Picture this: You walk into an event and your eyes are immediately drawn to a table decked out with promotional item products so clever, you can’t help but grab one. There’s a quiet thrill in the air. Everyone’s buzzing over what’s on offer—and before you know it, those products are everywhere in the crowd. But how do you make that magic happen at your event? Here are creative takes and unexpected spins on using giveaways that elevate your marketing game and keep people talking.

Imagine holding a networking event and switching traditional business cards for branded plantable seed cards. Suddenly, introductions are greener and your brand sticks around—literally! Seed cards get planted, flowers bloom, and months later, people remember your event every time they see the pot on their desk. Beyond garden variety pens (pun fully intended), interactive products create new conversations out of thin air.

Sometimes, the most powerful swag makes a statement, not just in color or logo, but in action. Think reusable water bottles with QR codes linking directly to exclusive event content, or badge lanyards doubling as phone charging cords. Last year, 80% of attendees held onto event swag they found actually useful—don’t let your gift end up in a landfill.

Photo booths at trade shows get an instant upgrade with props branded in hilarious ways. Giant sunglasses, foam microphones, outrageous hats sporting your logo—they all tempt attendees to snap a pic, post it online, and spread your name far beyond event walls. That’s social media engagement delivered before you’ve even checked your notifications.

Event-long treasure hunts, where every clue comes with a branded gift, turn what could be just another stroll around the exhibition hall into a lively adventure. Attendees race to collect each item and—spoiler alert—they usually chat with sponsors, exhibitors, or staff at each stop. This means authentic engagement, not just a quick grab-and-go.