Choosing a business promotional gift

When it comes to giving business promotional gifts to vendors, employees, and customers, there is a nearly unending supply of items to choose from. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common choices.

The most popular type of business promotional gift is “wearables,” in the industry lingo, which includes all types of clothes, hats, and accessories. From the most basic imprinted t-shirts to stylish and expensive leather jackets, this category makes up almost a third of all business promotional gifts. Wearable gifts can fit any budget and provide loads of flexible and creative ways to add your business logo and promotional message.

The second most popular choice is writing implements. The combination of their low price and usefulness to any type of business provides a great value. Look in your desk drawer right now – how many pens do you have with a company name on them?

Calendars, drinkware, desk or office accessories, and bags make up the rest of the leading business promotional gifts. Note that many of these items are designed to be used or worn in the office: travel coffee mugs, stress balls, and messenger bags tend to get used in business locations. One of the main benefits of business promotional items is that every time they’re used, they help reinforce your brand. If a business gift gets stashed in a drawer and forgotten, you don’t get this benefit. The same applies if your gift is so “cool” that it gets taken home for the kids – you’ve lost value that way, as well.

The balancing act when choosing a business promotional gift is to choose something that stands out and gets your message across, without breaking your budget or choosing something that doesn’t get used regularly.

Additional business promotional gifts

• Trophies/Plaques
• Jewelry
• Games
• Sporting Goods
• Housewares
• Clocks and Watches
• Food
• Electronics
• Automotive