Gifts

21
Nov
2023

Top 10 Last Minute Holiday Gifts That Make a Huge Impact

As the holiday season nears, it is becoming more apparent how many companies use promotional products as gifts for both employees and clients. With that being said, many companies do not actually come to a conclusion about what to order until the deadline has approached and time becomes the paramount issue, rather than determining what product the employees or clients will most appreciate. 

My name is Jordan, and I am an account manager with Pinnacle Promotions, bringing my extensive expertise to help companies consistently make a lasting impression. With a proven track record in helping businesses succeed, I’m here to guide you through making a big impact with last minute corporate gifts.

Last Minute Gift Ideas for a Successful Season

During this time of year, 24 hour rush promotional products and fast production time become our client’s best friend. With the wide variety of items available on our website with less than 5-day production, getting holiday orders into the appropriate hands is not an issue! Many of our products even offer 24 Hour Rush to guarantee speedy delivery when our customers need it most.

Still, sometimes it can be difficult to select the right gift when the clock is ticking. That’s why I’ve created a comprehensive list of the top 10 last minute holiday gifts to help you create the best experience for your clients and employees this season. 

#1 Custom Calendars 

A well designed custom calendar goes a long way, as it not only showcases your thoughtfulness but also promotes your brand throughout the year. 

#2 Promotional Drinkware 

Promotional drinkware is a great last-minute gift idea because it combines utility with brand visibility. Branded travel mugs or tumblers ensure that your logo and message accompany your clients or employees on their daily journeys, reinforcing your brand’s presence. 

#3 Logoed Apparel

Custom-branded clothing items like beanies, jackets, or hoodies make great holiday gifts, offering warmth and style while showcasing your logo, creating a lasting impression for your clients or employees. 

#4 Branded Outdoor Items

Last-minute gifts like branded outdoor items convey your company’s thoughtfulness and resonate with the adventurous spirit of your clients or employees. Outdoor items like cooler bags or branded hammocks make memorable tokens of appreciation that encourage an active lifestyle while reinforcing your brand’s presence.

#5 Desk Accessories 

Branded desk accessories enhance your recipients’ workspace and daily routines. Consider building a custom kit to include items like branded pens, mouse pads, or desk organizers to spruce up office and work-from-home setups.

#6 Branded Blankets 

You can create cozy environments with custom blankets featuring your brand’s logo and message. Branded blankets are thoughtful and practical gifts that keep your company top of mind as recipients snuggle up and stay warm.

#7 Custom Notebooks

Custom notebooks offer a creative and productive outlet for your team. The next time your team is ready to brainstorm their next industry innovation, they can reach for a stylish notebook or journal featuring your logo, encouraging both branding and creativity in a single thoughtful gift.

#8 Branded Tech Accessories 

In the world of rapidly evolving technology, branded tech accessories are practical must-haves. Items like phone stands, chargers, or earbuds are often used daily, ensuring that your brand remains a constant presence in their digital lives.

#9 Gourmet Food Gift Sets

Send delicious branded gift sets filled with gourmet treats, not only delighting recipients with scrumptious flavors, but also leaving a lasting impression of your company’s generosity and thoughtfulness.

#10 Promotional Bags

Branded tote bags, backpacks, or laptop bags are not only useful and stylish but also ensure that your company’s name travels with the recipient, extending your brand’s reach wherever they go.

Online Holiday Pop-Up Shops & Easy Corporate Gifting 

While I hope my list of last-minute holiday gifts helps in a time crunch, I have found that this year, some companies are choosing to make their orders more personal by offering employees options through an online holiday pop-up shop. This allows their teams to choose between a fleece jacket or a soft shell, a desktop charger or a pen organizer, and more, for example.

This gives the recipient the impression of a more personalized gift that is really tailored to their needs, whereas in the past I have noticed that corporate gifts are chosen with a broader range of recipients in mind. 

While less personal, more generic product options with universal appeal certainly can’t do any harm when distributed as holiday gifts, companies can reap the maximum benefits of a holiday giving program by spending more time listening to and understanding the preferences of their intended audience. 

The length of time that the promotional products are retained and the perceived value of the gifts will be much greater when the recipient is able to sense the time, effort and thought that a particular company put towards selecting the customized presents.

