I know it seems like summer just ended, but it’s that time again: the holidays will be here before you know it. It’s time to start thinking about holiday gifts for your clients or customers.
When it comes to holiday gift giving, there are a lot of factors to consider: price, relationship with client/customer, type of gift. But I think that the most important consideration is whether your gift will leave a lasting impression on recipients.
Don’t get me wrong, giving a gift of any magnitude is a wonderful idea and one that shows generosity, but if you find the right gift, the gift that the recipient uses time and time again, that gift can be a constant reminder of your brand.
So, how do you find this elusive perfect gift? There are lots of ways but one of my favorites is to look at retail trends. What you see in stores is probably a good indication of the type of product that your customer will like. You might not realize it, but a lot of the products that you see in stores can be imprinted with your logo.
If you go into any sort of electronic store, you’ll see an major influx of products for the iPad or iPhone.
This tablet/phone holder and travel speaker are both from Brookstone, a brand that your customers will know and equate with the latest and greatest in technology.
Electronics are not the only hot item this year. Fashion-forward apparel has made it’s way to the promotional industry. Give your clients a piece of apparel that looks like something out of Urban Outfitters and you can bet that they’ll wear it over and over.
Both this t-shirt and hoodie could have easily come from the mall and are on trend with this year’s most popular clothing.
Another idea is to give them something retail inspired, yet totally unique and different. If you’re on the receiving end of corporate gifts, I’m going to bet that come holiday season, you receive a lot of popcorn tins. You know the kind, with the caramel, cheese and butter flavored popcorn (and no one likes the butter flavored). Nothing wrong with popcorn, but by giving a retail inspired, unique gift, your company can really stand out.
The Umbra Fish Hotel
is totally unique and fun and I can say for certain that I have seen this product (unbranded) at Crate and Barrel.Holiday season is coming up! If you want to really stand out and have your clients or customers remember your brand and see your logo on an item that they use often, think retail inspired! And be sure to check out our Pinterest boards for more ideas!
-Lee
Marketing Coordinator