Lauren Alt-Kishpaugh
VP of Marketing
94% of top executives believe client gifts facilitate a deeper personal connection and are important to business success. In fact, leveraging corporate gifts on the sales front can increase revenue by as much as 300%. Sales representatives who offer memorable gifts to prospects will stand out from the competition by creating an interaction that remains top of mind above the digital noise. Yet at the top of the sales funnel, offering corporate sales gifts to leads is often overlooked. Marketers specifically don't often consider integrating gifting into their demand generation strategy. Discover a variety of practical sales gifting use cases to enhance your client relationship-building and boost your sales efforts.
At Postal, we ran a test to see how offering prospects a $10 gift card to download our eBook would alter ROI vs. using a traditional PPC advertisement to drive downloads to the same eBook. Essentially, does offering people incentives for downloading Postal top-of-funnel content drive tire kickers and unqualified leads? You can read more about the experiment here, but the results were pretty eye-opening: the $10 offering drove 5.5x more eBook downloads and created almost 20x more qualified pipeline.
In this instance, there are similarities between corporate gifting at the top of the sales funnel and the middle of the funnel—if you want to make an effective ask at the top of the funnel, you'd be wise to offer something in return. This is called "incentive marketing"— a channel in which you can effectively tap into to boost conversion rates and drive first meetings, elevate your social media presence and engagement, boost your email performance, and generate more content downloads. The gifting ideas below perform as lead magnets or incentives—and they can all be automatically sent and distributed from the Postal platform.
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30 Marketing Gift Ideas
1. Coffee or Tea
With nearly two-thirds of Americans drinking a daily cup of coffee, odds are that your prospect would be happy to be treated to a cup of joe or tea. The Postal Marketplace features many varieties from local vendors, so you can even choose a gift from your contact's neck of the woods.
2. Books
Want to position yourself as an industry leader? Automate the sending of a relevant book that shows your authority and commitment to the industry in which you (or your prospects) work.
3. Gourmet Brazilian Sweets from Obrigaderia
Here at Postal, our sales reps love to send out brigadeiros because they're both irresistible and affordable. In fact, sending brigadeiros with a thoughtful message yields nearly a 66% connect rate for reps who send them to prospects. A 3-pack of these gourmet, hand-rolled Brazilian sweets is just $7.50. Brigadeiros are similar to chocolate truffles but have a softer texture and creamier bite.
4. Charitable donations
Show off your commitment to the community by giving your leads the option to donate to a charity of their choice. In fact, many executive-level prospects or customers may be unwilling or not allowed to accept gifts from potential vendors. This offering allows your prospects to engage with you, but also gives them the power to give back to their charity of choice.
5. Desk plants
Enhance your prospects' workspaces with vibrant desk plants or fresh flowers. These thoughtful additions not only add a touch of nature to their environment but also create a welcoming atmosphere that can leave a lasting positive impression.
6. Cell Phone Stand for Desk
Help your prospects stay organized and efficient with a universal cell phone stand for their desks. This practical holiday gift ensures that they can easily access their devices and stay connected.
7. Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones
Treat your prospects to an unparalleled audio experience with Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones. These headphones provide a sanctuary of tranquility amidst their busy workday.
8. Red Velvet Cake in Jar
Indulge your prospects with a delightful Red Velvet Cake in a Jar from Misses Sweet. This exclusive treat showcases your thoughtfulness and leaves a sweet taste in their mouths.
9. Yeti 30 oz Rambler Tumbler with Magslider Lid
Keep your prospects refreshed and engaged throughout the day with a durable Yeti 30 oz Rambler Tumbler. This practical gift ensures their beverages stay at the ideal temperature.
10. Apple Airpods Gen 2
Elevate your prospects' tech experience with custom-branded Apple Airpods Gen 2. These stylish wireless headphones are not only practical but also serve as a constant reminder of your brand, fostering a deeper connection.
AirPods are a great gift for those new small business owners in your life. If you're stumped on what to get them, check out our blog post where we've compiled a diverse list of gifts for new business owners to suit various preferences and budgets, making it easier for you to find the ideal present.
11. ChocAllure 12 Piece Chocolate Jewels Box
Each Chocolate Jewel has an intricate and artistic design and is layered with exquisite ingredients and textures. Inspired by the world of french pâtisserie, desserts such as creme brulee or dark chocolate tartlet are transformed into the Chocolate Jewels they are known for.
12. The Home Office Gift Box
Recognize the evolving work environment with The Home Office Gift Box. This curated selection of essentials creates a cozier and more productive home workspace for your prospects, aligning with their needs and showcasing your understanding.
13. The Host Gift Box
Elevate your prospects' hosting experiences with The Host Gift Box. This indulging assortment of hosting items, complete with delicious bites, demonstrates your appreciation and sets the stage for meaningful connections.
14. Sonos Move Smart Portable Speaker
Amplify your prospects' enjoyment with the Sonos Move Smart Portable Speaker. Its versatile features ensure they can enjoy your marketing messages with pristine sound quality, whether they're indoors or outdoors.
15. Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro Webcam
Empower your prospects to start their own podcasts or video content with the Logitech 4K Pro Webcam.
16. Apple AirTag
Help your prospects keep track of their essentials with Apple AirTag. This practical gift aligns with their need for convenience and security while subtly reinforcing your brand's presence.
17. Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
Elevate your prospects' coffee or tea experience with the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug. The temperature control smart mug allows you to set your preferred drinking temperature (120°F – 145°F), so you can enjoy your hot drink—just the way you like it— from the first sip to the last drop. Ember is not a simple coffee mug warmer. Ember Mug2’s built-in battery maintains your chosen drinking temperature for up to 1.5 hours, or all day with the included charger.