-Jordan

Account Manager

Posted by Admin in Seasonal Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
09
Sep
2014

Chocolate Cake, SEO and Promotional Products

Link farming used to be a standard SEO practice. Pay people to put links to your website on irrelevant or micro-sites to trick Google into believing everyone is linking to you so that you rank higher because you seem very important. Keyword loading was also standard SEO practice. Pay people to write hundreds of articles about you loaded up with your brand name and keywords and post those on irrelevant or micro-sites to trick Google into believing everyone is reading about you so that you rank higher because your name is everywhere.

Starting in 2010, Google used Panda and Penguin updates to sniff out these schemes and punish the offenders. The shift has already happened from “link farming” and “keyword loading” to “content saturation.” Content saturation is the idea that if you put out excessive amounts of content, any content, you are bound to get activity. The problem with content saturation? First, content shock: too much content and the user’s tolerance for consumption. Secondly and more importantly, relevance.

Google’s current Hummingbird algorithm is brilliantly designed to combine original site links, keywords and site content to determine relevance. And the more relevant the content, the higher Google organic visibility. So, content saturation can actually hurt your brand. Many companies will blog about anything just to get your eyeballs. It doesn’t matter if the blog relates to anything they do or sell.

So, while we will never write a blog just about chocolate cake…we WILL write a blog about how to bake a chocolate cake with promotional items! And, as an added bonus…we are going to throw in a pretty awesome recipe for chocolate cake!

5 Promotional Products to Help You Make a Chocolate Cake

1.

Swivel Measuring Spoons

Swivel Measuring Spoons

2.

Silicone Spatula

Silicone Spatula


3.

Tiny Tot Magnetic Timer

Tiny Tot Magnetic Timer


4.

Ad-Mitt

Ad-Mitt


5.

One Cup Measure-Up

One Cup Measure-Up


And now, the easiest, best chocolate cake recipe ever!

Easiest Chocolate Cake recipe

Easiest Chocolate Cake recipe

Pinnacle Promotions

Chocolate Cake, SEO and Promotional Products. A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

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Posted by Lee in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 0 comments
03
Dec
2013

“That’s a Tier 2 problem.” Ummmm…what?

“That’s a Tier 2 problem.” Ummmm…what?

My laptop was not working. I had no idea what was wrong with it. So, I took my computer to a store that sells that computer, and that computer only. Upon further inspection, the technician kindly let me know that I have a “Tier 2” problem. I asked, “What is a Tier 2 problem?” He answered, “About $250.” Ummmm…what?

Many industries have their own terms that are proprietary to the market or industry. The promotional products industry is no different. We have assembled a few of our favorite terms here that some customers may know, but these terms might not necessarily be household names. Not only will we define them for you, but we’ll do it in less than #sixwords!

Four-color process: Your full-color-logo on something
Stock the closet: Your corporate stash of promo items
Setup charge: Charge to setup the imprinting machine
Imprint: Your logo or design for production
Vector: Points and lines that make shapes
Raster: Squares of pixels that make shapes
Pad print: Stamp your imprint on your item
Deboss: Elegant concave imprint on squishable item
Digitizing: Embroidered image becomes digital sewing file
PMS Color: Color number matching your brand guidelines (PMS LINK)
Run Charge: Charge per color for color printing
Flash Charge: White base for dark printing wearables

Any other terms you want us to explain in #sixwords? We’re here for you! Check out our FAQs for more information.

Pinnacle Promotions

Promo industry terms explained in #sixwords

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Posted by Lee in Brand Identity and Corporate Logos, Promotions Industry News, Top Trending Topics, 0 comments
26
Nov
2013

Are You a Promo Hoarder?

According to the European Promotional Products Association, a whopping 91% of consumers keep a promotional product in their kitchen. This was surprising to me, until I realized that the EPPA was talking about me. Not only do I do this, but also I might be a promotional product hoarder.promfi infographic_11f1ec510dbe285b39baca0385b3afef

The best burger place in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is called Scotty P’s. There are six locations. The menu items are the same at each location, but are named specific to that location. For example, the BBQ burger is called the Watson Burger at the Allen location, and the Warren Burger at the Frisco location based on prominent members of those communities.

It’s not just the food that draws you to Scotty P’s. For years, they gave a plastic cup with each drink purchase. scottypsThere was no upsell attached to the cup. You bought a drink; you got a cup with their logo imprinted on it. As loyal customers, we have more than one Scotty P’s cup. The Pink cup during October was especially sought after.  Some restaurants maintain arrangements with their drink brand to provide promotional cups. These cups are usually co-branded with the restaurant logo and the drink brand logo. The Scotty P’s cups are just branded with their corporate logo.

