18 Donor Gifts to Express Your Appreciation

Donors are the life force of any organization. Their generosity fuels the work you can do and allows you to make a more significant impact. Gifting donors shows that their support doesn’t go unnoticed. It goes a long way in extending loyalty and strengthening relationships.

Benefits of Recognizing Donors

The functions and reach of nonprofits revolve around fundraising. For your organization to fulfill its mission, it must receive adequate funding, and one of the best ways to turn first-time donors into major donors is by showing gratitude.

Donor gifts are an effective way to acknowledge those who fund your mission. A lack of recognition could make donors feel inclined to look for a similar cause where they’re more appreciated. Gifting is a crucial part of letting your donors know they’re valued and important to what you do.

A donor gift is also a practical way to follow up on donations and a sincere way to reciprocate their gift to your organization. Word will spread, and you can attract more potential donors to fund your establishment.

18 Best Donor Gifts

Gifts are a memorable way to say thank you and remind donors of how they’ve helped your mission.

While finding the right gift is important, you should also work within a budget so you don’t spend too much of the funding on gifting. Here are the best donor appreciation gift ideas for different levels:

Low-Level Donor Gifts

Donors who give small amounts also deserve gratitude. All their donations add up over time, and it’s essential to show them appreciation so they will feel inspired to keep giving to your mission. Here are six small but thoughtful donor gifts for low-level givers:

1. Stickers

If you want a low-budget way to thank donors for small donations, vibrant lapel sticker rolls are a fantastic option. You can easily hand them out during fundraisers, and people will feel appreciated when they look at them.

2. Personalized Letters

A letter or note is a considerate and low-cost way to extend gratitude. You can work off of a template to make sending notes to each donor easier. Each letter should include the following details:

• Recipient’s name
• Personalized thank you for their donation amount
• Gift history showcasing all the ways they’ve donated to your cause

3. Mints

There’s a reason mints are a popular promotional gift. Recipients keep them in their pockets or handbags and always have them on hand.

Your organization’s name will be on their minds every time they enjoy a mint. Handing out conveniently sized customized mints to low-level donors can increase their interest in your organization, potentially bringing them up to mid-level donors.

4. Crayons

Depending on your establishment, a fun, kid-friendly option like customized, nontoxic promotional crayons might be a perfect little gift.

Brightly colored crayons work well if you’re collecting donations at a fundraiser, such as a fair or fun family event. These kinds of gifts are memorable and promote brand awareness.

5. Bandanas and Neck Gaiters

Many organizations hold sports fundraisers, so a cooling customized neck gaiter or bandana would be an excellent thank-you gift. Donors can use it while participating and take it home for future use. It’s also an affordable way to get your organization’s name out there.

Bandanas are multi-functional gifts. Donors can use them to cover their hair, keep their necks cool and absorb sweat.

6. Pens

Pens make good custom donor gifts because most people use them. They’re a budget-friendly way to show your appreciation and give sponsors a functional present.

A pen is also an effective way to promote your brand because people often use it, increasing your organization’s visibility and exposure.

Mid-Level Donor Gifts

Mid-level donors provide a reservoir of steady support that can consistently and noticeably impact your organization. Their gifts help maintain the functions of your day-to-day missions. They contribute to paying for regular bills like electricity, staff and supplies.

Gifting builds a pipeline for channeling mid-level donors into major contributors. It keeps the conversation open, so you’ll have previous touchpoints to connect with if you talk to them about leveling up their donations.

Here are six creative donor recognition ideas that are excellent for mid-level donors:

1. Mugs

Mugs are suitable for mid-level donor gifts. They offer the component of donor recognition while still being comfortably priced and versatile.

A mug with a unique design is a great gift on its own. To make it more special, include a few tasty snacks in the mug and attach a thank-you note.

2. Food Items

Delicious consumables are a kind way to show your appreciation to donors. You can select a local treat or send them a classic, like a gourmet cookie gift box with a personalized note.

Find out about any allergens or food intolerances beforehand. However, even if the donor themselves can’t eat the product, they may be able to share it with friends and family.

3. Plants

Mid-level donors enjoy long-lasting gifts, and plants are the gifts that keep on giving.

Choose a grow kit with a special thank-you message to really make them feel appreciated. A heartfelt note with the plant shows that you put thought and kindness into the gift.

Donors will care for the plant regularly and be reminded of their impact on your organization. This will encourage them to keep giving as they see how their efforts help others.

4. Branded Apparel

Branded merchandise is an effective way to provide fundraiser thank-you gifts. It can credit donors and remind them of your mission, strengthening the relationships between donors and organizations. These gifts also promote loyalty to your organization. When donors wear them in public, they create awareness.

Simple branded merchandise like a pure cotton customized T-shirt does well for mid-level donor gifts because it offers top quality at a reasonable price.

5. Annual Gratitude Report

Gifting your mid-level donors with an annual gratitude report helps them see how their loyalty is changing lives. It shows them your progress for the year and how every donor has helped. Here are some tips to create a heartwarming and functional gratitude report:

• Focus on telling a story of how donors’ funds have helped change people’s lives or meet your vision.
• List all the donors alphabetically so they can locate their names easily.
• Keep it no more than four pages long.
• Use words like “Thanks to you” and “Because of you” to show gratitude.

6. Tote Bags

Tote bags are the perfect pick if you’re looking for the ultimate versatile gift. They can be reused and repurposed, making them a great option for those passionate about recycling and lowering single-use plastics.

