You picked the perfect gift. Now, when should it show up? Send it too early and it lands at the old address in a pile of moving boxes. Send it too late and the moment has passed. Here is how to time a closing gift around an Ontario closing.
Closing day is not move-in day
In Ontario, closing day is mostly a paperwork day. The lawyers exchange funds and documents, the deal is registered, and the buyer's lawyer releases the keys, often in the afternoon. Many buyers do not actually sleep in the new home for a few days, and some take a week or more to move in.
That is why we suggest timing the gift to arrive after possession, in the first week or two after closing, rather than on closing day itself.
The best delivery windows
Best: the first one to two weeks after possession
Your client is home, unpacking and telling friends about the new place. A gift at the door now gets opened, used and often photographed.
Good: a few days before closing, to the client's current address
Useful when the client is moving out of province or when you want the gift in hand before the keys. Choose something they can pack and enjoy later, like tea, a candle or a gift box, not something bulky.
Avoid: closing day itself
Nobody is reliably home to receive a parcel, and a box left on the porch of an empty house is a risk.
Avoid: the lawyer's office
Some agents send gifts to the lawyer's office for key pickup. It can work for small items, but it depends on the office, and the client may not pick up keys in person. Delivering to the new address is simpler.
How far ahead to order
Each gift ships from its maker. Most of our makers ship within 1 to 5 business days, and delivery usually takes 2 to 7 business days anywhere in Canada. If you order yourself, order 7 to 10 business days before you want the gift to arrive.
Easier: give us the closing date and we will time it so the gift arrives after your client moves in. Just tell us the closing date when you order, or send closings ahead of time if you are a Client Care member.
Closing this week and running behind? See gifts that typically ship in 1 to 2 business days.
What about condos and new builds?
- Condos: include the unit number and buzz code if you have it. Parcels usually go to the concierge or mailroom.
- New builds: occupancy and final closing dates can shift. Confirm the occupancy date with your client and time the gift to that, not the original closing date.
- Rural addresses: some areas only receive parcels at a community mailbox or post office. Use the address your client gets mail at.
Don't forget the follow-up
When a Maple & Key gift ships, your client can get a branded e-card from you with your name and logo (just add their email at checkout). It tells them a gift is on the way and who it is from, so it never arrives as a mystery parcel.
Timing cheat sheet
- Order: 7 to 10 business days before you want it to arrive, or give us the closing date and we time it
- Deliver to: the new address, after possession
- Target: the first one to two weeks in the new home
- Add: your card message and your client's email for the e-card
Browse Closing Gifts to get started, or read closing gift ideas by type of client and how much to spend on a closing gift.