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Customized Graduation Kits: Bring Graduation to Your Doorstep

Posted on February 17, 2021July 19, 2024 by hue_admin

Customized graduation kits are becoming popular among universities as a way to retain that personal connection with the students who will be passing out, in times where graduation ceremonies will happen only virtually. Graduation is one of the most important milestones in the lives of young students and a significant event for universities and colleges. All institutions around the world give a lot of time and effort to make this occasion a special one for the students. Universities do everything possible to honor the students and make it a memorable event for them.

Needless to say, when in-person graduation ceremonies were canceled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the scenario was morose and students were the ones most affected. The words of a passing Senior from the Middle East sums up the general sentiment among the students, “It felt like everything we’d been working for … was all gone in an instant.”

Unfortunately, even in 2021 situation does not seem to be any better. Most of the universities will still be having virtual graduation ceremonies because hosting large gatherings is still not safe. However, colleges and universities understand that students are dissatisfied and are putting their best foot forward to make these events special. Across the board, one thing has been consistent among college events administrators and that is their desire to create commencement ceremonies, which provide students and their families with a sense of connection to the institutions.

No one can say that the road has been easy for colleges but they have definitely worked hard to make the graduation ceremony a special one. By now most universities have made it a point to ship graduation boxes to the students so that an atmosphere can be created during the virtual ceremonies. These kits are filled with some essentials and several goodies, packaged in a way that touches the hearts of the students and makes the event a memorable one.

Let’s take a look at how this small graduation kit can make a difference to the students and make them feel special.

Customized Graduation Kits Importance

Besides the certificate roll, a graduation kit essentially must include the graduation cap, the tassel, and a sash or a hood or an honor cord or whatever the university students don on this day. Each of these items has a history and tradition behind it that goes back centuries and including them in the graduation kit adds to the sentimental value.

This physical outreach is a small effort for the university but its effect is immeasurable. The gift makes the students feel connected to the university, which is what they need during this time. The graduation kit helps create the atmosphere that is evident during in-person graduation ceremonies. These kits are a beautiful way that universities can express their care towards their students and make the recipients feel special.

However, it is also a known fact that all colleges will be sending these items to the students and there is a need to stand-out. Universities should There is definitely some lack of human connection and personal touch when it comes to the virtual ceremony. But with just some special care and thoughtfully packed kit, universities can help bridge this gap.

Building a Thoughtful Graduation Kit

You have added the gown, the cap, and the tassel along with the certificate to the graduation kit but that’s the bare minimum and most essential. A little aspect of personal touch will bring a smile to every student’s face and spread positive word-of-mouth for the university’s brand. So, what little souvenirs can make an impact? Let’s take a look at some items that can be effective keepsakes for the students.

Soft-toys or Plushies

This is one small thing that can add the element of fun to the graduation kit. A soft toy of a popular character can work but to add that customization aspect, universities can send a plushy of their mascot to the students. This is one thing that will stay with the students for a long time and the cute soft-toy will attract the attention of whoever the student is in contact with. The student’s friends are sure to discuss the plushy casually and this way it will extend brand impression.

Beautiful Hand-crafted Souvenir

Universities can have custom-made hand-crafted accessories that will make the students and their families take notice. It can be a small broach or an attractive photo-frame that commemorates the times the student spent at the college. Universities gift a compass, a table clock, or a watch as these are items that signify time and direction. Graduation being the start of a new phase for students, a clock or a compass is considered an appropriate gift. These too are items that will remain with the student for a long time.

Stationery

Though not as fun as the soft-toy or elegant as the hand-crafted compass, one can never go wrong with stationery. Universities can easily have customized pens or diaries or pocket sketch-books to add to the graduation kit. A good quality ink-pen or a notepad is usually kept at the work desk and in plain sight of those that have access to the room. This is why stationery is an effective and functional gift that creates many impressions. To make a statement, colleges can opt for eco-friendly stationery that is easily available in the market.

The Personal Touch

Of all the options mentioned above, this is what will make the most impact. Sending out a small gift that is marked with the students’ names would definitely give it a special place. However, this might require much more effort and careful execution than all universities might not be prepared for. What all graduation kits can include is a small heartfelt letter addressed to the student individually. Written in clear, elegant font on high-quality stationery can be a wonderful keepsake for students.

To build an cost effective and special graduation kit, check out the merchandise collection at Hue. At Hue we understand that the personal touch has a sentimental effect on the receiver that cannot be quantified. This little thing can make a brand and create a lot of positive word-of-mouth. That is why Hue offers customization, personalization as well as shipping services. We offer product bundling as well as global shipping services.

Alternatively, you can also become our partner and avail the benefits of our portal Huescape. Our portal allows you to place orders with a single click and keep a track of your inventory. You can get detailed reports of your orders so that you can have a complete record of your spending.

To know more about Huescape or our products and services, write to us at marketing@huemarcom.com.

Welcoming Freshman Kit: Helps Students Connect With University

Posted on February 13, 2021July 19, 2024 by hue_admin

Welcoming freshmen to the university is one of the most important tasks as that first impression is crucial to ensure that the students settle in well. The university, faculty, and peers will be family to the students for the next few years and so making students feel comfortable on campus is vital. Universities across the globe understand this well and plan an orientation ceremony to introduce the incoming students to not just the premises, but also the age-old traditions, work-ethics, and culture. This becomes especially essential as universities across the globe see an influx of international students who come from different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.

In 2021 the way of doing things has changed, but the universities have, to a large extent, adapted and taken to organising impactful virtual events. Freshmen orientation is no different. Many universities are offering blended plans, where the courses will be comprised partly of on-campus classes and partly of remote learning courses. Also, travel restrictions have still not been completely lifted in all countries and many international students have taken up remote learning courses. The virtual orientation means that universities can easily engage these students based in other countries as well.

Planning freshman orientation is a complicated thing for several reasons. It would have been easy if the universities could build a template and follow it year after year. However, doing this is boring and reflects negatively on the brand. Colleges around the world have had to be creative and come up with new games and competitions each year. With virtual orientation, universities would need to be just as innovative, if not more.

All universities are different in their tradition and culture as well as have varied demographics when it comes to their students. So, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to organize the perfect freshman orientation ceremony. Nevertheless, a general guideline on what the universities should focus on always helps to improve such events.

Be Innovative: Optimize Programs for Virtual Platform

Universities have been conducting freshman orientation events since ages, and doing them well. So it is only natural to want to do a similar event on the virtual platform as well. Traditional event

comprised of many things that might not be practical online. Maybe you included many group activities, buddy programs, and such things to make the event fun and help students connect with each other. Besides this, traditional events lasted for at least an hour or more, which might not be feasible for a virtual event. Although these things might seem like limitations, virtual events can be so much more. Universities should look at this as an opportunity to learn and innovate as well as find creative ways of doing things.

