With the holidays just ahead, let’s chat real quick about how to approach corporate gifting this year:
DO: Add recipient names to gift items when possible. If you can pull a list of recipient names up front, take advantage of that ability. It will add a touch of personalization and help the recipient know that the gift was specifically for them. Makes it more personal.
DON’T: Make your branded logo the focal point. The holidays are more about making the recipient feel appreciated – not maximum brand exposure.
DO: Consider functionality. Unless it’s a commemorative holiday item, it’s a great idea to have something that is useful to the recipient. This could mean for the road, for the kitchen, for the work area, for outdoor entertainment, etc.
DON’T: Think that it’s always best to ship gifts to the main office. There has been a huge shift to hybrid over the past 18 months, and the safest bet to get it in the recipient’s hand is their home.
DO: Utilize an online form to collect alternate mailing addresses for employee gifting. Meet them where they are. If you need help with this, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information.
DON’T: Bargain shop. There is a time and place for cheap swag – holiday gifts are not it. For the record, we highly recommend quality gifts and retail brands over low-budget for all branded merch, but especially for gifting. It’s a common misconception that quality is out of budget, but that couldn’t be further from the truth: you just have to know the right people that can help you source.
DO: Select gift options that give back to those in need. No, that doesn’t mean you send a card suggesting donations to “The Human Fund” 
(iykyk). There are branded merchandise options that give back for each purchase: e.g clean water for third world countries, providing work to low-income regions, providing support to wounded vets, etc.
DON’T: Wait until the last minute to plan and/or place an order. Timing is everything, from placing your order to recipient delivery. Under normal circumstances, production fills up mid-November, but considering the current labor and materials shortages…you’ll want to get your orders in ASAP.
DO: Always have a backup item. Pick 3 by priority, and be prepared to accept alternatives.
Still need help finding trendy gifts?
Check out our Deep Inventory Shop to find items that were recently fully stocked and ready for production.
All things considered, gifting means more when it comes from the heart. Make it authentically personal…and send it to wherever they are sure to receive it.
