During the holiday season, many marketing and department managers face a familiar scenario: the “use it or lose it” budget surplus. The pressure is on to spend the remaining funds before they disappear on January 1st, often leading to a last-minute scramble for ad placements or digital campaigns.
While these can provide a short-term boost, a truly savvy marketer knows that this year-end surplus is not a problem to be solved, but an opportunity to be seized. It’s a chance to make a strategic investment that will pay dividends in brand visibility, employee morale, and client loyalty long into the new year.
The solution? Convert that remaining budget into tangible, high-quality branded merchandise and apparel.
The Lasting Power of a Tangible Asset
In a world of temporary digital ads and forgettable online content, a physical item has a unique and lasting power. Think about the ROI difference:
- A digital ad campaign runs for a few weeks and is then gone.
- A high-quality embroidered jacket is worn for years, generating hundreds, if not thousands, of brand impressions.
Investing your remaining budget in promotional products is a proactive move that prepares your business for success over the holidays and leaves a lasting impression.
Three Strategic Ways to Invest Your Remaining Budget
Instead of making a hasty decision, consider these three forward-thinking strategies to maximize the impact of your year-end spending.
1. Stock Up for Q1 and Q2 Events
The first half of the year is prime time for trade shows, conferences, and community events. Waiting until January or February to order your materials often leads to rush fees, limited product availability, and unnecessary stress. Use your current budget to get ahead of the game.
What to Order: Branded tablecloths, pop-up banners, professional embroidered polos for your staff, and high-quality giveaway items like tote bags, pens, and notebooks.
You will be fully prepared for your first event of the new year. Your team will look cohesive and professional, and you will have memorable swag to hand out, all without touching your new year’s budget.
2. Invest in Employee Appreciation and Onboarding
The modern workplace is competitive, and employee retention is a top priority. A strong company culture is built on making your team feel valued. Use your surplus funds to invest in your people.
What to Order: Create a “New Hire Welcome Kit” with a branded tumbler, notebook, and comfortable t-shirt. Reward your current team for a year of hard work with premium gifts like a soft fleece jacket or a durable backpack embroidered with the company logo.
A thoughtful gift boosts morale far more than a year-end email. It reinforces a positive company culture, helps new hires feel like part of the team from day one, and turns your employees into proud brand ambassadors.
3. Strengthen Key Client Relationships
Your most valuable clients are the lifeblood of your business. While competitors are sending generic holiday cards, you can stand out with a premium, thoughtful gift that demonstrates their importance.
What to Order: Think high-end. A laser-engraved YETI or Stanley tumbler, a premium golf polo from a brand like Nike or Adidas, or a stylish, durable messenger bag.
A high-quality gift shows genuine appreciation and strengthens the relationship on a personal level. It keeps your brand top-of-mind and reinforces the idea that you are a quality partner, building loyalty that pays off in repeat business.
FAQs
It is already late in the year. Is there enough time to place a custom order?
While time is of the essence, it may not be too late, but you must act quickly. The key is to be prepared. Have your high-resolution vector logo ready and be decisive about what items you want. Communicating your “in-hand” deadline to us upfront allows us to check stock and confirm production timelines immediately. Rush options may be available.
Can branded merchandise be considered a business expense for tax purposes?
In most cases, yes. Promotional products and branded apparel used for marketing, employee uniforms, or client gifts are generally considered legitimate business expenses. Some hardware or equipment purchases may even qualify for deductions under Section 179 of the tax code. (Disclaimer: We’re screen-printing and apparel experts, not tax professionals. Please consult with your CPA or tax advisor for specific advice.)
We do not have the space to store a large order of promotional items. What should we do?
This is a common and valid concern. This is where planning ahead is a huge advantage. It gives you time to designate a small, organized storage space. Alternatively, consider ordering items that are immediately distributable, such as end-of-year employee gifts. Some partners may also offer fulfillment services, but planning for storage is the most straightforward solution.
We have a budget to spend but are not sure what products would be most effective. Can Rivercity Screenprinting help?
Absolutely. Based on your industry, target audience, and goals, we can provide a curated list of recommendations that will make the biggest impact. From a classic, universally loved t-shirt to a unique tech gadget, we can help you find the perfect item to represent your brand.
How far in advance can I order promotional products for next year’s events?
Ordering promotional products months in advance works well for most items. Quality products store indefinitely when kept in appropriate conditions. The primary consideration is ensuring your branding and messaging will remain current when items are eventually used. Avoid products featuring specific dates, campaigns, or messaging that may change. Generic branded items with your standard logo and contact information remain relevant regardless of when they’re ordered or distributed.
What promotional products offer the best long-term value for year-end budget spending?
Products with extended utility provide the greatest long-term value. Quality apparel like embroidered polos and jackets gets worn repeatedly over years. Premium drinkware sees daily use. Tech accessories like power banks remain useful until technology changes. These durable, practical items continue generating brand impressions long after purchase, maximizing return on your year-end investment compared to consumable or disposable products.
What minimum quantities should I consider for year-end promotional product orders?
Minimum quantities depend on specific products and decoration methods. Screen printed apparel typically requires 24 to 48 piece minimums. Embroidery may start at 12 to 24 pieces. Promotional products vary widely based on item type and customization method. Ordering above minimums typically reduces per-unit costs, making year-end budget an opportunity to reach better pricing tiers.
How do I justify promotional product spending to finance or leadership?
Frame promotional products as marketing assets with extended value rather than expenses. Calculate cost-per-impression based on expected product lifespan and visibility. Compare these figures to other marketing channels where spending stops producing results immediately when budget ends. Emphasize the tangible, lasting nature of physical products versus ephemeral digital impressions. Document how products support specific business objectives like trade show presence, client retention, or employee engagement programs.
From Budget Surplus to Brand Momentum
End-of-year budget represents an opportunity rather than a problem. Thoughtfully directed toward quality promotional products and branded merchandise, these funds create marketing assets that work throughout the season and beyond.
The key lies in strategic rather than reactive spending. Understanding your actual needs, selecting quality products, and working with experienced providers ensures your investment delivers genuine value. Rushed purchases of unnecessary items waste budget just as surely as letting funds expire unused.
Take time now to evaluate your promotional product needs for the coming year. Review your event calendar, assess current inventory, and identify gaps worth addressing. Then work with your promotional products provider to create an order that maximizes remaining budget while preparing you for success in the months ahead.
Your budget can become next year’s trade show presence, client appreciation program, or employee engagement initiative. The spending happens now, but the value extends well into the future when approached with the right strategy.