They say your company should have its gifts for client and staff organised by late October at the very latest – so if you haven’t, you better get started now.

There reason for an early start is not just because it is easier to cope when there is less pressure – there is also high demand and availability of new and funky summer products and it also becomes difficult to organise branding as printers have a huge workload leading up to November and December.

You have to decide what the goals of your gifts are — for brand awareness or just a ‘thank you’ for your business.

Many promotional companies believe giveaways should always be branded — even if it is subtle like acid etched tone-on-tone.

Another good idea is to brand the packaging.

Remember also that if you give wine or chocolates, once they are consumed your client or staff member will not remember the giver – but some companies include a small keepsake in the box  so look closely at this cost of this.

  We all know branding matters - just think of your reaction to everday household brands you either love or loathe.  It is no different in the business world – so this is a great time of year to do a branding excercise.

Ideally you have a a point-of-difference their customers are willing to pay a premium for - and this is what you want to reinforce when it comes to giving gifts. Your gift should ideally have a visual representation of this  - either on the packaging or on the gift itslef.  Let’s face it - you want to thank them and you want them to enjoy the gift but you also want them to remember who it came from.

If your brand name and identity clearly differentiate you from the competition and capture the imagination of your audience, it may be enough to ensure your gift baskets and cards carry your branding.  Even better though is being able to use it on a gift that is going to be seen every day by both the recipient and those around them.

The result you really need is to leave a lasting impression. Branding is a very effective way of marketing, especially if you choose items like umbrellas or other products that are seen by the public as well as the receiver of the gift.

There are many new innovative and hot products out there – from beach pods, great beach towel sets, deluxe cheeseboard sets, fishing sets, barbecue aprons to the smallest ‘thank you’ of  scented candles, wine coolers or cookie jars filled with biscuits or sweets.  It doesn’t have to break the bank, it just needs to be sincere – sincerity will ensure your company is remembered long after the wrapping has been thrown away.