Real estate coach Brian Buffini coined the perfect phrase called “Pop-bys.” Pop-bys are small gifts you give to your prospects and clients to remind them of who you are. These gifts say, “Hey, remember me? I’m that real estate agent you met a while back who can help you or your friends buy/sell a home!” They have silly slogans like “I ‘dig’ your referrals” attached to a plastic shovel. But these playful little gifts are actually pretty memorable; some people might even say the cheesier, the better.

For broker associate and REALTOR Jackie Mills Egan, pop-bys are a huge part of her business. To her, it’s not just sales and marketing; it’s an act of service for her clients and prospects. “We sell kindness, thoughtfulness, gestures, help. We give them referrals and try to make their life and their homeownership responsibilities as light as we can.”

Here are a few other tips Egan shared during a recent Realvolve webinar:

  • Remember the kids! Moves can be hardest on them, so keep them in mind when you’re coming up with pop-by ideas.
  • Give pop-by gifts that match your personality. If you’re a huge goofball, go nuts with the plastic shovels and punny slogans. But if that’s not your personality, it won’t feel genuine. Give a gift they can tell came from YOU.
  • Plan out your frequency. Segment your leads into those who will be making a commitment soon vs. those who won’t be looking to buy/sell for another couple of years. Hit the hot leads once a month, the cooler leads once a quarter.

With the holiday season coming up fast, now is the perfect time to start thinking about pop-bys. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some holiday pop-by ideas that can help you stay top of mind; generate repeat and referral business; and show your leads, prospects, and clients how much you care!

1) EOS Lip Balm Turkeys

First, here’s the cutest little turkey you ever did see. Print these out, attach some EOS lip balms (a fun alternative to the typical tube of balm), and add a personalized note and your business card.

2) Extra Gum Turkeys

If you’re not feeling the lip balm idea, here’s another little turkey you can print out and attach to a pack of Extra gum!

3) A Cornucopia of Treats

This is one kids will appreciate, too! Fill an icing bag with Reece’s pieces, candy corn, and mini cornucopias (AKA bugles). Add some raffia to give it that fall-harvest vibe, tie on a nice tag, and you’re done!

4) Pumpkin Spice Hand Soap

Because who doesn’t need hand soap? Stock up next time Bath and Body Works has a sale (sometimes you can score their hand soaps for $3). Be sure to use these free printable tags by Lil’ Luna.

5) Caramel Apple Cider Kit

This pop-by goes above and beyond—not just apple cider mix, but also caramel sauce, creamer, paper coffee cups, and the recipe. All in a beautiful basket! Treat your most important prospects and clients to this lovely gift.

(FYI: The printable recipe tag says it’s only for personal use, so you’ll need to create your own tags.)

6) Stovetop Simmer Spices

Help your prospects fill their homes with the lovely fall/winter scent of orange peel and spice. Mmmm.

7) Hanukkah Candy Brownie Mix

This fun recipe-in-a-jar includes all the dry ingredients for some delicious brownies—including festive blue and white M&Ms!

8) We Whisk You A Merry Kissmas

Feeling punny? This sweet and goofy gift is sure to earn some smiles.

9) Wrapping Paper

Want to give your clients something they’ll actually use this holiday season? How about wrapping paper?! If you’re feeling extra generous, throw in some Scotch tape, too! 

10) Nuts About You

Almonds and other nuts will be a welcome alternative to all of the sweets circulating throughout the holiday season.

11) Reindeer Noses

Not just cutesy, it also reminds your clients to send in their referrals! And, okay, it’s pretty cute.


Happy Holidays!

These are just a few of our favorite holiday pop-by ideas, so be sure to check out our Pinterest boards for more inspiration. I also recommend checking out our list of DOs and DON’Ts for working during the holidays—it’s never to early to start preparing for this crazy season!