Custom Plushies 101: How do you decide the proper time and place to use for the most effective brand exposure

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As a seller, brand owner, or marketing manager,
are you maximizing the brand exposure potential
of your custom plushies? Custom plush toys are
an increasingly popular way to engage customers,
build brand loyalty, and boost visibility.
According to a study by ASI Central, 85 of
consumers are more likely to remember the brand
on a promotional product, especially when its
something fun, like a plush toy. However, its
not just about having custom plushiesits about
knowing the right time and place to use them for
maximum impact. In this blog, we will explore
how to strategically deploy custom plush toys to
create lasting brand impressions, backed by
industry data and insights. Understanding the
Power of Custom Plushies Custom plush toys
aren't just cute promotional items they serve as
tangible reminders of your brand. Whether given
away at events or included in product packaging,
plushies leave a lasting impact on the
recipient, fostering positive brand
associations. Stat to Back It Up A survey
conducted by Promotional Products Association
International (PPAI) found that 79 of people who
received a promotional product could recall the
brand up to two years later. Custom plush toys,
with their tactile and emotional appeal, can
amplify this effect. 1. Trade Shows and Expos
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• One of the most effective places to distribute
  custom plushies is at industry trade shows and
  expos. These events are filled with potential
  customers, partners, and clients. A well-placed
  custom plushie can stand out among the usual
  array of promotional items like pens and
  notepads. Your plushie becomes a memorable
  take-home item that connects emotionally with
  attendees.
• Stat to Back It Up
• According to CEIRs Trade Show Future Trends
  report, 65 of attendees at trade shows and
  expos believe giveaways influence their brand
  perception. A custom plush toy, as a more unique
  and premium product, has the potential to leave
  a more significant impression than common items.
• Best Practices
• Consider using custom plushies as incentives for
  booth visitors. For example, offer them to
  individuals who fill out a survey or sign up for
  a mailing list.
• Tie the plush toy design to the theme of the
  event, further reinforcing your brand message.
• Corporate Events and Employee Engagement
• Custom plushies are not just for customersthey
  can be effective tools for internal branding and
  employee engagement as well. When distributed at
  corporate events, employee appreciation days, or
  as holiday gifts, plush toys serve as
  light-hearted, but memorable gifts that
  reinforce company loyalty.
• Stat to Back It Up
• A study from Gallup shows that companies with
  engaged employees outperform those without by up
  to 202. Custom plushies can be part of that
  engagement strategy, creating a sense of unity
  and appreciation within the workforce.
• Best Practices
• Customize plush toys to align with specific
  company milestones or celebrations.
• Use them as part of team-building activities or
  as prizes during corporate events to boost
  morale.
• Seasonal Marketing Campaigns

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• Seasonal marketing campaigns, such as during
  holidays, offer a prime opportunity to
  distribute custom plush toys. Plushies tied to
  specific holidayslike a winter-themed bear or a
  spring-themed bunnycan evoke a sense of
  festivity while also promoting your brand.
• Stat to Back It Up
• A report by McKinsey Company revealed that 58
  of consumers are more likely to purchase during
  the holiday season when promotions and campaigns
  are tied to the occasion. Offering custom
  plushies as part of a limited-time offer can
  drive engagement and sales.
• Best Practices
• Create plush toys that align with the colors,
  themes, and spirit of the holiday season.
• Use limited-edition plushies as a value-add
  during promotions. For example, offering a free
  plush toy with purchases over a certain amount
  during the holidays can drive sales.
• Product Launches
• Launching a new product or service is a key
  moment for any brand. Including custom plush
  toys as part of the launch kit or as giveaways
  during promotional events can add a memorable
  touch that keeps your brand top of mind.
• Stat to Back It Up
• According to a study by Event Marketer, 78 of
  customers remember brands better after attending
  experiential marketing events. A custom plush
  toy as part of a launch strategy can enhance the
  customers tactile experience and help solidify
  brand recall.
• Best Practices
• Ensure the plushie reflects the essence of the
  product launch, such as featuring your product
  mascot or symbol.
• Consider creating an unboxing experience that
  includes a custom plushie to make a stronger
  emotional connection with customers.
• Social Media and Influencer Partnerships
• In the digital era, leveraging social media
  influencers and user-generated content can boost
  your brand's visibility. Custom plush toys make
  for excellent props in creative social media
  campaigns. By gifting plush toys to influencers
  or loyal customers, you can encourage organic
  promotion through photos, videos, and unboxing
  experiences shared online.

