Even though the days may still be warm, it is never too early to start thinking about holiday gifts. The magic of the holidays provides companies with an opportune time to show appreciation to customers and employees alike—and present them with a high-end, unique gifts that they won’t soon forget. Branded corporate gifts—especially gift sets—keep a company’s image top-of-mind during a most special time of the year and beyond. Distributors should offer items such as tech products, edibles, barware, kitchen utensils, and lifestyle pieces.
Wireless technology is a trend that impacts all areas of life—and the promotional products market is no exception. BIC Graphic’s Carrie Lewis points out it is no surprise that wireless is popular for the 2018 gift-giving season. “The key to making a tech gift stand out is to make it unique and functional,” she comments. “A Bluetooth® speaker with a light show feature or a useful Qi stand for simple wireless charging are memorable and sure to be used frequently.”
Another top trend that is continuing from 2017 is interest in retail brands for promo gifts, Lewis continues. “Imprinted items that also carry recognizable retail branding show the gift-giver is interested in product quality and brand image,” she comments.
Another strong trend for the upcoming holiday season is corporate gifts that employees can use when they travel, Lewis adds, such as power banks, stylish luggage, and portable wellness products.
Leather products are an exceptional holiday product at Beacon Promotions. “Businesses want to thank and reward their employees and customers,” Gwen Brey notes. She says that high-end leather products are also ideal for business gifts, service awards, performance incentives, and recognition awards. “The quality craftsmanship is a main reason this does so well as a holiday gift,” she adds. “We also keep an eye on the latest trends and styles and offer a variety of leathers and materials to match the trends and price points that people want.”
High-end items are also on point at Origaudio, particularly those that are personalized. “Backpacks, portable speakers, and wireless headphones are chosen executive gifts because they are functional for folks who travel a lot,” Brookelynn Miller states. The company also gets a lot of clients personalizing gifts with names, which Miller believes always adds a nice touch to a holiday present.
PCNA’s John Bates urges distributors to “think inside the box” this holiday season—with a gift set. “Gift sets are the perfect item because it allows your client to have multiple brand impressions, everything is packaged in a nice box for easy distribution and, the best part of all, they get more than one item!” he enthuses.
Trendsetting apron styles are Aprons Etc.’s hottest holiday products, according to Pam Pennington. “Aprons have become popular again because they now feature fabrics and styles that people actually want to wear,” she comments. “This is true both when worn for work or at home as a desired gift. ‘Uniform’ is usually in conflict with individual tastes, but these crafted retro styles change that perception.”
In the world of edibles, Naomi Hanowell of Chocolate Chocolate says that food gifting trends also seem to be moving toward higher-end or high-perceived-value items. “I believe this is fueled by image!” she exclaims. “Everyone is trying to build a brand, relationship, or image and giving a food product that seems cheap or doesn’t taste good will not add to the intention.”
At Chocolate Inn | Taylor & Grant | Lanco, Nick Caputi, has noticed a growing demand for retail-inspired gifts, specifically in the packaging options and flavor profiles available. “Customers are seeing specialty food gifts in the stores, which carry a high-perceived value and price tag,” he states. “They are now looking to replicate this exact look and taste through their promotional gifts.”
The demand for high quality chocolate continues to rise, according to Tom Riordan of Maple Ridge Farms, which he believes is driven by the amount of promotion that companies such as Godiva, Ghirardelli, and other chocolatiers are doing.
Promotional products suppliers have pulled out all the stops when it comes to the ultimate in new and best-selling holiday gift offerings. Chocolate Inn | Taylor & Grant | Lanco has launched a new line of Gourmet Candy Cubes that features several of its best-selling gourmet candies and chocolates. Caputi points out the company’s kitting capabilities have grown significantly as well—just in time for the holiday season—and Chocolate Inn now offers quality kits in its new embroidered bags.
One of Chocolate Chocolate’s best sellers continues to be its Executive Gift Bar, which is two pounds of solid chocolate and approximately the size of license plate. “It can be accompanied by a branded chocolate-smashing-hammer to add to the impact of the gift,” Hanowell says. “The genuine impressiveness of this item continues to keep it as one of our best sellers followed closely by any of our cookie items. The combination of chocolate and cookie makes the perfect pair and is available as an individual, bulk item, or in variously sized gift sets.”
Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels have been an incredible hit at Maple Ridge Farms, which has prompted the company to add Chocolate Sea Salt Cashews this year. Riordan reports they have been extremely well received.
On the tech front, Origaudio has added the Onyt smart button and Flyington selfie drone to its holiday repertoire. “Clients love seeing unique items that they can use to advertise their business,” Miller comments. “Selfie drones make pretty stellar conversation starters! We're shaking up the traditional swag handouts by offering items that are both fun and functional, and likely never seen before.” These new items join the company’s best sellers—the Budsies wireless headphones and Flyington selfie drone.
