A Guide to Christmas Promotional Product Planning: When Should I Begin Planning My Marketing Campaign for Christmas?

The Christmas season is one of the most lucrative times of the year for businesses, with consumers eager to spend on gifts, decorations, and festive experiences. For marketers, this presents an unparalleled opportunity to capture the holiday spirit and boost brand visibility. Among the various strategies available, promotional products stand out as a powerful tool for engaging customers and driving sales. But when should you begin planning your Christmas marketing campaign? In this guide, we’ll delve into why promotional products should be a cornerstone of your holiday campaigns, explore their benefits, and provide a timeline for effective planning. We’ll also share examples of successful Christmas promotional campaigns and highlight the types of products that work best during this festive season.

1. Why Promotional Products Should Be Part of Your Christmas and Holiday Campaigns

Promotional products have long been a staple in marketing strategies, but they take on even greater significance during the Christmas season. This is a time when consumers are not only more receptive to marketing messages but also more likely to appreciate thoughtful, tangible gifts that enhance their holiday experience.

• Emotional Connection – Christmas is a season of giving, and promotional products tap into the emotional aspect of this tradition. When customers receive a gift, it creates a positive association with your brand, fostering loyalty and encouraging repeat business.
• Brand Visibility – During the holidays, people tend to gather with family and friends. When your branded products are part of these gatherings, they gain exposure to a wider audience. For instance, a beautifully designed custom mug or ornament can become a talking point, spreading your brand's message beyond the initial recipient.
• Increased Customer Engagement – Promotional products offer a tactile experience, which digital marketing often lacks. A well-designed product can capture attention and serve as a constant reminder of your brand, keeping you top-of-mind throughout the holiday season and beyond.

2. The Benefits of Using Promotional Products in Christmas Campaigns

The benefits of integrating promotional products into your Christmas marketing campaign are manifold.

• Enhanced Customer Loyalty – According to a study by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), 83% of consumers are more likely to do business with brands that give them promotional products. During the Christmas season, this effect is amplified as customers are already in a purchasing mindset.
• Cost-Effective Marketing – Promotional products offer a high return on investment. The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) reports that the cost per impression of a promotional product is often lower than other forms of advertising, making it an efficient way to reach a large audience without breaking the bank.
• Long-Lasting Impact – Unlike other forms of advertising, promotional products have staying power. A well-chosen Christmas gift can be used and appreciated for months, or even years, keeping your brand in the recipient's mind long after the holiday season has ended.

3. Christmas: A Prime Time for Marketing

The statistics around Christmas spending underscore why this season is so crucial for marketers. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), holiday sales in the United States during November and December consistently account for around 20% of annual retail sales, with some categories, such as jewelry, seeing even higher percentages.

In 2023, holiday retail sales in the U.S. were expected to reach over $960 billion, an increase of 4.8% from the previous year. This underscores the immense opportunity for businesses to capture a share of this spending through well-timed and well-executed marketing campaigns.

4. When Should You Start Planning for Your Christmas Campaigns?

Timing is everything when it comes to Christmas marketing. The earlier you start, the more time you have to source products, finalize designs, and handle logistics. Here’s a recommended timeline to ensure your campaign is a success:

• Six Months Before Christmas (June) – Begin brainstorming ideas and setting your budget. This is the time to consider what types of promotional products you want to offer, who your target audience is, and what your overall campaign goals are.
• Five Months Before Christmas (July) – Start sourcing suppliers and obtaining quotes. This is also the time to begin working on product designs and placing orders for any custom items. If you're planning a large-scale campaign, this will give you ample time to handle any unexpected delays.
• Four Months Before Christmas (August) – Finalize your product choices and place your orders. This will allow time for production and shipping, ensuring your products arrive well before the holiday rush.
• Two to Three Months Before Christmas (September-October) – This is the time to start promoting your campaign. Begin teasing your products on social media, through email newsletters, and in-store promotions to build anticipation.
• One Month Before Christmas (November) – By now, your products should be in hand, and your campaign should be in full swing. Distribute your promotional items and monitor the campaign's performance, making any necessary adjustments.

5. Examples of Successful Christmas Promotional Campaigns

Several big brands have leveraged the power of promotional products to great effect during the Christmas season:

• Coca-Cola – The brand's iconic Christmas trucks and Santa Claus imagery have become synonymous with the holiday season. Coca-Cola often uses branded merchandise like ornaments, Santa hats, and even personalized Coke bottles as part of its Christmas campaigns, reinforcing its association with festive cheer.
• Starbucks – Each year, Starbucks releases limited-edition holiday cups and merchandise. These products not only drive sales but also create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, as customers rush to collect the latest designs.

6. What Sort of Promotional Products Work Well for Christmas Campaigns?

When choosing promotional products for your Christmas campaign, consider items that are both festive and functional. Here are some top picks:

• Christmas Ornaments – Custom ornaments are a popular choice, as they can be used year after year, creating a lasting impression.
• Holiday-Themed Apparel – Items like Santa hats, scarves, and gloves can be customized with your logo and are perfect for spreading holiday cheer.
• Personalized Gift Boxes – Instead of traditional wrapping, consider offering custom-designed gift boxes that can be reused. These boxes can be branded and filled with themed items, creating a memorable unboxing experience.
• Food and Drink – Edible gifts like branded chocolates, cookies, or even wine can be a hit during the holidays. Pair these with custom packaging to enhance their appeal.
• Calendars and Planners – As the new year approaches, calendars and planners make practical gifts that keep your brand visible throughout the year.

7. How EverythingBranded USA Can Help

Planning a Christmas marketing campaign can feel overwhelming, but EverythingBranded USA is here to simplify the process. We offer a full suite of services, from sourcing and budgeting to customization and delivery, ensuring your campaign is seamless and successful. Our extensive catalog of promotional products includes everything you need to leave a lasting impression this holiday season.

At EverythingBranded, we understand how critical timing is, especially during the hectic holiday period. That’s why we’ve curated a special selection of rush products – perfect for those last-minute needs. Whether it's rush pens, keychains, notebooks, or other essentials, our quick-turnaround options allow you to meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality or detail.

Whether you're in search of timeless items like mugs and ornaments or something more distinctive, our team of experts is ready to help you find the perfect products that align with your brand and budget. With the support of our in-house design team, we can also help you craft custom artwork that makes your promotional items truly stand out.

Don’t wait until the last minute – start planning your Christmas marketing campaign today with EverythingBranded USA. Ensure your brand shines brightly and makes a significant impact this holiday season.

References

• National Retail Federation – Holiday Data and Trends 
• Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) – Consumers Covet Promo During Economic Hardships
• The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) – ASI’s 2022 Ad Impressions Study Definitively Proves Promo’s Influence Nationwide
• Statista – Holiday retail sales in the United States from 2000 to 2023