Inspired by the EPPA statistics, I decided to take a look around the kitchen. After further review, I decided I might be a promo hoarder. I own more than 30+ Scotty P’s cups. And, I don’t even live in Texas any longer.

Are you one of the 55% of people who keep a promotional product in your bedroom? Are you one of the 25% of people who use a promotional pen in the home or office?  Tell us: Are you a promotional products hoarder?

Pinnacle Promotions

Are you a “promo hoarder?” #promoitems

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Posted by Lee in Brand Identity and Corporate Logos, Cool Promotional Products We Love, 0 comments
05
Nov
2012

Promotional Gift Trends of 2012

If you’ve visited our website recently, you’ll see we are featuring our Top Gift Trends for 2012 category. Besides being a great month to reflect on how thankful we are, November is also a wonderful time to give a look over all the great items and trends of this year. I’ve picked a few of my favorite trends to highlight in today’s blog

Continue reading →

Posted by Admin in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 1 comment
06
Apr
2010

All The President’s Pens

While health care legislation has been all over the news for months, this innovative video is the first to focus on the use of the president’s pens rather than the bill and its contents. The behind the scenes glimpse allows viewers to see the bill signing process from a unique prospective; dig a little deeper and the video also provides valuable insight into the promotional products market.
Read more market insight from All the President’s Pens…

Posted by Admin in Current Events News, 0 comments
05
Mar
2010

The cutest promotional product for the spring (in my opinion…)

Okay, so don’t get me wrong, the Slap-On Promotional Watch is still super hot. But I have a new favorite product obsession to tell you about this week. It’s the Kikkerland Grass Charging Station.

What could be better than a having a high-quality charging station to store your miscellaneous electronic devices in? Storing them in a charging station that looks like a little patch of grass!

I know what you’re thinking. A charging station covered in grass? I know it seems crazy, but how great is it to literally bring a little patch of (not quite alive) greenery indoors?

Continue reading…

Posted by Admin in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 2 comments
25
Feb
2010

Toyota, Tylenol, and How One “Bachelor” Contestant Could Use Promotional Products in Her Everyday Life

vvvracerOn Monday night’s episode of “The Bachelor: The Women Tell All,”* Southern Belle and single mother Ella commented on the behavior of fellow bachelorette (and also the instigator of much of this season’s drama), Vienna, by saying:

“She would do and say things she would not think about before she did them. She may be sorry for them later, but then if you continue that after ‘I’m sorrys,’ it’s not going to fly.”

At the time, I paused and pondered Ella’s statement. Although perhaps not the most eloquently put version of a value that I have been taught from a young age, her honesty and simple interpretation of why Vienna lost her credibility were refreshing. “I’m sorry” can be a powerful phrase, but overusing it may cause the listener to become skeptical of the apologetic individual or party’s sincerity.

A recent BrandWeek article about Millward Brown’s list of “most trusted and recommended brands” brought to light a shining example of the impact of apologies in the corporate world. The list is based on the survey responses of over 20,000 U.S. consumers at the end of 2009. Tylenol, ranked 6th on the list, happens to have had numerous recalls over the years, including one in 2009, the year in which the data for this study was collected. Eileen Campbell, global CEO of Millward Brown, explained the company’s high ranking by saying, “Doing well in a crisis actually builds trust.”

Toyota, number 7 on the list, only began facing scrutiny in early 2010 regarding the safety of their vehicles, so I am curious to see how the established car manufacturer’s trust rating will fare among consumers in the future. Personally, I think Toyota’s crisis recovery efforts have been outstanding, and by admitting their lapses in quality assurance and promising to improve, they have already begun to regain the respect of many consumers. Think about how you react after you make a mistake: I know that I am overly cautious because of fear of repeating the same error. I guess only time will tell if Toyota will exhibit the same staying power as Tylenol.

As for Vienna, I think her actions have alienated the vast majority of Bachelor viewers, but hey, she still has a chance to get the guy! Maybe he will be more receptive to her apologies than Ella and the rest of her former housemates; if all else fails, she could try imprinting the words “I’m sorry” on promotional products as tokens of her on-going remorse instead of just saying them time and again. :)

* As many of my coworkers know, I tune into a variety of reality shows, from “Say Yes to the Dress,” to “The Real Housewives of ____” (you could fill in practically any city name/season and chances are I have seen the majority of the episodes), to, I’m almost ashamed to admit, “The Bachelor.” Although not the most mentally stimulating, hopefully this blog has proven reality tv’s capacity to teach valuable life lessons to unassuming viewers like myself.

