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5 Types of Holiday Gift Sets That Your Clients and Employees Will Enjoy

Are you ready for the holiday season? Looking for a great corporate gift or special present for your employees, clients, or business partners? Holiday gift sets are a good choice for this occasion. From trendy Moscow Mule gift sets to tech gift packs for the gadget obsessed, you can find something great that everyone will enjoy.

Here are gift set ideas that are especially popular this time of year, with suggestions on who they’d be a good fit for. If you’re trying to decide which direction to go in, we find that it’s usually most effective to select a gift that matches your company’s messaging or a specific theme you may be working with (for an event like a holiday party, for example). We specialize in helping companies figure out what works best for them, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the contact points listed below for a conversation about your needs and how we can be of help.

#1. Moscow Mule Mug Gift Set 

moscow-mule-gift-set

Craft beer and mixology have become very popular in recent years, and the Moscow Mule cocktail features them both. It’s a lovely warming cocktail, perfect for winter, and our gift set has everything needed to for two people to enjoy it while relaxing over the holidays. This would be a great pick for clients or colleagues who have a special interest in spirits or craft beer.

#2. Hot Sauce Gift Sethot-sauce-gift-setLots of folks, especially but not only people from the South, enjoy having hot sauce on hand to enhance the flavor of a dish. A hot sauce gift set such as this one that includes cayenne hot sauce, spicy salsa, and barbecue sauce will be especially appreciated by someone who prefers their food with a kick. With your logo prominently and tastefully showcased, it’ll be a nice reminder of your company every time they reach for a dash of something spicy.

#3. Moleskine® Writer’s Gift Set

moleskine-writers-gift-set

It’s not always about the food and drink—some of your clients or employees may have a special fondness for writing and fine stationery. For those who enjoy the written word, a Moleskine® Writer’s Gift Set is an especially fitting choice. It features a pair of notebooks, one for more extensive journal writing or note-taking and another, smaller version that’s great for jotting down thoughts on the go.

 

#4. Tech Accessory Gift Set

tech-accessory-gift-set

These days, everybody has a gadget or device they’re keeping charged or synced up while working or going about their daily lives. A tech accessory gift set fully equipped with the tools they need to stay connected is a perfect corporate or promotional gift for the holidays since it’s so useful. This one (above) features retractable ear buds and a handy power bank, but there are plenty of other combinations including power banks and car chargers, power banks and key chains, and complete mobile charging sets.

#5. Gift Baskets

gift-basket

When selecting a corporate gift for a client’s office or team, you may want to pick something that provides a little something for everyone so no one feels left out. A gift basket is good for this kind of situation. You can pick one that includes a pair of mugs, some tasty candy and cookies, and coffee or tea. There are even versions that include travel mugs for sipping a drink while traveling

 

Wondering if there are other kinds of gift sets that might be a good choice for holiday corporate gifts or a holiday event you have in mind? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you could benefit from some creative and collaborative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

The Power of Branded Apparel

CA72AD59-1FEF-416A-81CF-BAF9BE95C843Apparel items and wearables such as t-shirts, caps, and outerwear are among the most popular promotional products available to companies wanting to reach customers. Each of us has seen a nice t-shirt with a logo on it, and we probably have one at home ourselves (I know I do), but at the end of the day we might still wonder: how effective are they? Well, the research is in. People love promotional products in general and branded items of all types attract new customers to your business, but wearables have a special place in the heart of the American consumer. Here are some data points that show just how powerful t-shirts, caps, hats, and other wearable branded items can be in promoting your brand.

  1. Recall is highest for apparel items. According to a 2014 study, 88% of people recall the advertiser that gave them a t-shirt or hat. 57% of U.S. consumers feel more favorable about the advertiser who gave them a promotional shirt.
  2. Wearables are extremely popular. 48% of Americans own logoed t-shirts. They are the second most popular promotional product in America after writing instruments (56%). 25% of us own logoed caps and headwear as well.
  3. Attractiveness is important. 42% of people who keep promotional hats do so because they are considered attractive, and 54% of people who hold on to outerwear for the same reason.
  4. Outerwear has staying power. On average, U.S. consumers keep outerwear for a year and a half. When asked why they hold on to it, 75% say they do because it is useful while 52% say it’s because they find it attractive. 49% simply say that they enjoy having it.
  5. Certain demographics especially enjoy t-shirts. Interestingly, men (52%) are more likely to own promotional t-shirts than women (46%), while African-Americans (46%) are the most likely of all ethnic groups to keep their t-shirts, citing attractiveness of the t-shirt as a reason for holding onto it.
  6. Even certain regions have specific preferences for wearables. T-shirts are especially popular in the Southeast, where they generate nearly 4,000 impressions over their lifetime. Folks in Minneapolis enjoy logoed hats—they wear them as much as six times per month, creating impressions every time they go out. Outerwear is especially popular in the Midwest, where 15% of consumers report owning an item, likely due to the cold weather in winter.

