Top Trade Show Giveaways Consumers Will Keep and Use

Promotional items have a significant influence on the trade show floor.
They help brands stand out, drive booth engagement, and turn passing
attendees into engaged visitors.

A recent
study
found that
“52% of attendees are more likely to enter an exhibit if they’re
offering some kind of giveaway or freebie”. This aligns with findings shared by
SellersCommerce, which note that
“99% of people are willing to go out of their way to obtain a
promotional product.”

If you’re looking for the best promotional items that they will want and
use, these key takeaways from the
2023 Ad Impressions Study
break down what’s trending, what lasts, and what leaves a lasting
impression.

1. Drinkware
   

   

   Everyday utility and long-term practicality make branded drinkware
   consistently rank as one of the most effective trade show giveaways.
   In fact,
   “63% of consumers would keep and use promo drinkware for 1 year
   or longer.”

   And their appeal starts on the trade show floor! These events can
   get busy and packed, which makes a free branded mug, water bottle,
   or tumbler useful for the thirsty crowd. As for long-term use,
   drinkware is something people use daily. They can take them to work,
   the gym, or keep them at home, giving your brand repeated exposure
   over time.

2. Apparel
   

   

   Wearable giveaways like shirts, caps, outerwear, and bags have
   impressive staying power! They are useful, offer comfort and style,
   and practicality that could easily fit into people’s wardrobes and
   daily routines.

   Research shows that consumers keep and wear promo apparel for years,
   lasting well beyond the trade show event:

   1. Outerwear (61%) and polos (62%) top the list, with most consumers
      using them for 1-2 years or longer
   2. Performance wear (59%) and caps (56%) also have strong retention,
      lasting over a year with most consumers
   3. Everyday items like T-shirts (47%) and bags (43%) stay in rotation
      for 2 years or more

   When promo apparel has good design and great quality, people won’t
   just keep it, they’ll wear it out in public. Proudly. That’s
   long-term visibility for your brand from a single trade show
   giveaway!

3. Calendars
   

   

   Calendars offer year-long value, with 62% of consumers keeping and
   using promo calendars for a year or more.

   Their tangible appeal and practical use in homes, stores, offices,
   and even vehicles ensure they remain visible daily, helping users
   track appointments, organize schedules, and quickly reference dates.

   The best part? Their consistent presence also makes them effective
   lead generators. When you give them away at trade shows, you’re
   putting your business information in constant view and always within
   reach.

4. Umbrellas
   

   

   
   Rain or shine, you can count on one thing: people love a good
   umbrella.

   They are appreciated and always in demand — whether for daily
   commutes, travel, and especially during surprise downpours. No
   wonder
   “54% of consumers say they would keep and use a promo umbrella
   for two years or longer”.

   Thanks to their universal appeal, umbrellas are a smart choice for
   diverse trade show audiences, proving their long-term value and
   effectiveness as a brand investment.

   When used, they function as walking billboards, offering high-impact
   exposure beyond the trade show floor.

5. Tech Items
   

   

   Staying connected is non-negotiable in today’s digital world, which
   is why tech giveaways like power banks and USB drives are valuable
   promotional tools.

   Their practicality ensures they are kept, used, and appreciated long
   after the event. And the numbers don’t lie — 51% of consumers say
   they’d keep a promo power bank for 2 years or more, and 44% would
   hang on to a branded USB drive for just as long.

   These promotional tech favorites address everyday needs: power banks
   keep users charged on the go, while USB drives offer quick file
   sharing and portable data storage.

   With broad appeal across all ages, industries, and lifestyles, tech
   items are sought-after trade show giveaways that can position your
   brand as practical and in tune with today’s modern needs.

6. Desk Accessories and Writing Instruments
   

   

   Some things never go out of style (or charm) — like a good pen or a
   cute notepad. Everyday desk and writing essentials, while affordable
   to produce, offer high utility and nonstop visibility in return,
   making them powerhouse promotional items.

   Here’s the proof: 58% of consumers keep and use promo desk
   accessories for over a year, and 52% say the same for promotional
   writing instruments.

   This constant presence and frequent touchpoints between the user and
   the promo swag, whether setting down coffee on a custom coaster or
   staying organized with a highlighter, create continuous impressions
   and brand reinforcement with minimal effort.

7. Eco-friendly Promo Items
   

   

   Today’s consumers care about the planet, that’s why giving away
   eco-friendly swag isn’t just a thoughtful gesture; it’s a strategic
   brand move.

   Environmentally friendly giveaways stand out from the usual swag
   pile. Items made from recycled, sustainably sourced, or organic
   materials signal corporate responsibility, which can help drive
   eco-conscious attendees to your booth.

   Here’s the impact: 46% of consumers feel more favorable toward
   brands that give them eco-friendly products.

   When your audience uses an item that’s good for the environment, it
   creates a sense of pride and purpose. That emotional connection
   increases the chance they’ll keep and use your eco-friendly giveaway
   regularly.

8. Health Items
   

   

   “36% of consumers say they would keep and use a promo health item
   for a year or longer”

   Handing out health-related giveaways at trade shows reflects a
   brand’s care and consideration for its audience. As consumers become
   more health-conscious, items like first aid kits, face masks, and
   hand sanitizers resonate with people’s growing priority towards
   wellness.

   Since promotional health swag can be conveniently stored in bags,
   placed on work desks, or kept in cars, it puts your logo in constant
   view and leads to positive brand association.

Conclusion