Why Your Brand Needs Useful Gifts (Not Just Showy Ones)

As the festive season approaches, many businesses start to think about branded gifts - something thoughtful to send to clients, staff, or suppliers to say thank you for the year gone by.

It’s easy to be tempted by the glitzy or gimmicky options out there (especially when Christmas sparkle is everywhere you look), but the truth is, the most memorable gifts aren’t always the flashiest. They are in fact, the most useful! The items people actually keep, use, and enjoy long after December’s decorations have come down.

The problem with “showy” gifts

We’ve all received those branded bits that look great on arrival but quickly lose their shine. They might be too specific, too seasonal, or just not something that fits into daily life. A glittery novelty might make an impression for five minutes, but if it ends up at the back of a drawer by New Year, it hasn’t done much for your brand.

That’s not to say there’s no room for festive flair, far from it. But it’s about finding that sweet spot between style and substance, where your branding still shines and the product earns a place in someone’s everyday routine.

Why useful always wins

When you give someone a practical gift - something they genuinely use - your brand stays part of their day. Every sip from a mug, every note scribbled in a notebook, every reach for a tote bag or pen quietly reinforces your logo and what it stands for.

It’s also a more sustainable approach. Choosing useful, durable items means they’ll be kept for longer and won’t end up in landfill after one use. That’s better for your recipient, your budget, and the planet.

And perhaps most importantly, useful gifts show thought. They say you’ve considered what your clients or team will actually appreciate, rather than sending something for the sake of it. That extra bit of thought goes a long way in building genuine, lasting connections.

My go-to examples of “useful” done well

At Daisy Chain Merchandise, I’m a big believer that branded products should look good, feel good, and actually get used. A few favourites this season include:

• Mugs – They’re a classic for a reason. Whether it’s morning coffee, an afternoon tea, or a festive hot chocolate, mugs get daily use and constant visibility.

• Notebooks – Always a firm favourite, they’re a smart and practical choice for meetings, events or gifting. A well-made notebook feels a little bit special without being over the top, and it’s something people genuinely reach for day after day.

• Desk and lifestyle essentials – Think pens that write beautifully, reusable bottles, or handy tech accessories. Items that slot into someone’s day-to-day life are the ones that stay close - and that’s exactly where you want your brand to be.

Choosing the right kind of useful

So how do you know what counts as a good, practical gift? Start by thinking about your audience.

What do they do every day? Where will they use it? If it earns a spot on their desk, in their bag, or on their kitchen counter, it’s a keeper. It’s also worth considering the materials and finishes - UK/European-made, recycled, or durable items always make a better impression and stand the test of time.

If you’re unsure, that’s exactly where I come in. Part of what I love most about my job is helping businesses find merch that’s not just branded, but brand-building  - products that reflect your values and actually make people smile when they receive them.

Final thoughts

When it comes to gifting, usefulness might not sound as exciting as glitter and tinsel, but it’s the secret to creating long-term impact. A thoughtful, practical item says far more about your brand than a throwaway novelty ever could.

So if you’re planning your end-of-year gifting, think beyond the gimmicks. Choose something your recipients will use, love, and remember  - and your brand will stay front and centre long after the festive season fades.

If you’d like help finding the perfect useful gift for your clients or team, I’d love to help you find it. Get in touch today!