"I do not need to give my customers blankets, in order to secure their business." If a company has even one existing customer, then that statement will have proven itself true.  A true statement is hard to refute and especially hard to contradict.  A side step?

For a loyal customer, the purpose of such a gift is perhaps able to effect how he represents your company to others.  Observing your good will in the providing of him with something useful, he may, in turn, intentionally suggest your services to someone else.  He may not be so moved, but now the branded product that he has in his possession, is promoting your services quietly on your behalf, wherever it is taken.  Two methods of gaining new customers. 

It is to the credit of the businessman, that he can confidently speak to the satisfaction of his customers.  Some have done such a sporting job of winning their customers confidence through other means, that "gimmicks" like corporate gifts do not initially appeal.  Think of these as business cards that only work properly complimenting a good business model.