Melissa Maroszek
Manager of Vendor Management
iPROMOTEu
PPAI 218870, Platinum
Wayland, Massachusetts
The winter holidays and colder months create plenty of opportunities for branded merch that keeps recipients warm and your client’s brand top of mind every time they reach for it.
“Winter-themed doesn’t have to mean snowflake or holiday-themed,” Maroszek says. “That alienates several months of the season and pigeonholes you into a certain theme.”
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Another consideration is the client’s climate and lifestyle. For example, someone in Southern California would prefer a really nice pullover for the cooler temps in the morning, while someone in Wisconsin would want a warm hoodie or an insulated jacket, she says.
When choosing warm-for-winter products, Maroszek argues the overall experience matters just as much as the product itself. “You want something that feels luxurious and warms you from the inside,” she says.
The Hazelnut Chunky Fur Blanket is Maroszek’s No. 1 recommendation for distributors looking for a great client gift at a reasonable price point. “It’s hands-down the fluffiest, snuggliest blanket I’ve ever owned,” she says. “Even taking it out of the box felt like I was unboxing something from Crate & Barrel or Pottery Barn. Wrapping up in this blanket makes you never want to leave the couch.” The 50×60-inch plush blanket is made from double-layered microfiber polyester fur, weighs 5 lbs. and features a sculpted pattern for added warmth.
Terry Town / PPAI 230911, Gold / terrytown.com
Layering apparel is another great choice for a branded cold-weather gift or campaign. “Whether you’re choosing a product as a gift for clients or outfitting your staff who may be spread out remotely, it’s important to remember that not every climate is the same,” Maroszek says.
She points to the Franconia Quilted Pullover as a versatile option for a variety of climates. Made from ultra-soft cotton/poly sweatshirt fleece, this is a classic sweatshirt fit with modern styling. The body has stylish diamond quilting with solid fabric on the collar, sleeves and side panels, along with a durable quarter-zip closure and secure zippered side pockets.
“This pullover can easily be dressed up with extra layers underneath for colder temps or worn on its own as a nice business casual choice for the office,” Maroszek says. “We’re seeing more and more apparel suppliers carrying the trendy diamond quilted pattern in their winter apparel now, too.”
Charles River Apparel / PPAI 111644, Gold / charlesriverapparel.com
Warm-for-winter merch doesn’t need to focus solely on staying physically warm. Maroszek says the colder months bring a greater focus on people finding time to decompress. Beyond blankets and apparel, winter is also an ideal time for branded products that help recipients rest and recharge.
“Winter is notoriously a time for things to slow down, especially after the chaos of the holidays is over,” she says. “Whether it’s bringing something along for travel so you’re able to create a relaxing space in a hotel room, something for your at-home desk so you have a positive environment while you’re working, or something you can use to recharge at the end of the day, many clients are looking for useful, purposeful products to gift their clients or staff that are actually going to be used.”
Maroszek tried the Wellable Bluetooth Sleep Mask on a trip when she only had a short time to return to her room to recharge. “I was able to lie down, block out all of the light in my room, play white noise with the built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity and restore some energy to keep going with my day,” she says.
Crafted from soft nylon with added cushioning around the eyes, this brandable mask has an adjustable strap to accommodate different head sizes. Hidden Bluetooth speakers connect to a phone or any Bluetooth-enabled device and feature 10 built-in white noise options. With up to eight hours of playback and a two-hour charge time, this sleep mask helps recipients relax whether they’re traveling, resting at home or winding down for the night.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com
The best winter merch includes products recipients will use regularly throughout the holiday season. By recommending high-quality gifts that provide comfort, warmth or relaxation, you can create a positive brand experience that lasts way beyond the initial giveaway.
Nicole Rollender heads up New Jersey-based STRANDWritingServices.com.
