The short answer: decide which items you need, start the design in November and approve proofs before early December. That gives enough time to print and deliver branded calendars and diaries before the new year starts.
Calendars, diaries and notebooks are some of the few promotional items people keep and use every day for a whole year. This guide covers the options, what to put on them and how to plan the order so nothing arrives late.
Which item suits your business?
| Item | Where it lives | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wall calendar | Office and home walls | Showing your work, products or projects month by month |
| Desk calendar | Desks and reception counters | Staying in front of clients every working day |
| Diary | Bags and desks | Staff, partners and key clients who plan their week on paper |
| Notebook | Meetings and events | Conferences, trainings and onboarding packs |
| Notepad | Desks, hotel rooms, events | Everyday use and low-cost giveaways |
Many organisations combine two: wall calendars for clients and diaries for staff, for example.
A timeline that works
- October to early November: decide the items, quantities and who they are for. Set a budget.
- November: collect your photos and content, and brief the designer.
- Late November: review proofs. Check names, phone numbers and dates carefully.
- Early December: approve and print, leaving time for delivery before the holidays.
Leaving it to mid-December is possible, but you lose time for corrections, and that is when mistakes reach print.
What to put on a corporate calendar
- Your brand on every page: logo, phone number and website where they are easy to find all year.
- Real photos: your projects, products, team or happy clients. Stock photos make a calendar forgettable.
- Kenya's public holidays: marked on the right dates. Some dates, such as Eid, are confirmed later, so check them before printing.
- A theme: twelve months is room to tell a story, such as twelve projects, twelve products or twelve tips.
- Space to write: people use calendars, so leave room on each date.
What to put in a branded diary
- A branded cover that still looks good after a year in a bag
- A year planner and monthly overviews
- Your company information, services or values on a few opening pages
- Useful extras such as a contacts section or notes pages
Five mistakes to avoid
- Starting late: rushed proofs are where wrong dates and phone numbers slip through.
- Low-resolution photos: images that look fine on a phone can print blurry on an A3 calendar.
- Too much text: a calendar is looked at, not read. Keep each page simple.
- Wrong quantities: count staff, clients and partners before ordering, then add a few spares.
- No proof check: always read every date, name and number on the final proof before approving.
What affects the price?
Price depends on the item, size, number of pages, paper, cover and binding, and above all the quantity, because larger runs cost less per piece. Ask for a quote with your items, quantities and the date you need them by, so you can compare like with like.
Frequently asked questions
When should we order corporate calendars in Kenya?
Start the design in November and approve proofs by early December, so printing and delivery finish before January.
Can we use our own photos?
Yes, and we recommend it. Your own photos make the calendar feel like your business. Send the original files rather than images saved from WhatsApp, which are compressed.
Should we give calendars or diaries?
Calendars keep your brand in view of everyone in an office; diaries are more personal and suit staff and key clients. Many businesses order both.
Get your 2027 calendars and diaries done
We design calendars, diaries, notebooks and notepads in your brand and print them for businesses across Kenya. See our calendar and diary printing service, our wider design and printing services, or tell us what you need.
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