Think through what makes the event and first decide if you are going to host a live event or publish a compiled video of pre-recorded clips. It is also possible and more appropriate to post this video as a precursor to the live event. Specify a time and stick by it as virtual events in most cases will not hold the attention of the audience for long. If necessary, allot time slots for batches and prioritize announcements and speeches.

Keep it Interesting, Informative & Precise

Motivational speeches by the faculty and prominent people are a big part of freshman orientation. They should be included in virtual ceremony as well. However, keeping speeches demonstrative and illustrative will help retain the attention of the audience. As is the nature of virtual events, it is important to keep the announcements and speeches short and precise. Besides this, it is also important to give away key information regarding different faculties and administration and so on. This will help the new students know what they can do if they hit a roadblock.

Engage Students: Clubs, Forums and Activities

This is an important part of overall experience and universities can include it as part of the virtual event as well. In traditional events, getting the students involved was done through games, competitions, and group activities. This might not be possible in an online event, but there are ways to get students to connect with each other and get involved in activities. Do a Get-Know-Your-Peers activity online. This can be a place for students to introduce each other and give glimpse of the world they come from. Encourage students to join clubs, form club forums on social media platforms and share their activities. Using social media platforms also means that students can make friends and contact others with whom they have made connections. It will also allow students to seek help from their seniors in case they have any doubts or new student jitters.

Freshman Kits: Customized, Cost-effective Merchandise

It is a known fact that all of university’s operations have been affected at various levels. First, from having to shift to complete remote learning and then to gradually opening up for on-campus classes, things have been uncertain and it will be a while to get any sort of semblance. Today, most universities have both, on-campus as well as remote-learning students, and they are doing everything and more to give the students what they deserve.

Among such efforts is a freshman kit, a simple customized gift box to welcome the new students. This kit has created tangible impact for the universities. The new students are looking to establish a connection with the university and this kit does just that.

Imagine the joy that a student will feel when he gets a surprise gift from the university just before his classes are about to start? Just a personalized postcard, customized diary, and a pen will do the trick. There is a wide range of things like a mug, bottle, apparel, a popsocket, some sweets, and much more, that can be included in the freshman kit. Functional items will be more appreciated and are perfect to create positive impressions for the university.

Hue, having a huge collection of merchandise, helps universities across the world to tailor a customized and cost-effective gift for their new students. We also offer customization, personalization, and global shipping services. Hue has years of experience and has been the perfect university marcom partner for institutes across the globe. To know more write to us at marketing@huemarcom.com

Virtual Graduation Ceremony: 5 Tips To Make It a Successful

Posted on February 9, 2021July 19, 2024 by hue_admin

Virtual graduation ceremonies and commencement events are a reality of the new normal, in the post-Covid-19 age. This is to say that it will be a while until universities and colleges can go back to the traditional way of organizing this event, where thousands of students gather around a makeshift podium in the sports arena. Although those events had their own charm, virtual celebrations are just as special and even more convenient for colleges. Experts believe that colleges might stick to virtual ceremonies even when it would be safe to hold large gatherings.

With the sudden onslaught of the pandemic in early 2020, universities scrambled to keep up and adapt to the abrupt change of doing things virtually. However, a few months in, colleges were already seen settling down and getting used to online learning scenario, and organizing virtual events and celebrations. Graduation ceremonies were no different. Universities all around the world put in the effort and care to make this important milestone special for the students, keeping intact the essence of the graduation.

Most universities might have had a handle on conducting virtual events by now, but there are still many that are trying but struggling in a few areas. Besides, unexpected glitches are not uncommon during such events. These circumstances can delay the event or cause interruptions that might lead to dissatisfaction among students and the colleges alike. However, it is possible to minimize the hiccups to almost none with some preparations. Let’s take a look at some things that a college needs to pay attention to while preparing for a virtual graduation ceremony.

Plan Ahead

Colleges must start preparing for the graduation ceremony months before the D-day. This has been the norm for years when celebrations would be held on-campus, but it should be done for virtual ceremonies as well. Sometimes, it may be necessary to start the planning even before the usual time. Virtual ceremony is a fairly new thing and it will take time to understand what will work and what will not. This platform can actually open up the doors for creative solutions as there are no limits on space or time. Furthermore, even if the number of students is the same, the virtual gatherings will have much higher viewership as they won’t be bound by location.

Colleges must make lists, revise lists and further finalize an itinerary for the event. They should take into consideration the time it would take to get the students who are now learning remotely to get involved and make their submission. Since participation from a large number of students is important, it would be wise to give enough time and some leeway when it comes to deadlines. Basically, having enough time and planning a lot in advance will be the key to have a smoother graduation ceremony.

Incorporate Traditions

College life is all about the camaraderie, bonding between friends, peer groups, lectures and group projects. It is about engaging in activities that strengthen relationships, teamwork and see leaders emerge. These activities are also connected with the traditions that the university has followed since ages. These traditions can be anything from cultural events, some whacky ritual or fun competition or race. For example, the Wooden Hoops race at Wellesley College or where architecture students at Notre Dame build over-the-top 3D models on their mortarboard.

These activities inculcate a sense of togetherness among the students and make them feel a special connection with the university. Although on-campus activities may not be possible, colleges should ask students to do the traditional activity wherever they are and send in videos and photos of the same. A compilation of these little snippets posted on social media platforms will definitely portray the creativity of the students.

Ship Graduation Kits

This is probably the most important aspect of the virtual graduation ceremony. Colleges must decide in advance what should go into the graduation kit after researching the market and taking into consideration the best items for students to cherish. Not only do the colleges have to get the kits prepared and customized but also shipped to all graduating students across the globe. This is why it is important to ensure that there is enough time for this activity. It is essential that all students receive their kits before the graduation day so that they can have the complete feel of the occasion.

A typical graduation kit contains the graduation cap, gown and the tassel. Universities include a hood or an honor cord and other items according to their discretion. These items have a long history and have now become important symbols of commencement day.

Engage Communities

Universities should incorporate social media platforms in their plan as this will help create a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Ask the families and faculty to post congratulatory messages and takeaways addressing the students. The students can make similar videos talking about their experiences at the universities and their future plans. The top management of the universities, head of departments, the dean and others should also make similar videos addressing the students and imparting some crucial advice that has an impact on the students.

Besides this, universities can ask family and friends of the students to make videos of the celebrations and post it on social media. These celebrations may take place after the graduation day, but lively photos and fun videos will add to the whole feel of the occasion. Ask the students if there is some specific, whacky tradition in their family when someone graduates. It should be educational for everyone to know how families of different cultures and backgrounds celebrate this milestone.

