January 8, 2023
Promotional products have been around forever. You’ve probably got a random pen, stress ball, or tote bag with some company’s logo collecting dust somewhere in your home. But here’s the thing: today’s businesses know that boring swag just doesn’t cut it anymore. If you really want people to remember your brand, you’ve got to give them something they’ll actually use (and ideally brag about).
That’s why companies are getting more creative with their giveaways. Instead of the same old stuff, we’re seeing fresh ideas that are fun, practical, or just plain memorable. Here’s a look at some of the unique promo products making waves and some of the forward-thinking companies behind them.
No one wants another plastic knick-knack that ends up in a junk drawer. Nor the guilt when you inevitably throw it away to clutter up a landfill. These days, eco-friendly items are where it’s at. Reusable straws, bamboo cutlery, recycled tote bags, and stainless steel water bottles are super popular because they’re useful and they send the message that we care about the planet.
Patagonia is a great example. At some of their events, they’ve handed out reusable cutlery kits and hats made from recycled fabric. It fits perfectly with their outdoorsy, eco-friendly vibe, and people actually want to use them. Even something small, like swapping plastic pens for biodegradable ones, shows customers you’re thinking about sustainability. It’s not just about getting your name in front of a customer; it’s making them feel good about it too.
Since we’re all glued to our phones and laptops, tech accessories make amazing promotional products. Think portable chargers, webcam covers, wireless earbuds, or even custom-branded PopSockets. Unlike a keychain, people will use these every single day.
Dropbox once nailed this with a clever giveaway. USB drives shaped like tiny boxes, a nod to their logo. Even though USB drives are less common now, the idea stuck. Today, brands are leaning into things like wireless charging pads and Bluetooth trackers, which are way more in tune with modern life.
Here’s a fun one: plants. Yep, branded succulents and seed kits are making the rounds as swag these days. Why? Because they last. A pen runs out of ink. A plant? It sits on someone’s desk for months, growing right alongside your brand impression.
LinkedIn actually gave out little succulent kits at a conference not too long ago. It was a simple idea but super effective. Attendees left with something that brightened up their space and gave them a daily reminder of the brand. You can still find posts online with people who have them on their desks.
Wellness has been a huge focus in recent years, and companies are leaning into that with their promotional products. Stress-relief putty, yoga mats, resistance bands, and even mini aromatherapy kits are showing up at events and in employee gift boxes.
Lululemon, for example, has handed out branded yoga mats and foam rollers at fitness festivals. Totally on brand, right? But even companies outside the fitness industry are getting in on the action. Law firms, accounting offices, and even banks are sending wellness swag to show they care about clients’ and employees’ health, not just the bottom line.
Food items have always been a hit. I mean, who doesn’t love snacks? But companies are stepping up their game with more creative spins. Think custom coffee blends, branded hot sauce, or even craft beer collabs. Put those items in a branded beer koozie or custom coffee sleeve, and you can double down on the branding.
Mailchimp might take the crown here. They once gave out a branded hot sauce called “Mailshrimp” (a nod to one of their quirky ad campaigns). It was funny, it was different, and it definitely got people talking (and posting about it online). That’s the kind of buzz a logo on a keychain just can’t buy.
Personalisation is another big trend. Instead of one-size-fits-all, some brands are engraving people’s names on notebooks, bottles, or even giving them a choice of which swag they want.
Salesforce has done this at its Dreamforce conference, where attendees could pick and customise their swag on the spot. It made the experience feel way more special, and because people chose items they actually liked, there was less waste. Win-win.
Here’s a twist: some companies are ditching physical products altogether and giving out experiences. Instead of handing you a tote bag, they’ll send you a voucher for a free coffee, access to a fitness class, or credit you can use to pick your own gift online.
So, why all the creativity? Simple, people are overwhelmed by ads (ad blindness, as they call it). Between emails, social media, and pop-ups, it’s easy to tune out marketing. But when you get a physical item you actually like, or better yet, something you’ll use every day, that sticks with you.
Promotional products aren’t just about slapping your logo on a cheap mug anymore. It’s about finding something that people will actually want to use. It’s why car washes give out hanging custom air fresheners and a QR code to an app, for example. It’s a useful item to make your car smell nice, and your customer will see it each time they drive. Next time they notice their car is dirty, they’ll see that air freshener and hop on over for a wash. Function and visibility are the keys.
At the end of the day, it’s all about giving people something they’ll keep, use, or talk about. Because when your brand becomes part of someone’s daily routine, or even their favourite story to share, you’ve officially levelled up your marketing game.
Many people are tired of receiving the same generic items that often go unused. To truly make an impact, your promotional product needs to be useful, creative, or align with your audience's values, ensuring it doesn't just get forgotten in a drawer.
Eco-friendly items demonstrate that your business is socially responsible and aware of its environmental impact. This connects with modern consumers on a deeper level and helps build a positive brand image.
Not at all. While tech items are popular, the most important factors are creativity and usefulness. A simple, clever item that solves a problem or brings a smile can be far more memorable than a costly but generic gadget.
Think about your company's identity and what your customers value. A fitness brand giving out yoga mats makes perfect sense, just as a tech company offering webcam covers does. The best products feel like a natural extension of what you do.
Offering an experience can be a fantastic way to create a lasting memory associated with your brand. Vouchers for coffee, access to an online class, or a free trial can be more impactful than a physical item, especially if your business is service-based.
Focus on quality and utility. Ask yourself if you would genuinely use the item. Personalisation also helps, as people are more likely to keep something that feels unique to them. Consulting with an expert like Robin Waite can also provide ideas that resonate with your specific audience.
