Feb 24, 2025
7 MIN READ
INFLUENCER MARKETING
INFLUENCER MARKETING
Influencer Gifting: What Do You Need To Know
Influencer Gifting: What Do You Need To Know
Influencer Gifting: What Do You Need To Know
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh
Content Marketer @impulze.ai
Blog in Short ⏱️
Blog in Short ⏱️
A quick glance at the highlights—perfect for when you're short on time.
A quick glance at the highlights—perfect for when you're short on time.
What is Influencer Gifting?
Sending free products to influencers in exchange for potential organic promotion.Why It Works:
Generates authentic content
Boosts brand visibility
Builds relationships with influencersKey Steps for Success:
Choose the right influencers
Personalize outreach messages
Send high-quality, relevant products
Set clear but non-pushy expectations
Track engagement and resultsMaximizing Impact:
Nurture long-term relationships
Use tools like impulze.ai for influencer selection and tracking
When done right, influencer gifting sparks genuine conversations and drives engagement—without a hefty ad spend.
Introduction
Getting influencers to talk about your brand isn’t just about paying for promotions—sometimes, a well-timed gift can do the trick. Influencer gifting is a powerful way to spark organic conversations, generate authentic content, and build lasting relationships. But simply sending out free products isn’t enough.
How do you ensure your influencer gifting strategy leads to real engagement and not just unopened packages? This guide covers everything about how to send gifts to influencers —from picking the right people to making your gifts unforgettable.
Why Influencer Gifting Works
Imagine this—you send a thoughtfully curated package to an influencer, and within days, your product is featured in engaging Instagram stories, TikTok unboxings, and detailed product reviews. No hefty ad spend, just genuine excitement and word-of-mouth marketing.
That’s the power of influencer gifting. Instead of traditional paid promotions, brands send free products to influencers, hoping to spark organic content, increase visibility, and build long-term relationships. But success isn’t just about sending products—it’s about choosing the right influencers, crafting an experience they’ll love, and ensuring your brand stands out.
Take Triangl as an example. The founder, Erin Deering, pulled an amazing influencer gifting stunt that helped her get free publicity from Kendall Jenner!
Here’s what she did:
The Australian brand started slow, but things changed when Erin decided to reach out to influencers by leaving messages on their Instagram by simply asking them to share their contact for influencer gifting. She also intently sent bikinis to all of Kendall’s friends, hoping that she’d get FOMO and want a Triangl bikini herself. And it worked!
Kendall posted about the Triangl on Twitter!
The result of all this? A flood of organic Instagram posts, skyrocketing brand awareness, and a business that grew to $60 million in revenue—all powered by influencer gifting.
This shows that if done right, influencer gifting can spark authentic conversations, generate user-generated content, and build long-term relationships with creators. Let’s learn how!
How to Send Gifts to Influencers the Right Way
Follow these steps to make sure your influencer gifting strategy is successful:
Step 1: Identify the Right Influencers
Not all influencers will be a good fit for your brand. The key is to find creators whose audience and content style align with your brand’s identity.
For example, if you're a sustainable skincare brand, working with an influencer known for eco-friendly beauty reviews will feel more authentic than collaborating with a general lifestyle blogger. Similarly, a fitness apparel brand will get better engagement from influencers who regularly post workout routines rather than fashion influencers who rarely discuss fitness.
Instead of just looking at follower count, focus on engagement rate, audience demographics, and content relevance.
Tools like impulze.ai can help by filtering influencers based on these factors—ensuring your brand reaches the right people, not just the biggest accounts.
Step 2: Personalize Your Outreach
A generic message won’t stand out—especially when influencers receive dozens of collaboration requests daily. Taking the time to craft a thoughtful, personalized message increases your chances of getting a positive response.
Tips to Make Your Outreach More Personal & Effective:
Start with a genuine compliment – Mention a recent post, campaign, or product they featured that aligns with your brand. For example: "I loved your recent reel on budget-friendly skincare! Your breakdown of ingredients was so insightful."