Focus on Technology

You have done all the preparation, you have shipped all the graduation kits, and you have received tons of videos and photos from the students well before the set day. So, now it is time to see what all you can incorporate in the ceremony. Create a compiled video or presentation to show students’ and parents’ points of view. Make your own videos to encourage students and involve yourself in the activities that you would have normally done. Rather than making videos where the faculty talks continuously, try and make it fun by doing some activity. Maybe some faculty can play a cool inspiring song or build a quick model or some such thing.

Prior to the day of the graduation ceremony, decide on which platform would best suit the kind of ceremony you have planned. Make sure understand the platform or even do a mock run, so that you are prepared for the event. If you think it necessary, do the ceremony in smaller batches. Know what works for you best and do it perfectly so that students can feel special and have a memorable event.

With this new normal, universities have had to work hard to hold these ceremonies. Hue has been partnering with universities all around the world to help them make these events successful. We at Hue understand how important it is to ensure that all students receive their graduation kits well in advance. We help universities build an effective graduation kit, customize and personalize it and also ship it all across the globe while keeping on schedule.
To know what items can go into the graduation kit check out our merchandise section. To know more about our customization and shipping services write to us at marketing@huemarcom.com.

5 Universities With Unique Graduation Traditions

Posted on January 29, 2021July 19, 2024 by hue_admin

Graduation is one of the most celebrated occasions at any university, with students being in the limelight. Colleges and universities prepare for the big day with all their might so that they could justly respect and honor the hard work that students and faculty have put in over the years. This is one of those days that stays with the student throughout his or her life and so it is important to make it pleasantly memorable.

That said, many universities have unique traditions, and some have been passed down for ages. Several of these graduation traditions have been happening since a certain university started operating. The traditions might have started for unknown reasons, but what they do is lend a sense of belonging to the students. They make the students come together and be a part of something bigger. Let’s take a look at some of the unique traditions in several universities around the world.

1. Wellesley College: Rolling Wooden Hoops

Wellesley College based in Massachusetts has one of the most fun graduation traditions. Donning the graduating gown and caps, students are supposed to race wooden hoops down the Tupela Street. This might seem like a bane thing, but hilarity ensues as students struggle to maintain the hoop’s balance while trying not to stumble with their long gowns. The things only get funnier when the winner of the race is promptly lifted by the other students and dropped in the lake Waban.

2. Yale University: Myth of the Lucky Toe

A statue of Theodore Dwight Woolsey has been prominently placed in the Yale University campus. Woolsey graduated from the University’s batch of 1820 and went on to become the president of the university. He was a great regatta enthusiast and raced for the Yale crew. The story goes that when Woolsey would kick-off the boat with his left toe the Yale crew always won. This story is told to the tourists and incoming students. This is why it was spread that rubbing the toe would bring the graduating students good luck.

Image Reference:https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto/w_375/v1/TheBestSchools.org/Theodore-Dwight-Woolsey-statue.jpg

However, it was later discovered that this story was actually a made-up one to woo tourists. The actual reason for the faded color on the former president’s left toe was because graduating students would pee all over it. Why this was done is not known but it is advisable to not touch the toe ever.

3. West Point: Naming the Class Goat

In what seems like a harsh tradition, the worst-performing graduating student is named the ‘class goat’ at West Point University. The 220-year-old military academy is known for its long history and numerous traditions but the ‘class goat’ takes the cake. The announcement of the class goat is made in front of all those gathered for the graduation ceremony, out in the open. This might generate some pity, but the student named class goat also gets a cash prize and a standing ovation. Although origins of this tradition are not exactly known, the first written account of the class goat was back in 1886.

4. Williams College: Dropping the Watch

A weird tradition that started back in 1916 when a bunch of students wanted to experiment and see what would happen if something was thrown off the 80-foot tall building of Thompson Chapel. The students bought a watch and dropped it and the watch was found battered but still working, embedded in the earth. It turned out that the batch of 1916 had to bear the bad luck as the very next year America joined World War I.

Since then the graduating class drops a watch every year and if the watch breaks the batch is said to have good luck. Plus, who doesn’t want to grab the chance to throw something off a tall building?

5. Notre Dame: The Walk Down The Steps & Architectural Mortarboard

Notre Dame University is known for traditions that began centuries ago. One such tradition involves the steps outside the front of the main campus building, which has the iconic Golden Dome. These steps are off-limits for students until they graduate. On the day of the graduation the students are honored as they walk down to the ceremonial stage through these steps.

Another tradition is where the architecture students build over-the-top models on their mortarboard. They are usually 3D replicas of famous buildings around the world.

The Pandemic & Graduation in 2021

Remembering these traditions, some whacky some funny and a few weird, only makes today’s reality even worse. With the Covid-19 pandemic, universities have been forced to conduct remote learning classes and hold virtual graduation ceremonies. The vaccines have been rolled out but it will be a few months until everyone has access to it. That said, even with vaccines, large gatherings will still be restricted and so the traditional way of celebrating graduation will not happen.

A graduation gown, cap, tassel and sash are essential but one thing these traditions give to the students is a sense of belonging. They make the students come together and feel like they are a part of something bigger. This year, these traditions might not happen, but, with a little effort universities can still extend a slice of these traditions to their graduating batch.

Obviously, you can’t give them the Woolsey statue or the stairs at Notre Dame, but you can actually ship the wooden hoops and ask students to decorate their mortarboard anyway they wished. You can ask the kids to share their videos or pictures doing the activity on your social media site. The essence is that traditions are there for a reason and this will make it special for the students.

Another way to make graduation special for students is to include a small souvenir in their graduation kit. A thoughtful, customized and personalized gift speaks volumes. Apart from the essentials like the gown, cap and tassel, adding this small item can make the difference. To know what items will be effective in creating a positive impression of the universities check out the huge merchandise collection at Hue. We, at Hue, will guide you in selecting the perfect graduation kit for your students. We also provide customization, personalization, and shipping services. Get in touch with us now!

Why a New Employee Onboarding Kit is a Must Have?

Posted on December 30, 2020July 19, 2024 by hue_admin

Employers and businesses even today underestimate the value of good employee onboarding. The actual investment is usually very small, but it’s the sentimental impact that plays a role in getting required results. When a new employee joins a company, it is very important that the person feels welcome and comfortable. That first right start goes a long way to ensure commitment from the employee, and that is where proper onboarding is vital.

Reports show that onboarding process directly correlates with higher employee retention and better business results. A well-rounded employee onboard program can have extremely positive effects. According to Glassdoor research, organizations with a strong onboarding process had 82% better new hire retention and improved productivity by more than 70%. A study by Digitate states that employees who have a negative onboarding experience are twice as likely to seek other opportunities elsewhere.

