Most every business has already invested in at least one type of promotional gift.  Business giveaways have long been one of the most cost-effective means of direct business advertising.  Pens, mugs and keychains are among the most popular, and every business should invest in one of these staples of advertising. But when it's time to take it to the next level, seasonal promotional gifts provide extra memorability and impact. 

Seasonal promotional gifts refer to business giveaways that correspond to a particular season.  Many business owners/managers think of holidays, like Christmas, when they hear the word "seasonal."  While that term can apply to holiday giving, it really refers to any season.  It may include the seasons of the year (spring, summer, etc.), or it may refer to more specific seasons, like "golf season" or "graduation season." 

The major advantages to distributing business giveaways that correspond with a particular season are twofold.  First, items that correspond with the current season tend to stick in the mind of the giver.  Your business name gets imprinted in the receiver's mind faster, and will be retained longer that with other types of promotional gifts. 

Secondly, seasonal promotional gifts tend to get used faster and more frequently than other types of handouts.  For example, a barbecue gift set that is given to a customer in June will likely get used within days or weeks of receipt.  The faster and more often the barbecue set gets used by the receiver, the more impact your business' name will have on his/her consciousness. 

This list of suggestions, broken down into the four seasons of the year, may help you get started ordering your seasonal promotional gifts: 

* Spring: Nice weather and new life characterize this season.  Focus on items that take advantage of growth and warm days.  Garden and barbecue tools are just two examples.  Spring is also time to celebrate graduations, so graduate gifts like watches or commemorative picture frames are memorable.  Outdoor toys and fitness items like flyers and jump ropes also make great spring promos. 

* Summer: Get your customers ready for sunshine, surf and travel!  Beach toys and water bottles are perfect for a day at the seaside.  Sun hats and beach umbrellas will help protect them from the sun while they're there.  Glow items like bracelets and glow sticks are fun for night-time activities.  Camping gear (flashlights, pocket multi-tools, etc.) are another practical suggestion for promos for the outdoors lover.  Summer also means more road travelers, so promos like customized flares, roadside emergency and first aid kits make helpful business giveaways.

* Autumn:  Fall means back to school for children all the way up to college students.  Send them back with monogrammed pencils, computer accessories, desk/office supplies, calculators and other electronics promos.  Sports/duffel bags or laundry bags also make practical student gifts.  Or, help get ready for the big homecoming game with promos that fans will love using, like noisemakers, pom poms, megaphones and more. 

* Winter: It's the season of colder weather and maybe even snow, depending on your location.  Jackets and ski caps will keep your valued customers warm when it's chilly outside.  Ice scrapers are practical for frosty mornings.  And of course, winter brings Christmas and Hanukkah, the perfect time for giving wine kits, glasses and accessories, candle holders or holiday-themed items.  Don't forget to stock up on promotional calendars for the New Year that's just around the corner. 

Don't pass up on mugs and pens: these staples will always be appropriate and efficient for everyday giving.  But for maximum advertising impact, try investing in seasonal promotional gifts at least once in the coming year.  You'll likely find that dollar for dollar, these types of business giveaways pack the most punch.    

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Be sure to order early. Always order your seasonal promotional giveaways at least two months before you plan to begin distributing them so that you'll have them on hand when the appropriate season arrives.