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Avoid the Rush: When to Order Your Holiday Corporate Gifts
The holiday season might feel far off, but for corporate gift planners, the end of the year is right around the corner. If you want to avoid scrambling at the last minute, now is a great time to plan and place your orders. Waiting too long limits your options, delays delivery, and causes unnecessary stress during one of the most hectic times of the year. Many companies wait until November, only to find limited inventory and long lead times.
Why Early Ordering Matters
Ordering early means better product selection, more reliable shipping timelines, and fewer headaches. Many of the most popular corporate holiday gift ideas start selling out in October. By November, supplier inventories drop, and timelines tighten.
Most production facilities reach full capacity by mid-November, which limits availability for decorated items like custom drinkware, embroidered apparel, and engraved tech accessories. Even if stock is available, customization slots may be fully booked, especially for high-demand products.
Production Timelines and Delays
Production timelines for holiday promotional items can range from 10 to 20 business days. Add in shipping, weather delays, and year-end carrier volume, and you’re likely looking at a three- to eight-week turnaround. Orders requiring kitting or delivery to multiple locations may need even more lead time.
Another common mistake is assuming “in stock” means ready to go. Many products are imported and restocked seasonally. Once they sell out, there are no guarantees they’ll be replenished before the holidays. That includes in-demand items like custom coozies, insulated mugs, and cold-weather apparel. Ongoing supply chain disruptions and port delays can extend timelines even further.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Planning now helps you sidestep the most common holiday gift ordering issues, which include:
- Stockouts of popular items
- Limited customization capacity
- Higher costs for last-minute orders
- Extended turnaround times
Getting ahead of ordering gives you access to a wider array of branded employee gifts, as well as flexible customization and a better experience overall. Being proactive also allows time for approvals, packaging, and distribution (which is especially important if you're sending gifts to remote team members or clients in different regions).
Plan Ahead for Better Results
Starting in August or early September is ideal. To ensure delivery before mid-December, aim to place final orders by the middle of October. If you're running behind, fast-turnaround items may still be an option, but choices are likely going to be limited, and rush fees could apply.
When you take your time and plan ahead, your recipients are going to appreciate thoughtful, on-time gifts. These gestures leave a lasting positive impression during the busiest time of the year. On the other hand, last-minute or generic gifts can leave the opposite impression.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're looking for guidance on timelines, product availability, and decoration options, Triple Crown Products can help. Our team tracks seasonal trends and vendor capacity to make sure your gifts are delivered on time.
Now is the time to explore your corporate holiday gift ideas and avoid the end-of-year rush. Reach out today to get started.
SOURCES
https://www.tremendous.com/blog/the-definitive-guide-to-giving-a-great-employee-gift/
https://ironmarkusa.com/lead-time-to-order-company-swag/