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• Stat to Back It Up
• Influencer Marketing Hub reports that brands earn
  an average of 5.20 for every dollar spent on
  influencer marketing. When influencers use your
  plush toys in creative, engaging ways, your brand
  can reach a broader audience, especially on
  platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
• Best Practices
• Partner with influencers in your industry to
  feature your custom plush toys in their content.
• Create branded hashtags and encourage your
  audience to share photos of their plushies for a
  chance to win prizes or be featured on your
  brand's page.
• Charitable Events and Community Outreach
• Custom plushies are also an excellent option for
  community outreach programs or charitable
  events. Whether youre donating them to
  childrens hospitals, using them in fundraising
  campaigns, or sponsoring a local event, plush
  toys can evoke emotions and strengthen your
  brands image as a compassionate,
  community-focused business.
• Stat to Back It Up
• A study by Cone Communications found that 87 of
  consumers are more likely to buy from companies
  that support a social or environmental cause.
  When your brand is associated with giving,
  particularly through tangible items like plush
  toys, customers are more likely to view your
  brand favorably.
• Best Practices
• Collaborate with local charities and events,
  ensuring your plush toys are distributed in a
  way that aligns with your brands values.
• Make your plush toy campaign a part of your CSR
  (Corporate Social Responsibility) strategy to
  enhance brand loyalty.
• E-commerce and Packaging Inserts
• Custom plush toys can also serve as a surprise
  gift when included in
• e-commerce orders or as part of product
  packaging. Imagine the delight customers feel
  when they receive an unexpected plush toy
  alongside their purchase. This creates an
  emotional bond with your brand and increases the
  likelihood of repeat purchases.
• Stat to Back It Up

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• According to Forbes, 82 of customers are more
  likely to buy from a brand that delivers a
  personalized experience. Including a custom plush
  toy as a packaging insert can enhance the
  overall shopping experience and foster customer
  loyalty.
• Best Practices
• Include a small, custom plush toy with every
  order above a certain value as an incentive for
  customers to spend more.
• Design the plush toy to reflect the personality
  of your brand, making it something customers
  will want to keep and showcase.
• Conclusion
• Deciding the proper time and place to use custom
  plush toys is crucial for maximizing brand
  exposure. Whether you're at a trade show,
  launching a new product, or engaging with your
  community, plush toys offer a unique opportunity
  to connect with your audience on an emotional
  level. The key is to choose the right setting
  where your plushies will make the most impact,
  leaving lasting impressions on your customers.
• At EverLighten, we offer 100 customization,
  ensuring your plush toys align perfectly with
  your brand's identity. With unlimited revisions,
  free design help, and 24/7 support, we help you
  create plush toys that stand out in any setting.
  Whether you're looking for low minimum order
  quantities or worldwide delivery, EverLighten is
  your trusted partner for producing high-quality
  custom plush toys that will make a lasting
  impact.
• FAQs
• Whats the best event for distributing custom
  plush toys? Trade shows, expos, and corporate
  events are ideal for maximizing brand exposure
  through custom plush toys.
• How much does it cost to create custom plush
  toys?
• Costs vary depending on factors like design
  complexity, quantity, and materials, but there
  are affordable options for any budget.
• Can custom plush toys be used for e-commerce
  packaging inserts?
• Yes, including a plush toy as a packaging insert
  can create a memorable customer experience and
  encourage repeat purchases.
• How long does it take to produce custom plush
  toys?

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Production timelines range from 2-4 weeks
depending on the design and order size. 5. Can
custom plush toys be tied to seasonal marketing
campaigns? Plush toys are excellent promotional
tools for seasonal marketing, especially during
holidays or limited-time offers.