Let’s face it: trade shows are crowded and it’s tough to stand out. The right giveaway can make all the difference—but only if it’s something people actually want! So, how do you pick items that leave a lasting impression and make your brand the one everyone remembers?
Here’s a guide to help you choose trade show giveaways that not only get picked up, but actually get used (and talked about) long after the event ends.
- Know Your Audience
Before you order a truckload of stress balls, take a minute to think about who’s actually coming to the show. For inspiration and strategic ideas, check out this guide on Trade Show Giveaways.
Ask yourself:
– Who are the attendees? (Young professionals? Executives? Students?)
– What are their interests? (Tech? Sustainability? Travel?)
– What do they really need or use every day?
Pro Tip:
Check out attendee profiles from previous years or even send out a quick survey to get some insights. If you know your crowd loves eco-friendly products, reusable water bottles or tote bags will score big points. Techies? Think portable chargers or USB gadgets.
- Make Sure It Fits Your Brand
Your giveaway should scream “you”—in the best way possible!
How to do it:
– Pick items that align with your brand values.
For example, if your brand is all about sustainability, choose eco-friendly products.
– Match your brand’s look.
Use your colors, logo, and fonts so people instantly recognize you.
– Stay authentic.
Don’t hand out something that doesn’t make sense for your business (like plastic toys if you’re a green tech company).
Quick Checklist:
– ✅ Does this item reflect our brand?
– ✅ Is our logo/design clear and consistent?
– ✅ Will people connect this item back to us?
- Go for Practical, Useful Stuff
Nobody needs another throwaway trinket. People keep (and love) things they actually use.
Here are some crowd-pleasers:
– Portable phone chargers
– Good-quality pens or notebooks
– Reusable coffee cups or water bottles
– Tote bags (always a hit at shows!)
– Tech organizers or cable pouches
Avoid:
Cheap, gimmicky things that break or get tossed immediately. If it solves a problem or makes life easier, you’re on the right track.
- Quality > Quantity
It’s tempting to go for the cheapest option so you can give something to everyone. But honestly, people remember quality.
Why it matters:
– High-quality items feel more valuable.
– They last longer (which means more brand exposure).
– They make your brand look professional and thoughtful.
Tip:
If your budget is tight, opt for fewer, nicer items instead of a ton of cheap ones. The “wow” factor matters more than handing out something forgettable to everyone.
- Brand It—But Don’t Overdo It
Your logo should be visible, but don’t turn your giveaway into a billboard.
Best practices:
– Place your branding where it’s easy to see, but keep the design clean.
– Use your brand colors and fonts for a cohesive look.
– Don’t overcrowd the item with too much info.
Remember:
Subtle, stylish branding gets used. Loud, cluttered branding gets left behind.
- Plan for Budget & Logistics
Even the coolest giveaway falls flat if you run out on day one—or blow your budget on shipping.
Smart planning tips:
– Set your budget before you start shopping.
– Consider size and weight for easy transport (both for you and attendees).
– Leave plenty of time for ordering, customization, and shipping.
– Have a plan for distributing items so things run smoothly at the booth.
Pro Tip:
Order a few extras to cover last-minute surprises, but don’t go overboard!
Wrapping It Up
Great trade show giveaways aren’t just about free stuff—they’re about making connections and leaving a lasting, positive impression. Know your audience, stay true to your brand, and pick items people actually want to use. Focus on quality, keep your branding tasteful, and plan ahead.
Do all that, and your booth will be the one everyone is talking about!