Honestly speaking, most people have way too many branded stress balls. You open a junk drawer and—bam! there’s a whole collection of keychains, magnets, and silicone bracelets that haven’t been popular since the early 2000s. So, why do businesses keep giving this stuff away? Is it still effective? Here’s what’s actually going on from someone who’s brought home a lot of stuff from trade shows.
Promotional products are like little billboards you can hold. https://www.positivemediapromotions.co.uk/blog/454-summer-branded-merchandise-innovative-summer-choices-that-pop You can’t just throw a logo on a cheap pen and hope for the best, though. People hang onto things that are useful, quirky, or clever. For example, I once got a small toolset in a tin at a meeting. At first, I thought “meh” and tossed it in my car. Six months later, when my sunglasses arm started flapping, that kit saved the day. Cheap fix, lasting impression. Survival of the fittest: the marketed version.
Function matters. A magnetic shopping list pad? Gold. A weird gadget that plugs into your charging port? Not so much—unless you live in Texas in August. Drinkware always wins. Nobody tosses a decent water bottle or coffee mug.
Eco-friendly is the new gold. Companies giving away plantable bookmarks or collapsible straws get instant street cred. I know someone who uses a company tote for groceries every week because it’s sturdy. Forget the landfill fodder.
Fun still counts. Squeezable swag is still around, but odd is better. retro toys or phone stands that look like couches will always get noticed. I once saw a bike shop give away retro slap wristbands. Childish? Sure. But also a win for safety.
Timing helps. Cooling towels in summer = instant hit. Seasonal freebies get used and reused. That’s how your logo lingers, like background music in a café.
People also love interaction. “Scan this QR code for a bonus prize!” Suddenly, your freebie jumps from a drawer to Instagram.
Presentation? Underrated. A mug wrapped nicely feels like a gift, not an afterthought. At a movie-themed event, one company gave out popcorn bags. Guess what? People remembered the experience along with the company.
In short, handy, unique, or quirky promo items actually get remembered. No one remembers the logo on a throwaway keychain, but a screwdriver kit that saves your glasses? That’s brand loyalty in action.