10 Cost Effective tradeshow Giveaways

Tradeshows are an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase their products, services, and brand identity. In this post, I’ll mainly be focusing on swag that is cost effective, widely popular, and easier to transport for both you and the tradeshow goers. One key aspect of making the most out of tradeshows is to carefully select promotional items that resonate with your target audience. So even though these items are extremely popular…not all of them will be a fit for your brand’s message. So choose wisely!

1. Tote Bags are versatile and highly practical tradeshow items that have broad appeal. They offer ample space for branding and are often used to carry various items during and after the event. Tote bags are especially popular among environmentally conscious individuals who appreciate reusable products, making them an excellent choice for eco-friendly businesses.
   
   2. Lip Balm is a small yet impactful promotional item that can be customized with your company logo and contact information. It is a practical and inexpensive giveaway that appeals to a wide range of demographics. If you have more of an outdoorsy audience, consider doing lip balm with SPF. We love doing our giveaway lip balm with SPF since we get 300 days of sunshine a year out here in Colorado!

3. Pens or Pencils are timeless tradeshow giveaways that offer both utility and brand visibility. These writing instruments are used on a daily basis, making them an effective marketing tool. By offering pens or pencils, you provide attendees with a practical item they are likely to keep and use, ensuring your brand stays top of mind.

4. Sticky Notes are handy and versatile promotional items that are well-suited for office and home environments. They are perfect for jotting down quick reminders, messages, or ideas. Sticky notes offer a prominent branding opportunity, as your company's logo and message can be displayed prominently on each sheet, ensuring repeated exposure.

5. Pocket Coozies or beverage insulators, are an excellent choice for tradeshows that involve refreshments or outdoor activities. These insulated sleeves keep beverages cold and hands dry, offering a practical and convenient solution for attendees. Coozies are particularly well-received by sports enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and those who enjoy picnics or barbecues.

6. Small Notebooks are an excellent choice for creative individuals, artists, or anyone who appreciates jotting down ideas or sketches on the go. Notebooks can be branded with a flashy full color imprint or can be more subtle depending on what you’re after. I personally love pocket-sized notebooks made of recycled materials.

7. Buttons on Backer Paper are a classic and cost-effective promotional item that can be easily customized. The button could have a more fun or retail design on them (for example, a smiley face or a positive message) and the backer card can be used for your branding.

8. Small Zipper Bags are practical giveaways that provide a convenient way for attendees to organize small items, such as stationery, tech accessories, or personal care products. If you think your audience would be more likely to use this type of pouch for make up or writing instruments, consider doing a darker color of the bag material. A darker material would give the bag a longer lifespan because it would do better job of hiding any potential stains that could occur overtime from storing cosmetics or a pesky uncapped pen.

9. Sharpies are perceived as high-quality markers, which adds to their desirability as a promotional item. Attendees often appreciate receiving items of value that they might not typically purchase themselves. By offering Sharpies, you demonstrate that you care about providing useful and durable giveaways, which enhances the positive perception of your brand.

10. Foam Trucker Hats are fun and eye-catching tradeshow items that appeal to a wide range of demographics. They can be customized with vibrant colors, logos, and slogans, instantly making attendees stand out in a crowd. Foam truckers are particularly popular at events with a casual or festive atmosphere, such as music festivals or outdoor gatherings.

When it comes to selecting the perfect tradeshow items, knowing your audience is key. Understanding the demographics, interests, and needs of your target market allows you to make informed choices that will resonate with attendees and maximize the impact of your promotional efforts. Whether it's practical items like tote bags, lip balm, and pens or more unique choices like foam truckers and small craft notebooks, each selection should align with the interests and values of your target demographic. Remember, tradeshow items not only serve as branding opportunities but also as practical tools or gifts that attendees can use in their daily lives.

By providing items that are useful, visually appealing, and of high quality like sticky notes, sharpies, and small zipper bags, you increase the chances that your audience will retain and utilize these items long after the event ends. Moreover, tradeshow items should reflect the atmosphere and purpose of the event. If you're attending a casual outdoor gathering, coozies and foam truckers can add a touch of fun and excitement. On the other hand, if the tradeshow caters to creative professionals, small craft notebooks and buttons with backer paper can spark inspiration and foster a sense of artistic engagement. When you take the time to know your audience, you can make informed decisions about the tradeshow items that will best resonate with them.

Contact us today and we’ll help you come up with some RAD ideas that align with your brand!