Holidays are...........
So winter is in the air, the evenings are darker, the heating is on (has it been off??) and It’s time to talk about the C word – yes, it’s October and yes we’re sorry but if we do it now it just means you can enjoy all the good bits – Mince Pies, Parties and Presents with the safe knowledge all of your business gifting has been sorted.
Early to mid-October is one of the more popular times for businesses to sort their festive treats and corporate gifting but why? Well we heard you ask and we thought we would share our thoughts on the matter…..
As you know Christmas is a traditional time for celebration and gift giving, but from a business side of things it’s also a great time to say a big ‘thank you’ to your valued clients or teams. As the year rolls by and the snow starts to fall, Mariah Carey’s delectable tones pop up in just about every shop, on every radio station and playlist in existence and people are generally in a positive mood, it’s a time of anticipation, maybe work starts to slow down a little, perhaps there’s time off with family or friends to look forward to, as well as a festive energy in the office.
Therefore, Seasonal gifts can be a great opportunity to connect with your clients and staff and thank them for their loyalty. And a carefully chosen, useful or relevant gift can surprise and delight the lucky recipient and make them feel valued.
So, what makes a good festive (and beyond) gift - how do you pick that elusive product that’s every bit as good to give as to receive?
We all have ideas about what makes a good gift, we all know what we would like to receive but shock of shocks sometimes what we think is good isn’t so good - we all at one time or another have pulled the “Aww thank you” face as a friend or relative bought you some more Ferrero Rocher!! So, before you click buy or place that order, let’s go back a few steps and think about the who, what and why.
Is you aim to be fun, are you being corporate or are you going for something a bit left field – the options are endless but we would recommend the below…
Make sure the gift aligns with your own corporate values – are you sharing your environmental credentials within the gift you give, are you operating a buy local initiative - take some time to think about your own brand and values too – and those of your target audience, is it something they will want to use and tell everyone about too? Where you cater for specific sectors do you have different gifts for each? And your internal teams may not appreciate the same gifts that you choose for your clients, so think about them as a separate project.
Of course, how much do you spend on a gift, when it comes to finding the ideal branded merchandise, big isn’t always better and more is not always, well more! Clients don’t necessarily want expensive, or luxury gifts and they aren’t always the ones that leave the best reflection of you or your brand.
What’s a good gift then Ideas and inspiration
For the majority of the year, your work team are your family, through good and bad they are there and they work alongside you all week (and longer at times) – come December they are getting ready for a well-earned break, why not think about wellness gifts for them - a gift box, stocking or branded bag of goodies for them to enjoy over the holidays.
Staying with a wellness theme, how about a bespoke branded wellness journal for 2025. Or even desktop gardens or seeded products. Brighten up the office with some new branded mugs, but personalise them with names, then add in a few luxury hot chocolate block sticks and candy canes.
Moving on to clients, partners or prospects
Branded advent calendars will always score points with any recipient and are always a popular option with our clients, their teams and customers. They are the awareness gift that keeps on giving – or for 24 days anyway ? just be quick as orders need to be placed this month for November deliveries.
If you are looking for something a little more substantial to say thank you, then hampers are often a go to item, just don’t get them the one thing no-one eats nobody needs a build-up of packets at the back of the cupboard.
Interesting products and interesting backstories make great talking points. Whether it’s giving waste products a second lease of life (even things like coffee grounds, milk bottles, yoghurt pots, old fridges or seashells from restaurants) in everything from clothing to pens, or bags to umbrellas, or products supporting circular ecosystems or economies and even conservation initiatives, with innovation driving sustainable options, there is lots to choose from.
For help, advice or inspiration for all your branded Christmas merchandise and gifts, then get in touch with the team, or pop in for a coffee at Boosters HQ to discuss your needs - we might also have mince pies*
*Subject to Craig finding them