Dana
Team Lead – Social Media

Posted by Admin in Current Events News, 0 comments
07
Jan
2010

A Look Back at the Evolution of Our Promotional Products Blog…

The People’s Choice Awards last night inspired me to take a slightly different approach to today’s blog. Rather than writing a completely original post, I thought to myself, why not reflect on the musings thus far of my fellow Pinnacle bloggers? There have been some amazing topics raised since the inception of our blog last May so here are MY choices for the most fitting blog posts in a variety of categories:

1. Funniest: “What Not to Wear: Pinnacle Promotions Edition” (by me and Jamie)

The spoof we co-wrote based on television’s “What Not to Wear” was actually suggested by several of our coworkers, and we all laughed for days about this one! Brent was a trooper, although I’m sure he won’t be thrilled about me rehashing the details of our original post. ☺ This may be one blog idea that we have to recycle in the future- Pinnacle employees, make sure not to break any fashion rules, or the “Fashion Police Officers” may write about you next!

2. Spookiest: “6 mildly scary films about promotional products that never made it past storyboarding” (by Acree)

Acree’s clever take on classic scary movies sent shivers through my bones! Her suggested parody “The Hills Have Ice” gave me nightmares- deranged ice scrapers attacking an unsuspecting family of tourists? No, thank you! If Acree ever decides to produce any of these films, I may need to get away from the promotional products industry, as our office showroom would be an intimidating haunt after dark…

3. Most Delicious: “Promotional Products: Recipes for Successful Marketing Campaigns” (by Sarah) and “Toasting and Roasting: What to Do Post Pumpkin Carving” (by Kim)

Well, I can’t say that I have actually made Sarah’s zucchini bread recipe myself, but I have tasted it and can say that it is even more delicious than it looks in the photo! I highly suggest printing out a copy of the entire post and cooking up your own loaf of zucchini bread. And how could I forget Kim’s post featuring a recipe for toasted pumpkin seeds? I don’t think pumpkins are in season anymore, but this recipe is definitely one to keep in your kitchen to whip up this Fall!

4. Most Likely to Inspire Readers to Get Up and Sing: “Presenting Pinnacle’s Lyrics Lounge: Promotional Products Inspired by Music” (by Jaime)

Jaime’s series of “Pinnacle’s Lyrics Lounge” entries was certainly a well-loved one around our office. It was hard to pick just one post, as other great songs were referenced as well, but I thought the original should win the award, as it did start the series off with a bang. Hopefully 2010 will bring more “Pinnacle’s Lyrics Lounge” originality from Jaime!

5. Most Likely to Cause Readers to “Shake Their Groove Thangs”: “Pink Gloves Dance: Can You Spot the Promotional Products?” (by Guest Contributor, Eliza)

Eliza’s creative integration of the YouTube hit “Pink Gloves Dance” video into her guest blog post in December made me want to grab the nearest promotional product and bust a move. Nurses bopping their heads while wearing hot pink sunglasses should be inspiration enough for readers to introduce some fun and excitement into their next promotional giveaway campaign… or even to hold an impromptu dance party in their cubicles!

6. Best Seasonal Post: “Hittin’ The Pool” (by Heather)

Re-reading this post from last June brought a wistful smile to my face, as I would much rather replace the snow in Atlanta today with warm rays of sunshine and pool-worthy temperatures. Her description of spending a leisurely weekend working on a tan makes me look forward to Summer already!

7. Best Business Advice: “Building Business Relationships with Promotional Products” (by Kim)

In my final category, I selected Kim’s heartfelt post about the importance of fostering lasting relationships with your customers. Her observations and recommendations rang true in my mind, especially upon a second reading. The suggestions that she shares about sending inexpensive giveaways and promotional products to clients are timeless and universal- there is no time like the present to begin making your customers feel appreciated and valued!

With the number of posts made to our blog nearing 200, it was tough for me to narrow down my selections- if you have a favorite post, leave a comment and let us know. And, of course, you can expect many more inventive entries from Pinnacle’s Marketing team and our awesome guest bloggers in 2010!

Posted by Admin, 0 comments