In this age of popup ads, viral video marketing, and Instagram influencers, you might think that the old-fashioned ways of advertising your business — like giving away freebies — are no longer effective. However, nothing could be further from the truth! Giving out useful items to increase your brand recognition is a marketing tactic that is still going strong. And it makes sense — after all, everyone loves getting something for free! Interested in finding out what the most popular promotional items are?
Read on!
1. The Pen Is Still Mighty
While it’s true that many people use note-taking or list-making apps on their smartphone to keep track of their grocery list, daily to-do list, or other reminders, the humble pen has not yet gone extinct. There are times when it’s simply easier to pull out a pen and paper to jot down information.
That’s why pencils and pens still top the list of the most popular promotional items to give away.
From a small or medium sized businesses point of view, pens make great freebies because the most basic options are incredibly inexpensive.
Even if you decide to splurge a little and offer a pen/stylus combination, it won’t eat up your entire marketing budget.
2. You Can Never Go Wrong with T-Shirts
Like pen, apparel is another classic promotional item. Almost everyone wears t-shirts at least once in a while, so you really can’t go wrong by giving them at trade shows, festivals, concerts, or any other occasion when handing out swag is appropriate.
A few pointers for making sure the shirts you hand out don’t end up in the thrift store or the bottom of a customer’s drawer: choose t-shirts made of high-quality cotton or a cotton/poly blend.
Keep the colors neutral; people are much more likely to wear a white, black, or navy blue shirt than one that’s hot pink or garish neon green. And don’t go overboard with your company name and information. Subtle is the way to go.
3. USB Drives Are Among the Most Popular Promotional Items
Also called thumb drives or flash drives, these promotional items are tiny but valuable. They’re a godsend for anyone who uses a public computer, needs to take files from work to home and vice versa, or want to backup their photos.
USB drives come in a wide variety of styles, materials, and shapes. You can get them on lanyards or keychains, as well.
4. Totes Have It In the Bag
Yet another useful item, personalized custom bags are a great way to please people. As a promotional item, they offer a high number of impressions simply because they’re almost always used in public.
This is one swag item that shouldn’t be skimped on. A high-quality tote bag will get much more use, last longer, and be appreciated. Totes and reusable grocery bags are a great giveaway for festivals and trade shows, since recipients can use them right away!
5. Personal Care Products Help Promote Your Business
Here are two clever ideas for swag bag items that are sure to be snapped up quickly: small bottles of sunscreen or hand sanitizer. For maximum value, get the kind that are attached to a carabiner, so that the bottles can be hooked onto a purse, tote bag, or keychain.
Having an extra bottle of hand sanitizer is great for anyone who has children, eats out a lot, or otherwise comes into contact with nasty germs. Sunscreen is similarly useful. These personal care products are extremely popular promotional items for your company to give away.
6. Stay Hydrated with Water Bottles
Everyone knows that for optimal health, they should be drinking lots of water. Make it easy for potential customers to stay hydrated by giving away reusable bottles or sturdy, reusable plastic straw cups.
Freebies such as these water bottles will be a hit. Another great product to hand out at events?
A smoothie or protein-shake bottle with a built-in shaker that makes it easy to blend a healthy drink on the go.
7. Say It with a Snack
Who would turn down free food? We can’t think of anyone, either. Edible promotional items are always welcome. This is an especially clever option for a health-related business, if you choose a nutritious snack like a high-protein, whole-grain granola bar.
Even less wholesome treats like potato chips, snack cakes, or other pastries can be used effectively. After all, it’s only a small portion, and people will tuck the snack away to keep as a treat for themselves.
Imagine what an impression your business will make by handing out a delicious freebie!
8. Frisbees, Fidget Spinners, and Toys
Just as everyone likes to eat, everyone also loves to indulge their inner child and take a play break! Frisbees or other flying discs, fidget spinners, puzzle cubes, bouncy balls, or any other item that is fun to play with makes a great promotional item, too.
Yoyos, kazoos, miniature cowbells, silly putty, hacky sacks, playing cards, and bubble wands are other cool toys to hand out. Watch people’s faces light up as they see that you’re literally giving away fun.
9. Bottoms Up! Custom Drinkware
If you are promoting a hospitality related business like a restaurant, bar, winery, or catering company, consider giving out branded promotional drinkware. Plastic beer steins, margarita glasses, or wine goblets are useful items that almost everyone will enjoy.
Slightly higher-end swag could include unbreakable glass versions, or a bottle opener or corkscrew keychain.
Travel mugs are another way to give your brand a boost. As with all of the other promotional items, don’t cheap out on these. The higher quality your giveaways are, the more they’ll get used.
10. Phone It In with Promotional Phone Accessories
Over three-quarters of Americans now use a smartphone. Target them by handing out accessories, like a retractable cell phone stand, a portable speaker, a water-resistant case, or a set of earbuds.
These giveaways are great to get your name out there since so many folks use their smartphones in restaurants, cafes, bars, public transportation, and other high-visibility locations.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’ve enjoyed this roundup of the best and most popular promotional items. Has your business seen good results from any of these freebies? Or tell us about the best giveaway you’ve ever received!
Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
