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.