Unwrapping Holiday Engagement
The best holiday gifts for marketers don’t come wrapped in paper or tied with bows. They’re the promotions that spark excitement, fuel participation, and keep delivering results long after the season ends. At US Sweepstakes, we’ve pulled together a holiday gift guide packed with sweepstakes, contests, and instant-win games – the kinds of gifts your audience will be thrilled to unwrap again and again.
Sweepstakes: The Holiday Headliner
Every pile of presents has one gift that steals the show. That’s what sweepstakes are in holiday marketing – the attention-grabber that everyone wants a chance at. They’re simple to run, easy to enter, and perfectly suited for creating buzz when people are most eager to win something special.
Example: Launch a “Countdown to the New Year” sweepstakes where each week unlocks a bigger prize – starting with smaller seasonal goodies and leading up to a show-stopping grand prize on December 31. The build-up keeps people engaged, and your brand stays part of the holiday conversation all season long.
UGC Contests: The Personalized Gift
The most meaningful gifts are personal, and that’s what UGC contests deliver. By inviting participants to share their photos, videos, or stories, you give your audience a way to express themselves while giving your brand a library of authentic, on-message content. That content doesn’t just work for the season – it fuels campaigns all year.
Example: A “Holiday Made by Me” contest where fans upload their own festive creations, from decorated cookies to DIY décor. Winners could see their work spotlighted on your social channels or website, with prizes that connect back to the brand. Every entry strengthens the sense of community and adds to your brand’s storytelling toolkit.
Instant-Win Games: The Surprise Gift
Holiday magic often comes from surprise – and instant-win games capture that feeling perfectly. They give participants immediate gratification and a reason to check in daily. The quick-hit excitement makes them shareable and habit-forming, turning entertainment into repeat engagement.
Example: A “Spin-the-Holiday Wheel” instant-win game where users return each day to try their luck at prizes like digital gift cards, limited-edition holiday products, or bonus entries toward a grand prize. The thrill of instant wins keeps the holiday spirit alive throughout the campaign.
Charity Tie-Ins: The Heartfelt Gift
Some gifts make an impact far beyond the person receiving them. Holiday promotions with a charitable component let brands spread cheer while demonstrating purpose. They’re memorable, shareable, and emotionally resonant – the kind of promotion people want to talk about.
Example: A “Cheers to Giving” sweepstakes where every entry unlocks a donation to a local food bank or national cause. Each participation moment doubles as an act of generosity, allowing entrants to feel part of something bigger. Consequently, the campaign not only excites but also connects your brand with goodwill and purpose.
Loyalty Activations: The Gift That Pays You Back
Some promotions deliver a quick burst of attention, but loyalty activations keep returning value long after the holidays. By weaving rewards into a holiday campaign, you motivate customers to engage now and give them reasons to keep coming back. The benefit isn’t just seasonal lift – it’s sustained participation that strengthens the customer-brand relationship over time.
Example: A “Holiday Rewards Hunt” where loyalty members unlock surprise perks – bonus points, exclusive entries, or early access to products – by engaging daily through the app. Each interaction feels festive and fun, while reinforcing the habit of ongoing participation.
Why These Gifts Keep Giving
Unlike a holiday fruitcake, these are the gifts that keep on giving.
- Sweepstakes and contests keep delivering leads, insights, and fresh audience data.
- UGC activations supply authentic content libraries you can repurpose all year long.
- Instant-win games and quizzes build habits that keep customers returning well into the new year.
- Charity tie-ins strengthen brand goodwill in ways that last far beyond December.
- Loyalty promotions extend holiday momentum by driving repeat participation and deepening customer relationships.
These aren’t just holiday tactics – they’re investments in engagement, loyalty, and brand storytelling that pay off long after December.
Wrapping It Up
This year, skip the boring gifts. Give your brand something better: a holiday promotion that excites your audience, spreads joy, and delivers value well into the new year.
At US Sweepstakes, we give brands the gift of worry-free promotions – built to excite audiences, fully compliant from start to finish, and designed to deliver measurable value well into the new year.
The best gift you can give your brand? A holiday promotion that lasts beyond the season. Contact US Sweepstakes today and let’s make some holiday magic.