Even with evidence of statistics at their disposal, it is noted that majority of employers neglect new hire onboarding. In a survey where employees were interviewed, Gallup found that 88% of the respondents believed the organization did not onboard well. The Human Capital Institute found that nearly 60% of organizations have employee onboarding program that focus on processes and paperwork. One of the common issues that companies face is that the onboarding program is inconsistent and usually doesn’t not apply to in-house hires.

To have an all-round strong employee onboarding program it is important to focus on organizational, technical as well as social onboarding. This entails that a company begins the onboarding process before the first day of the employee. The new hire should be educated on technological front and given a detailed overview of the functioning processes. It is believed that buddy programs or the likes help the new employees get settled better and faster.

New Employee Onboarding during Covid-19

Covid-19 hit the world hard since the beginning of 2020 and transformed the way everyone went about their lives. Companies had to adopt a remote working set-up, where large part of their employees, if not all, had to start working from home. Now, even with 2021 upon us, the situation does not seem any better. Many companies have already shifted to remote working culture indefinitely and by now people have become used to the new normal.

When a new employee comes into a team, he begins to slowly settle in with the help of his colleagues. He puts in his best foot forward and so a small show of support from the management is very encouraging. With remote working scenario the physical interaction is not possible. This is where it becomes even more important for businesses to have a strong onboarding program in place.

Virtual one-to-one interaction with the new employee in order to get him used to working style can be a great way to support him. Guiding him and accepting him as part of the company is one thing, but just a thoughtful employee onboard kit can go a long way.

Benefits of Employee Onboard Kit

Besides the official paperwork and details of the processes followed in the organization, a business should include a small functional gift for their new employee. It does not really have to be anything expensive, just something that the new employees can use in their everyday life. The benefits of this kit surpass the investment.

Creates a sense of belonging among employees

For any company its employees are the most important assets and so making them feel included is vital. For the first couple of months or so, employees are gauging their new workplace, seeing how the work fits them, if the work culture is compatible to them. An employee pays careful attention to how the team and management treats him.

This is where a thoughtful kit can have a positive impact on how an employee views the company. The company swag is a wonderful way to improve employee’s morale. It instills a sense of belonging and pride in the employees.

Increase Employee Retention & Engagement

Studies show that most employees decide on whether they will be in the company for a long-haul based on their experience in the initial months. They might stay longer in the company, but it is the way they are welcomed and treated in the first few months that is the deciding factor. It is the effect of first impression. This is true especially with the millennials who are renowned as job-hoppers and also for having low patience levels.

An all-round functional and elegant kit with a personalized touch comes in handy to make an employee feel good. It puts the company in a positive perspective instantly and employee is more likely to stay with the company for a long time. This also helps an employee to be proactive in a team and get involved in projects voluntarily.

Creating Unintentional Brand Impressions

A well-crafted employee onboarding kit allows an employee to feel included at a workplace. Having company swag, which is usually a promotional product, in the onboarding kit has double the impact. Not only does impacts the employee and improves engagement, but also enhances branding.

That is when an employee use the products in their everyday life. Desk essentials, drink-ware and apparel with company’s name or logo are great examples. Employees usually tend to use the mug or wear the t-shirt that they get in the onboarding kit regularly. This is not limited to office or remote workplace. The employees commonly use company swag outside, even when they are just shopping or hanging out with friend, unknowingly creating lasting impressions for the brand.

What Products make for an Effective Onboarding Kit

There are endless options when it comes to preparing a new employee onboarding kit. A kit should ideally include functional items that an employee can use regularly. Besides diaries and stationery, companies can also choose drink-ware, phone accessories, electronic items and much more. The kit can also include something that the employee can enjoy with friends and families like sweets or board games.

For rapidly growing work-from-home culture, it will be great idea to give new employees tech gadgets. Good quality headphones, ear-buds, earplugs, power banks or even Bluetooth speakers. These products can be of great value to the employees who are working remotely. Also, companies can be assured of uniformity in quality of products being used to collaborate working.

For that caring touch, it is important that the kit is personalized for the employee. A short personalized message or a small letter can make a big difference. Printing the name of the employee on the box can be a great way to make the employees feel special.

At Hue, we know the importance of an effective employee onboarding kit and help companies find solutions according to their needs. We can customize the perfect onboarding kit for your company and help you offer the best to your employees. Check out our huge collection of merchandise. For our customization services, get in touch with us at marketing@huemarcom.com.

Top 5 Social Media Marketing Trends of 2020 that are Here to Stay

Posted on December 19, 2020July 19, 2024 by hue_admin

2021 is upon us and it wouldn’t be farfetched to say that most of us would definitely be glad to see 2020 end. With the Covid-19 pandemic that led to economic downturn, this year has been a struggle for almost all countries. Add to that natural calamities coupled with domestic and international unrest and 2020 sounds even grimmer.

Nevertheless, among all these uncertainties, one thing that people could largely depend on is the internet. Internet, especially the social media platforms, became the primary source of information for the populace during this difficult time. The spread of the coronavirus came with the stay-at-home orders and drove people towards spending more time on internet and social media platforms. According CenturyLink, people are using internet more than ever before with a sharp 35% increase in web use.

According to Emarsys, there are 3.5 billion social media users worldwide, which is about 45% of the current population. The number is growing every day. Social media platforms are being used not only to communicate with friends and family, but also for business purposes. GlobalWebIndex research estimates that 54% of people use social media platforms to research products. These platforms have a massive reach and businesses have actively turned to them to promote their products.

Social media is much more today than what it was when it started in 1997. The social media platforms have consistently provided people opportunities to leverage their business, and even amid Covid-19 pandemic, they have been dependable mediums. All it took for people to make an impact was follow the trends and a little creativity.

Let’s take a look at some of the popular social media campaign trends that were hits in 2020 and are likely to be in vogue in 2021.

Meaningful Content that shows Gratitude

With 2020 starting with a global financial downturn, materialism took a back seat. Empathy and gratitude was at the forefront of everyone’s mind and many companies successfully boarded this train of thought with smart and heart-felt branding. Communicating is all about understanding consumers and adding a much-needed emotional connection to the campaigns.

Dove is one brand known to focus on self-esteem, endorsing real beauty of the people. During the pandemic, the company launched its ‘Courage is Beautiful’ campaign where it celebrated front-liners. The video showed doctors and nurses looking into the camera. Their faces are marred with blemishes because of wearing personal protective equipment for long hours.