Clearly explain why you're reaching out – Influencers appreciate when brands do their research. Let them know why they’re a great fit. Example: "We think your audience would love our clean beauty products, and we’d love to send you our new Vitamin C serum to try."
Make it feel collaborative, not transactional – Instead of making demands, keep it open-ended: "If you’re interested, we’d love to send you a package—no strings attached! If you enjoy it, we’d love to hear your thoughts."
Offer flexibility in product selection – Let influencers choose what suits them best. This increases the likelihood of them using and posting about it. If using a platform like Impulze.ai, you can share a curated selection instead of sending random products.
Keep it short and engaging – Influencers are busy. Avoid long, formal emails—get to the point while keeping a friendly tone.
If you’re unsure where to start, using influencer gifting note templates as a guide can help structure your message while keeping it warm and on-brand. And with tools like Impulze.ai, you can access influencer contact details, track outreach, and personalize messages at scale—saving time while keeping interactions meaningful.
Step 3: Send High-Value, Relevant Products
The key to successful influencer gifting isn’t just sending free products—it’s sending the right products that align with both the influencer’s interests and their audience’s preferences. If the gift feels random or irrelevant, it’s likely to be ignored.
Tips to Make Sure Your Gift Stands Out:
Research the influencer’s content and interests – Look at what they genuinely love and frequently post about.
Example: If an influencer is always sharing minimalist skincare routines, sending them a 10-step beauty kit might not be the best fit. Instead, a simple yet effective hydrating serum would align better.Check their past brand collaborations – If they’ve already worked with similar brands, there’s a higher chance they’ll engage with yours.
Example: If a fitness influencer has promoted protein shakes but never gym wear, gifting them apparel might feel out of place.Give them options – Instead of sending a random product, let them pick from a few choices. Example: A jewelry brand could say:
"We’d love to send you a gift! Would you prefer a dainty gold necklace or a bold statement ring?"Personalize the gifting experience – Adding a handwritten note or customized packaging makes the gift feel special.
Example: A coffee brand could include a message like:
"Hey [Name], we noticed you love trying new blends, so here’s our newest dark roast—hope you love it!"Ensure the product is high-quality and aesthetically pleasing – Influencers care about aesthetics. Thoughtful packaging increases the chances of them showcasing it in unboxing videos.
Here again, use influencer analytics tools like impulze.ai to see an influencer’s past collaborations, content themes, and audience preferences—helping you make data-driven decisions about what to gift, instead of guessing.
Step 4: Set Clear Expectations (Without Forcing a Post)
Influencer gifting should feel like a gesture, not a transaction. While it’s tempting to expect a post in return, forcing an influencer to promote your product can backfire—leading to inauthentic content or no response at all. The goal is to encourage organic sharing while keeping the process smooth and trackable.
How to Set Expectations Without Being Pushy:
Make it clear there’s no obligation – When reaching out, frame your offer as a gift, not a contract.
Example: "We’d love to send you our latest [product]—no pressure to post, just enjoy!"Give them creative freedom – If they decide to share, let them do it in their own style. Overly scripted content feels forced.
Example: A sustainable fashion brand might say:
"If you love it and want to share, we’d be thrilled to see how you style it in your own way!"Use influencer gifting agreements selectively – If you need clarity on expectations (e.g., for high-value items), a simple influencer gifting agreement can outline mutual understanding without making it feel like a paid partnership.
Follow up without pressure – If an influencer hasn’t posted, a friendly check-in works better than a demand.
Example: "Hey [Name], just wanted to check in—hope you’re loving the gift! Would love to hear your thoughts."Track engagement and build relationships – Using tools like Impulze.ai, you can see when influencers receive your product and whether they’ve posted. This helps you measure organic engagement and identify creators who truly connect with your brand.
By focusing on relationship-building rather than immediate returns, influencer gifting can lead to more authentic and long-term partnerships.
Step 5: Track Results & Nurture Relationships
Sending gifts is just the first step—what happens next determines the real impact of your influencer gifting campaign. Tracking engagement and maintaining relationships can turn a one-time gift into a long-term collaboration.
