask to help someone create the perfect night in. 

Source

• Essential oils and a diffuser: Essential oils are a great self-care referral gift. They also may be a great gift for clients who are into natural healing and healthy living. 
• Scented candles: Who doesn’t love getting a new candle? To make this an extra special referral gift, you can dress it up a bit by adding a fancy candle holder, and special wick lighter.
• Spa gift baskets: When most people think of a self-care gift, a spa basket probably comes to mind. You can really go all out here or focus on very specific types of self-care. For example, you can focus on hair care, skincare, or even hands and feet. If you’re in an industry that focuses on certain aspects of beauty or personal care, you can cater the basket to fit that. 

Source

• Plush robes: A luxurious plush robe can help even the most stressed person relax a little. Whether you choose to pair it with other items or deliver it alone, it’s sure to be appreciated. 
• A high-quality journal: Not all self-care has to be related to spa products. Journaling can also be self-care, as it’s a great mental escape for many people.

Source

Tips:

• It doesn’t matter how nice or luxurious the gift is. Not everyone may be inspired to refer if the incentive is a self-care item. 
• There are a ton of premade self-care boxes out there. Some you can pick and choose what goes in it, and some businesses have really well thought out spa baskets already made. You can order these and have them sent out without having to put much effort into it.

5. Food and drink gifts

Almost everyone loves discovering new food and drinks. It’s a universal language of appreciation that’s hard to get wrong. If you know a customer’s favorite foods, this is an excellent opportunity to personalize.

Food and drink gift ideas

• Variety of cookies: Fresh cookies from a local bakery, or a premade gift box of cookies or cakes shipped directly to your referrers.

Source

Source

• A charcuterie board: Williams-Sonoma cheese crates make the perfect charcuterie referral gift.
• Wine or a mixed drink kit: A bottle or two, a wine and cheese basket, or a drink kit with mix, garnishes, glass, and a snack. You could also offer a virtual happy hour if your business does regular customer meet-and-greets.

            Source

• Coffee or tea: A coffee aficionado would appreciate a new roast paired with a nice mug. You can even offer a subscription to stay top of mind. Tea lovers appreciate a selection with a tea leaf steeper and nice cup.
• Chocolate and sweets: You really can’t go wrong with a sweet treat for your sweet-tooth clients.

Source

• Snack bundle: Snack bars, crackers, nuts, and popcorn. Easy to create bundles that fit specific tastes.

Source

• A punch of flavor: Shelf-stable sauces, spices, and food rubs for any self-proclaimed chef.
• A complete kit: Everything needed to make a meal. BBQ basket with grilling tools, sauces, and spice rubs. Pretzel kit with dough mix, salt, and mustard. Pizza kit with dough, sauce, cheese, and a pizza stone.

Source

Tips:

• Always check for allergies and other dietary restrictions before sending food gifts.
• For non-local shipping, stick to shelf-stable foods (candies, oils, spices, cooking kits).
• Mix food ideas together to create a gourmet sampler.

6. Gift cards to other businesses

We know, we know—gift cards can feel impersonal. But hear us out: sometimes giving your referrers the freedom to choose exactly what they want is the most thoughtful approach. Plus, who says you can’t sneak a gift card into a gift basket?

This works especially well for businesses where customers might not purchase from you again for a long time (like realtors or car dealerships).

You can even create a gift card menu, where referrers can choose their own gift card from several different options. Popular choices are Amazon, Starbucks, Target, and some apparel brands. Most of the time, these options are a safe bet and are received graciously. 

Source

Tips:

• These may not always seem like the most genuine or personal – but regardless, people do love them. 
• You can offer multiple gift cards (“Let me pay for three date nights”) and then give gift cards to three different restaurants. 

7. Tech-focused gifts

For the gadget lovers in your customer base, tech gifts can be incredibly motivating—especially for those big-ticket referrals. Technology gifts can be on the expensive side, so most of these should be saved for top referrers who hit a big milestone.

If your clientele is on the techy side, but you’re not wanting to max your budget, a good portable charging bank or small portable speaker may work as a less expensive tech option.

Tech gift ideas

With the world constantly plugged in, you have no shortage of options when it comes to tech gear. If you are in the tech industry, you may even find something more suitable for your business to give. 

• A portable speaker: These are great gifts even for those who aren’t as tech-savvy. They are also a good size if you are wanting to add some branding.

Source

• Reusable notebook: A reusable notebook (like a RocketBook) is both unique and fits the mold of a tech junkie.
• A smart speaker for the home: We’re living in a digital world, and smart homes are becoming more popular. A smart speaker can be budget-friendly but can pack a big punch. 
• A portable charging bank: Cellphones are a lifeline for most of us. A portable charging bank can be an awesome gift for those constantly on the go, or those who just want a nice little tech gift. 
• Headphones, earbuds, or AirPods: Nice headphones or earbuds are popular options. You can even pay a little extra for a nice set of noise-canceling headphones. 
• A laptop (for top referrers only): People definitely have their preferences when it comes to computers. But, regardless of the preferred brand, a laptop is a solid gift. And it’s something that is valuable enough to get people in the referring mood. 
• A smartphone or tablet (for top referrers only): Tablets, Ipads, and such devices are hot commodities, and people will be motivated to refer if this is a referral gift option.
• Frame Smart TV (for top referrers only): If you’re wanting to do a higher treasured tech item for a super referrer, you could offer something bigger like a Frame Smart TV.

