One of the most well-known and go-to gifts when it comes to branded merch is the timeless pen. It’s practical, affordable, and easy to brand. I mean, hey, I definitely have a few fave pens of my own. But as so many end up in the “tombstone of pens” at the bottom of a drawer, what if you want to make a more memorable impression while still keeping low cost promotional items in mind?
My team and I are all about telling your brand story through merch. Here’s a list of some fresh, fun, and functional alternatives to the classic pen that will make your brand stand out at your next event.
The Gift of Self-Care
No matter the time of year, a small but useful gift is a lip balm. It’s a daily essential that your clients will keep close at hand, ensuring your brand is seen every time they reach for it. Although the imprint area of the product isn’t that big, you can still make an impact with a full color wrap, go for a retail look with your branding, or even consider including it as a custom self-care kit. Socks are another affordable promotional product because they’re cozy and offer a large canvas so you can get as creative as you’d like. Plus, since they’re an everyday item, they will definitely wear them, helping to showcase your brand that much more.
Keep Them Refreshed
We all need to stay hydrated, regardless of where we live, which makes drinkware a fantastic and everyday, eco-friendly product alternative. From reusable water bottles to coffee cups, there are plenty of lower-cost options that are perfect for any gifting experience. It’s a product that can be used at home, on a run, or the road, making your brand travel – literally.
Help Them Stay Organized
Pens need paper, so why not give them a premium notebook or a set of branded sticky notes? These are tools that help them stay organized, capture ideas, jot down lists, and write down important reminders. Every time your customer starts a new sheet, your brand will be right there with them.
A Little Something Sweet
What’s better than a sweet treat? Think about it: candy is easy to travel to a tradeshow or customer meeting and they’re inexpensive. Individually wrapped sweets like Life Saver Lollies or branded chewing gum are a highly effective way to get people’s attention and create a sweet and tasty memory.
The Ultimate Phone Buddy
The checklist before you walk out the door is something around the lines of: phone, wallet, keys. Consider the Octobuddy as a unique and relevant gift. This clever little silicone accessory sticks to the back of a phone and acts as a stand, making it perfect for watching videos, taking selfies, or joining video calls. It’s a modern, practical gift that solves a common problem and will be used daily.
Thinking beyond the pen allows you to consider gifts that are not only useful but also genuinely appreciated by your recipients. Let us help you find the perfect promotional gift alternative to make your next campaign unforgettable.