How to Track Influencer Gifting Results Effectively:
Monitor influencer activity – Keep an eye on whether they’ve received the product and if they’ve posted about it.
Example: Using impulze.ai’s tracking tools, you can see which influencers have shared content and measure engagement levels.Measure engagement, not just posts – A single story might not seem like much, but if it sparks conversations or drives traffic, it’s valuable.
Analyze ROI – Compare the cost of gifting vs. the results it brings.
Example: If a gifted product costs $50 but generates $500 in sales, it’s clear that influencer gifting is working for your brand.
How to Nurture Long-Term Influencer Relationships:
Engage with their content – Don’t just track numbers; interact with influencers by liking, commenting, and sharing their posts.
Follow up personally – Send a message to check in and express appreciation.
Example: "Loved seeing how you styled our [product]! Thanks for sharing—it looked amazing on you!"Identify future collaboration opportunities – If an influencer’s audience responds well to your product, consider offering an ongoing partnership, affiliate deal, or exclusive previews for new launches.
Influencer Gifting Ideas
Think influencer gifting is just about sending free stuff and crossing your fingers for a post? Think again! The best gifting campaigns feel exciting, personal, and too good not to share. Whether it’s an exclusive first look, a surprise unboxing, or an experience they’ll never forget, a little creativity can turn a simple gift into a viral moment.
Here are some fun ways to make your influencer gifting stand out
1. Custom PR Packages with Handwritten Notes:
Adding a personal touch makes influencers feel valued and strengthens their connection with your brand. Instead of just sending products, include a handwritten note explaining why you chose them and how the product aligns with their interests. A beauty brand, for example, could send a skincare set tailored to the influencer’s skin type with a note detailing its benefits.
2. Limited-Edition or Early-Access Product Launches:
Giving influencers a first look at your new products makes them feel like insiders and creates buzz before the official release. A sneaker brand could send influencers a limited-edition design ahead of launch, encouraging them to share exclusive content and build anticipation among their followers.
3. Seasonal or Holiday-Themed Gift Bundles:
Sending gifts that align with holidays or seasonal trends makes your gifting feel more relevant and timely. A coffee brand, for instance, could create a "Winter Warmth" kit featuring seasonal blends, a branded mug, and cozy accessories, making it easy for influencers to share lifestyle content around your products.
4. Experience-Based Gifts:
Offering unique experiences rather than just products can leave a lasting impression. A fashion brand might invite influencers to an exclusive styling event where they can try on the latest collection, interact with designers, and create content in a curated setting. Similarly, a travel brand could offer an influencer an all-expenses-paid trip, ensuring immersive and engaging content that highlights the brand experience.
5. Interactive Unboxing Experiences:
The unboxing moment is crucial, so make it exciting! Go beyond standard packaging by adding an interactive element, like a QR code that leads to a personalized video message, an exclusive behind-the-scenes look, or a challenge encouraging them to engage with your brand. You can also gamify the experience—think scratch-off discounts, scavenger hunts, or an invitation to a secret influencer-only campaign. The more fun and unexpected the experience, the more likely they’ll want to share it with their audience.
The Takeaway
The sooner you start finding the right influencers, building relationships, and sending out gifts, the sooner you’ll see real impact—and maybe even some viral love for your brand.
You’ve got the basics down—how to find creators, avoid common mistakes, and run a smooth influencer gifting campaign. Now, it’s time to put it into action. Test, tweak, and learn as you go!
To make it easier, impulze.ai helps you discover the best creators, grab their contact details, and track every step of your gifting campaign. No credit card —just results. Try it now and start gifting!
Introduction
Getting influencers to talk about your brand isn’t just about paying for promotions—sometimes, a well-timed gift can do the trick. Influencer gifting is a powerful way to spark organic conversations, generate authentic content, and build lasting relationships. But simply sending out free products isn’t enough.
How do you ensure your influencer gifting strategy leads to real engagement and not just unopened packages? This guide covers everything about how to send gifts to influencers —from picking the right people to making your gifts unforgettable.
