As the holiday season approaches, businesses often face the challenge of standing out and keeping customers engaged.
With numerous brands competing for attention, how can you make sure your brand leaves a lasting impression? One effective approach is corporate gifting through promotional products.
Psychologically, receiving a gift creates a positive emotional connection, which can influence behaviour and strengthen relationships. In this blog, we’ll explore how corporate gifts and promotional products tap into this psychology and why they are especially powerful during the holiday season. We’ll also show you how they keep your brand top-of-mind long after giving the gift.
1. The Psychology Behind Freebies and Corporate Gifting
Why do promotional products work so well? It comes down to basic human psychology: the principle of reciprocity. When someone receives something for free, they feel a sense of gratitude and, in many cases, a desire to return the favour. This doesn’t have to be monetary—it might be in the form of increased loyalty or even word-of-mouth promotion.
But it’s not just about reciprocity. Studies show that 58% of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand after receiving a promotional product, and 94% say positive reviews and testimonials make them more likely to trust a brand (HoneyBook).
A small but meaningful gift, like a branded reusable cup or a high-quality notebook, can make customers feel valued and foster long-term loyalty.
2. The Brand Journey of Promotional Products
Promotional products have the unique ability to travel with your brand. Imagine a branded tote bag or a summer-themed water bottle—both highly practical items in New Zealand’s December weather. These items aren’t just used once and forgotten; they become part of the recipient’s daily life, ensuring your brand is visible in public settings and personal spaces.
For example, a well-timed summer gift like a branded beach towel could be used repeatedly at the beach or in parks, extending your brand’s reach in ways that traditional ads cannot. Research shows that 62% of people remember the name of a brand on a promotional product.
This long-term visibility makes promotional products more cost-effective than one-time digital or print ads.
3. How to Choose the Right Promotional Product or Corporate Gift
Not all gifts have the same impact. The key is to choose products that are practical, high-quality, and aligned with your brand values. Here’s what to consider:
- Usefulness: Practicality is key—think about items that will be used frequently, like branded water bottles, reusable bags, or tech gadgets.
- Quality: A promotional gift is a reflection of your brand. If the item is cheap or easily breaks, that’s the impression your customers may take away. High-quality gifts signal that your brand values excellence.
- Sustainability: With more consumers prioritising eco-conscious brands, offering sustainable products can enhance your company’s image. Bamboo utensils, recycled notebooks, or eco-friendly bags are popular options that align with modern values.
4. Corporate Gifting for the Holiday Season
The holiday season is the perfect time to strengthen client relationships with corporate gifts. The end of the year is not only a time for reflection and gratitude; in New Zealand, it’s also the start of summer, making it an excellent time for fun, seasonal gifts that have a long-lasting impact.
Consider these ideas:
- Summer-Themed Gifts: A branded beach umbrella, sunblock kit, or stylish cooler bag will get plenty of use during the warmer months, increasing your brand’s visibility at summer events.
- Luxury Corporate Gifts: For high-value clients, consider personalised, high-end items like custom-engraved leather accessories or premium gift hampers. These gifts show that you truly value their partnership.
- Employee Gifts: Don’t forget your internal team. A thoughtful branded gift, like a wellness kit or personalised tech accessories, can boost morale and foster a sense of belonging.
In a recent testimonial from one of our long-term clients, they shared:
“Our experience with The Why Marketing has been phenomenal. Their personalised corporate gifts helped us maintain strong relationships with key clients, resulting in a significant increase in repeat business.”
This kind of positive feedback is typical when corporate gifting is done thoughtfully, building connections that extend far beyond the holiday season (HoneyBook).
5. Solving Marketing Pain Points with Promotional Products
Many businesses struggle with maintaining visibility and customer loyalty, especially during the busy holiday season. Promotional products offer a solution by providing:
- Extended Brand Exposure: A well-chosen promotional product stays in use, reminding the recipient of your brand for months or even years.
- Customer Retention: Thoughtful gifts increase customer loyalty, making them more likely to choose your brand over competitors.
- Cost-Effective Marketing: Compared to other advertising channels, promotional products offer an excellent return on investment. Studies show that promotional products can increase conversions on sales pages by up to 34% (Wordstream)
Conclusion
Promotional products and corporate gifts are more than simple giveaways—they are powerful tools that can strengthen relationships and enhance brand loyalty. This holiday season, consider using these products to not only show appreciation but also solve common marketing challenges, like brand visibility and customer retention.
Let us help you select the perfect gifts that reflect your brand and ensure long-term engagement. Contact us today to explore our range of promotional products and corporate gifting solutions tailored for New Zealand businesses.
About The Why Marketing
Founded by Geoffrey Campbell in 2019, The Why Marketing specialises in providing tailored marketing solutions for SMEs in Tauranga, New Zealand, and the broader North Island area. With a focus on strategic planning, brand management, and digital marketing, we act as your Virtual Marketing Officer, delivering in-house and outsourced services designed to meet your unique needs. Our ethical approach and commitment to quality ensure that we deliver results that matter. Let’s build something great together.
