The holidays are coming up, and as if there’s not already enough to do, it’s time to start thinking about seasonal promotions. This is a good time to remember and appreciate your clients, customers and vendors – or even begin a relationship with another business you’ve had on your radar.

We asked Megan Garner at PostNet Village on the Creeks for ideas on how to spread holiday cheer without breaking the bank or piling on stress. Aside from an insider tip on the stock market, here’s her top 5. It’s in the bag!

1. Customized Gift cards. Let your gift card reflect your business and show off your company’s holiday spirit. “You can choose from a wide range of quality plastic and paper gift cards,” says Megan.  “We can even design it for you.” Restaurants and Visa cards are popular, but you can think outside the box, too.

• Look for ways to promote local activities, and services.

• Think about the hobbies or activities your clients would enjoy, like a round of golf or tickets to a concert, a slice of paradise at a day spa or a cooking class.

• No matter what the amount, the gesture is… priceless.

2. Custom Calendars: Wall and desk calendars and planners say, “We appreciate you” 365 days a year. “Calendars don’t have to be boring,” says Megan.  With a little brainstorming and the help of professional photographer or designer, you can turn 12 months into something they will look forward to turning the page. Needs some crazy fun ideas?

• Put your product in zany or unusual settings for each month. Like a phone system sitting on the beach sipping mai tais, or a cleaning service vacuuming the moon. How many ways can you think of to use what you sell?

• Invite each department or team to choose or create a picture, photograph or collage– you only need 12!

• Bring in the kids. Invite your employees’ children to draw pictures of what your company does or of their parents at work. Kids draw the darndest things!

3. Personalized Postage Stamps: Forget the Simpson’s and the Santa Claus stamps. Give your message a boost with personalized postage. PostNet can show you how. It’s easier than you think… and legal.

• Set a tradition; celebrate an anniversary. Customize your stamps to reflect how many years you have been in business.

• Duplicate your logo, a promotional image, or a photo of the team.

• Help promote local causes and charities that are near and dear to your company.

4. Promotional Items: Everyone loves freebies! “We can put your logo on anything, from traditional pens, mousepads and notepads to clipboards, Post-It pads, magnets and even USB drives.”

• Load flash drives with a special message, movie, or a holiday greeting.

• Add WOW! factor. Package items together in an attractive way to create more impact. Create a “break time” package, for example, with mug, nibbles and a free iTunes download. Or a mousepad, notepad, and pen with a personalized note of appreciation.

• Co-op promotional items with other brands you sell or support that enhance your customer’s experience. Not only does it reinforce your company but you can co-op the cost, too.

5. Personalized Holiday Cards: Greeting cards are still the favorite way to say Happy Holidays. “We have a wide variety to choose from,” says Megan, “or create a customized card that’s truly unique to our business.”

• Feature a photo of your employees or place of business.

• Highlight a local landmark or special place.

• Commission a piece of art and send copies as cards suitable for framing. What a wonderful annual tradition!

You can see samples of these items and more at PostNet Village on the Creeks in Rogers. Whatever you can dream PostNet can help you deliver.