Why Influencer Gifting Works
Imagine this—you send a thoughtfully curated package to an influencer, and within days, your product is featured in engaging Instagram stories, TikTok unboxings, and detailed product reviews. No hefty ad spend, just genuine excitement and word-of-mouth marketing.
That’s the power of influencer gifting. Instead of traditional paid promotions, brands send free products to influencers, hoping to spark organic content, increase visibility, and build long-term relationships. But success isn’t just about sending products—it’s about choosing the right influencers, crafting an experience they’ll love, and ensuring your brand stands out.
Take Triangl as an example. The founder, Erin Deering, pulled an amazing influencer gifting stunt that helped her get free publicity from Kendall Jenner!
Here’s what she did:
The Australian brand started slow, but things changed when Erin decided to reach out to influencers by leaving messages on their Instagram by simply asking them to share their contact for influencer gifting. She also intently sent bikinis to all of Kendall’s friends, hoping that she’d get FOMO and want a Triangl bikini herself. And it worked!
Kendall posted about the Triangl on Twitter!
The result of all this? A flood of organic Instagram posts, skyrocketing brand awareness, and a business that grew to $60 million in revenue—all powered by influencer gifting.
This shows that if done right, influencer gifting can spark authentic conversations, generate user-generated content, and build long-term relationships with creators. Let’s learn how!
How to Send Gifts to Influencers the Right Way
Follow these steps to make sure your influencer gifting strategy is successful:
Step 1: Identify the Right Influencers
Not all influencers will be a good fit for your brand. The key is to find creators whose audience and content style align with your brand’s identity.
For example, if you're a sustainable skincare brand, working with an influencer known for eco-friendly beauty reviews will feel more authentic than collaborating with a general lifestyle blogger. Similarly, a fitness apparel brand will get better engagement from influencers who regularly post workout routines rather than fashion influencers who rarely discuss fitness.
Instead of just looking at follower count, focus on engagement rate, audience demographics, and content relevance.
Tools like impulze.ai can help by filtering influencers based on these factors—ensuring your brand reaches the right people, not just the biggest accounts.
Step 2: Personalize Your Outreach
A generic message won’t stand out—especially when influencers receive dozens of collaboration requests daily. Taking the time to craft a thoughtful, personalized message increases your chances of getting a positive response.
Tips to Make Your Outreach More Personal & Effective:
Start with a genuine compliment – Mention a recent post, campaign, or product they featured that aligns with your brand. For example: "I loved your recent reel on budget-friendly skincare! Your breakdown of ingredients was so insightful."
Clearly explain why you're reaching out – Influencers appreciate when brands do their research. Let them know why they’re a great fit. Example: "We think your audience would love our clean beauty products, and we’d love to send you our new Vitamin C serum to try."
Make it feel collaborative, not transactional – Instead of making demands, keep it open-ended: "If you’re interested, we’d love to send you a package—no strings attached! If you enjoy it, we’d love to hear your thoughts."
Offer flexibility in product selection – Let influencers choose what suits them best. This increases the likelihood of them using and posting about it. If using a platform like Impulze.ai, you can share a curated selection instead of sending random products.
Keep it short and engaging – Influencers are busy. Avoid long, formal emails—get to the point while keeping a friendly tone.
If you’re unsure where to start, using influencer gifting note templates as a guide can help structure your message while keeping it warm and on-brand. And with tools like Impulze.ai, you can access influencer contact details, track outreach, and personalize messages at scale—saving time while keeping interactions meaningful.
Step 3: Send High-Value, Relevant Products
The key to successful influencer gifting isn’t just sending free products—it’s sending the right products that align with both the influencer’s interests and their audience’s preferences. If the gift feels random or irrelevant, it’s likely to be ignored.
Tips to Make Sure Your Gift Stands Out:
Research the influencer’s content and interests – Look at what they genuinely love and frequently post about.
Example: If an influencer is always sharing minimalist skincare routines, sending them a 10-step beauty kit might not be the best fit. Instead, a simple yet effective hydrating serum would align better.Check their past brand collaborations – If they’ve already worked with similar brands, there’s a higher chance they’ll engage with yours.
