Why do so many brands still miss the mark with winter gifting?

Why do some winter gifts fall flat?

Winter gifting is a great opportunity to build stronger relationships. Yet, many businesses still treat it as a last-minute checklist item. The right gift builds emotional connection, strengthens relationships, and keeps your brand in arm’s reach, literally. If done wrong, it gets ignored, or worse, thrown out.

Here are five mistakes we still see brands make during winter, and how to fix them.

Choosing Generic Gifts That Lack Seasonal Relevance

The mistake: Sending items that don't fit the season or the recipient’s lifestyle. Think of ballpoint pens, stress toys, or products that feel cheap and forgettable.

Why it matters: Customised gifts are tangible brand touchpoints. When they’re uninspiring, they dull your brand’s impact. During winter, people seek comfort, warmth, and practicality.

What to do instead: Select gifts that match both the season and your audience’s context. For example:

• For office teams: fleece-lined hoodies, thermal mugs, desktop warmers
• For clients or stakeholders: gourmet winter treat boxes, reusable heat packs, branded throw blankets
• For outdoor activations: branded beanies, rainproof tote bags, softshell jackets

Overlooking Sustainability and Brand Perception

The mistake: Gifting items with high environmental impact—single-use plastic, mass-produced imports, or poorly packaged goods.

Why it matters: Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have.” 78% of global consumers say a sustainable lifestyle is important to them. Gifting that disregards this can subtly erode trust in your brand.

What to do instead: Choose merchandise with sustainability credentials such as:

• Recycled polyester apparel
• Bamboo fibre drinkware
• Organic cotton tote bags
• Compostable packaging

Missing the Power of Personalisation

The mistake: Sending a one-size-fits-all gift, without any personalisation; no name, no thoughtful packaging, no added context.

Why it matters: Personalisation isn’t a luxury. It’s a proven ROI driver. According to a recent study, personalised brand experiences can increase ROI by up to 8 times.

What to do instead:

• Add initials, names, or team tags via embroidery or engraving.
• Use packaging that reflects your brand tone but also the recipient’s personality.
• Include a short, handwritten card or digitally printed message with their name.

Leaving Gifting Too Late in the Calendar

The mistake: Starting the conversation in December, when stock is low, production windows are tight, and couriers are overwhelmed.

Why it matters: Last-minute gifting results in rushed choices, limited product availability, and a lot of stress. It also limits the ability to customise or co-brand properly.

What to do instead:

• Start planning winter gifting 2–3 months in advance (August to September is ideal).
• Book your production windows early to avoid peak-season cut-offs.
• Collaborate with a promotional partner that can handle fulfillment and delivery.

Focusing Only on Clients and Forgetting Internal Teams

The mistake: Prioritising external gifting and overlooking employees, support staff, and stakeholders.

Why it matters: Your internal team is your brand. Gifting internally builds morale, loyalty, and a stronger workplace culture. It’s not just a nice gesture—it’s a retention tool.

What to do instead:

• Include your staff in the gifting plan with items that acknowledge effort and contribution.
• Think beyond the gift: pair it with recognition, a team lunch, or a message from leadership.
• Consider practical winter items they’ll use daily: branded jumpers, insulated bottles, or home-office care kits.

So, how do you gift smarter this winter?

Think of gifting as a long-term brand investment and a way to build stronger relationships. Choose meaningful products, plan ahead, personalise where you can, and include everyone who represents your brand, inside and out.

With the right strategy, winter gifting becomes more than a seasonal touchpoint. It becomes a memorable brand experience and a bridge to connect more with your clients and staff.

Want help planning your winter gifting campaign? We’re ready to partner with you! 😍