15 Best Event Giveaway Ideas

Exploring event giveaways? We’ll let you in on a secret: these marketing instruments always strike a chord, resulting in significant results like boosted sales, brand awareness, and increased subscriptions. Keep reading to discover the best swag ideas for events of any kind.

What Are Event Giveaways?

Event giveaways generate lots of value in return for little investment. Conducted through random methods of selection, the best event giveaways help to attract and engage audience interest. Types of occasions that may call for event giveaways include:

• Anniversary/Birthday Celebration
• Awards/Recognition
• Career Fairs
• Conferences
• Board Meetings
• Fundraiser
• Virtual 
• Conventions
• Trade Shows
• Luncheons
• Golf Outings
• Launch Party
• Galas
• Cocktail Receptions
• Work Milestones

What Makes a Good Giveaway Item?

Great promotion involves items that attract attention. Many companies invest in swag ideas for events. Focus on the following characteristics to achieve flawless execution.  

Creative

• Think outside the box! Be bold and unique. More than 34% of new customers are acquired through contests, but the best event giveaways stand out.

High–Quality

• Ensure event giveaway items are in tip-top shape. Conduct research! Will fabric last for years to come? 72% of consumers reported the quality of a promotional item impacts brand reputation.

Thoughtful

• Powerful stories connect customers, and people remember positive experiences. Aim for anything but generic. Consider whether it’s something customers or employees would tell others about via word of mouth.

Useful

• Shelf life increases overall exposure. When it comes to swag ideas for events, think practicality and function.

Memorable

• Speak directly from your brand through design and color. Don’t be afraid to get loud!

15 Best Event Giveaway Ideas

Align unique swag ideas with business goals. Event giveaways don’t have to be complicated. For virtual events, be sure to track basic requirements email addresses. That way, you can add participants to the mailing list and keep in touch!   

From clients to employees and vendors, show how much you care with event giveaways. Your swag will be swept up in no time, leaving everyone wanting more. Start with these ideas!

1. Power Bank

A professional necessity, the popular reusable power banks refuel phones through USB cables. Charge away!

2. Water Bottle

More than just refreshing, custom water bottles make great promotional tools. Invest in something sustainable or name-brand with built-in straws. Consider this thermal option for hot and cold. Have you thought about tumblers? Whatever you choose will be used for years to come.

3. Lip Balm

Everyone loves lip balm. Available in a variety of different flavors, it’s the perfect event giveaway item to show your company’s name, logo, or slogan.

4. Passport Case

On the go? Let clients walk away with a great promotional gift. This one is made to travel in style, containing a compact, 16-page, saddle-stitched booklet inside.

5. Tote Bag

Talk about options! There are plenty of tote bags to choose from, whether you’re looking for classic canvas, shopper style, or laptop–ready. Regardless of design, these are great to fill with maps and other information for onsite, multi-day events.  

6. Hand Sanitizer

Keep fighting germs. Great for high–volume events like seminars and health fairs, consider offering hand sanitizer to attendees as event giveaway items.  

7. Baseball Hat

Style for success. Always a fan favorite, baseball hats make great additions to swag bags.

8. Coasters

Ensure brand messaging is viewed by everyone with custom coasters. A great idea when serving food or drink!

9. Sunglasses

Who’s ready for sun and fun? Sunglasses prove useful and effective, especially when they’re eco–friendly. If the event is more work-focused, try blue light glasses. Something unique like this is just what your business needs to stand out. 

10. Lunch Box

Treating employees to a picnic lunch? Elevate any event with lunch boxes. Order full on–the–go sets, or brown bag it in style.

11. Umbrella

Shop for something small that can fit in carry-ons. How about this mini folding umbrella with its own zipper case?

12. Notebook

Keep your brand in the spotlight. Be sure to imprint your logo! Notebooks are a great giveaway for training seminars, schools, and fundraisers. Choose from comfort touch bound, Moleskine, or refillable.   

13. Chocolate Bar

Who doesn’t love a melt–in–your–mouth treat? Great for that mid-day snack, customize chocolate bar packaging with your brand design. 

14. PopSocket

Nothing but opportunity awaits with PopSockets, which help users take better photos, text with one hand, and prop up the phone. Imagine your logo being viewed every time! 

15. Toiletry Case

There’s nothing worse than spilled liquids in luggage. Treat your audience to this convenient travel solution.

Final Thoughts on Swag Items for Events

If you’re inspired by these ideas, you’ll definitely want to check out 41 Unique Company Swag Ideas to Try In 2022. At Centricity, we’re dedicated to helping businesses elevate their swag experiences. Our team is ready and waiting! Get in touch today to learn more about our organizational platform that results in successful event giveaways.