        Source

Tips:

• Tech can be expensive. So you may want to use this only as a top-tier type of gift. 
• People do have their preferences for brands. If your referrer is an Android user, AirPods probably won’t be worth it for them. 

8. Charitable referral gifts

Some clients (especially in the B2B space) can’t accept gifts due to company policies. Others simply prefer making a positive impact over receiving material things. If this is the case, you can give back with a charitable gift, and even make the gift in the referrer’s name. 

Source

You might list several organization options where the donation could go, and let the referrer pick their favorite one. Or, you can let them choose one they are already familiar with. Many people are already involved with organizations that mean a lot to them, and if your options are not of interest, they may not want to refer you. 

Charitable gift ideas

You might also donate a physical item – or set of physical items – to a charity in a referrer’s name, like meals or clothing. Try these charitable gift ideas:

Source

• Plant a tree: You could plant a tree or sponsor an endangered animal in the referrer’s name.
• Clothing and non-perishable goods: Donating to those in need is a great way to share how thankful you are. It provides to the community and helps everyone involved feel good.
• School equipment: Books, supplies, or sports equipment can be donated to the referrer’s selected school. This not only makes you and the referrer look good, but it gives back to the community in a big way.

Tips:

• Be sure to send a personalized note to the referrer explaining that the donation was made, and thanking them for their referral and support. A handwritten note is best here. 

9. Experiential referral gifts

Sometimes the most valuable gift isn’t a thing at all—it’s an experience they’ll remember for years to come.

This approach works beautifully for B2B relationships where significant money changes hands and a tangible gift might feel inadequate.

Experiential gift ideas

There are millions of experiences you can give. Here are a few more affordable experience options to consider.

• Sports tickets: Professional sports game tickets seem to be given quite frequently. Why? People love watching live sports, especially if it’s their favorite team.

Source

• Concert tickets: We may not all have the same taste in music. But concerts are fun regardless. You can even choose to give tickets to a music festival. 
• Cooking or acting class: Some may like theater tickets, while others may enjoy actually experiencing things firsthand. A fun class can be a great experience!
• Paid conference or expo admission: This one hits two birds with one stone. You can provide them with a learning experience that is both fun and useful for their job. 
• Flight credits: Maybe you can’t pay for an entire vacation, but you can offer a good chunk of flight credits so they can make it happen. 

Tips:

• The only catch? You’ll need to really know your referrers and their interests to nail this one. But when you do, the impact is unmatched.
• Experiences can get pricey. And you cannot always buy them in bulk, so you may have to plan these out individually.

How to choose the right referral gift

Personalized gifts create that warm fuzzy feeling, but they take time and can get expensive. Bulk gifts are more cost-effective, especially if your average purchase value is low or you’re running a high-volume program.

Be realistic about your budget and bandwidth. It’s better to send a quality bulk gift promptly than to promise a personalized gift that takes months to deliver.

Source

And remember — the most successful referral programs reward both sides of the equation. While your referring customer might get a cool gift, the person they refer should also get something special.

This makes it easier for your customers to make the referral. After all, they’re not just asking friends to check you out—they’re giving their friend a special deal too! 

Make gifting part of your referral operations

Choosing the right gift is one decision. Getting it into people’s hands consistently is the ongoing work.

If you want a smoothly operating referral program, you need automation. Referral software tracks every referral back to the person who made it using unique, trackable referral links. Once the software confirms a successful referral, it automatically triggers the reward, whether that’s sending the gift directly or notifying you to ship it.

The software also keeps your referrers in the loop. They’ll know when their referral was successful and when their gift is on the way. If you’ve set up a gift menu, they can choose their option right from the notification.

Even if you plan to send gifts manually, the software tells you who earned a reward and when to send it. And if you’re also offering the friend a reward, that can be triggered automatically.

Consider rotating your gift options quarterly. It keeps the program fresh for repeat referrers and gives you a reason to re-promote the program. That kind of ongoing attention is what separates referral programs that produce steady results from ones that spike and fizzle.

The gift is the program

The gift you choose says something about your business. A thoughtful gift says you value the relationship. A lazy one says you’re just going through the motions.

But the biggest shift you can make isn’t which gift you pick from this list. It’s how you frame the whole thing. The best referral programs don’t just reward the person who referred. They give that person something worth sharing with their friend. When both sides win, your customers don’t feel like they’re “referring.” They feel like they’re giving a gift.

That’s what turns a referral program from a marketing tactic into something your customers actually want to participate in.