As 2025 winds down, now is the ideal time to position your brand for seamless execution in the new year. We’ve compiled this essential 18-Point End-of-Year Checklist to guide you through key decisions (from refreshing your core merch to securing kitting resources), ensuring you hit the ground running on January 1st.
Review these points, identify where you need support, and reach out to your Blezoo representative today so we can begin working on your 2026 projects!
Promotional Products & Swag Planning
- 1. Audit Your Core Swag Inventory
Take stock of your most-used branded items (pens, notebooks, stickers, drinkware). Identify items that are running low, have outdated branding, or could be replaced with a more premium/sustainable version for 2026. This is the foundation of your ongoing marketing efforts. - 2. Lock In Your 2026 Budget
Confirm the total allocated marketing funds for promotional products and gifts for the upcoming year. Sharing this early allows us to provide cost-saving bulk purchasing options and strategic sourcing throughout the year. Tip: Buy in December to lock in pricing! - 3. Strategize Q1 Trade Show Giveaways
Upcoming industry events often happen in January/February. Let’s define the item you’ll use, confirming it’s relevant to your booth theme and is in stock. Early ordering avoids rush fees and ensures timely delivery right after the holidays. - 4. Explore Eco-Friendly Options
Consumer demand for sustainable products is increasing. Review your standard lineup for opportunities to swap in items made from recycled materials, bamboo, or organic cotton. We can showcase the best new eco-conscious merch for 2026. - 5. Refresh Your Brand Assets
Check all logos, color codes (Pantone), and design files being used on merchandise. If any updates occurred in 2025, send us the new vector files now to align with updated brand standards. - 6. Define Client Holiday Gift Strategy (Early!)
While it’s early for 2026 Holidays, the most bespoke gifts are sourced many months ahead. Decide if you will be sending appreciation gifts in Q4 2026. Starting the selection and design process now (e.g., custom drinkware, high-end tech) ensures premier item availability and on-time shipping next year. Tip: This opens up the possibilities of totally custom game-changing ideas! - 7. Select Virtual Event Attendee Kits
If your organization hosts virtual events in Q1/Q2, we need to choose the kit components and confirm shipping logistics early. Planning this early allows ample time for complex logistics and address collection.
Wearables & Apparel
- 8. Review Team Uniform & Event Apparel Needs
Identify which departments or events require new branded apparel (polos, jackets, tees) in 2026. Review existing fit, material comfort, and overall style. We can introduce you to the newest styles and materials! - 9. Consolidate Sizing and Quantity
Gather the final sizing breakdowns (S-XXL) and minimum quantity requirements for your core apparel items. This information is crucial for us to obtain the most favorable bulk pricing from our vendors. Tip: We could help with a Pop Up Shop that can streamline this process! - 10. Sample New Fabric Technology
Performance fabrics, moisture-wicking materials, and ethical sourcing are constantly evolving. Ask us to send samples of the newest, most popular apparel lines for you to test out before committing to a large order. - 11. Standardize Decoration Methods
Determine if you need embroidery, screen printing, or heat transfer for different apparel types. Consistency in decoration maintains a professional, uniform look across your entire organization. Tip: This can help with getting the desired end result! - 12. Finalize New Employee Wearables
Ensure you have a rolling stock of wearables (a branded hoodie, cap, etc.). Let’s plan a bulk order now to cover all projected 2026 hires and avoid last-minute scramble orders. - 13. Update Headwear Styles
Caps and beanies are highly visible promotional items. Do your current styles align with modern trends (e.g., dad hats, performance fabrics)? Let’s review new hat styles for a refreshed look.
Experience-in-a-Box Mailers (Kitting & Fulfillment)
- 14. Define Your 2026 Kitting Calendar
Identify the major campaigns that will utilize Experience-in-a-Box mailers (e.g., webinars, VIP client drops, employee anniversaries). Pinpointing dates helps us reserve necessary kitting resources and warehouse space. - 15. Nail Down Your Updated Welcome Kit
Review the items in your current client or partner Welcome Kit. Are they still relevant and high-quality? Let’s finalize the components and confirm the box dimensions now. This ensures your first impressions in 2026 are modern, impactful, and that we secure the best bulk pricing on those essential “first-touch” items. - 16. Improve Your New Client Kit
Client retention starts with a phenomenal onboarding experience. Assess your current new client kit for opportunities to add a personalized touch. Make them feel like they just joined an exclusive club! - 17. Develop a Post-Mailing Follow-Up Plan
A great mailer needs a follow-up action. Define the email or call cadence you’ll use after the box is delivered. This completes the campaign loop and allows us to track conversion success. - 18. Streamline Box Distribution
Buy from Blezoo. Store at Blezoo! We can help you keep track of your box inventory and distribute it on-demand. All from the Blezoo Dashboard, which is a complimentary service.
We understand that end-of-year operations can be hectic, but taking action on these 18 points now will be a highly impactful move to safeguard your 2026 marketing success. By partnering with Blezoo early, you help guarantee product availability and eliminate unnecessary rush fees in the new year. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on your business goals!
Contact us to schedule your strategy session and put these plans into motion. We look forward to creating exceptional branded experiences with you next year!
