While everyone loves gifts and basically anything that is free, relevant and useful promo items go an extra mile. When you are spending quite some part of your budget on the branded merchandise, you want each cent to count. How do you do that? It's simple! All you need to do is come up with fun, current, yet practical and compact gift ideas.
When it comes to the best and the worst event swag to give out, there is “no one size fits all” solution. To make sure, your promo items have maximum impact, it is crucial to carefully scrutinize the event you are planning and the guest list so you can ensure you're choosing the right products for your brand.
Here are some ideas to get you inspired:
Think about your target audience
If you are in a hotel business and holding a new branch opening party, your giveaway item can range anywhere from ballpoint pens to a bottle of wine. However, you might want to think clever here, your main customers as a hotel owner are probably travelers who fly into the city. Therefore, you might want to consider items that people can take on to planes and actually use them. Eye masks are a perfect option here; they are affordable and easy to transport. Basically, any travel related product, like a neck and back pillow or a roll-up blanket can be a great give out at your hotel event.
Get them something they can actually use every day
Useful items always make a cut. Are you in a beauty industry? Go with the nail files, lip balms or pocket mirrors. Barman class? – Tool kit is the best answer; Gym opening – you go with the water bottles; Travel business – hiking equipment… anyways, you get the idea. Think about what your guests use every day and make sure from now on, every time they use it, they not only remember you, but also promote your company.
Mix & Match
The general rule for choosing a great event swag is to find something that makes life of your guests easier, but at the same time is not too big or uncomfortable to carry around the event. If you do decide to go with something big, then here is a small tip: add tote bags to your giveaways as well. That way, they can actually put the gifts in the tote bags to carry them around more comfortably. But remember, sometimes less is more, don’t overdo it.
Make note of your event setting
In case you are holding the event outdoors and are worried about probable rainfall or exposing your guests to too much sun, get that something that they will not only love, but also save your event in case of an emergency. Such items include umbrellas, caps, sweatshirts, hoodies, blankets, etc.
Let them choose
Giveaways can be turned into a lot of fun. Consider giving your guests an opportunity to participate in creating their own branded swag. You can opt for bracelets, t-shirts, coasters, mugs, thermoses, binders, calendars, magnets – anything that they can put their twist on. While the gift itself might not be extraordinary, this will increase their engagement and overall positive memories about the event.
While we have all heard that it is the attention that counts and not the gift, the right branded swag can make or break your event. Just remember who your customers are, what they like and where your event is taking place, add a pinch of creativity and your formula for the best branded swag is ready.
Need some inspiration for your next event?
Cubik's creative team can help you find the perfect promo item to promote your brand and maximize the ROI of your marketing budget!