Fashion brand Zara too showed it cared through unique campaigns this year. In an attempt to emphasize the need to stay at home and work from home, the brand shipped its latest designs to models all over the world. The models were asked to do the photo-shoot in their homes and the result was something that awed the social media users. Models were photographed on couches, stairs, kitchens and such places in their homes. They wore amateurish makeup and did not have the finesse that the brand has been known for. The viewers identified with the photos on a more personal levels and helped build a stronger connection with the brand.

Videos

Videos have always been one of the most effective branding and marketing tools and are likely to stay that way in the future. The impact a good video has on its audience is incomparable, for any brand looking at intensive promotions this medium cannot be ignored. According to ImpactBND, more than 50% of consumers state that watching a brand’s video increases their confidence in the products and helps them make purchasing decisions. Research states that more than 70% of consumers have at one point shared a brand’s video. As for businesses, 72% say that a video has increased their conversion rate.

That said, with the lockdown in 2020, many brands used this medium creatively to make an impact. One of the campaigns that was released when the pandemic was at its peak was the revamped ‘Wassup’ ad by Budweiser. The small but significant pivot from a group of friends on a phone call or sitting beside each other, the ad became a video call among friends checking up on each other. Camraderie, contemporary references and empathy came together in this campaign to create a heart touching message.

The video ends with powerful line: ‘Buds support buds. Check in on yours’. The video has over 155,000 views and the number continues to grows.

Another great example of this medium that combined user interaction is the encouraging video that was posted by University of Florida during the lockdown. The video was posted with the caption ‘The Orange and Blue. We’re getting the band back together!’ on several of the university’s social media platforms. It showed students participating in making of music together through a zoom call. It showed students in their living rooms, bedrooms, backyards and gardens joining in the performance. This video has more than 4.2k positive reactions of Facebook with over 270 comments.

Asking a user to participate in a survey and interact with customers through emails might seem like old hat, but continues to be highly effective. Consumer interaction saw a massive spike in 2020 and is likely to remain so in 2021 as well. Bulk emails have given way to a more personalized and engagement focused form of communication.

Chatbots continued to be popular as companies looked to offer 24-hour service and optimize it with instant responses to customer queries. A Tidio research showed that 43% of consumers opted to message an online chatbot instead of calling customer service. A whole new perspective on user engagement emerged, one not just rooted in pushing a message, but rather creating a message that pulled audiences towards it. The message became one of information sharing and empathy through assuaging customer fears.

Marketing campaigns by Zomato have been known for their wittiness and generating local impact. As coronavirus forced cities around India into lockdown, restaurants had to close their doors. All things considered, Zomato managed to diversify its business with a fair degree of success. Zomato started delivering groceries as well and promoted their creative service notifications and alerts. The company continuously promoted the safety precautions that were being taken by the delivery partners.

They were the first movers in terms of coming up with an ad showcasing safety measures and hygiene. This campaign not only supported the reopening of restaurants in India after the lockdown but also garnered a lot of positive reviews. It has nearly 3,747,800 views and not only built confidence in the company’s services but also supported their primary stakeholders – the restaurants.

Campaigns focused on riders wearing masks, using sanitizer and also promoted contact-less delivery. This set the company’s engagement campaign on the fast track as restaurants opened up once again. The company ensured user engagement by asking customers to fill in a simple yes/no form, inquiring if the delivery person had taken all the safety precaution.

Many companies used creative means to get users involved with the brand. One of the most effective campaigns that generated tremendous interest was by the Getty Museum. In March this year, Getty came out with a challenge for its users. Under the hashtag #GettyMuseumChallenge, they asked the audience to recreate works of art at home. The challenge trended across Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Twitter and many other social media platforms. The company received more than 100,000 submissions across the board.

This overwhelming response was driven by the timeliness of the challenge, where people had to limit themselves to their homes and were looking for something to do. A selection of the best entries found themselves immortalized in a book compiled by the Getty Museum.

Ephemeral Content

Ephemeral content refers to content that disappears after a set amount of time. This makes for an effective marketing strategy as it plays on the FOMO, the fear-of-missing-out, aspect that is prevalent in audience. It is believed that since the post self-destructs after a set amount of time, users are likely to check in more often.

Two of the most popular platforms for this content are Instagram Stories and Snapchat’s My Story. The word ‘story’ here is important as it reflects the essence of Ephemeral content. This type of content needs to be engaging and lures viewers to take action. Many brands have used this strategy effectively in 2020 by posting short videos, Q&A sessions, and one-day discounts deals as well as doing live sessions. Research suggests that 80% of people make impulse purchases online. Ephemeral content fits into this segment like a glove. This is akin to store window promotions, the there-today-gone-tomorrow nature of this content creates plays to the fear of missing out (or FOMO in millennial parlance) among the audience often eliciting healthy results.

According to Statista, Instagram stories have 250 million daily active users and Snapchat has 173 million of the same. These platforms, together, rake in around 18 billion daily video views. This is the kind of reach ephemeral content can have, and with Facebook and LinkedIn jumping on the stories bandwagon this is one content segment that looks set to grow.

One of the brands that has a history of using Instagram stories to its advantage is Starbucks Coffee. Their Instagram story where the company attempts to teach people to order their drink or food in American Sign Language (ASL) has gained huge popularity.

Influencer Marketing

Social media has created it’s very own brand of celebrity. These social media influencers command a following often ranging into millions, and plugs and promotions by them often result in great ROI. These YouTube stars, or Insta Models, become a great vehicle for brands that see a strong audience intersection with these influencers. The popularity of this marketing strategy is largely millennial focused, considering they are the largest user base of social media platforms in the world.

One of the reasons for this is also because of a growing distrust in traditional advertising. According to an IPSOS survey, nearly 96% of the people interviewed thought that in its pursuit increase sales the advertising industry is not firm on integrity. Only 1% of the millennials surveyed say they trust the advertisements that promote brands and product. A separate Twitter and Annalect survey states 49% of people seriously consider recommendations from influencers before making purchase decisions.

More and more companies have acknowledged the potential of this strategy and have begun bringing on board influencers popular in their field. It requires a smaller investment while still giving stellar results. In a survey by Forrester, around 73% of marketers say that they have set aside a budget for influencer marketing.

One of the companies that used influencer marketing efficiently in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic started was Myntra. The e-Commerce brand started sharing original influencer content in the second half of 2019, but took things to another level this year. With people having to stay-at-home and avoiding physical stores, the timing was perfect for Myntra.

Although it had started bringing influencers on board last, this year they focused on providing master classes by prominent stylists. Furthermore, just before the festive season of Diwali, the brand announced digital influencer Bhuvan Bam as its ambassador.

The brand has brought in influencers like Karan Sehgal and micro-influencers like Esha Pandit Pancholi Neha Parulkar to promote their fashion products. Micro-influencers often have great reach and are people who have gained the trust of their followers. This allows the brand to tap into a huge potential market at a reasonably less cost.

