Ah, summer. That magical season when out-of-office replies inspire creativity, calendars on Fridays suddenly feel suspiciously empty, and half the team is ‘working remotely’ (read: lying on the beach with a cocktail). And honestly? Fair enough.
People are taking their well-deserved break, enjoying the sun (or fleeing from it), and slowing down for a bit. And your brand should roll with that. But that doesn’t mean disappearing completely. Summer is actually the perfect time to stay connected with clients or colleagues, just not in the usual way.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just small, thoughtful gestures that say, “Hey, we’re still here. Enjoy your summer!”
Think light, useful, and sunny
A good summer gift feels like a fresh breeze, not a to-do list. The best gifts are simple, seasonal, and, above all, stress-free. Here are a few summer winners:
- Branded water bottles or tumblers – Perfect for iced coffee on the beach or staying hydrated during a heatwave. Extra points if the design feels summery instead of over-the-top branded.
- Branded beach towels or picnic blankets – Super useful and guaranteed to come out on weekends. Subtle branding gets you visibility on every sunny day.
- Mini self-care kits – Think SPF lip balm, cooling face spray, or sleep masks for those long summer evenings. Gifts with a “treat yourself” vibe.
- A compact cooler bag – Perfect for picnics, road trips, or lunch in the park. Bonus points if it’s eco-friendly and looks great.
Keep it casual (just like summer)
Summer is not the time for grand gestures or long emails. Your summer gift tone should be relaxed, personal, and a little playful.
Something like: “Hope your summer has more sun than screen time. Here’s a little something to take with you -wherever you’re headed.”
Short. Human. No corporate jargon in sight.
Don’t forget your team
Your colleagues deserve a little sunshine too, especially if your team is spread out across home offices, time zones, or different parts of the world. A small, sunny surprise in the mailbox can go a long way. It’s a great way to say “thank you,” boost morale, or simply remind them they’re not just floating in a Teams space.
It doesn’t have to be big. A small, well-chosen gift with branding and a light-hearted note can brighten someone’s week. And that’s the kind of employer brand that sticks.
Why summer gifts work (even when no one picks up their phone)
You don’t need a campaign. You don’t need a strategy. You just need a little thoughtfulness.
Because when your brand shows up during the quiet moments, in the fun, in the rest, in the spontaneous summer bliss, it sticks. Not in a loud, salesy way. But in a quiet, thoughtful, “oh that was nice” way.
So yes, go ahead and let the inboxes rest. Give people space. But sneak in a little sunshine where you can, something small, kind, and really useful.
Because even out of office, your brand can still be in the picture. On a beach towel. In a beach bag. Somewhere between a good book and an iced water bottle.