Keely Lords
Brand Manager
Good gifts leave a lasting impression; the best gifts leave an impression and provide an experience. Whether it’s helping the recipient carve out some much-needed family time or providing them with a gourmet charcuterie experience in the comfort of their own home, experiences offer sensory elements that keep them coming back to the gifting experience.
We asked our creative in-house agency, Paper Plane, to weigh in on gift ideas that they want to implement for a brand, and have never seen done. With the help of Paper Plane, we think this idea is a sure-fire way for a brand to stand out. Here’s what they’ve come up with.
We’re calling it “A great brand - in the great outdoors!”
Imagine a gift that not only provides an experience but also challenges the recipient to step outside their comfort zone, to embrace the great outdoors, and to create lasting memories in places they’ve never been before. This is where creativity meets adventure, where branded swag becomes part of a story, a journey, a photo that they’ll cherish and share. It’s about connecting your brand with the thrill of exploration and the joy of discovering something new.
The beauty of this gift lies in its flexibility—the recipient can determine the extent of their ‘outdoor’ experience, whether they’re an adventurous camper or someone who prefers sipping cocktails on a rustic patio.
Here’s how our team would build the custom gift kit:
Airbnb Gift Card
Encourage your recipient to break out of their usual routine by exploring Airbnb’s more unique listing categories, such as off-grid, country, or even caves! The goal is to inspire them to book a stay that pushes them just a little outside their comfort zone.
Roadtrip Snacks
No adventure is complete without the right snacks. Think curated boxes of artisanal treats or a mix of classic favorites to fuel their journey.
Yeti Can Colster Set
Help them keep their beverages cold and their spirits high with a high-quality Yeti Can Colster set, perfect for those warm days out in nature.
Hammock
This gift could be the ultimate symbol of relaxation. Imagine your recipient lounging in a branded hammock, enjoying the peace of the outdoors.
Unique, Branded Swag
To truly make this experience unforgettable, why not add a personal touch that keeps your brand front and center? Create a custom, branded hashtag or phrase centered around getting outdoors, fresh air, or living ‘in the wild.’ Print it on a cozy sweatshirt or blanket that your recipient can take with them on their adventure. Encourage them to snap a photo of your swag in action, capturing the spirit of their unique experience and sharing it with the world.
Decorative Packaging, Custom Note
The final touch is all in the details. Beautiful packaging and a custom note tailored to the recipient’s adventure will make the gift feel personal and memorable. Postal conducted our “State of Swag” study and found that the unboxing experience is one of the top 3 most important things that recipients look for in the gifts they receive. This goes to show that making an impression begins the moment the package arrives at their doorstep. The packaging is your first chance to make a good impression – it’s worth the investment!
Conclusion
Here’s the magic: every time they look back at their photos from the trip, and every time they wrap themselves in their blanket or wear their sweatshirt, they’ll be reminded of the adventure they had—and the brand that made it possible. This approach doesn’t just create a one-time impact; it fosters a long-lasting connection between your brand and the recipient, anchored in positive memories and shared experiences.
Moreover, in a world saturated with conventional gifting options, this strategy allows your brand to stand out by offering something truly unique—an experience that can’t be replicated, a journey that’s personal and memorable, and a gift that’s far more than the sum of its parts.
So why settle for the ordinary when you can create something extraordinary? By thinking outside the box—literally—you have the opportunity to craft a gifting experience that not only surprises and delights but also connects, engages, and leaves a lasting impression that will be remembered and talked about for years to come.
Want to be the brand to take on this gifting adventure? Or interested in hearing about more unique campaigns our Paper Plane team can’t wait to bring to life? Reach out to our creative experts to book a consultation.