Takeaways

The pandemic has changed the way that people approached daily life. Their buying patterns were changing with a growing inclination towards the digital, and the home-bound nature of 2020 has only worked to push this change through even faster.

e-Commerce has taken on an all new importance in a post-COVID world, and digital readiness continues to be a need of the hour for all brands. Social media has been the perfect platform to identify brands that have managed to make a smart and effective pivot during these times. It has helped highlight the importance of why adapting to the times is so crucial to staying relevant in the eyes of the audience.

To say that today’s consumer is smart and stays informed would be an understatement. These days, people are aware of not only what they want but also where to get it. With the internet at their fingertips, the audience has all the information they need.

Since tech-savvy millennials are expected to drive sales in the coming years, companies will need to create and maintain a strong and honest image on online platforms. It is not just enough to get noticed anymore, it needs to come with a strong message that resonates with the audience.

The campaigns shared above are by no means brand-new. The genius, however, lay in the innovation that they brought to the media at a time when innovation was crucial. A strong social media marketing campaign can help the company tide through a crucial pivot with ease.

The perspective of the consumers is changing and companies must find unique marketing strategies to standout in this competitive market. At Studio Hue, we understand the importance of impactful marketing strategies and campaigns. We have worked with creating social media campaigns for clients driving impactful results through ROI focused strategies.

Reach out to us at marketing@huemarcom.com to learn more about how we can create similar strategies to help your brand thrive on social.

5 Budget Corporate Gifting Ideas

Posted on November 25, 2020July 19, 2024 by hue_admin

Christmas is just around the corner, and even though it has been a tough year, people are gearing up for the celebrations. The festivities might be on a smaller scale but there is no shortage of holiday spirit among people. With pandemic nowhere near its end, the perspective of people for gifting has transformed.

It has reshaped the way people plan to celebrate holidays. This holiday, the focus seems to have shifted from materialistic trends and moved to meaningful celebrations. This year, there will be fewer travel and increased stay-cations. Family bonding time with Christmas tree and cosy decorations, as well as short trips, will take precedence.

National Retail Federation (NRF) surveyed 7,660 consumers, where 1 in 5 people said while they typically travelled for holidays until last year, they would most likely stay home this year. Decreased spending on travel may benefit retailers with added sales. More than half of the consumers said they would use funds set for travel expenses to do more holiday shopping.

However, the general sentiment for spending is bleak. Economic downturn due to Covid-19 has affected all countries to a great extent. Many people have lost their jobs or suffered pay cuts. According to a survey by Accenture in USA, 22% of responders said Covid-19 has affected their financial security and that they would keep a tighter check on their spending. The survey also said that people would keep shopping from a physical store to a minimum and prefer online stores.

As for shopping budget, the survey said people plan to spend around US $540 this festive season. Although this amount is less than the previous year, it still showcases a positive shopping trend.

Whatever the budget is, though, people understand that with social distancing and restricted travelling, gifts will be an effective way to express their appreciation towards their friends and colleagues. Personal gifting is said to rule the gifting market but corporate gifting will also be huge.

With economic difficulties that all companies and organizations are facing, it is understandable that there will be smaller budgets for gifts this year. Nevertheless, employees too have had a tough year with financial insecurities as well as adjusting to a remote working environment.

This is why sending small tokens of appreciations that much more important and essential to boost morale. Gifts hold a sentimental value that is unmatched and even with a smaller budget; there are many gifting choices available in the market.

Let’s take a look at some of the gifts that can suit your budget but also create positive impressions.

Eco-products

One of the most versatile gifts is eco-products. These products not only cost-effective but also make a genuine statement for a company’s sustainable approach. Eco-products are a wonderful way to express your care towards your staff. Besides this, there are many products to choose from.

From desk essentials and stationery to bags and cutlery, eco-products can be as chic and stylish as you wish them to be. Most of the products can be customized and personalized to meet your needs. A small hamper of these products is sure to bring a smile to your employee’s face.

Décor Items

Another high-value product is décor items. This year, home décor trends will reflect the mood of family bonding and lean towards cosy fashion. While the colours of Christmas will be dominant, soft lighting and crotchet blankets that give a festive look will be popular.

Décor items like traditional and digital photo-frames, wall hangings, lucky chimes, lamps, air diffusers and decorative lights will make for great gifts. The price range is extremely wide for these items. You can find the most inexpensive kind of items as well as high-end products.

Edible Gifts & Sweets

Food products have always been popular gifts and they will remain so this year. Sweets, cookies and salty snacks make for great gifts as they are favoured by people of all ages. It is something families can enjoy together. As a company, you can easily find cost-effective options and decide on a hamper with varied food items. These days, apart from sweets and snacks, some of the most popular trends include health kits and exotic sweets.

Drinkware

Drinkware is the most functional gift that creates long-lasting positive impressions. A survey suggests that the drinkware market is estimated to have a 29% annual growth rate by 2025, standing at around US $35 billion. A simple mug can make a great impact. Another survey noted that nearly 60% of people had an emotional attachment to a favourite mug and 40% said nothing could replace their special mug.

With this kind of effect, companies benefit from gifting drinkware. From mugs and flasks to bottles and portable drinkware, there are a massive number of choices. These products are made from many materials these days. You can find not just food-grade plastic but also in stainless steel, copper, silicone and even glass.

Bespoke

Gifting something personalized and special does not need to be a costly affair. A customized box of functional objects with a personalized name tag or a motivational message makes a huge difference. While apparel, laptop sleeves, wristwatches, electronics products, board games and the likes might cost slightly more, they still make for wonderful bespoke gifts. Besides, phone accessories, stationery and swag like key chains, plushies, chocolate boxes are all some of the cheapest items that can be personalized to your requirements.

You might have set your budget and done your research, but with so many options it is certainly baffling to make a decision. Hue helps you understand what gifts will have the most impact on your business so you can make the right choice. Check out our extensive merchandise collection. We also offer customization services.

Get the Swag Your Brand Deserves

Posted on November 20, 2020July 19, 2024 by hue_admin

With Christmas around the corner, and the New Year just in the offing, it is time that brands take a close look at their promotional merchandise.

First things first, it is an undeniable fact that having stellar swag ranks highly among marketing plans the world over. It is a simple enough logic to understand, your customers are your biggest mouthpiece. This makes it crucial that they be decked out in swag representing your brand.

To achieve this purpose it is crucial to understand the kind of items that work and the kind that have been done to death. At Hue, we give all our clients a range of merchandise options divided under three segments:

Premium | Executive | Standard

The idea is to have a select list of merchandise options depending upon the varied requirements of brands and their target audience around the world.

