‘Tis the season to be baffled when it comes to gift giving. If you’ve got a property manager on your nice list this year, we’re here to help you give them just the right thing. Whether you’re a tenant, resident, owner, friend or family member, this list is full of great last-minute gift ideas for property managers.
1. Office snacks
Property managers get hungry too. When in doubt, a plate of homemade cookies or bowl of Chex Mix for the office is never a bad idea. Or try for something homemade like this healthy granola recipe. It’s easy to make, and homemade recipes can feel more personal and meaningful.
2. Hardware store gift card
Let’s face it, small property managers and IROs spend more time — and money — than they want to at the hardware store. Why not make their next trip a little easier with a gift card?
Want to give a handy gift they won’t just use to buy supplies? Consider something like this multi-tool pen.
3. Positive online reviews
If you’re a resident, one of the easiest, most inexpensive and kindest things you could do for your property manager is to leave a positive review of their business online.
More than 60% of renters checked out apartment opinion sites in their most recent rental search, according to the 2020 NMHC/Grace Hill Renter Preferences Report. Share your positive experiences to help your property manager win new renters and fill vacancies. It’s the gift that keeps giving all year long!
4. Professional association membership
A membership to one of these property management associations is a great present coming from a spouse, mentor or property owner. A membership to NAA, BOMA, IREM, NAR or NARPM might seem like a splurge, but it will let your favorite property manager get a leg up with continued education and networking opportunities.
5. Large item removal services
When people move in or out of apartments, single family homes or condos, they often swap new furniture for old. Couches, dressers, tables, etc. might find their way to the curb — making someone else’s bulky trash the property manager’s problem to remove, at their expense.
One solution for owners is to contract with a local large item removal service. These are great for residents who are buying new furniture as well. Residents appreciate these services because they would otherwise have to pay out of pocket for pickup and disposal. It’s a great feature to have for your apartment community, and it’s definitely worth mentioning in your marketing.
6. Place security cameras in public spaces
If you are a property owner looking to provide your property manager a gift that benefits them as well as your property, security cameras are an easy way to increase security overnight. They reduce or even eliminate the chances of “he said, she said” accounts of crime or misconduct. They also make it possible to identify the culprit(s) in cases of trespass, theft or break-in. Of course, security cameras should only be used in public where permissible by law.
7. Property management software
If you know a property manager who is still struggling with spreadsheets every month, give the gift of property management software to help them get some time back in their week.
With innovative tools for marketing and leasing, rent collection, maintenance, accounting, owner statements, CAM recovery and more, you’ll help your property manager speed up leasing, streamline payments and simplify reporting.
8. Something fun or personalized
How do you come up with last-minute gift ideas for property managers who have it all? If creative gift-giving isn’t your thing, just keep things simple and fun. It’s going to be the thought that counts, especially if the gift comes from an unexpected source (e.g., tenants, residents). Here are a few fun ideas to close out the article:
- Box of chocolates
- Stress-free plants like succulents
- Custom coffee mug (“Best Landlord Ever”) or travel mug
- Gift baskets, which make great communal gifts if others pitch in
- Flower bouquet and vase
Feel free to improvise. It’s almost impossible to mess up a last-minute gift idea as long as it’s a kind gesture.
