Top 10 holiday promotional products

By Jessica Martin

As the year winds down, people are getting together, celebrating and thinking about the things that matter most. It’s also a great time for organizations to show appreciation for the people who make what they do possible. According to Promotional Products Association International research, 83% of consumers say receiving a promotional product makes them feel appreciated opens in new window. Whether you’re thanking employees, recognizing volunteers, connecting with customers or sending year-end gifts to clients, holiday promotional products can delight recipients while boosting visibility for your brand. Discover the top 10 promotional products to consider this festive season. 

83%

83% of people say receiving a promo item makes them feel appreciated.

Custom branded socks 

Socks might seem like a small gift, but they’re mighty useful when the temperatures drop. Pair them with a year-end thank-you note and send to employees or customers. Kick up the coziness factor with Cable Knit Slipper Socks or Stripe Fuzzy Socks. Or choose Colored Dress Socks for a more polished look. With tons of options, you’re bound to match your brand, campaign or festive holiday theme.  

Food gift sets  

You typically don’t want your holiday promo gifts to disappear upon receipt, but snacks and sweet treats are the exception. Food gift sets are a great choice for thanking clients, welcoming new customers or showing staff a little love around the holidays. Chocolate Square Gift Sets offer a tasty way to add branded messaging to a gift basket. For an audience already looking forward to next year’s cookouts, put License to Grill Gift Boxes on the menu. Or keep things classic with 3-Way Popcorn Tins, a generous option for customer appreciation or a team movie night.   

Branded scarves 

If you live in an area that deals with snow, ice and single-digit temps, help them prepare! Scarves make a practical accessory for winter events, employee thank-you packages and customer gifts. Bonus: 90% of consumers say receiving a promotional item improves their perception of the brand opens in new window that gave it to them. Give Team Scarves in your organization’s colors to bring a sporty feel to seasonal gifting. They’re ideal for schools and athletic organizations. For an everyday look, the Trellis Knit Scarf offers a classic style.  

90%

90% of people say receiving a promotional product improves their perception of the brand that gave it to them.

Custom Bluetooth^® speakers 

Most holiday gatherings and team celebrations have something in common: Music makes them even better. A Bluetooth speaker makes a fun holiday promotional item, whether gifted to employees or given to customers as a loyalty reward. For a compact option, choose the Whammo Bluetooth Speaker. Or go with the Omni Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker for recipients who want to turn things up. As one of our customers, Kaitlyn from New Gloucester, put it: “Great quality for the size and looked great!” 

Promotional candles 

Candles deserve a spot on holiday wish lists for their warm, inviting appeal. Bamboo Soy Candles—with a vanilla scent customer Dominga from Edinburg called “lovely”—have a simple yet polished look, while WoodWick^® Hourglass Candles bring a premium feel. Looking for something small to elevate a gift basket? A Mini Candle with Bamboo Lid makes a great addition.  

Branded ornaments 

Custom branded ornaments are more than promo items—they’re keepsakes. This makes them a thoughtful choice for organizations celebrating milestones or starting an annual gifting tradition. Festive Ornaments are an eye-catching seasonal option. Mini Campfire Mug Ornaments put a fun twist on a familiar favorite, and Blossom Kit Ornaments bring an interactive element—perfect for growth-themed campaigns.  

Promotional pullovers 

Quarter-zip pullovers are seasonal gifts that keep your brand visible during the winter months and beyond. In fact, a single promotional outerwear item averages 9,000 impressions over its lifetime (PDF) opens in new window. That’s more than any other promo product category. Give your team Defender Performance ¼-Zip Pullovers at a year-end celebration. Or opt for name-brand power with the Under Armour^® Team Tech Pullover. Practical and professional, these team holiday gifts will have recipients excited to wear them in the new year. 

Custom branded beanies 

Custom branded beanies are a great go-anywhere promo for fall and winter. Consider the Cuffed Knit Beanie with Patch, which is available in several colors to coordinate with your branding. Crossland^® Heather Pom Beanies or Melange Beanies bring a touch of fun to winter fundraisers or as part of a holiday event swag bag.  

Branded travel mugs 

A branded travel mug can become part of a recipient’s daily routine, whether they’re heading to work, running errands or sipping throughout the day. The Yowie^® Vacuum Tumbler is a classic choice. Looking for more capacity? Trendy Stanley^® quenchers are designed to keep 30 oz. at just the right temperature. For a budget-friendly option, consider the Grande Travel Tumbler. Pair any branded travel mug with a favorite beverage mix, bag of coffee or gift card for a complete promotional holiday gift.  

Promotional blankets 

It’s getting to be cozy season, and few things say “settle in and get comfy” like a soft branded blanket. It’s a natural fit for the holidays, no matter your audience. And blankets leave a lasting impression: 88% of consumers would have a more favorable impression of a brand opens in new window after receiving a promo blanket, according to an Advertising Specialty Institute study. The Alpine Ultra Plush Blanket has a soft, cozy feel that’s great for chilly evenings at home, while the Lightweight Soft Fleece Blanket is an economical option that’s great for events, travel and everyday activities. A patch with your laser-engraved imprint is a standout feature of the Ultra Plush Blanket. As customer Amber from Dimondale said: “Extremely soft and comfortable. The patch with our logo is top notch and looks very professional.”  

88%

88% of consumers say they would have a more favorable impression of a brand that gave them a promo blanket.

Looking for even more ideas? Find branded holiday gifts for everyone on your list. 

Wrap up the year with seasonal promotional products 

These top 10 promotional products and branded merch can help you celebrate the season and recognize the people who help your organization succeed, all while keeping your brand front of mind. From cozy essentials to fun accessories, your holiday promotional products can spread cheer that lasts all year.  

Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin is 4imprint’s merchandising planning manager with over 20 years of retail experience, 15 years of merchandising expertise and more than a decade in the promotional products industry. She ensures the right products get into customers’ hands through deep customer insight, trend awareness and seasonal analysis. Jessica is a key connection point between vendor relations, purchasing, and 4imprint’s end users, supporting programs across the Blue Box^® sample program, digital marketing, print and TV campaigns.

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.

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