The Pros and Cons of Giving Brand Name Corporate Gifts

One of the most common questions I run across when it comes to corporate gifting is whether or not it's worth it to purchase brand-name items for clients and employees. As with most questions related to corporate gift programs, the answers vary based on the unique circumstances of the situation. However, there are some key advantages for each choice that stay consistent throughout most case studies. Let's take a look at what these advantages are.

Advantages of buying brand name corporate gifts

1. Associating your company with a well-known brand is a great way to "piggyback," which means your brand gets the same level of attention and respect as brands such as Nike, American Apparel, Swiss Army, or whatever brand you choose to partner up with.
   
   
2. Many brand name items are higher-quality than their non-brand counterparts. This isn't set in stone, but it's true more often than not. If you're looking for gift items of the highest quality (usually true during the holidays), you can't go wrong with renowned brand name products.
   
   
3. Employees and clients are more likely to use brand name items. Most people have a natural affinity for products manufactured by companies they've heard of, so they are more likely to hang onto these gifts and cherish them. This is good news for your brand as well, as it indicates your logo will get more mileage than it would on a non-branded item.

Advantages of buying non-brand name corporate gifts

1. As long as the gifts you give have high perceived value, it doesn't matter if they are brand name or not. Going with inexpensive alternatives to brand name gifts gives your company the chance to save a lot of money while still maintaining a very high level of satisfaction among recipients.
   
   
2. Just because a gift item isn't manufactured by a top-selling brand doesn't necessarily mean it's poor quality. Often times the products are almost identical in their construction - but the non-brand item is considerably cheaper than its branded cousin.
   
   
3. It is usually easier to find unique or one-of-a-kind products that are not brand-name items. Top brands generally stick to the most popular gifts out there, so if you need something original for this years campaign, your best bet is to search off of the beaten path.

iPod Multipurpose Case

With the evolution of the iPod, a great choice for a corporate gift could be a nifty case that keeps up with the ever-changing variety of this portable media player; this specific case is both a holder and speakers. Deluxe cases like this item that serve a multitude of purposes can be a great corporate gift for your traveling employee or any employee that enjoys bringing their music to outdoor events. This is certainly the ultimate promotional iPod accessory that can be customized.

Eco-Friendly Corporate Gift: Recycled Brief Bag

A recent survey commissioned by Plow & Hearth found that more than half of Americans were planning on buying an eco-friendly gift this holiday season. Is your business part of this growing and respectable trend? In the past, shoppers avoided green gifts simply because they were too expensive. Indeed, the survey also found that 34% of Americans say money is the biggest factor when deciding to buy an eco-conscious product. Luckily for your business, times (and prices) are changing!

Case in point: take a look at this handsome promotional brief bag. Made from 51% recycled PET fabric, this bag is a great choice if you're looking for a practical holiday gift your clients and employees. For the 34% who are afraid to take a look at the price tag - have no fear! You can pick up imprinted bags for your recipients at under $20 apiece. For those who want to go completely eco-friendly, you even have the option to use non-phthalate, non-PVC Plastisol screen printing ink as an eco-alternative.

More Fall Promos: Fleece Garment Accessory Set

Today I'd like to introduce a top-selling gift set that's perfect for autumn advertising. The fleece garment accessory set is a brushed polyester fleece arsenal of comfortable accessories that will keep your recipients warm this fall. The gift set includes gloves, a scarf, and a winter hat packaged in a convenient drawstring bag. Perfect for sporting events and any other outdoor festivities that might be taking place during the next few months. Your logo can be imprinted directly on the drawstring bag to complete the promotion. Customers and clients appreciate the useful gift and will gladly make daily use of it, garnering widespread exposure for your brand while creating feelings of gratitude and goodwill towards your company.

Corporate Tech Gift of the Week: Anti-Microbial Washable Mouse

The only thing better than a hi-tech corporate gift is one that can actually reduce employee absenteeism by keeping the workplace cleaner and healthier. This powerful combination is exactly what you get with this week's number one corporate tech gift -- the anti-microbial washable mouse.

This innovative computer mouse has a lot going for it: An ergonomic design, anti-microbial silicone construction, water-proof technology, 24k gold USB connector -- and it's even dishwasher-friendly! Give imprinted washable mice to your employees and watch as sick day usage plummets during the flu season. This is one corporate tech gift that can repay itself many times over, not only with improved employee morale, but with improved health as well.

Corporate Gifts In a Bear Market

Although the economy isn't looking as healthy as it once was, cutting back on efforts to reward, recognize, and motivate your employees isn't an effective strategy to cope with the recent downturn. Especially in trying times, employees need to know that they are an appreciated asset to the company and that their hard work is respected. Without recognition, morale and production decrease at a time when they are needed more than ever. Luckily, there are plenty of corporate gifts below $10 you can choose from to keep employees happy.

One inexpensive option is to give each of your employees an imprinted picture frame. This modest gift will put a smile on employee faces and remind them of your gratitude each time they look at it. By allowing them to display their favorite memories at their workspace, you also provide them with an easy way to stay cheerful throughout the day.

Want to help your employees reduce stress in the bear market? There's no better promotional product for the job than a branded bear stress ball. This fun and light-hearted promotion puts a positive spin on a less-than-positive situation. Not to mention, it also provides your employees with a practical way to get rid of stress throughout the day.

Corporate Gift Idea: Stress Alleviators

Corporate gifts can help your employees overcome the trials and tribulations of work related stress. Excess amounts of stress can decrease employee health, productivity, morale, and job satisfaction. Encourage your employees to do stress management exercises in their office or cubicle. Or gift them stress relievers like customized stress balls or gift cards to the local spa or healthy food establishment.

The more you promote wellness at the workplace, the more your employees will benefit and the more likely they will opt to do their work exceptionally well in exchange.