Why Gifting Outside the Holiday Season Drives Higher ROI for CPG and Corporate Brands
While most brands cram their gifting budgets into Q4, the smartest CPG and corporate marketers are shifting that spend into unexpected moments throughout the year. And the results? Higher engagement, stronger retailer relationships, and more memorable brand experiences.
At EB Merch, we see a consistent trend: gifting outside the holiday season delivers more impact with less noise.
Why Off-Season Gifting Works Better
1. Zero Competition
In December, everyone is gifting—vendors, suppliers, distributors, agencies, random brands hoping for attention.
In February or July? Your gift becomes an unexpected surprise, they are excited to brag about.
This increases open rates, follow-through, and brand recall.
2. Better Budgets and Planning
Retailers and distributors are slammed during November–January.
But in off-peak months, your gift becomes part of a thoughtful conversation—not something that gets lost in the chaos.
Gifting earlier in the year also:
- Aligns with spring resets
- Pairs well with summer activations
- Supports fall category reviews
- Fits into new product launch timelines
3. The Surprise Factor
Humans remember the unexpected.
A custom printed gift kit that arrives in April (instead of December) feels:
- Intentional
- Personal
- Special
- Worth paying attention to
In a crowded inbox and an even more crowded shelf, surprise becomes strategy.
What Makes Swag Meaningful
We’ve learned a simple rule: employees value custom branded merchandise that is:
This is the kind of employee swag that people use every day, and every time they do, your brand is reinforced in a positive, authentic way.
What Non-Holiday Gifting Looks Like for CPG Brands
Year-round gifting isn’t about adding more items—it’s about choosing the right items at the right times.
Our most effective non-seasonal gifting ideas include:
- Influencer mailers tied to product launches or limited drops.
- Retail buyer appreciation kits during category review season.
- Distributor thank-you kits after major resets or successful promos.
- “Just because” kits to keep your brand top of mind.
- Event and sampling follow-up gifts that reinforce your pitch.
- Crossbody bags, drinkware, and lifestyle merch customized to the brand personality.
- Custom printed display enhancers (mini props, small inflatables, functional POS accents).
Every item is a touchpoint. Every touchpoint is a chance to influence velocity.
Gifting Outside Q4 = More Influence Where It Matters
While the rest of the industry floods inboxes during the holidays, your brand can stand out in February, June, or September—and your audience will remember it.
The best part? You don’t need a massive budget. You just need timing that respects the real-world rhythms of retailers, distributors, and buyers.
At EB Merch, we help brands design gifting programs that support selling cycles, build relationships, and elevate visibility—all year long. Our team will handle the packaging, shipping, and important details of ensuring your plan comes to life.
Get in Touch With Our Merchandise and Branding Pros
Ready to get started on your next custom merchandise project? Contact our creative team today.