18. Kentucky Mule Gift Basket
Looking for a whiskey gift to say thank you to a prospect? The Kentucky Mule Gift Basket is curated with the ever popular Maker's Mark Whiskey, Fever Tree Ginger Beer, a Copper Mug, something salty, and something sweet. The perfect gift for cocktail drinkers!
Looking for gift basket ideas for employees? Discover our blog post on the topic for 14 inspiring ideas.
19. Drinking Glasses with Bamboo Lids
Present your prospects with high-quality drinking glasses with bamboo lids.These glasses are made of high-quality durable clear glass, Lead-free and BPA-free. It can be used safely for a long time. This thick clear glass can withstand the sudden changes in the temperature difference between -68°F to 212°F, making them dishwasher safe. If you want to decorate this glass, you can do DIY easily without breakage.
20. Plumeria Candle
Transport your prospects to an island paradise with the Plumeria Candle. Uplifting and renewing. This scent transports you to paradise with tropical notes of plumeria flowers found in traditional Hawaiian leis.
21. Ethical Barkcloth Notebook
Support ethical practices with the Ethical Barkcloth Notebook. By choosing this gift, your prospects join you in making a positive impact.
22. Leatherette Portfolios
Walk in to any business meeting in style with these custom leatherette portfolios.Vegan leather portfolios make a cruelty free gift for any business professional in your life.
23. Blue Yeti Professional Multi-Pattern USB Condenser Microphone
Yeti is the premium USB mic professionals trust worldwide, producing clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound and enhanced Blue VO!CE vocal effects for gaming, streaming, podcasting, YouTube videos and more.
24. Wine & Pizza Night Gift Set
Show your prospects a good time with the Wine & Pizza Night Gift Set. It creates a memorable experience that fosters a positive association with your organization.
25. Desk Flowers - Orchard Bouquet
Inspired by a refreshing afternoon stroll with a warm caramel apple cider in hand, this seasonal Bouquet features bright red hypericum berries, warm orange mini calla lilies, and orange roses for fall at its finest. No autumn is complete without one in your basket!
26. Florida Orange Blossom Honey
Orange flowers perfume this honey from Florida orange groves for a mild and tropical flavor.
27. The Book Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life
The book Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg offers practical tools to communicate effectively and get what you want. Offering or recommending this book to a cold prospect indicates your desire to uncover a win-win scenario for all involved.
Landing Page Marketing Gift Ideas
One way to employ incentive marketing is to reward top-of-funnel prospects who complete a specific action on your website. Here are few ideas to get started:
28. Gift Cards for eBook Downloads
Offering a gift card in exchange for downloading your eBook will more than double your number of form fills. For even better results, try offering a gift card that's relevant to your piece of content.
29. Prizes for Form Completion
Want to quickly build up your lead list? Host a giveaway in which each person who fills out your form is entered into a drawing for a prize of at least $100 in value. This could be a monetary gift card, but you might also want to get creative by offering a curated gift basket or personalized care package.
30. Hidden Easter Eggs
If you're looking to get prospects to pay attention to your content, consider hiding links or "Easter eggs" in your eBook, landing page, article, or guide. This gamification of your content pieces will hold the attention of your reader and increase the retention of the material by boosting the time spent on the page.
Leverage Offline Marketing to Create Memorable Moments
If your company needs a way to capture the attention of leads early in their buyer's journey, you'd be wise to opt for offline marketing at the top of the funnel. Offering gifts that are memorable and useful can help transform cold prospects into brand advocates. With Postal MagicLink, you can scale your gifting throughout digital channels by simply selecting a gift, setting a budget, and then copy/pasting it.
Next step: request a demo of Postal to get started and watch those top-of-funnel leads roll in. Discover how Postal for Sales can revolutionize your outreach and boost your sales performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a marketing gift?
A marketing gift, often referred to as a promotional gift or giveaway, is a tangible item that businesses offer to customers, clients, or potential customers as part of their marketing strategy. These gifts are typically branded swag with the company's logo, name, or message and serve as a means to promote the brand, products, or services. Marketing gifts can come in various forms, such as promotional products, merchandise, or even free samples. The primary goal is to create a positive impression, strengthen customer relationships, and increase brand visibility in a cost-effective manner.
When planning your promotional giveaways, consider incorporating sustainable swag items that not only promote your brand but also reflect your commitment to environmental responsibility. If you want to learn more about promotional items check out our latest blog: what are promotional products.
What are the best marketing gifts?
The effectiveness of marketing gifts largely depends on the target audience and the goals of the marketing campaign. However, some popular and versatile marketing gifts include branded pens, custom tote bags, promotional apparel like T-shirts or hats, eco-friendly products like reusable water bottles or tote bags, and high-quality tech gadgets such as USB drives or smartphone accessories. Personalization and relevance to the recipient's interests are key factors in determining the best marketing gifts. It's important to select items that align with the company's brand identity and resonate with the target audience to maximize the impact of these promotional items.
What are the benefits of marketing gifts?
Marketing gifts offer several advantages for businesses. Firstly, they serve as effective tools for brand promotion and awareness. When recipients use or display these items, they act as walking advertisements, increasing the company's visibility. Secondly, marketing gifts can help build and strengthen customer relationships by showing appreciation and gratitude. They can also incentivize customer loyalty and repeat business. Additionally, these gifts can be used to launch new products, drive website traffic, or encourage participation in promotional events. Overall, marketing gifts are a cost-effective means of enhancing brand awareness and recognition, customer engagement, and business growth.
