I do handwritten thank you notes but do not give gifts. Hopefully the service is what they consider a gift.

I virtually never do closing gifts. I do contribute in my clients' names out of my commission check to the Children's Miracle Network.

I make baskets based on the purchase type:

Beach Condos get a basket with towels, sand pails (for kids), plastic cups etc.

Homes get snacks, tools and a few other goodies

Commercial buildings get lunch!

 No closing gifts.  I do invite them to an upscale restaurant for dinner. My wife joins us.  I  follow up  several times per year, with an invite for coffee or lunch.

No need to create gift "expectations" among clients, especially as an "annuity" of sorts.

I only give a small gift of appreciation to anyone who "refers" me... but to the client, I simply provide top notch service and express gratitude in a note, etc.  As pointed out in other answers... other service providers do not give gifts for providing services... why would agents?  

We used to give Closing Gifts, though when I became a realtor, and Roger and I became A Team, I was not in favor of it LaShonda Solomon.  The same gift could not go to everyone.  For example, with our older clients, giving a Gift Card to Home Depot (for painting or home repairs) would mean nothing, when they are selling their home and going to a Care Facility.  And a Restaurant Gift Card was very subjective, provided you even knew what places they liked.  Also, some of our older clients move to another state to be close to adult children and grand-kiddos.  So a very nice card always works, and they may have that 'longer' than a Gift Card that is used and then forgotten . . .  I could not see with different clients, and not all in our state, doing items of value throughout the year.  What is of value to me might not be to them. 

I do not.

What can you get a buyer or seller they alredy dont have or want? If you answer that, then go at it as led to do not thought to do

I do not believe in closing gifts ! If anything , it should be a House Warming (post settlement) !!!

Closing gifts = 0. 

I agree with your coach, closing gifts are over emphasized, best to develop a plan to keep in touch with them in simple inexpensive ways for the next decade.

I have never needed to give closing gifts. 

Service beyond expectations will result in good relationships and referrals.

I give a Welcome Basket (no cost to me) that is compiled by local vendors ... however, I often throw something nice into the basket so they also get something from me.  I do not spend alot of money.  It's really true ... it's the thought that counts.

At this stage in my career, I don't think it is necessary to give closing gifts and it certainly isn't about the amount if you do. If you want to do something nice, do it.

My attorney does not give me gifts nor does my accountant or doctor. So as a professional I do not give gifts either. It is a personal choice. My first broker gave gifts to her customers all the time!

LaShonda Solomon Save your money and put it into marketing.

There may be some RESPA concerns regarding this question. 

Do I have a limit? No.

What I do have is the need to provide something relevant that leads the their immersion or engagement in the community. It could be a sunset cruise, kayak trip or a backyard BBQ where they can meet their neighbors and discover their skill sets and who has want tool they can borrow.

I do invite my A List to the "Annette Safari" each year on the Weeki - Wachee. I do invite my A List to be my guest at special presentation at the Leepa Ratner museum.   And most important, a dinner cruise where each rises to the cause and sets an appointment to introduce me to a special someone they know.

Divide your marketing budget by the number of closing and you get an Idea of what each client is costing. Now you can give great thought regarding the most effective way to invest those dollars.

I agree with Ken.

I do not do closing gifts.  With the exception of a body shop I use, I have never gotten a closing gift from any professional (unless you count that toothpaste bag from the dentist as a gift).

Closing gifts may be more "palatable" as house warming gifts though.  My mom is old school and we are always going back and forth on this issue.

I know Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor,CRS,e-Pro takes a different approach and does pop-bys and client appreciation events (both big and small).  That idea I like better.

I like the coaches idea.

I don't spend a lot on closing gifts. Usually a coffee-table book or taking them out to dinner.

I like to get to know the client and then take each one individually as to what i do

Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR nailed this one!

I'm fully agree with your coach since this is the only way we can operate limited by tini gift amount. 

I very seldom do gifts.

I come with the house and give service after the sale if they need advice or help with real estate issues.  I market this and it's served me well for repeat clients and referrals. 

I say this with full respect:  therein lies another issue with coaching.  People seem to be unable to be independent thinkers and know what is best for them and their business.  

I will give gifts according to how I feel about giving the gift at that time. Dollar amount never figures in, nor does allocation or frequency. Is that a good practice? I do not know. Is it me being me? That's what it is!

My gifts are usually something the client would need, not based on an amount.

Depends,  Buyers I throw a house warming party for them and up to 40 of their friends,  sellers I known what they need for there new home and figure a gift card to some place.

This all depends on the price of the house. A Starbucks card is not equal to a million dollar you just sold...