Christmas presents for tenants?

[Stephen E.]

I know there are different views on whether you should give Christmas presents to tenants. I find it is a useful practice; it shows tenants that you value them, and I get to go around and visit all of the tenants in my properties, talk with them and see what is going on. Often I learn things about how long they think they will stay, whether there are any issues with the property, or what might have been going on in the complex (I rent condos). These are all useful outcomes.

I have given different things to different tenants over the years. This year I settled on movie passes. You can get tickets at Costco for two adults with drinks and popcorn. They all seemed to go over well, but I am thinking ahead to next year and I am not sure I want to give the same thing twice. Movie passes sure were convenient though: buy them all in one go, and they are easy to carry around and deliver to tenants along with a Christmas card.

Could BP members name some items that have worked well as low cost but useful Christmas presents in the past? Do you have opinions on whether Christmas presents are a good idea or not? They seem to work for me but I welcome other views.