How to Stand Out During the Holiday Rush: The ROI of Fall Gifting vs. Waiting Until December

When most businesses wait until December to send holiday gifts, your gesture risks getting lost in the inbox and under a pile of competing holiday messaging. Instead, use Fall gifting to get ahead: more thoughtful, less crowded, and highly effective at cementing loyalty and referrals before year-end.

Why Fall Gifting Delivers Better Results Than Holiday Rush

Beat the clutter: A crowded December means your gift may go unnoticed. But in the fall, your gesture stands out, making a significant impact.

Proven ROI: Studies show that for every dollar spent on corporate gifting, companies can realize up to 5× return in client retention and engagement.

Builds genuine connection: 46% of professionals reported that receiving a year-end gift made them more likely to continue working with a vendor, especially impactful among small businesses. 

Falling within October or November, fall gifting gives recipients time to enjoy and appreciate your gesture before holiday fatigue sets in.

5 Advantages of Early Fall Gifting

Timing: Avoid shipping delays and overwhelm later in the year.

Thoughtfulness: Less rush = more meaningful gift selection.

Brand recall: Useful gifts last longer and keep your brand top of mind. 

Client loyalty: Early surprises drive more referrals than predictable holiday tokens.

Stress reduction: Planning ahead frees up time during the busiest season. 

How Contractors Can Unlock Early Gifting Strategies

Plan a Fall Gifting Campaign

Start your gifting initiatives in September or early October. Strategic timing before year-end can yield stronger goodwill and higher referral rates.

Personalize Gifts Thoughtfully

Avoid generic trinkets, choose practical, brand-aligned items or local treats that echo thoughtfulness and boost usage. Over 50% of recipients keep branded gifts for over a year.

Automate with Warmth

• Use Building Raving Fans’ automated gifting programs to schedule timely fall gifts.

• Follow up with long-term nurture email campaigns to complement the gesture with lasting connection.

Capture Reactions and Praise

Include Scan-to-Review QR code cards and share positive feedback using the Raving Fans Reviews platform. Capturing timely reviews just after gifting amplifies ROI.