9 inexpensive giveaway ideas for trade shows

Searching for fun promotional giveaways can be challenging—especially when your budget is limited.

In this article, we’re diving deep into the world of unique and affordable trade show giveaway ideas. Say “goodbye” to the ordinary and “hello” to a pocket-smart booth upgrade that will actually leave a lasting impression. 

Ready to stand out without breaking the bank? Let’s get started with a few corporate giveaway ideas to help you break away from traditional promos and stand out from the competition! 

9 best giveaways for trade shows

1. Tote bags
2. Stickers
3. Power banks
4. Luggage tags
5. Candy and chocolate
6. Hand sanitizers
7. Lip balm
8. Water bottle
9. Sunglasses

1. Tote bags

Give your attendees something to carry their event swag in. Tote bags are practical and a great alternative to plastic bags. Plus, they show off your brand more than many other giveaways. Maximize brand awareness by filling them with brochures, catalogs and flyers.

2. Stickers 

Stickers are a handy branded item that sticks in the mind! They’re small, affordable and unbelievably versatile—basically, the unsung heroes of the trade show world. This great all-rounder can be used as a way to add your logo to packaging, notebooks and more.

And here’s the kicker: every time someone uses your sticker, it’s like a mini billboard for your brand. It’s casual marketing that keeps on giving. Plus, they’re so easy to hand out. No bulky items to carry around—attendees can just grab a few and go. 

3. Power banks

At a trade show, where everyone’s glued to their phones taking pictures, exchanging contacts and networking on social media, battery life is like gold dust. That’s where power banks, as a giveaway item, really shine. They’re not just another promotional gadget—they’re incredibly useful, and chances are, attendees will find themselves reaching for that power bank before the day is even over.

After the trade show is over, power banks will come in handy during the trip home, too. They are a great corporate giveaway at nearly any event.  

4. Luggage tags

Luggage tags as the go-to item for trade show giveaways? Now, that’s a clever move. Think about it: trade shows often attract attendees from all over, many of whom are frequent travelers. A luggage tag isn’t just another item to be stashed away; it’s something they can use every time they pack their bags.

By customizing these tags with your brand’s logo or a catchy design, you create a subtle yet effective branding tool. Every time someone travels, your tag is on display—at airports, hotels, train stations, you name it. It’s a smart way to keep your brand on the move and in the public eye.

5. Candy and chocolate

You can’t go wrong with personalized sweets to increase business exposure and delight your customers. Candy and chocolate make great takeaways at events for a much-needed afternoon boost. Add your logo to the wrapping and sweeten up your promotions with yummy treats. 

6. Hand sanitizers

In the post-pandemic era, branded hand sanitizers have emerged as a fantastic giveaway item at trade shows. Nowadays, hand sanitizers are often as essential as keys or wallets, and everyone appreciates having a fresh bottle within reach. By providing hand sanitizers, you’re showing that your brand is health-conscious and considerate, traits that resonate positively with everyone in this new normal.

7. Lip balm

Branded lip balms are a fantastic pick for trade show giveaways. They’re perfect for pretty much everyone and easy to carry around. A unisex go-to, they’re especially handy for those parched air travel moments when you’re dealing with annoyingly dry lips. Pop your logo on these little lifesavers, and you’ve got a giveaway that’s not just thoughtful but also super useful. 

8. Water bottle

Water bottles make for fantastic trade show giveaways, striking the perfect balance between practicality and style. Even the more budget-friendly options can exude a sense of luxury and high quality, ensuring that your giveaway feels like a thoughtful gift rather than just another promotional item. By branding these sleek and convenient bottles, you offer attendees a giveaway they’ll want to use daily, whether at the gym, in the office or on the go. It’s an effective way to keep your brand in their hands and minds, all while promoting hydration and eco-friendliness. 

9. Sunglasses

A pair of shades are the perfect summertime giveaway. They’re also great as an accessory for social media photos at conferences—choose a color that matches your brand aesthetic for a win-win situation. 

Why you should consider doing trade show giveaways?

Trade show giveaways are the secret weapon that can make your booth stand out. When done thoughtfully, these memorable freebies have major benefits for your marketing efforts, such as:

• Drive booth traffic by drawing visitors to your booth with your giveaways.
• Boost brand visibility by having your company’s name on constant display.
• Create lasting memories by being a tangible reminder of your brand long after the event wraps up. 
• Generate leads by using giveaways to start conversations and get contact information with potential leads.
• Show your appreciation by thanking your current customers and loyal clients.

Get the best trade show giveaways

Learning how to promote events is a great opportunity to spread the word about your business. With these inexpensive giveaway ideas, you can make the most of your next marketing campaign and your budget. 

Keeping up with the trends and regulations is vital for your booth to be a hit. Ensure your giveaways:

• Align with your brand
• Adhere to the individual trade show rules
• Are conscious of trending social responsibility and eco-friendliness
• If the trade show is international, respect cultural differences 

You’ll not only stand out but also leave a lasting, positive impression on attendees.

Need more trade show giveaways and promotional ideas? Check out the top 50 promotional products and trends for 2024!