Example: If a fitness influencer has promoted protein shakes but never gym wear, gifting them apparel might feel out of place.Give them options – Instead of sending a random product, let them pick from a few choices. Example: A jewelry brand could say:
"We’d love to send you a gift! Would you prefer a dainty gold necklace or a bold statement ring?"Personalize the gifting experience – Adding a handwritten note or customized packaging makes the gift feel special.
Example: A coffee brand could include a message like:
"Hey [Name], we noticed you love trying new blends, so here’s our newest dark roast—hope you love it!"Ensure the product is high-quality and aesthetically pleasing – Influencers care about aesthetics. Thoughtful packaging increases the chances of them showcasing it in unboxing videos.
Here again, use influencer analytics tools like impulze.ai to see an influencer’s past collaborations, content themes, and audience preferences—helping you make data-driven decisions about what to gift, instead of guessing.
Step 4: Set Clear Expectations (Without Forcing a Post)
Influencer gifting should feel like a gesture, not a transaction. While it’s tempting to expect a post in return, forcing an influencer to promote your product can backfire—leading to inauthentic content or no response at all. The goal is to encourage organic sharing while keeping the process smooth and trackable.
How to Set Expectations Without Being Pushy:
Make it clear there’s no obligation – When reaching out, frame your offer as a gift, not a contract.
Example: "We’d love to send you our latest [product]—no pressure to post, just enjoy!"Give them creative freedom – If they decide to share, let them do it in their own style. Overly scripted content feels forced.
Example: A sustainable fashion brand might say:
"If you love it and want to share, we’d be thrilled to see how you style it in your own way!"Use influencer gifting agreements selectively – If you need clarity on expectations (e.g., for high-value items), a simple influencer gifting agreement can outline mutual understanding without making it feel like a paid partnership.
Follow up without pressure – If an influencer hasn’t posted, a friendly check-in works better than a demand.
Example: "Hey [Name], just wanted to check in—hope you’re loving the gift! Would love to hear your thoughts."Track engagement and build relationships – Using tools like Impulze.ai, you can see when influencers receive your product and whether they’ve posted. This helps you measure organic engagement and identify creators who truly connect with your brand.
By focusing on relationship-building rather than immediate returns, influencer gifting can lead to more authentic and long-term partnerships.
Step 5: Track Results & Nurture Relationships
Sending gifts is just the first step—what happens next determines the real impact of your influencer gifting campaign. Tracking engagement and maintaining relationships can turn a one-time gift into a long-term collaboration.
How to Track Influencer Gifting Results Effectively:
Monitor influencer activity – Keep an eye on whether they’ve received the product and if they’ve posted about it.
Example: Using impulze.ai’s tracking tools, you can see which influencers have shared content and measure engagement levels.Measure engagement, not just posts – A single story might not seem like much, but if it sparks conversations or drives traffic, it’s valuable.
Analyze ROI – Compare the cost of gifting vs. the results it brings.
Example: If a gifted product costs $50 but generates $500 in sales, it’s clear that influencer gifting is working for your brand.
How to Nurture Long-Term Influencer Relationships:
Engage with their content – Don’t just track numbers; interact with influencers by liking, commenting, and sharing their posts.
Follow up personally – Send a message to check in and express appreciation.
Example: "Loved seeing how you styled our [product]! Thanks for sharing—it looked amazing on you!"Identify future collaboration opportunities – If an influencer’s audience responds well to your product, consider offering an ongoing partnership, affiliate deal, or exclusive previews for new launches.
Influencer Gifting Ideas
Think influencer gifting is just about sending free stuff and crossing your fingers for a post? Think again! The best gifting campaigns feel exciting, personal, and too good not to share. Whether it’s an exclusive first look, a surprise unboxing, or an experience they’ll never forget, a little creativity can turn a simple gift into a viral moment.
