I know it seems strange, summer is over and here we are… In no time it will be December. Not to panic, try this handy guide to get through the gift giving season.

Month by Month Holiday Survival Guide
October – Start Planning for the holidays with ideas
November – Place orders and review samples
December – Holidays arrive, begin shipping gifts!

Each month brings us closer to the holiday season. Gift giving can be difficult for us all. Trying to find a corporate gift that will please everyone and trying to fit within a budget is a challenge.

This never fail holiday formula has worked successfully for many of our clients that rely on us for promotional gifts. Some clients even start planning as early as August and September. We have learned over the years to plan ahead, avoid shortages and last minute holiday pangs.

First, plan a budget including the number of recipients. Second, list some of your favorite corporate gifts, and some not so favorite.  Ask your co-workers for suggestions. This will put you in a good position for step three: focus on the actual gift. It is easier to accomplish corporate gift giving in steps, rather than trying to do this in one giant leap.

At CS Designworks, holiday gifts are an opportunity to say thank you and extend good will to our clients and vendors.

Each year we try to reach further with popular trends. Whether it is technology, traditional, eco friendly or executive toys, we look for corporate gifts that will be remembered.

Take that first step with us, think Holidays!

Not too long ago, a tote bag was a standard business gift and a great corporate advertising vehicle. The tote is a useful promotional giveaway. Whether filled at a trade show or lugged around town, it is meant to carry on with your message.

Our perspective has changed with the times. Now a logo tote can be a fashion statement as shown by the wide variety of designer totes. We can buy them from fancy european boutiques or at the local bookstore. The message can be as subtle as “buy local” up to a “limited edition” bag that makes women crazy!

The old plastic water bottles were a mainstay for walkathons, picnics and other fitness events. Today’s water bottle has gone hi-tech with materials ranging from Stainless steel to BPA-free polycarbonates. With so many colors and styles, it is really amazing.

It is also amusing to see how far we have come in such a short time. Thankfully, these items are simple, easy to put into our daily routine. Eco-style can be serious or fun. Change your message, add your logo or create custom art for a thoughtful corporate gift or promotional item.

The trick is trying to relate the item with what you want to promote. Branded Kool-Aid packets, clocks, towels or even Magic Eight Balls can all be used to promote your business if it relates to either your company or a special event you’re marketing. Fox Searchlight gave away branded hamburger phones to promote the movie “Juno” and now even the unbranded hamburger phones are selling. As long as you make the item fun and useful, they can continue to use it and they see your company’s logo when they do.

After you know what you want to use, figure out how best to distribute it. Conferences and trade shows are good places for distribution. You can also get a mailing list going of clients and potential clients and mail you promotional item.

Promotional gifts are fun and easy to do. Almost anything can be used to promote your start-up. Plus it’s free! And who doesn’t enjoy a free gift?