Ever been to a conference and left with a bag full of branded freebies—only to toss most of them in the bin? That’s the challenge with promotional products: they need to be useful, not just another piece of clutter.
If you’re investing in promotional products, here’s how to make sure they work for you and don’t just get left behind on tables.
Pick something people actually need
The best branded giveaways aren’t just about your logo—they should be useful in everyday life. A flimsy keyring or cheap pen might get lost, but a quality item that serves a purpose will stick around. Think about what your audience actually uses. Some smart options include:
- Under $5: Quality branded pens, stickers, reusable tote bags
- Mid-range: Custom notebooks, reusable coffee cups, phone stands
- Higher-end: Wireless chargers, premium apparel, luxury notebooks
By choosing a promotional product that integrates into a person’s daily routine, your brand gains more exposure. Items like reusable coffee cups are particularly effective because they are both practical and environmentally friendly, ensuring your brand is seen by others during commutes, at the office, and at coffee shops. Branded items that get daily use offer a much better return on investment than items that end up forgotten in a drawer.
Make your promotional products stand out
If you’re handing out the same old items as everyone else, your brand won’t be remembered. Choosing something unique—or giving a fresh spin to a classic—can make all the difference.
When a client of ours wanted to create a branded marketing gift for their nationwide team, they skipped the usual pens and stress balls. We walked them through our process, asking:
- What does your audience actually use in their daily life?
- What’s something different from the usual conference clutter?
- How can we tie this to your brand in a way that sticks?
Instead, they chose a custom-branded eco lunch box with handy utensils that people loved. Not only did their team use it daily, but they also appreciated the versatility of having something they could use at work, while travelling, or at the gym. The result? A promo item that was actually used, increasing brand visibility long-term.
Think about longevity
Promotional products aren’t just about the event or giveaway—they should keep working for you long after. The key is to choose something that’s reusable, functional, and fits into your customers’ lifestyle. If it’s something they reach for regularly, your brand will remain in use and in sight for months or even years.
Long-lasting promotional products include high-quality apparel, sturdy drinkware, reusable coffee cups, quality notebooks, and wireless chargers—all items that customers won’t just use once and forget about. The more useful the item, the longer your brand remains in their daily routine.
Get the right promotional products for your event
If you’ve got an expo, conference, or trade show coming up, choose promotional products that won’t get left behind. Here are three great options:
- Branded Pens – A classic, but only if they’re quality pens people enjoy using. A well-designed pen is something people will keep on their desk or in their bag, ensuring your brand remains visible.
- Reusable Coffee Cups – Useful, stylish, and a sustainable choice that people will take with them everywhere. This is a practical giveaway item that gets your brand seen by more people while also promoting eco-conscious habits.
- Wireless Chargers – A high-value giveaway that keeps your brand on desks and in daily use. Since everyone needs to charge their devices, a branded wireless charger can become an essential item in your customer’s workspace.
Sustainability matters
More businesses and consumers are prioritising sustainability, so eco-friendly promotional products are becoming a top choice. If your business values sustainability, choosing reusable and environmentally friendly items is a great way to align your brand with these principles.
- Reusable drinkware, including reusable coffee cups and glass drink bottles, helps cut down on single-use waste while offering great branding opportunities.
- Tote bags made from organic cotton or recycled materials provide practical and sustainable alternatives to plastic bags.
- Bamboo notebooks and pens add a natural and eco-conscious touch to everyday stationery.
When your brand is associated with sustainability, customers are more likely to view your business in a positive light and appreciate the effort to reduce waste. This also creates a stronger connection between your brand and customers who prioritise eco-friendly choices.
Budget vs. quality: Promotional products that strike the right balance
When choosing promotional products, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option to save on costs. However, a poorly made item won’t have the desired impact. A flimsy product that breaks easily will quickly be discarded, meaning your branding efforts go to waste.
Instead, focus on products that offer the best balance between affordability and quality. Even if your budget is limited, you can choose smaller items that are well-made and have a higher perceived value. For example, rather than opting for the cheapest pen available, invest in one with smooth ink flow and a comfortable grip—one that people will actually enjoy using.
Get expert advice
Choosing the right promotional products can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. That’s where we come in. At Brandistry, we specialise in helping businesses select the best promotional items based on their brand, audience, and budget. Whether you need advice on eco-friendly giveaways, high-end client gifts, or event merchandise, we can guide you to the best choices.
Ready to elevate your branding?
The right promo item can do more than just get your name out there—it can keep your brand in front of your customers for months or even years. At Brandistry, we help businesses choose branded merchandise that makes an impact. If you’re ready to choose the perfect promotional gear for your business, we can help.
Get in touch today!
- Email us at info@brandistry.co.nz
- Call us on 09 414 4541
- Or visit our showroom in Albany, Auckland.