Inside the Heatwave: How Summer Gifts Are Revolutionizing Brand Promotion

Inside the Heatwave: How Summer Gifts Are Revolutionizing Brand Promotion

Interviewer: As temperatures rise, brands are getting creative to stay top of mind. Today, we talk with Sarah Khalid, a senior marketing strategist at BrandEcho, who shares why summer gifts are becoming essential in brand-building campaigns.

Q1: Why do you think summer is such a strong season for promotional marketing?

Sarah Khalid:
Summer naturally puts people in motion. They are outside, traveling, attending events—so it is a season where brands can gain real-world exposure. Promotional gifts during this time serve a dual purpose. They’re useful for the customer and act as mobile advertisements for the company.

Q2: What types of summer gifts work best for visibility and engagement?

Sarah:
Items that are functional and season-specific perform the best. Think reusable water bottles, sunglasses, caps, beach towels, and cooler bags. These are products that people carry with them, use in public, and often post on social media, giving your brand extended reach.

Q3: How do summer gifts create long-term impact for a brand?

Sarah:
The key is emotional connection. Summer is associated with relaxation, fun, and freedom. If your brand becomes part of those moments—through a towel at the beach or a cap on a hiking trip—it stays in the customer memory positively. That’s branding gold.

Q4: Many companies worry about ROI when giving away items. What would you say to them?

Sarah:
That is valid, but it depends on the strategy. Branded gifts should be targeted—not handed out randomly. For example, pairing gifts with a product launch, contest, or loyalty reward program adds measurable value. It is not just about giving but giving with purpose.

Q5: Can you give an example where summer gifting really worked for a business?

Sarah:
Definitely. One of our clients, a beverage startup, distributed branded water bottles at a local summer music festival. Not only did they gain over 2,000 social media mentions, but they also saw a 30% increase in online orders in the following week. The campaign cost less than a billboard but delivered far more engagement.

Q6: What are some underrated summer gift ideas that businesses overlook?

Sarah:
I would say portable fans, mini sunscreens, and waterproof phone pouches. These small, thoughtful items often delight recipients because they are unexpected but very handy. They also tend to stay in handbags or cars, so they get used repeatedly.

Q7: What advice would you give to a brand launching their first summer gifting campaign?

Sarah:
Start with a clear objective. Do you want to increase foot traffic? Online conversions? Social media buzz? Once you know your goal, select gifts that suit your audience and distribution method. And always prioritize quality over quantity—it reflects your brand reputation.

Q8: Should companies focus on eco-friendly options in summer giveaways?

Sarah:
Absolutely. Eco-conscious branding is no longer optional—it is expected. Items like bamboo fans, recycled fabric bags, or stainless steel bottles communicate care for both the customer and the planet. It strengthens trust and positions your brand as responsible and forward-thinking.

Q9: Do you think the trend of seasonal promotional gifting will grow further?

Sarah:
Without a doubt. As digital advertising gets more saturated and competitive, tactile, physical experiences—like receiving a thoughtful summer gift—stand out more. Brands are returning to the basics of connection, and gifting is a powerful tool in that toolbox.

Q10: Finally, if you could summarize the power of summer gifting in one line, what would it be?

Sarah:
Summer gifting is not just a promotion—it is  a moment of delight that turns into lasting brand loyalty.

Conclusion:
As Sarah Khalid points out, summer is more than sunshine—it is a marketing opportunity filled with potential. Promotional gifts tailored to the season can bring warmth, attention, and connection to your brand in ways that digital alone cannot. Plan smart, gift right, and let your brand shine through the heat.