How to Boost Holiday Sales with Custom Branded Merchandise

The holiday shopping season is one of the biggest opportunities of the year for businesses. Customers are ready to buy, companies are gifting more than ever, and people are actively looking for brands that feel personal and memorable. One of the simplest ways to stand out during this busy season is through custom branded merchandise. 

Whether you’re running a retail store, a fitness studio, a corporate marketing team, or an online business, branded products can help you attract customers, drive sales, and strengthen your brand long after the holidays are over. 

Here’s how to use promotional merchandise to boost your holiday sales, the smart way. 

1. Create Holiday Gift Bundles 

Gift bundles are one of the easiest ways to increase your average order value and encourage upselling. 

Popular bundle examples: 

• Water bottle + tote bag + journal 

• Hoodie + mug + holiday ornament 

• Tech kit bundle (charging cables, power bank, earbuds) 

• Wellness bundle (shaker + resistance band + microfiber towel) 

Why bundles work: 

• Customers perceive them as higher value 

• They solve the “what do I buy?” problem 

• They’re ideal for corporate gifting 

• They encourage customers to buy more at once 

Custom branding pulls everything together and makes your business look polished and consistent. 

2. Offer Limited-Edition Holiday Designs 

Holiday-themed merchandise can help your brand feel fresh and seasonal without reinventing your entire product range. 

You can brand: 

• Seasonal drinkware 

• Holiday apparel 

• Winter accessories 

• Custom ornaments 

• Branded gift boxes 

Limited editions create urgency, encourage impulse buys, and help your brand stay visible throughout the season. 

3. Use Branded Merchandise as Tiered Gifts 

Tiered gifting is one of the most effective strategies for boosting sales and rewarding loyal customers. 

Examples: 

• Spend $50 - get a free branded tote 

• Spend $100 - get a free premium water bottle 

• Spend $200 - get a hoodie or blanket 

This increases basket size and creates a positive buying incentive without discounting your main products. 

4. Introduce Branded Merch as Add-Ons or Upsells 

A small, affordable branded product added at checkout can significantly increase revenue. 

Great upsell items include: 

• Keychains 

• Pens 

• Stickers 

• Tote bags 

• Mini holiday candles 

• Pocket hand sanitizers 

These are low-cost for you but feel like a “useful extra” for customers. With your branding on them, they continue advertising your business long after the holidays. 

5. Use Custom Merchandise as Lead Magnets 

You don’t always have to sell branded items, sometimes giving them away brings a better return. 

Ideas for lead generation: 

• Free gift with first purchase 

• Giveaway items for social media engagement 

• Promo gifts for new email subscribers 

• Handouts at holiday pop-ups or events 

People love receiving something they can actually use. If your branded item becomes part of someone’s daily routine, your business stays top-of-mind. 

6. Strengthen Customer Loyalty with Thoughtful Giveaways 

Holiday swag isn’t just for promotion, it’s a great retention tool. 

Examples of relationship-building gifts: 

• Notebooks for corporate clients 

• Premium bottles for fitness members 

• Tote bags for retail shoppers 

• Desk accessories for office teams 

A single well-chosen item can reinforce loyalty and show appreciation during the busiest time of year. 

7. Make Your Packaging Work Harder 

Custom packaging isn’t just decorative, it’s another branding touchpoint. 

Consider: 

• Branded holiday boxes 

• Custom tissue paper 

• Logo stickers 

• Premium gift bags 

• Personalized message cards 

High-quality packaging increases perceived value and makes your products gift-ready, a massive win during the holidays. 

8. Use Branded Merchandise as Event Swag 

Holiday parties, conferences, customer appreciation events, and end-of-year team gatherings are all perfect opportunities to distribute custom merchandise. 

Event-ready items include: 

• Hats 

• Mugs 

• Apparel 

• Drinkware 

• Notebooks 

• Travel cups 

• Seasonal accessories 

These items help your brand stay visible long after the event is over. 

Why Custom Merchandise Works During the Holidays 

Branded products support your holiday sales strategy by: 

• Increasing customer spend 

• Strengthening brand recognition 

• Supporting loyalty and retention 

• Creating memorable customer experiences 

• Encouraging repeat purchases 

• Providing social media content opportunities 

• Making your brand part of everyday life 

The holiday season is competitive, strong branding helps you stand out. 

Boost Your Holiday Sales with Everything Branded 

Whether you’re putting together employee gifts, retail bundles, customer giveaways, or exclusive merchandise, EverythingBranded has thousands of customizable products ready for your holiday campaign. 

Our team can help you: 

• Select the right items 

• Create holiday-ready artwork 

• Build custom bundles 

• Personalize merchandise for your audience 

• Deliver in time for your holiday promotions 

If you’re ready to make the most of the season, we’re here to help your brand shine. 

Explore our full range of holiday promotional items, apparel, drinkware, and gifts today.