In the many years of giving merchandising options to organizations around the world we have learnt how to stay abreast of trends. It is this knowledge that has helped us compile a list of the hits and the flops of the merchandise world, read on to find out:

Flop

Keychains

There used to be a point of time when having a keychain in goodie bags used to be cool. Unfortunately, everyone tagged on to the idea and it soon became a massive cliché. Even if it is a keychain that doubles as a pen drive or a bottle opener, it will have limited usability considering its lack of a wow-factor.

Phone Cases

Okay, while this may seem like a sound idea at face value, it is anything but. For starters, a phone case is a highly personal item and is, more often than not, bought specifically by the user. A phone case, even when gifted, is often ignored or discarded.

Pens

Yes, sure, pens were supposed to be the de facto kings of giveaways, but times have changed. We are smack dab in the middle of a massive mobile movement, and to have a pen, which functions as nothing more than a pen, is a little too 90s for the Gen Z’s tastes.

Rubber Wrist Bands

This might have been an interesting swag provided the content on it is relevant to a movement that speaks to students. Unfortunately, for a wrist band that only has a logo on it, there is very little chance of a lay person wearing it.

Hits

Multi-purpose Chargers

Let’s face the facts, the civilized world and their pets are all on their phones, all the time. This means that their phones will definitely be getting discharged rapidly. Giving away something as functional as a multi-purpose charger would definitely be a great hit.

Reusable Water Bottles

Everybody these days understands the importance of staying hydrated. Moreover, there are a number of different types of reusable bottles available in the market. Collapsible bottles, steel sippers are just a couple of bottles that you could give as swag for your customers.

Diaries

While pens might seem to be out of favour with most people, the case is entirely different for diaries. Moleskin diaries, leather diaries, or even eco-friendly diaries are some items that are huge movers when it comes to student merchandise. However, spiral diaries are definitely not the way to go.

T-Shirts

A good quality t-shirt, coupled with a funny, quirky or just outright inspiring statement would be a great giveaway. T-shirts are something that one can never have enough of. Even if the intended end-user won’t be wearing it, it will definitely be worn. The sheer visibility provide by a quality t-shirt can never be underestimated.

Keep in mind the 5 main aspects of memorable merch:

Quality

It is a simple logic, your merchandise is the perfect representation of your brand. It is important thus that you choose giveaways that match the quality and class that your brand represents. Your target audience is judging you from the quality of your merchandise, make sure that they remember all the right things.

Functionality

There is no sense in giving something merely for the sake of giving a gift. Students, today, are an astute lot. With hours spent browsing social media they are well aware of trends. Keep up with their aspirations and give them items they need. It is not enough to give a USB stick anymore, but a USB stick that is also a classy pen is a different story altogether.

Aesthetics

Rocks serve as brilliant paperweights but are rarely seen adorning desks. Functionality is all well and good but without an aesthetic that speaks to your target group the item you are giving away will not find users. The youth today, have strong aesthetic preferences and the best bet to have your merch accepted among this discerning audience is to be in tune with said preferences.

Cultural Relevance

There is swag that cuts across borders, and there is swag that is customized according to cultures. Take the simple example of a diary. A sleek brown moleskin diary would be a good giveaway on any occasion. Imagine, however, if you wanted to distribute the diary at an education fair being held India and were able to customize the diary with traditional Indian designs. Giving your swag cultural relevance ups its value considerably.

Customization

Event giveaways, or merchandise meant for internal distribution often needs detailed customization. It is important to give your stakeholders a high level of quality, coupled with personalization this elevates the standard of gifting greatly. Imagine gifting your entire staff in offices across the world, getting kits branded with your new logo the moment they reach office. The kits include everything from diaries to name tags to coasters and mugs, among other things, all personalized to the individual they are going to. It is this level of customization that gets brands noticed.

Merchandising can be a cost-intensive activity. To do so without taking the trends in account could mean having a lot of something thoroughly unwanted. Give yourself the best options for trendsetting merchandise with Hue!

Top Christmas Gifting Options Your Employees Will Love

Posted on November 11, 2020July 19, 2024 by hue_admin

As rough as it has been, 2020 is finally winding down and Christmas season is nearly upon us. A time of cheer, and high spirits, are bound to be considerably watered down keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic around us.

The joy of spending Christmas with the family may not be something everyone gets to enjoy this year, with the second wave of lockdown currently enforced in many countries. Many will be spending their holidays away from their family, or be able to spend time only with immediate family. Online order and delivery services, however, are still in play and have become the preferred medium for a number of companies and individuals in 2020.

At a time like this, it becomes more important than ever to ensure that your team is well taken care of. After the year that we have had ensuring that your team is feeling good about themselves, and feeling valued is more important than ever. The keyword for Christmas gifting this year is empathy!

The Art of Choosing a Christmas Gift for your Employees

Your employees have stood by you throughout the pandemic and continue to play an important role in ensuring business continuity for you. Their happiness not only ensures your business’ health but is also a great way to show how much you care about the general happiness and well-being of your employee.

It is as important to choose the budget you want to spend for gifting, as it is to ensure that you are getting the best value for money. Chances are that if you have new hires picking something for each individual would get difficult. With that in mind, make sure that you even out the playing field, and find something that fits everyone requirements.

The key here would be to identify gifts based on the below three characteristics:

Functionality
Feeling
Uniqueness

With the above points in mind, we have curated a handpicked list of items that you can choose from for your employees this Christmas!

Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones

High on functionality and absolutely unique, these headphones are the perfect gift for remotely functioning employees or even for those in office. These Bluetooth headphones come complete with an in-built mike as well as volume, and quality controls to ensure you don’t need to take them off to take important calls.

More importantly, as everyone has discovered during their respective lockdown WFH phase, finding a silent space to get your work done in a full house is difficult. Noise cancelling headphones are great from that perspective as they shut the noise in the world around you.

Gourmet Hamper

Chocolates, sweets and cookies are a great means of sharing the Christmas joy with your employees. A perennial favourite among everyone, creating a Christmas hamper for your employees can be as joyful an endeavour as sharing them with your employees.

At Hue, we have sent over 2000 assorted cookie jars and gourmet chocolate boxes to the employees of our clients this season already. Handpicked Belgian chocolates and a scrumptious selection of cookies in a classic glass jar can be a brilliant gift this year.

Personalized Gift Set

Nothing says you care more than a set of personalized merchandise designed specifically for your employees. This includes the classic leatherette diary, a customized pen, a mousepad and could even have an assortment of sticky notes as well. Creating a bespoke, personalized gift set is all about finding a set of items that not only fit your budget but are also high in value and functionality.

