Save or Splurge: Your Guide to Branded Gifts
Whether you’re wrestling with how much to invest in your next round of branded merch or planning holiday gifts for top clients, you’re not alone. With budgets tightening and expectations rising, the key question becomes: when should you save—and when is it time to splurge?
When it comes to promotional gifts, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Well-chosen budget-friendly promo can leave just as strong an impact as a premium pick, if you know where to invest your money and where to stretch it.
To help you find that balance, we tapped our eCommerce Account Managers, Bridget Hawks, Stephanie Reese, and Adam Flieger, who’ve guided hundreds of companies through the holiday gifting season and beyond. Throughout this blog, they share their tips on when to save, when to splurge, and how to make every branded gift feel thoughtful, intentional, and memorable.
Why the “Save vs Splurge” Decision Matters
Let’s consider this: the U.S. promotional products industry is projected at about $27.8 billion in distributor sales for 2025. And recent research shows that when someone receives a branded item, 90% recall the brand name, while 80% remember the message. That means even budget-friendly swag can punch above its price tag—as long as it’s thoughtfully selected.
At the same time, as Adam Flieger points out:
“You get what you pay for! If you are between two similar items, oftentimes it is because one item is more durable than the other. Most often, it’s worth spending an extra couple of dollars to get a more reliable, durable, or nicer gift that will last a long time, than something that won’t make it to next year.”
This just goes to show why it’s important to weigh both quality and cost when deciding whether to save or splurge.
The Audience First: Who’s Receiving the Gift Matters
As our eComm Senior Account Manager, Bridget Hawks, says:
“The audience always guides the balance between saving and splurging. For VIP clients or key partners, it makes sense to invest in higher-end, personalized gifts…For employees or larger customer groups, we focus on thoughtful, well-designed items that still feel quality but work within a broader budget.”
She’s absolutely right. The criteria for “splurge” become stronger when the recipient is someone whose perception of your brand you want to elevate—say, a top client, board member, or longtime partner. For a mass-audience gift (employees, large customer base), a smart “save” decision can still deliver impact.
Splurge-Worthy Gift Ideas (and Why They Work)
When you do decide to invest in a premium item, here’s what to aim for:
- Longevity & daily use: Products that stay in the hands of recipients year after year boost brand exposure. According to recent data, drinkware is kept for at least a year by 63% of recipients, while outerwear/fleece is kept by 61%.
- Feel-good perception: “It’s worth splurging on gifts that feel personal and lasting,” says Bridget. “Something cozy for the home or useful for everyday life—like a blanket, candle, or premium drinkware—creates a genuine connection and leaves a positive impression.”
- Durability + branding quality: Products that stand the test of time not only make recipients happy, they keep your brand visible for years. Our eComm Account Manager, Adam Flieger, emphasizes the value of investing in lasting finishes:
Investing a little more here means your brand is built into something that will be used rather than tossed. For example: a luxe sherpa throw blanket, a high-end vacuum-insulated tumbler, premium apparel with embroidery or a high-end finish.
As Stephanie Reese says: “Blankets, especially for holiday gifts. When was the last time you threw out a blanket? People will always use blankets around their house, especially a nice quality sherpa one.”
Pinnacle Pro Tip
Stephanie recommends the Luxe Nordic Throw Blanket—a premium, lasting gift that keeps your clients and team warm this holiday season.
So if you’re thinking “splurge,” make sure it looks premium, feels premium, and carries your brand in a way that will still matter months (or years) later.
Smart Spots to Save—Without Looking Cheap
Being budget-minded doesn’t mean low-impact. You simply need to be strategic:
- Focus on presentation and finish rather than the lowest cost. Bridget suggests:
“Companies can save on cost without sacrificing impact by focusing on thoughtful presentation and quality basics. For example, items like notebooks, pens, or tote bags can feel elevated when you choose the right materials, color palette, or imprint style.” - Choose durable items with solid imprint techniques. If a basic item can be given a premium finish, it will carry more weight than a cheap item with a cheap imprint.
Stephanie offers some great advice on this: “Debossing gives a nice tone-on-tone look, and does make it look higher-end even if it’s a lower-cost item.”
- Use your target audience as a filter: for large groups (employees, broad customer base), you can go safe but thoughtful. For smaller groups or VIPs, you allocate more budget.
As Adam puts it: “It is all a balance, and ultimately it is up to you…”
Pinnacle Pro Tip
Debossing? Laser Engraving? What does it all mean? Learn how to make your logo pop—explore imprinting methods on our Decorating Options page.
How to Decide: Finding Your Balance Between Saving & Splurging
If you’re torn on where to invest, start by thinking about who the gift is for and why you’re giving it. Your audience and purpose will guide whether you should save or splurge.
- For VIP clients or key partners: These relationships deserve a little extra care. This is where you should splurge on high-end, personalized gifts that reflect the value of your connection.
- For employees or internal teams: When gifting at scale, look for quality items that still feel thoughtful but won’t stretch your budget. Think elevated basics—soft tees, insulated tumblers, or homey lifestyle items that bring comfort and usability.
- For conferences, events, or large audiences: This is where “saving smart” makes the most sense. Choose items that are simple, functional, and durable—like notebooks, tote bags, or pens—but elevate them through good design and imprint choices.
A good rule of thumb: ask yourself, “Will the recipient still use this six months from now?” If the answer is yes, it’s worth investing a bit more. If not, focus on items that make a quick but memorable impact.
Trends That Affect Your Save & Splurge Thinking
- Sustainability and premium feel matter more than ever: branded gifts made with recycled or premium materials signal your values.
- Durability counts: The longer a promotional item stays in use, the better the ROI.
- Personalization and thoughtful branding: In 2025, it’s not just about slapping your logo on something—it’s about aligning the item with the recipient’s lifestyle and your company’s brand story.
- Tech, wellness, and hybrid/remote work-related items are trending—so depending on your audience, these may be clear “splurge” zones.
Whether It’s Saving or Splurging, Pinnacle Knows Gifting
At the end of the day, the “Save or Splurge” decision is not about the price alone—it’s about the impact. A well-branded, thoughtfully selected gift that resonates can deliver far better value than an expensive piece that sits in a drawer. Likewise, if you’re choosing to invest more, make sure the extra spend shows up in polish, personalization, durability and relevance.
Adam leaves us with one final tip:
“It’s all a balance, and ultimately it’s up to you—but let us help guide you! Give us as much context around your gifts as possible—who it’s for, why you’re choosing this gift, and what you’ve done in the past. We can help find the right spots to spend a little extra and where you can save without sacrificing impact.”
Whenever you need a partner to help strike that balance, whether you’re sourcing thoughtful, budget-friendly items or premium signature pieces, trust that Pinnacle Knows Promo. At Pinnacle Promotions, we help you select branded solutions that match your audience, your goals, and your budget. Ready to check off your corporate shopping list? Visit our Holiday Hub and let’s make your brand memorable!