The Best Giveaways for Your Next Trade Show

There’s no shortage of tchotchkes and take-homes you can use to set your trade show booth apart. So how do you decide on what’s best for your next event? 

The key is just that: Are they simply tchotchkes or are they actual take-homes?

There’s no point in a giveaway for giveaway’s sake: The last thing you want is your brand’s collateral banished to the junk drawer. Think about what’s truly useful to your potential clients and customers, then weigh it against the costs. The most effective giveaways aren’t necessarily the most expensive. 

We’ve seen it all—big, small, costly, cheap—and here’s what we’ve seen work best.

The No Brainers

  1. Contact info. Whether you’ve got it on a business card, a luggage tag, or a lip balm, your most important giveaway is the one that keeps on giving. It’s easy to let names and numbers get lost in the digital morass, so make sure your visitors have a physical touchstone for getting in touch. 
  2. Totes. Unlike lanyards, sunglasses, koozies, and other giveaways, a tote has more practical, day-of value than almost any other giveaway you’ll find. While other booths may have worthwhile giveaways, your tote is what collects them all, and will ultimately pronounce your name the loudest when attendees are running their inventory at the day’s end.

The Bargains

  1. Pens. Well under a dollar per unit, a decent-quality writing instrument is an invaluable tool—both for your team and the visitors who stop by. It never hurts to have one handy when you’re in the middle of a potential sale, and printing your name, number or email on a pen will always keep you somewhere closer to top of mind.
  2. Stickers. A good quip or an eye-grabbing graphic is an inexpensive, lasting way to get your name out there. Think in (PG) bumper stickers language and give them a reason to stick it on the basement fridge.
  3. Chocolates. It’s okay to play to your audience’s sweet tooth: A bit of dark chocolate just puts people in a good mood, giving them a quick energy jolt and a valuable reason to stick around. It’s also one of the more universally welcomed treats, crossing cultures and catering to more restrictive diets that other food and beverages might not.

The Crowd Favorites

  1. Socks. Who couldn’t use an extra pair? For those attendees that flew in at the last minute and packed at the last second, they may even be a necessity.
  2. Discounts. If your budget can afford it, coupon codes and gift cards go a long way in winning hearts, minds and wallets. 
  3. Stuffed animals. They’re cute. They’re uncommon. They’re easy to modify—who doesn’t love a Teddy Bear wearing a t-shirt (with your logo) on it? Plus, they’re multifunctional: We wouldn’t take it as anything but a compliment if it ended up in the dog toy chest.
  4. Fidget toys. Spinners, cubes, stress balls—anything to help take the edge off. Trade shows come with their fair share of anxiety, and almost anyone can appreciate some lightly branded relief.