Comparison: promotional gifts vs. digital vouchers – which is more effective?

Published: June 17, 2025

When companies plan how to reward customers, partners, or employees, they often face the question: choose classic promotional gifts or opt for a more modern solution, such as digital vouchers? Both options have their advantages and disadvantages – and the decision is not always easy.

In this article, we will look at what each option offers, when it makes sense, and how it affects the long-term relationship with recipients. The goal is to help you assess which solution is more suitable for your purpose.

Advantages and disadvantages of promotional gifts

Promotional gifts have long been an established way to build a brand. A physical product remains present in the recipient's life, allowing for long-term exposure to the company's name and logo.

Advantage

• Long-term presence: A gift that the recipient uses every day (e.g. bottle, planner, charger) constantly reinforces brand recognition.
• Emotional impact: A physical gift triggers the feeling that someone has put effort into its selection and preparation.

Disadvantage

• Logistical challenges: Gifts need to be stored, packed, and delivered, which can increase costs and required time.
• Risk of uselessness: If the gift is not appropriately chosen, it may end up unused or even unwanted.

Advantages and disadvantages of digital vouchers

Digital vouchers are a modern, convenient solution that allows the recipient to choose freely and use them immediately. Due to their flexibility and speed, they are becoming an increasingly popular choice among companies.

Advantage

• Flexibility for the recipient: The recipient can choose what suits them best, which increases satisfaction.
• Easy distribution: Sending is fast, with no logistics costs, packaging, or storage.

Disadvantage

• Lack of tangible experience: A digital voucher does not provide a physical moment of surprise or the experience of unwrapping a gift, which reduces the emotional impact.
• Quick forgetfulness: Without the physical presence of a gift, the brand loses the opportunity for long-term visibility and connection.

So which is more effective? A comparative view

The decision between a promotional gift and a digital voucher depends on your goals, budget, and target group. Both options have their place, but their impact is shown in different ways. To help with comparison, let's look at the key differences:

• Duration of impact: A promotional gift ensures longer physical presence and repeated interactions with the brand, while a digital voucher acts more as an immediate reward.
• Emotional impression: A gift creates the experience of unwrapping and surprise, whereas a digital voucher often feels more functional than personal.
• Distribution practicality: A digital voucher is faster to deliver, while a promotional gift requires more preparation and logistics.
• Perceived value: Digital vouchers give a sense of choice, but physical gifts often feel more thoughtful and personal.

The best effect is often achieved by combining both – a useful gift with an added voucher or code can merge the advantages of both worlds.

Promotional gifts and digital vouchers each have their advantages, but their power is revealed only when aligned with the purpose and expectations of the recipients. If you want to create long-term presence and emotional connection, promotional gifts are the right choice. If speed, flexibility, and minimal logistical challenges matter to you, digital vouchers can be an excellent solution.

The best approach? Consider what you want to communicate and what kind of experience you want to create. Sometimes it will be a physical gift, other times a digital solution – and often a combination of both that shows the recipient you have thought about their needs and wishes.