Why This Holiday Season Might Be Your Best Chance to Gift Boldly
- Dani Hill
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Every December, inboxes flood, budgets tighten, and brands scramble to send something. But what if this year your holiday gifting actually worked, not just checked a box? At Kick Ass Swag, we believe well-chosen gifts are a secret weapon for building relationships, boosting loyalty, and making your brand unforgettable.
It’s not just sentiment—there’s solid data behind it. 52% of recipients go on to do business with a company after receiving a corporate gift. (DFS) And in a recent corporate gifting report, more than half of companies said their top reason to give was brand awareness. (Giftsenda Gifting Platform)
So it’s worth asking: should you do holiday gifting this year? Let’s walk through how to decide.
The Signs You Should Gift
1. You want to stand out in a crowded inbox
Clients and partners get dozens of emails in December. A physical, thoughtful gift cuts through the noise and becomes tangible proof you care beyond the Q4 deal.
2. You value long-term relationships
Gifts signal appreciation. Executives regularly say that a branded gift helps cement long-term trust (Forbes backs this). (Forbes)
3. You have clients or employees you want remembered
Holiday gifts are less likely to be pitched away. They stay on desks, get used, or spark conversations. Your brand gets ongoing visibility long after the box is opened.
4. You have time to plan
The difference between “meh” and “knockout” is lead time. Ordering too late = limited choices, rushed fulfillment, and generic options. A gift boldly program gives you breathing room.
When You Shouldn’t Go All-In
1. If your budget is already stretched
Holiday gifting should enhance, not hurt your bottom line. If adding swag means cutting critical investments, it might be prudent to scale back.
2. If the gift is generic
Sending low-quality or irrelevant items can do more harm than good. A pen with your logo won’t shock anyone. A custom, high-quality item? That makes a statement.
3. If you can’t personalize
The difference between “just another gift” and “meaningful gesture” is personalization. If you can’t match gifts to recipients’ tastes or roles, your ROI will suffer.
How to Pull It Off Right
Start early As Cultivate Premium Gifts warns, timing is key. Plan your holiday gifting strategy before Q4 hits. (blog.cultivatepcg.com)
Bundle with purpose Combine items (like a cozy throw + branded tote + flavored drink) into kits. Bundles feel elevated and meaningful.
Offer choice within a box Because 68% of people prefer choosing their own gift. Let recipients pick from a few curated options, keeps it personal while still on brand.
Match the gift to the relationship High-value relationships deserve premium swag. Mid-tier relationships can get high-impact “everyday” items. Tier your gifting.
Track, measure, iterate Ask recipients for feedback. Track engagement, did those clients stick around or come back? Use that data to improve next year.
Final Take: Gift Boldly ! (Kick Ass Swag Wisdom)
If you’re willing to spend time, care, and a bit more budget this year, holiday gifting isn’t just worthwhile, it’s transformative. Your brand moves from “vendor” to “thoughtful partner.” Your clients don’t just use the gift, they remember it… and the giver behind it.
If you're on the fence: yes, you should do it. But do it right. Start early, personalize deeply, and let your brand speak through quality. Leave behind the holiday-return pile, and hand out swag they’ll actually keep—and talk about.