Here are some fun ways to make your influencer gifting stand out
1. Custom PR Packages with Handwritten Notes:
Adding a personal touch makes influencers feel valued and strengthens their connection with your brand. Instead of just sending products, include a handwritten note explaining why you chose them and how the product aligns with their interests. A beauty brand, for example, could send a skincare set tailored to the influencer’s skin type with a note detailing its benefits.
2. Limited-Edition or Early-Access Product Launches:
Giving influencers a first look at your new products makes them feel like insiders and creates buzz before the official release. A sneaker brand could send influencers a limited-edition design ahead of launch, encouraging them to share exclusive content and build anticipation among their followers.
3. Seasonal or Holiday-Themed Gift Bundles:
Sending gifts that align with holidays or seasonal trends makes your gifting feel more relevant and timely. A coffee brand, for instance, could create a "Winter Warmth" kit featuring seasonal blends, a branded mug, and cozy accessories, making it easy for influencers to share lifestyle content around your products.
4. Experience-Based Gifts:
Offering unique experiences rather than just products can leave a lasting impression. A fashion brand might invite influencers to an exclusive styling event where they can try on the latest collection, interact with designers, and create content in a curated setting. Similarly, a travel brand could offer an influencer an all-expenses-paid trip, ensuring immersive and engaging content that highlights the brand experience.
5. Interactive Unboxing Experiences:
The unboxing moment is crucial, so make it exciting! Go beyond standard packaging by adding an interactive element, like a QR code that leads to a personalized video message, an exclusive behind-the-scenes look, or a challenge encouraging them to engage with your brand. You can also gamify the experience—think scratch-off discounts, scavenger hunts, or an invitation to a secret influencer-only campaign. The more fun and unexpected the experience, the more likely they’ll want to share it with their audience.
The Takeaway
The sooner you start finding the right influencers, building relationships, and sending out gifts, the sooner you’ll see real impact—and maybe even some viral love for your brand.
You’ve got the basics down—how to find creators, avoid common mistakes, and run a smooth influencer gifting campaign. Now, it’s time to put it into action. Test, tweak, and learn as you go!
To make it easier, impulze.ai helps you discover the best creators, grab their contact details, and track every step of your gifting campaign. No credit card —just results. Try it now and start gifting!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the right influencers for gifting?
How do I find the right influencers for gifting?
How do I find the right influencers for gifting?
Should I ask for guaranteed posts in exchange for gifts?
Should I ask for guaranteed posts in exchange for gifts?
Should I ask for guaranteed posts in exchange for gifts?
What’s the best way to track influencer gifting campaigns?
What’s the best way to track influencer gifting campaigns?
What’s the best way to track influencer gifting campaigns?
How do I send gifts to influencers at scale?
How do I send gifts to influencers at scale?
How do I send gifts to influencers at scale?
Which are some of the best influencer gifting apps?
Which are some of the best influencer gifting apps?
Which are some of the best influencer gifting apps?
How do I make my gifting stand out from competitors?
How do I make my gifting stand out from competitors?
How do I make my gifting stand out from competitors?
What should I do if an influencer doesn’t post after receiving a gift?
What should I do if an influencer doesn’t post after receiving a gift?
What should I do if an influencer doesn’t post after receiving a gift?
Can I gift influencers even if I have a small business or budget?
Can I gift influencers even if I have a small business or budget?
Can I gift influencers even if I have a small business or budget?
Author Bio
Author Bio
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh
Rashmi Singh is a writer and strategist with more than 7 years of experience. When not writing, she is either spending time with her friends or planning her next trip. You can learn more about her here.
Rashmi Singh is a writer and strategist with more than 7 years of experience. When not writing, she is either spending time with her friends or planning her next trip. You can learn more about her here.
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Join over 15000+ SocialiQ users who have installed this free Chrome extension to search, analyze, save, and contact influencers directly on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
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Join over 15000+ SocialiQ users who have installed this free Chrome extension to search, analyze, save, and contact influencers directly on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
20K+ Active Users
May be Later
Join over 15000+ SocialiQ users who have installed this free Chrome extension to search, analyze, save, and contact influencers directly on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
20K+ Active Users
May be Later