According to a 2023 ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute) study, 72% of consumers keep promotional products for over a year, and 79% say they’re more likely to do business with a brand after receiving swag. However, the impact of swag increases significantly when it's aligned with timely needs and events—like cozy beanies in winter or UV-blocking caps in summer.
Seasonal relevance boosts:
Usage rates by up to 42%
Brand recall by 56%
Customer goodwill and retention
In short: great swag, at the right time, keeps your brand top-of-mind.
The Seasonal Swag Calendar
Q1: January – March (Fresh Start Energy)
Goal: Reset, recharge, refocus. Think health, wellness, and productivity.
What to order:
Branded water bottles or tumblers (Hydration = intention)
Desk calendars or planners
Eco-friendly notebooks
Lightweight fleece or zip-ups (transition season wear)
Motivational quote stickers or cards
Why now: January is “new year, new me” season. Employees and customers are receptive to tools that support resolution-style goals. Bonus: ordering in January avoids spring rush shipping delays.
Q2: April – June (Spring Forward & Outdoor Vibes)
Goal: Prep for events, travel, and team building.
What to order:
Branded sunglasses and baseball caps
Lightweight totes or fanny packs
Event kits (lanyards, wristbands, water bottles)
Picnic blankets or hammocks
SPF lip balms or sunscreen sachets
Why now: According to PPAI research, 60% of companies host offsites or events in Q2. Order by early March to meet production deadlines and avoid inflated costs from event-season surges.
Q3: July – September (Back to Work, Back to School)
Goal: Re-engagement, fresh campaigns, and renewed focus.
What to order:
Branded tech accessories (charging cables, mousepads, webcam covers)
Journals and sticky note kits
Lightweight quarter-zips or windbreakers
Campus-friendly backpacks
Custom lunchboxes or meal prep containers
Why now: Post-summer lag is real. A mid-year swag drop can boost morale and align teams ahead of Q4 pushes. If you're recruiting interns or attending job fairs, campus-friendly swag helps boost brand equity with Gen Z.
Q4: October – December (Holiday Season & Year-End Wins)
Goal: Show appreciation and celebrate the year.
What to order:
Cozy gifts: knit beanies, branded socks, Sherpa blankets
Custom holiday cards
Scented candles or gourmet snack boxes
Branded puzzles or games (great for WFH teams!)
Premium "thank you" kits for VIP clients or top performers
Why now: ASI reports that holiday-themed swag sees a 35% higher retention rate. Start ordering in September—holiday shipping delays are common, and custom products require longer lead times.
Pro Tips for Maximum ROI
Bundle it: Kits create more impact than single items. A “WFH starter pack” or “holiday cozy kit” feels more thoughtful.
Go eco: 46% of Gen Z and Millennials prefer sustainable products—think recycled materials, compostable packaging, or carbon-neutral suppliers.
Think hybrid: With remote teams here to stay, choose items that are easy to ship individually.
Seasonal swag isn’t just about what looks good—it’s about timing, intention, and audience connection. When you plan your swag calendar around what your people need now, your brand becomes part of their story—not just a logo on a product.
Need help curating seasonal swag kits or sourcing eco-friendly gear? Get in touch with us at Workwear Collective. We’re here to help you make swag that sticks.