With the new year around the corner, a 2021 diary with a multi-utility pen all engraved with the recipient’s name would make a very positive impression about the brand presenting it. Add to it a range of other cost-effective, but high in utility items like sticky notes, mugs or even sipper bottles, and you have a personalized gift-set that would make anyone smile.

Scented Goods

Christmas is all about the scents of festivities. Sharing a small, carefully selected assortment of scented candles, handmade soap or even diffusers could be a great gifting option.

The strongest sense out of all that the human body has is the sense of smell. A long-lost smell can not only be highly reminiscent but also bring with it a wave of pleasant nostalgia. A gift hamper of scented goods can do just that.

Wellness Pack

With all that is going on around us, ensuring sound mental and physical health becomes crucial for any individual these days. It becomes more important than ever for any company to help their employees stay healthy, both mentally and physically.

At Hue, we have sent scores of COVID protection kits comprising of masks, sanitizers, COVID keychains and more. Over and above that, if you truly want to give something unique to your employees, give them a personalized yoga mat, or even a copy of a wonderful book! The key here is to identify things that are liked across the board by your employees.

The most important thing this Christmas is going to be attention to detail, and as mentioned above, empathy. Identifying the best gifts is all about learning what your employees most need and would most value, and you have the perfect gift. Also, instead of sending just one item, make sure you have one primary gift and a few stocking stuffers along with it. Something like an OTT subscription would also work wonderfully in this case. If you want more ideas about the kind of gifts you can give your employees go through Hue’s Merchandise Portfolio. To learn more write to us at marketing@huemarcom.com

Gifting Trends for Christmas in a Pandemic

Posted on November 6, 2020July 19, 2024 by hue_admin

The smell of freshly cut pine, the brisk winter air, and carols ringing in the air, are just a few small reminders that Christmas is right around the corner. This year, however, things are set to be different.

While the world is learning to adopt to the new normal, the pandemic is bound to have an impact on how Christmas is celebrated around the world. While family gatherings might be smaller, there will be a near absence of parties of any form. Moreover, even the face of festive shopping has seen a change, albeit not so much in the numbers anticipated from sales.

Buying Trends Stay Optimistic

The economic downturn due to Covid-19 is expected to have a major impact on consumer behaviour. While retailers were afraid of a dip in shopping numbers due to job losses and income cuts, however, market surveys paint an optimistic picture. While people may have the same budget to spend on the holidays as that in 2019, the heartening factor is that there is not going to be a dip in the numbers. The trend indicates that despite financial difficulties, people don’t want to spend the festive season without family and indulgence.

According to Deloitte’s annual forecast for US, holiday retail sales are expected to mark a slight increase (1.5%) to touch up to $1,152 billion. E-commerce will occupy a big chunk of the sales, as more and more people find online shopping a safer and more convenient option. It is believed that retail sales could gain from a drastic drop in spending on Covid-sensitive services like outdoor dining and travel.

Shopping Trends

PwC’s 2020 US Holiday Outlook states that 61% of the shoppers that were surveyed showed a preference towards online shopping. Nothing is traditional about the upcoming Christmas, and that in itself is inspiring people to find the traditional in the most unconventional of circumstances.

Wellness, safety and moral values will be a focus, even when people are enthusiastic about shopping. People are expected to choose brands with an ethical stand that matches their beliefs, with a preference for products that give back to the society.

Furthermore, considering the tight budgets and distancing regulations this year, people are expected to spread out their holiday shopping. Where earlier, Black Friday and last moment-shopping used to see the biggest sales, this year it might not be the case. Shopping might start as early as October and move well into January. Deloitte anticipates e-commerce sales to see a jump of nearly 35% as compared to the previous year in US.

Gifting Trends

Gifts are essential during any festival and are likely to be a huge part of retail sales. Morning Consult survey in US said 35% of respondents are likely to set a budget of $100 and $300 for holiday gifts. Nearly 20% of those surveyed said they expected to spend more than $500 on gifts.

Letterbox Gifts

Simply said, these are gifts that will fit into your letterbox. Considering how difficult in-person exchange of gifts is going to be with the pandemic finding a second wind, this could be a great option. From a box of cookies, to pamper kits, the options are as endless as the gift-wrapping options out there.

This year, we will see a more back-to-basic gifting style, but with a twist. Chocolates, sweets, apparel, electronics and the likes will be demand. Décor items like lamps, different styled lights, digital photo frames as well as digital gifts like coupons to online stores or streaming subscriptions will also be popular.

Personalization

With the global pandemic affecting millions physically and mentally, everyone needs a pick-me-up to distract them from the bleak scenario around them. In such times a smart, personalized gift could be the perfect option. Something as simple as a monogrammed diary, or a personalized tee could be a great gift.

Now more than ever, there is a need to put more thought into how and what we are gifting our family and friends. Try and make sure that the gift you are giving is relevant and functional to the individual receiving it. Functionality has become as important as aesthetics, and add to it a touch of personalization and you a winning gift on your hands.

Wellness

We are living in times of a global pandemic, the whole world is focusing on ensuring that they are staying healthy and happy. Try cobbling together a wellness kit. It could be something as simple as a bottle of scented sanitizer, some comfortable masks, along with some books and/or the subscription of any one of the many OTT platforms.

The idea with the wellness kit is not just to ensure that your near and dear ones stay safe physically but that they are also taking care of their mental health. If you would have gifted a spa treatment at one point of time, how about sending a home-spa kit instead this year? It is these little thoughtfully picked items that would ensure that you are showcasing your concern and care towards the receiver.

Keep it Sustainable

One of the most important, and not so surprising, trends that emerged in 2020, is sustainable gifting. Boxes made from recycled paper, greeting cards made from the same, repurposed boxes, DIY gifting options, eco-friendly cutlery, or even home plants are just some of the sustainable gifting options that are in trend these days.

Christmas historically produces a mountain of waste and single-use plastic is at the top of the heap. More and more people are now becoming conscious about the importance of avoiding the use of plastic and environmentally detrimental products in gifting, something that is going to stand humanity in good stead moving forward.

Empathetic Corporate Gifting

As empathy takes a front seat, personalized and customized gifts will continue to be a priority. With most companies shifting employees to work from home, corporate gifting will also be big. Corporate gifts will be aimed at boosting employee morale and building interpersonal relationships.

Some of the options are budget-friendly themed hampers and things that families can enjoy together like games and sweets. Electronic items and desk essentials will be seen as great gifts for employees and clients as they are functional products that have high-recall value.

At Hue, having created festive gifting solutions for hundreds of our customers, we understand the importance of the right gift. You can check out our wide range of merchandise and customization services here, or simply write to us with any requests that you might have.