Picking out promotional items that people will really use and keep

If you empty your own suitcase, you’ll realize the reality. Most of us have the same basic things. A notebook that can fit anyplace, some keys, a water bottle, and some earphones that are all tied up. Picture a weekday in your head. Getting up, going to work, and coming home. Find the things that bother you. A phone that won’t charge, cold coffee, and a cable that isn’t there. Now think about offering someone a solution to each of those small problems. Your logo stays in their habit without being forced. Website!

Don’t separate people by their job title. Think about what they do every day. People who commute love drinkware that doesn’t leak. A cozy tee plus a tiny item like a webcam cover are great gifts for people who work from home. Field staff seek charging kits and power banks that can take a lot of abuse. Stickers, notebooks that lie flat, and pens that glide make students happy. Talk to five persons who went to the last event and ask them what they took home and why. Pay close attention to what they say and use that to make your list.

The object and the time are both important. Welcome gifts for new employees should make them feel like they are part of the company. Things you give away at events should work straight away, like a charger or a snack. Gifts for renewal should be like a modest thank you, not a big sign. When it makes sense, print names on the covers. Include a note that tells people what the item is made of and how to take care of it. Think about your privacy. Make sure your QR code is clean and direct, with no trickery.

Your reputation is based on the quality of your work. Get samples before you buy. Click pens, twist lids, pull seams, and rub the ink. See how colors look in the sun and under office lights. The materials are important. Recycled, robust, and honest lasts longer than plastic that makes noise. Foam is trash; kraft paper and tape make it easy to keep things tidy. Tell people how to throw things away or recycle them. People notice when you put in effort and respect accurate, helpful information.

Plan your budget like a chef measures out food. Make sure everyone knows the essentials. Spend more on the important things, like a scheduled meeting or a survey. Put in a mystery gift just for fun. Keep track of it all. A little code on each item tells you what worked. Send a short follow-up later. Are you still using it? Which one lasted longer? Keep the winners and forget about the others.

Try it out in modest amounts. Try out three things for two weeks and get quick feedback. Talk to each other quickly. That bottle is still useful to me. What made you keep it? Hold and cover. Okay, next order: same style, different color, new message. Smart jokes are a favorite of engineers. Creative people tend to like bold designs. Value is important to finance. Small modifications work better than massive, dangerous ones.