Just when we thought we had another few weeks of fall weather, it started getting chilly. As strange as it was, December 2015’s freakishly warm weather — with temperatures in the 50s and 60s just a few days before the winter holidays — were a nice treat. So much for a “White Christmas”! But now, it’s back to reality.

As such, many people across the country have started to break out the snow boots, winter hats, gloves, and heavy coats. Maybe you've even brought a few extra sweaters down from the top of the closet.

Like any season, winter does provide some opportunity to capitalize on the weather and Americans love promotional products and gifts that suit their needs. If you are a distributor of specialty advertising and promotional products, winter wearables may be just the thing to discuss with your customers and prospects.

December 22nd, business news website called Bezinga noted that spending for corporate gifts and branded giveaways went up this past year. While the article cited the appetite for certain items that may be more popular toward the year end — such as gift cards and office items including pens and calendars — the rise in overall demand is encouraging.

Getting specific to the season, the Advertising Specialty Institute noted in their annual Impressions Study (published earlier in 2015) that outerwear has staying power and room to grow. According to ASI, approximately 9% of U.S. consumers have some sort of promotional outerwear, with the snowy upper Midwest leading in ownership (at 15% of consumers). Additionally, ASI found in its study that owners keep their promotional outerwear, on average, for a year and a half. They keep items such as jackets, hats and hoodies, because they are “useful” and “enjoyable”.

So what can small and medium sized businesses offer to promote their brand, while helping customers bundle up? The options vary.

If your customers are in a part of the country where skiing is big, then think about recommending insulated gloves or ski style winter hats with embroidered logos on them. And if ski slopes aren’t a local hangout in your area, keep in mind hockey’s popularity and the increased popularity of wearables and niche items like the iconic “ugly sweater”.

Keep in mind that, for some Americans (perhaps the lucky ones), winter is shorter. That’s why, for those outside the Northeast and upper Midwest, it may be more enticing to prepare for the upcoming warmer months and spring activities.

Idea Custom Solutions posted on its blog last February about the boon in demand for golf promo products. Specifically, local and relationship-oriented businesses “like financial advisers, real estate firms and staffing firms also capitalize on Americans’ love of golf and golf swag”. Often branded promo products like these are a best bet for businesses to get their name out there.

The most important aspect of golf items isn’t so much centered on golf. Whether or not the businesses you serve are owned and operated by golf nuts, branded sports-related items like golf ball sets, tees, and even generally useful items like carry bags and totes look professional, and will get seen — because they are useful.

Back to winter: there are other useful items that you can offer business customers that are not sports-related. Essentials like ice scrapers come in handy for motorists starting their days, while mugs, sturdy drinkware and even tea sets can provide warmth and comfort before the break of spring and sunshine.

Whatever products you sell to your customers this season, you can ensure their brands look professional with the best in embroidery digitizing for wearables and vector artwork for hard goods. On top of that, you can order anytime from anywhere and get designs back in 24 hours or less.