What will you be giving this holiday season

A couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation with Mary Emma at HomeBizNotes about the need to think a bit outside the box when it comes to promotional items.

And since I recently discussed how businesses will be sending holiday items despite of the economy and other cutbacks, I began to wonder what the top gifts for customers/clients will be this year.

Here’s what I think will be most valued by customers/clients:

1. Gift certificate/gift cards -with money tight, these might be the most cherished thing this holiday season
2. Something green – eco-friendly gifts will also be popular
3. Gifts that give back – Gifts that also help a charity will get a lot of kudos

Promotional product experts say your gift needs to be something that stays top of mind all year round (which is why calendars and pens are so popular). But I want you to take it a step further.

Sure, it’s great to have your company name or logo seen every day by your customer. But we’re bombarded with 20,000+ marketing messages every day, so yours might be just a blur in the sea of logos. You need to make it personal and unique – something that gets people talking.

For years now, I’ve been on the hunt for something with cherries in it or on it, but no such luck. (After all, my last name is Cherry – and my name is really my brand.) So if you know of something that might work, please share.

Oh yes! Don’t forget to share what gift items you think will be popular!