MIDWEEK SERVICE: END OF TERM GIFTS
Practical, creative email campaign ideas for food, drink & hospitality brands. Designed to drive sales - not just say hello.
SHIFT #4
You know sending an email to your list usually equals more sales.
Or more footfall.
Or more buzz.
But you're also thinking:
“What the hell should I even write?”
You're juggling way too many things, and coming up with newsletter copy just feels like more admin and you’ve got like zero bandwidth for that.
That’s why I created Midweek Service.
One campaign idea a week.
Built to sell, not just sound nice.
Each edition includes:
A subject line you can take
Realistic copy you can adapt
A promo idea
A line on why it works
And ways to tailor it for food, drink or hospo brands
It’s about turning email newsletters into a growth tool - not just something you feel guilty for not sending.
Below is the fourth in the series - let me know what you think in the comments.
Shift #4: DOING IT FOR THE KIDS
It’s that time of year again.
The class WhatsApp is pinging away.
Should we all chip in?
I’ve just grabbed some Celebrations, will that do?
What about a bottle of fizz?
We’re doing a gift card, right?
Food, drink and hospo brands, it’s late in the day but that’s your opportunity, there’s a bit of a panic in the air.
There’s a problem to be solved - urgently.
Now’s your moment to pop-up and remind people that you’ve got some great gift ideas that will feel thoughtful and better than expected for teachers.
This is like a last chance for a bit of a sales spike before the likely Summer hols lull comes.
I’ve run these sort of campaigns in the past, so I know they can deliver. Ok, it may not be Mother’s Day type sales but a much wanted uplift is up for grabs.
[remember the point of this email series is to inspire you, to help you send an email, so please do feel free to directly take copy but likewise, use it to spark your own ideas and your own words].
Subject Line: Because teacher deserves better than Celebrations
Body Copy Prompt:
Hi [first name],
Teaching is hard - you know your kids and what about some of those other in the class.
Literally don’t know how they do it right?!
Say thanks to the ones who kept your little monsters learning, laughing and coming home with ‘another drawing’ (destined for the recycling bin, ssshhhh).
Our [insert product - e.g. cocktail mini set / picnic platter / voucher for dinner out / cooking course] makes a brilliant end-of-term gift.
Better than a mug.
And, even though they might be actual heroes, this is better than a box of Heroes.
[CTA BUTTON: Shop Teacher Thank You Gifts Now!]
Why It Works
End of term is just around the corner, whilst your customer is also running out of steam, work is crazy because everyone is starting to disappear on hols, they’ve got their own one to organise plus that BBQ this weekend.
So, this email
Taps into a real, high-emotion, time-sensitive moment.
It gives people something to say “yes” to fast.
It works solo or as part of a collective gift.
It’s a relief for stressed parents AND appreciated by teachers.
As mentioned in last week’s Midweek Service,
Remember: Summer’s a weird time…
Generally it’s bad for DTC and for restaurants and cafes (unless near the sea, in a park or have a good outside space - part of the reason why most pubs will be doing well), so as ever, you need to work hard to get people to engage.
The dip will come but you can reduce the severity of it and this idea seeks to inspire you to do exactly that… with a last chance to sell some gifts.
And, I know, the temptation is to think you’ve left it too late but in this case, it’s the lateness that works - you’re helping to solve that last minute problem.
How To Adapt It
DTC Food & Drink Brands
Create “Thank You Teacher” bundles: little bar of choc, mini spirit bottles, spritz kits, ‘fancy’ coffee.
Option for a handwritten note or a “Thanks For Surviving The School Year” card.
Offer gift wrapping and express delivery.
Could you throw in a social element? Eg tag a teacher who deserves better than supermarket flowers.
Just on websites, if you’ve got enough gifting options, think about doing this,
Teacher Gift Guide edit (collection page)
Create £10 / £20 / £40 price point collections
Restaurants, Pubs & Bars
Class-y Gift Vouchers (pun intended!)
End of Term Drinks (basically people put money behind the bar)
Teachers Eat Free - “bring a teacher this week and they eat for free”
Cafes / Bakeries
Pay It Forward, like a tab for next term - 10 free coffees.
End of Term ‘Treat Box’ - perhaps with something like a “You Earned This” card.
Coffee Making class
Thank You cakes or like box of bespoke handmade biscuits for the staff-room.
YOUR TAKE
Got a spin on this idea? Share it in the comments and let’s see if we can inspire each other together.
Likewise, if you do end up using an idea sparked by Midweek Service - tag me in or drop me an email. I’d love to see what you do and I’ll reshare my faves.
NEED HELP DOING THIS?
If you’re thinking, I love the idea but I just don’t have the time or bandwidth…
I can do it for you.
Whether it’s a one-off campaign like this or a more joined up monthly strategy.
Book a Discovery Call here.
Or email me ben@onaplategrowth.com
👋 I'm Ben
I help ambitious food, drink, and hospitality brands get more from email.
Better campaigns, smarter automations, stronger growth foundations.
Through On A Plate Growth Agency, I offer:
– Virtual Co-Founder support
– Email & CRM strategy
– Access to The Growth Collective, my online community
Struggling with your email strategy?
Drop me a line, ben@onaplategrowth.com
or head over to my website to book a free discovery call.
You can also download email marketing guides, inc my free guide to nailing your welcome series, The First Bite.
I’m also co-founder of Bloody Bens & Best Before Events.
PS,
Midweek Service = sales-driven email campaign ideas, every Wednesday.
Sunday Service = honest reflections on building food & drink businesses, every, you guessed it, Sunday.
This was last week’s…
