The best printed and promotional gifts for the holidays

By Sean Norris

The best part about the holiday season is the sense of togetherness, the tidings of comfort and joy, and the goodwill toward … Ha! Just kidding. The best part about the holiday season is getting a whole bunch of sweet stuff. Whether it's cards, calendars, delicious edible treats or a knit sweater that features Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with a functional light-up nose (okay, maybe not that last thing), holiday promotions are a great way for businesses to endear themselves to clients and leave an impression that will last well into the New Year.

"But the holidays are crazy busy! And there are so many products out there! And I've been sitting in mall traffic for three hours!" you're probably saying. "How will I know what to pitch?" Don't worry. We've got you covered with these great ideas for your holiday promotion. (No light-up sweaters. We promise.)

PICK A CARD, ANY CARD
The 2012 Holiday Cards from Carlson Craft come in many styles, including a standard logocard, a card with appreciation wording on the front, and a die-cut card that displays logos through a front cutout. There's also a card that includes a 2013 calendar, which means our usual idea—buying in bulk and sending the same card every year for six years—won't work anymore. Call (800) 292-2907 for more information about Carlson Craft's personalized cards or visit www.carlsoncraft.com.

BON A-PETITE
"Everything's better on vinyl!" said every pretentious hipster audiophile, ever. Turns out, they were right, and the Kwik-Stik Full Color Vinyl Petite Calendar from Finn Graphics Inc. is proof. The 13-month calendar is made in the U.S.A. and has a removable adhesive back and a hand-sewn multi-colored calendar pad. You can personalize it with a photo or use it as a mailer, but don't try spinning it on your turntable. (It sounds terrible.) For more information, visit www.finn-line.com.