Duffels make the perfect holiday gift, notes Brey at Beacon Promotions. She reports that sales have been “remarkable” for the company’s new CY174D duffel. This duffel joins the best seller CS300.
Lewis at BIC Graphic is also singing the praises of duffels as a holiday gift. “The #62399 adidas® 3-Stripes Medium Duffle checks a lot of boxes for gift trends this year,” she comments. “It’s useful for athletes who tote and store gear or as an overnight bag for weekend travelers. Plus, adidas® is a hugely popular retail brand right now and the stylish gray tones on this duffle appeal to a broad audience.”
Launched earlier this year, BIC Graphic’s #46178 KOOZIE® Hartwell Tumbler (20 ounce) is proving to be a great corporate gift, Lewis maintains. “The stylish black and pop of color accents perfectly complement the imprint, while the KOOZIE® brand ensures a quality product,” she says.
Commemorative calendars are a tried-and-true gift, Lewis adds, with its #1463 Journey to the Moon appointment calendar one of BIC Graphic’s top calendar gifts for this season. “This calendar celebrates an iconic moment in history through images and commentary celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing,” Lewis comments.
PCNA has capitalized on the popularity of gift sets as holiday gifts, adding many new sets this year, including the 1626-26 Arctic Zone Titan Thermal HP Copper Vacuum Drinkware Set and several pieces from the popular retail houseware brand Laguiole (the 1250-45 Laguiole Black Carving Set and Laguiole Black Kitchen Knife and Cutting Board Set). “End users want their brand associated with these high-end retail brands and that is why we are seeing the demand rise,” Bates adds.
Gary Rosenberg at Compass Industries reports that new items from MagLite, as well as new ways of decorating these items, is vital to the upcoming holiday season. “We can now do MagLites in full color printing on a smooth barrel, which has not done been done before,” he says. “Otterbox Coolers have been terrific on the upper end price wise and are a great holiday gift—possibly the best cooler on the market and made in the USA. From Nite-Ize we are seeing a continuing trend in multi-function tools and from Cedar Creek there are unique flashlights and other outdoor items.”
Aprons Etc. has introduced the Kitch Style line, which Pennington expects to do well this holiday season. “Bib style aprons are the most popular, but the line includes half waist and bistro suited well for the food service clients,” she states. “We offer eight styles with a large selection of fabrics and colors, but it’s heavy on denim and 100 percent cotton fabrics.” These blue, black, and pinstriped denims include accents such as “leather”, grommets, and contrasting color ties. Pennington notes that all are engineered for durability and include functional features, with a few styles that are super-sized both in width and length for more complete coverage where needed or desired.
Presentation is everything when it comes to promoting holiday gifts to clients, suppliers maintain. “You have to show these types of products and not wait for your client to ask for them,” Rosenberg states. “Do not be afraid to sell higher price and unique products. Your clients will thank you for them. Be creative and show them how a multitool carabiner has so many uses, or a flashlight is a great safety item for men and women. Don’t sell price—sell quality, sell originality, and sell yourself.”
Bates at PCNA urges distributors to sell the ROI. “More pieces=more impressions=more brand recognition,” he comments. “There is nothing wrong with giving away a single item; however, if you can make your client’s per piece budget stretch with three items packaged together versus one item in a polybag…the choice should be clear.”
Aprons Etc.’s Pennington recommends distributors target the main prospect groups of breweries, wineries, specialty restaurants, retail, and gifts. “They represent a great unisex boxed and embroidered gift, which is less than $50 to the client,” she says.
The addition of food enhances any promotional gift, Caputi at Chocolate Inn | Taylor & Grant | reports. “This can add perceived value to any gift and make the gift more memorable,” Lanco emphasizes. “Rather than customizing one item, our new kits allow imprinting on the box, drinkware and food item as well to provide three points of customization. This means your logo will be seen more frequently and make the impact you were looking for.”
Hanowell of Chocolate Chocolate states its custom products are a completely blank slate waiting to be designed/created to fit any company, event, or theme. “We’ve seen our products be used across every genre of company—construction, real estate, hospitality, medical, casino, weddings, tradeshows, employee recognition, and holiday gifts…just to name a few,” he says. “Everyone enjoys and appreciates a sweet treat, so these products are not confined to a specific industry or niche market.”
Samples are vital to promote holiday gift items, Riordan at Maple Ridge Farms affirms. “When selling chocolate or any other gourmet food product, get a sample in the hands of the buyer,” he comments. “Once they taste it you are almost certain to get an order.”
Never underestimate the power of human connection, Lewis at BIC Graphic concludes. “It is important to remember that gift giving is a personal and human experience,” she says. “The simple act of showing appreciation can connect you with your clients and strengthen relationships. Be thoughtful when selecting a gift because it often becomes a reminder of your business all year long.
“Don’t be overwhelmed by all the gift options that are out there and remember the motivation behind this type of initiative is simply to give,” she adds. “Develop a plan with clear goals and work with your sales reps to help guide you to the best options that fit your budget and audience.”