Have you ever received a pen, tote bag, or weird silicone stretchy-thing that all end up in a black hole of the tradeshow material you receive? Read on to see how you can make more of an impact with your giveaways to potential donors using these creative methods.

1)     Use packaging to grab their attention- and interest

The cliché of ‘the first impression is everything’ is alive and well when it comes to giveaways and promotional products. Can you recall a time when you were handed an everyday item at an event, and put it directly in your bag without so much as a glance? You sure can. Stepping up your game when it comes to the packaging of your giveaway item creates a lasting impression on the recipient, building feelings of reciprocation and happiness! Giving away a journal? Add a loud, full-colour belly band detailing your newest initiative and how the recipient can get involved. Drinkware? Ask your supplier about a retail-style gift-box with your branding to raise perception of value.

If you can make the packaging interactive, even better! If you are trying to clear out old marketing materials like pens and bags, create the opportunity for an in-depth interaction by combining these usual and ordinary giveaways with custom scratch cards that could reveal a prize (thus bringing the attendee(s) back to chat!). Packaging is a key area with which to get creative and grab their attention!

2)     Capitalize on trending products they’ll love

New and exciting often leads to curiosity and interaction (with the object and your brand!). Some of the trends we’ve seen really take off while being successful are:

• Wearable tech- VR Headset and Bluetooth earbuds: These two items can be purchased anywhere from $4/unit up to $200/unit, making the options quite literally endless. The benefit? Earbuds are used by almost everyone whether it is a flight or a workout. Make a loud impact with this amazing giveaway to donors, or use as an end of year gift! A virtual reality headset is one of the hottest items on the market right now because of its ability to virtually put you in places you’d never go and experience new adventures. It is also a great interactive piece for donors to experience your cause at work (i.e. get producing that new youtube video!).
• S’well style bottles- items with a retail look is a trend here to stay. People want to receive items that they see on retail shelves. The S’well style bottle is no different! A great tiered giveaway for those extra special interactions, these bottles look amazing with subtle imprint (and don’t carry the same price tag as their Starbucks and Chapters/Indigo Counterparts). They make an excellent gift as well!
• Winter travel items- Lip balm and stain remover are seemingly everyday items; the thing that most people forget to take while travelling or on business. These items are cost-effective, but are items that the recipient will keep on them at all times for that unfortunate moment where they are needed! What happens then? They are transported back to that special time where they met you and learned about your cause!
• Adult colouring book- The holidays and New Year are a stressful time. An adult colouring book allows recipients to de-stress while also interacting with your brand multiple times! A trending, cost-effective give-away that also has health and wellness benefits? Sign me up.

3)     Make it useful or make it garbage

The best combination you can have is an attention grabbing product that recipients will use on a daily basis. If you are putting your money and your logo on an item, have functionality be the key! Think of items that are used all the time, but aren’t common to have multiples of. Some fun examples: pizza cutter (Well isn’t that a fun way to reach millennials), a 15-in-1 credit card multi-tool (Pardon? - Yes they exist at an amazing price), an umbrella (It’s raining as I type, I need one!), and a 2-in-1 phone charging cable (android and iPhone? Take my money). All of these items can be imprinted, making it an everyday useful item that will remind them of guess who- YOU! 

I know these tips will help you when brainstorming your next giveaway. I like to think I’m full of tips, so feel free to reach out! Look forward to seeing some creative giveaways at the next non-profit tradeshow I attend!

Rock on!

Evan MacDonald is a Relationship Rockstar at Sigma Promotions, a strategic promotional products company passionate about making a powerful fundraising impact through branded products and projects. Email evan@sigmapromotions.com if you have ANY questions!