We're in the thick of the fall season and you're probably seeing "fall specials" on everything from cars to clothing to candy, but you really should be thinking about winter holidays and buying presents.

From our unique perspective as a service provider to the promotional products and other industries, we have ideas that go beyond applying company logos to candy canes or gingerbread men.

Here are a few suggestions to help you and your small- and medium-sized business (SMB) customers with both gifts and branded giveaways customers are sure to enjoy.

Wrap Up the Gift Giving

First off, making the best customers feel special is important to retaining them for your company, as well as for the customers you serve. Real estate magazine Inman points out that, according to a survey of professionals, these are the most popular types of gifts to give:

• 27.97 percent of respondents said they favor edible/drinkable items best.
• 26.57 percent prefer to give plants, calendars, and other items that make the workspace cozier.
• 20.28 percent prefer items customers can use in their homes or kitchens.
• 17.48 percent say that restaurant gift cards are their preferred presents for clients.

When planning for the holidays, remember that gifts are best when they actually look like gifts. Whether it's a batch of cookies from a food supplier, gift cards to restaurants or elegant pens, adding greeting cards plus wrapping paper and bows go a long way.

Even if you're going with the gift card idea that about one sixth of professionals prefer, adding a little bit a flair with packaging makes the gesture seem more deliberate and genuine. Don’t hesitate to feature your company colors and branding (and encourage your customers to do the same).

Ultimately, whatever you (or your customers decide to give, true gestures of gratitude and generosity will be remembered by your customers and clients long after the holiday season.

Holiday Promotional Products

Promo marketing Magazine tackled the subject of holiday promo product orders with the most critical advice being to plan ahead. They stress that professionals who serve SMBs should not wait until the end of the year. The advice makes sense, considering companies have many other things to do during the season, including winning more business, closing the books and even celebrating a little!

"The end of the year can be stressful, sure, but it can also be a big-time opportunity for promotional products professionals," promo marketing writes. Yet they also mention that "one of the biggest mistakes distributors seem to make is waiting too long for the holiday season and then missing the boat altogether.”

As the holiday season is relatively short, promo marketing points out that distributors should be talking to their customers in September or October for holiday products.

There are many choices that SMBs can make when they buy year-end gifts and promotional products. The Advertising Specialty Institute says that items which combine the useful with the festive tend not only to be the most welcome by recipients but also to SMBs allocating their precious marketing dollars.

For example, technology devices under $500 are a hit as holiday presents, reinforcing how most people already think about tech and holidays going together.

ASI also writes that technology in the promotional product industry "continues to grow year after year, thanks to constant advances and product enhancement" within the tech industry. As such, ASI notes tech is trending, stating that accessories like earbuds, wireless headphones, chargers and battery packs are an easy win for SMBs looking to choose branded giveaways that customers really appreciate.

In addition, ASI illustrates that some non-tech items are still excellent for year-end. Items such as winter wearables — think hats, scarves and beanies — as well as health and wellness items. Another thought is reasonably priced gadget gear that fall into the "holiday cheer" category that work as traditional inter-office gifts and holiday stocking stuffers too.

We hope you’ll follow the advice, get started with your holiday promotions now and explain the urgency for your customers. We are always ready to help you brand items with high-quality, fast vector artwork and embroidery digitizing services. We can help with everything from promotional items to printed cards and gift wrap, while freeing you up to sell and support more customers!