Advertising works best when people keep your brand in front of them without being asked. That is exactly what a good promotional product does. Handed out at trade shows, fundraisers, grand openings, weddings and sports events, the right item gets used for months and puts your logo in front of everyone nearby. Here are ten of the most widely used promotional products, and what makes each one work.
1. Koozies (can coolers)
Koozies are a classic for a reason: they are inexpensive, light, easy to print and used at exactly the events brands want to be part of – tailgates, barbecues, weddings, fishing trips and festivals. One koozie is often seen by a whole group. Foam koozies keep the cost per piece low; neoprene (scuba) koozies feel heavier and more premium. Both take full-color sublimation. See our koozies and can coolers.
2. Tote bags
A reusable tote goes to the grocery store, the office, the gym and the beach – a moving billboard with a large print area. Non-woven totes keep the cost down for big giveaways; canvas totes feel premium for retail merchandise.
3. Hats
Trucker hats, dad hats and bucket hats are worn outdoors, at eye level, all day. Foam-front trucker hats are especially easy to print. See our hats.
4. T-shirts and apparel
Shirts turn employees, volunteers and fans into walking ads, and a comfortable shirt gets worn for years.
5. Drinkware
Mugs, tumblers and water bottles are used daily at home and at work. Foam coasters, pint glass sleeves and coffee wraps are lower-cost drinkware items that bars, breweries and coffee shops use in volume.
6. Pens
Cheap, useful and passed from hand to hand, pens remain one of the most handed-out promo items.
7. Drawstring bags
A favorite for schools, sports teams, gyms and charity runs. They are light, cheap and carried on the back with the logo facing everyone behind. See our drawstring bags.
8. Tech accessories
Phone stands, chargers and cable organizers are popular corporate gifts because people use them every day.
9. Notebooks and desk items
Notebooks, sticky notes and calendars stay on desks in front of the people who make buying decisions.
10. Stickers and magnets
The lowest-cost option for very large giveaways, especially for brands with a strong logo.
How to choose the right promotional product
- Pick something your audience will use – an unused item delivers no impressions.
- Match the item to the event – koozies for outdoor and social events, totes for trade shows and retail, hats for teams and outdoor brands.
- Think about cost per impression, not just unit price – an item that is used for a year is better value than a cheaper one that is thrown away.
- Choose the right print method – sublimation for full-color artwork, screen printing for simple logos, foil for a metallic look.
Buying promotional products in bulk
For print shops, distributors and wholesalers, the margin is made on the blanks. May Long Phu manufactures blank and custom-printed koozies, coasters, sleeves, coffee wraps, tote bags, drawstring bags and hats in our own factory in Vietnam, and supplies US buyers in bulk and full-container loads. Read our foam vs neoprene koozie guide, request a sample, or email sales@maylongphu.com for a price list.