Recipients will appreciate the customized tote bag because they can use it to store most essentials and when shopping. Your organization’s name and message will accompany them wherever they carry the bag.

Major Donor Gifts

Your major donors substantially impact your organization with every deposit. Through their generous donations, you can make a huge difference for your cause. It’s important to go the extra mile to show your gratitude for these individuals. The gifts need to be thoughtful, elegant and memorable. Here are six suitable options:

1. Thank-You Party

Nonprofits typically hold donor appreciation events for their mid-level and major donors. These events are the perfect occasions to showcase the positive impact donors have on an organization and reward certain individuals.

A fancy party is ideal for showing gratitude and making contributors feel appreciated. Ensure that thanking donors is the main focus. When you send out invites, use the word “party” instead of “event” so they know it will be a fun and comforting experience.

Invite staff members and beneficiaries to share their experiences and success stories through a collaborative presentation. You could also create a donor recognition wall where you place pictures of initiatives made possible through funding. You can also include pictures of donors, but get their permission beforehand.

Send your guests home with a tangible token of your appreciation. For example, you could hand out a set of luxurious Belgian chocolate truffles for donors to enjoy after the party.

2. Customized Plaque

Present a plaque to your major donors to extend your gratitude for their generosity. They can display it in their office or home to show their passion and interest in your cause.

A professionally made customized plaque is a lasting symbol of the donor’s commitment to your cause. Hand it to them at your next meeting or present it as part of a special recognition segment during the thank-you event.

3. Newsletter

If you want to give regular gifts, newsletters are an excellent way to do that. They act as retention tools by consistently showing donors how much you appreciate their generosity. When gifting one, it should highlight your donor’s accomplishments based on their support of your organization.

Your newsletter should make your donors feel honored. It should be like a love letter dedicated to them, not about your organization. It’s not about what you want to tell them but what they want to know.

Include these key elements in your newsletter:

• Keep the length of the article short.
• Write concise and easy-to-skim snippets.
• Keep it to a maximum of four pages.
• Use a #10 envelope (don’t send it as a self-mailer).
• Make it intimate. Use a personal tone of voice.

4. Meeting With Directors

Major donors significantly fund your organization. Allow them to connect with board members and discover more about your organization’s vision for future growth.

This meeting should aim to show how the generosity of donors will help generations to come. End the meeting by handing out gifts like a snack tower or box filled with treats or a thank-you card signed by directors.

5. Gift Basket

If you want to thank major donors with a tangible gift, assemble a basket with a selection of delicious treats and customized items. Ensure you select a range of interesting products that complement each other.

These products would make an incredible gift basket for a recipient with a sweet tooth:

• Box filled with candy varieties like M&M’s, gummy bears and yogurt-covered pretzels
• Self-care tea gift set with a stunning stainless steel mug, bamboo candle and an assortment of teas
• Chocolate bar set with different mix-ins like s’mores, toffee and Oreo cookies
• Adorable berry gummy-filled eco-friendly produce basket pulled together with a ribbon

A gift basket filled with all these treats would be a stunning spectacle when you award it to donors because it contains several exciting items.

6. Tech Gifts

If you want a gift that your donors will likely use daily, tech gifts are a superb option. They have the feel of elegance and functionality without being overly flashy.

Charging devices are always a hit because recipients typically have a need for them. For example, a wireless charging phone stand is convenient because it makes recharging devices incredibly easy.

How to Pick the Best Donor Gifts

The right gifts can strengthen donor relationships and promote loyalty to your organization. They can also create a positive public perception of your vision and enhance future fundraising efforts.

Here are some tips for choosing the best gift options:

Pick Practical Items

It’s imperative to pick practical items, especially with low- and mid-level donors. If they can use the gift in everyday life, it will keep them aware of your organization and promote loyalty. Some examples of practical items are:

• Mugs
• T-shirts
• Tote bags
• Reusable water bottles

Donors are also likely to use practical gifts in public, and your organization’s name will be displayed for people who don’t know about it.

Learn Dietary Restrictions

Edible gifts are a treat — but only if the recipient can safely eat them.

Check your donor’s dietary restrictions, religious constraints or allergies before gifting them consumables. That way, if you’re giving them a box filled with chocolates and cookies, they can actually enjoy them.

Consider Your Budget

Decide how much you want to spend on different levels of donors. While gifts are great for showing gratitude, flashy or expensive items could send the wrong message.

The right gift will show donors that your organization values them and that you spend fundraising amounts ethically.

You should also avoid donor appreciation gifts that can be seen as conflicts of interest or bribes, like luxury vacations or overly extravagant parties.

Be Personal

Personalize gifts by including the donor’s name and a thoughtful note where possible. You should also consider the following factors so the gift resonates with them:

• Hobbies and interests
• Donation history
• Personal preferences
• Demographics

Say “Thank You” to Donors With Gifts From ePromos

The right gift shows donors how much your organization values them and inspires them to offer continuous support. At ePromos, we specialize in promotional products that speak to your company’s mission and values. We offer organizations affordable, customized gifts, from bags and apparel to drinkware. We customize each product with your brand name and/or unique message.

We guarantee to ship your items on the date mutually acknowledged in writing, or we’ll refund your order. Check out our selection of hot deals and our exciting product range to thank your donors for their contributions and boost donations.

Feel free to contact us with any questions or unique requests.