Everybody loves a good t-shirt, as it turns out, especially if they think it’s attractive or useful. And in a sense, everybody wins: someone gets a new piece of apparel that they’ll enjoy and keep for a long time, and the business knows they’ll remember who gave it to them and look on them a little more favorably, perhaps even think of doing business with them. If you’re thinking of smart ways to get the word out about your company, wearables are a great choice.

We should also mention that there are a lot of different kinds of wearables you can pick from when thinking about a possible campaign or giveaway: t-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts, caps & hats, sweatbands, sunglasses, bandannas, flip flops, handkerchiefs, scarves, socks, gloves, jackets, earmuffs, and plenty beyond that. You can get creative with your choices and pick something appropriate for the season, a particular holiday, obviously your brand, or a special event like a trade show or a conference. Promotional products work best when they’re considered useful, attractive, and relevant (to a season or event, for example), so it’s a good idea to keep that in mind when planning your promotion.

Are you looking for branded apparel or other branded promotional items to help your company stand out from the competition? There are a lot of ways they can draw attention for your business. Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

6 Tips for Hosting a Company Gathering That’s Actually Fun

Is your company or organization planning a retreat or a picnic this summer? We’ve got some good news and some bad news for you. When the staff finds out that there’s an organization-wide event planned that they have to attend, you’re going to see a couple of people rolling their eyes and muttering about “mandatory fun” while looking for the exit. And it’s understandable—such gatherings can often be pretty boring and feel contrived.

But here’s the good news: they don’t have to be! If you feel like you’re fresh out of ideas for ways to actually make your summer get-together enjoyable for all involved, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are 6 tips for hosting a company gathering that’s actually fun!

6 tips for hosting a fun company gathering:

  1. Let employees have input into the day’s programming. Company-wide events aren’t usually met with much enthusiasm when they’re planned in a top-down or hierarchical manner. You may want to create a planning group to organize the event. That way the responsibility won’t fall solely on one person and you’ll get more creative suggestions for fun things to do that a range of people will actually like.
  2. Allow people to enjoy the event in their own way. Chances are, your company or organization has a mix of personality types in it. Some folks love to be a part of large groups; others are more likely to enjoy themselves in one-to-one conversations with less noise and bustle. Consider these dynamics when planning your event and avoid making it a one size fits all affair.
  3. Offer games and contests with fun prizes. Everybody loves a good contest, especially when they win! If you’ve got a picnic planned, that might be a great opportunity for a softball game or a relay race. Not all contests have to be sports-related, though–you could host a trivia challenge or a game show! Events that are relevant to your company culture and brand values are especially likely to be a success. Whatever you choose, offer meaningful prizes and gifts that your staff will enjoy—a battery pack for gadgets like smartphones is a crowd pleaser, while Bluetooth speakers are also a hit (and may get some great music going later that day!).
  4. Provide branded gifts that the staff will enjoy. Contests are great, but there’s also another opportunity to increase the excitement at your retreat or picnic. Many companies and organizations give out special branded items at these events as a thank you to the staff. Such giveaways include temporary tattoos, caps, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottles, picnic blankets, duffel bags, tote bags, or coolers—all items that come handy during the summer months. As with contest prizes, it’s a good idea to make sure that your branded giveaways are consistent with your brand image and values.
  5. Have entertainment or an educational component. If you’re hosting a picnic, your focus should be on providing a relaxing, fun experience for everyone. Consider providing some entertainment such as live music or a magician. If you’re hosting a retreat, then you might want to have an educational offering. This could be an excellent, inspiring speaker or a presentation on something truly innovative that is happening in your industry. You could also take a moment to recognize staff that have been with the company for many years or that have made remarkable contributions with an award certificate or an award plaque.
  6. Provide good food and beverages. If someone’s been working hard on an important project all week, the last thing they want is to have another task added to their plate. This includes cooking or preparing a dish for a mandatory company get-together. If you’re requiring that everyone at the company or organization attend your event, lighten the load and the atmosphere by providing good food and beverages that they can responsibly enjoy.

Planning a summer gathering? We have protective branded items for summer corporate outings, summer camps, company retreats and picnics. Looking for some ideas for promotional products that might be a good fit for your business this summer? Check out our Fun Promotional Summer Gifts board on Pinterest! Or get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

It’s Promotional Products Work! Week!

