You’ve done your homework researching your clients’ tastes and preferences to choose a gift that will be appreciated and used. But once you’ve chosen the products, your job is only half done. How you package your gift is equally important if you want to maximize its impact and reap the desired results.
When your customers receive a promotional item in an outstanding package, the perceived value is much greater. It makes them feel like you spent time carefully putting it together so that the process of revealing the item inside is more fun.
The packaging might make the difference between them opening it as soon as they receive it vs. tossing it on a pile of unopened mail to be addressed as time allows. The goal is to create excitement, curiosity and anticipation.
You also want to make sure that who it is from is instantly recognizable without being opened.
When your packaging has the desired effect, it plays a role in helping you establish a meaningful relationship between your company and the recipient.
This is not to say you have to spend a lot of money on extravagant packaging for your gift to be successful. But it does mean you want to take time to research the options and tap into creative resources within your company as well as the staff at 1800Tshirts to come up with the best solution.
The good news is there are many options from which to consider. We’re presenting a few of them here to get you started.
Branded Boxes
Boxes can be screen printed (if there is a large enough quantity) or you can brand them with stickers. One question to ask yourself is: Are you mailing your gift in the same box or will the gift box be put in a larger box for sending to the customer? For example, the customer has ordered a dozen or more, and these will be shipped in a single box.
If your gift is being mailed directly to the recipient, you want to make sure it is durable enough to protect the contents. Obviously if it’s apparel or similar type of product, that is less of an issue than something that is breakable.
When the client opens the box, you want the product to be displayed in an attractive manner. Options here include tissue paper, decorative or branded packing paper, and foam or cardboard inserts. You may want to wrap the box in ribbon or decorative tape. A printed belly band is another alternative.
You’ll also want to include either a traditional greeting card or some type of message card identifying who the gift is from and the reason you are sending it.
Tote Bags
A tote bag is one of the most popular, universally used products in the world. With more and more cities requiring the use of reusable bags, anyone who is grocery shopping for a family can’t have enough tote bags for hauling home the groceries. They are also handy for trips to the library, bringing a change of clothes to an activity, trade shows and conventions for holding samples, and the list goes on.
They also are great as packaging for a gift. In essence, it’s two gifts in one. The bag is a gift and its contents are a gift. It is easy to decorate with embroidery, screen printing or a transfer that can include a logo, slogan, or graphic that fits in with any promotion. Tote bags come in such a wide array of sizes, fabrics, colors and styles; you can always find one to fit your purpose and budget.
First, decide what will go inside and then choose a style that will hold the chosen contents. It can be further dressed up with tissue paper, ribbons, a hang tag, etc.
Soft Sided Coolers
Soft-side coolers, small or large, are a great multifunctional way to package gifts. They can be stuffed with apparel, food, beverages, gadgets beverage containers, and more.
Today’s soft-sided coolers are better insulated and more durable than in the past. They are easy to stow in places where the square, rigid sides of a hard cooler will not fit. They are handy for keeping beverages or food cold and will be used for those who bring their lunch to the office, outdoor adventures or road trips.
If you are doing any type of fresh food gift, a cooler is an obvious choice for packaging.
Hard Sided Coolers
In general, a hard-sided cooler may cost more, but if you have VIPs you want to impress, the added expense may be worth it. Typically, this type of product is decorated with some type of self-adhesive sticker.
These can easily be made to specification in any size and with unlimited colors. While this could stand as a gift by itself, its appeal is increased when filled with apparel, popular beverages or food. Another option is gear used for camping, hunting, fishing or a day at the beach.
Beverage Containers
This is a broad category that encompasses travel mugs, water bottles, ceramic mugs, beer steins, glassware, stemware, coffee pumps, pitchers and the like. In a situation where you want a less-expensive gift to give to many people, this is a good option.
These can be used to package tea, coffee, candy, gift cards and much more. It is easily decorated or etched with a company logo or graphic.
Lunch Boxes
Your classic lunch box is usually made of plastic or metal and comes with a handle. But it also makes a great container for a gift. You’ll find a wide selection to choose from and if you don’t want a handle, then search for metal tins.
A lunch box is an obvious choice for food, beverage containers ice packs, or kitchen gadgets, but it’s also useful to hold arts and crafts supplies, toiletries, children’s toys, makeup, and so much more.
Plastic and Paper Bags
Whether it’s a bag, sack or pouch, they can carry almost any kind of gift, and there are limitless ways to make them stand out. A style that is reusable is always a plus and ensures your logo gets more exposure when the recipient uses it to carry things outside the house.
Consider using bright colors, patterns, and textures in the design. Consider a bag with a cellophane window to give the recipient a sneak peek. Looking for ideas? Pinterest has a ton.
Bottles
This is another category where there is a plastic or glass container for every conceivable use. It can be filled with a scarf, socks, a tie, gloves, beanie, face mask or different kinds of foods such as tea, candy, and the list goes on.
This list is a starting point. The staff at 1800Tshirts is on hand to answer your questions, make suggestions, and ensure that you create a promo package that will impress your clients and solidify your relationships.