Promotional Products Work!Did you know it’s Promotional Products Work! Week? It is, and we’ve been celebrating with the industry. Promotional Products Work! is an annual event dedicated to showing how powerful and effective promotional products are in promoting your business. Last week we shared 6 ways promotional products can benefit your business right here on the blog, and this week we are running special social media posts on our Twitter and Facebook profiles to highlight the many ways in which promotional products can make an impact.

So what’s Promotional Products Work! Week all about?

This yearly event is a chance to showcase how well promotional products get the word out about your business, generate customer interest, and create increased opportunities for sales. The promotional products market is booming, too: promotional products advertising is the fourth-fastest growing advertising medium, ranked right after mobile and digital. Here are a few stats that illustrate its popularity and effectiveness:

  1. 8 in 10 people own a promotional product.
    1. Consumers especially like promotional products that are useful, attractive, informative, desirable, and fun.
  2. 88% of people who receive a promotional product remember the advertiser.
    1. That’s incredibly powerful brand recall and a very cost-effective investment.
  3. Promotional products create a favorable view of your company and lead to sales.
    1. 59% of people who received a promotional product had a more favorable view of the company.
    2. 85% of people who received a promotional product did business with the company after receiving the product.
  4. They’re especially popular in the kitchen and workspace.
    1. 91% of people keep promotional products in the kitchen.
    2. 74% keep them in their work area.
    3. 55% hold on to promotional products in their bedroom.
  5. People hold on to promotional products for a long time.
    1. 47% of consumers hold onto the promotional products they’ve received for a year or more.
  6. Wearables and writing instruments are hot.
    1. Wearables and apparel, including t-shirts and hats, get a 41% brand recall.
    2. Writing instruments draw a 35% brand recall.
    3. Drinkware is also quite popular, at 19% brand recall.
    4. Sporting goods (15%) and pocket/purse items (13%) also do well.
Promotional Products Work

Infographic: Promotional Products Work!

Promotional products can really make a difference for your company, creating increased grand recognition, a favorable view of your company, and new business opportunities. If you want to learn more about how promotional products can have an impact, check out this handy infographic or the Promotional Products Work! Week website for more information.

Looking for some expert guidance on which promotional products might be a good fit for your business? Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

6 Ways Promotional Products Can Benefit Your Business

Promotional Products Work!If you’re like most business owners, you’re wondering what smart, cost-effective investments can get the word out about your company and attract new customers. There are a lot of ways to do that today, of course, and promotional products are among the most powerful options you can choose. In fact, according to recent research from Promotional Products Association International, promotional products advertising is the fourth-fastest growing advertising medium, ranked right after mobile and digital.

Why are promotional products so popular, and why are so many companies including them in their strategy? Here’s a look at five ways promotional products benefit businesses.

  1. People remember your company from a promotional product and think about it positively.
    1. 83% of consumers in a recent survey they enjoy receiving a promotional product with an advertising message.
    2. 2% of people recalled the product, advertiser, and the message.
    3. That’s powerful brand recall that companies only have to pay once for, as opposed to digital advertising that charges per exposure.
  1. Promotional Products Work

    Infographic: Promotional Products Work!

    Promotional products increase the likelihood of purchases and referrals. According to a study from Georgia Southern University, not only do promotional products contribute to a more positive brand image and perception, but people are also more likely to recommend a business or even patronize it themselves upon receiving a promotional product from them.

  2. People keep promotional products for a long time.
    1. 80% of people own 1-10 promo items
    2. 6 in 10 keep them for up to 2 years
  3. If you give out items for the kitchen or work area, people keep them around and remember your business.
    1. 91% of consumers have at least 1 branded item in their kitchen.
    2. Of those who did, nearly 82% could identify the promotional product and 42% could also name the advertiser
    3. 74% of consumers have at least 1 branded item in their work area
    4. Of those who did, 90.3% could identify the promotional product and 49.4% could also name the advertiser
    5. 55% of consumers have at least one branded item in their bedroom.
  4. Businesses get better trade show booth traffic with promotional products. Businesses that included promotional products with a pre-show mailing or offer saw more traffic to their booths at trade shows according to a study by Georgia Southern University. 76.3% of attendees who received a promotional product at trade shows had a favorable attitude toward the company that gave them the product.
  1. Promotional products offer budget flexibility. There are often solutions to fit any budget while still offering the benefits of lasting brand recall and positive brand association. Promotional products can be used as a stand-alone advertising medium or as part of an integrated marketing mix. Perhaps most importantly, they contribute to consumer intent to buy.

Promotional products can make a big difference for your company, creating lasting awareness, increased goodwill, more referrals, and new business. If you’re curious to learn more about how promotional products can help your business achieve its goals, stay tuned for next week’s post in which we will be covering Promotional Products Work! Week and how businesses get powerful results with promotional products.

Looking for some expert guidance on promotional products might be a good fit for your business? Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.