Trade Show Giveaways That Impress: 2025 Trends & Tips

Trade show giveaways continue to be one of the most powerful tools for brand recognition and engagement in 2025. But not just any item will do. Attendees expect practical, high-quality gifts that stand out from the usual swag pile. In this guide, we'll break down the best giveaway options, how to plan your quantities, and when to distribute them for maximum brand impact.

10 Best Trade Show Giveaways That Make a Great Impression in 2025

The right giveaway does more than attract people-it leaves a lasting impression. Here are ten best trade show giveaways exhibitors should consider.

1. Personalized Notebooks & Promotional Pens

Note-taking remains essential at events. A branded notebook and quality pen are simple but effective trade show giveaway items. These tools help people remember your booth and keep your logo visible long after the show ends.

2. Tote Bags

Everyone needs something to carry their swag in-and tote bags are a smart, eco-conscious solution. They're spacious, reusable, and ideal for showcasing your logo as attendees roam the event floor.

3. Reusable Water Bottles & Drinkware

Hydration is key during long event days. Branded water bottles, tumblers, or coffee cups are cool trade show giveaways people will actually keep and use. They also reinforce an eco-friendly message.

4. Custom Audio Devices

Tech giveaways always attract attention. Custom wireless earbuds or Bluetooth speakers are great trade show giveaways because they feel like a high-value reward. These items help your brand stand out among competitors.

5. Company Branded Plant Kits

Plant kits and mini planters offer a fun, fresh take on swag. As unique trade show giveaways, they reflect sustainability and wellness, making your brand appear thoughtful and modern.

6. Luggage Tags

Frequent flyers love useful items, and luggage tags hit the mark. With your logo on them, they travel far beyond the event, turning a small item into a powerful branding tool.

7. Hand Sanitizers

Still relevant and appreciated, hand sanitizers show that your brand cares. Pocket-sized and customizable, they are an easy win in any swag lineup.

8. Lip Balm

Lightweight and practical, lip balm is a small item with big staying power. Attendees often use it immediately and repeatedly, giving your brand repeat visibility.

9. Sunglasses

Planning to attend a summer or outdoor trade show? Sunglasses are both fun and functional. They work especially well when paired with social media-friendly branding colors.

10. Power Banks and Chargers

At trade shows, dead phone batteries are a common issue. That's why power banks and chargers are among the best trade show giveaways in 2025. They offer instant value, solve real problems, and boost your brand's reputation for practicality.

Take the Anker 737 Power Bank, for instance-it features 140W Power Delivery, a massive 24,000mAh capacity, and real-time charge monitoring, making it ideal for professionals on the go.

For a sleek, wireless option, the Anker MagGo Power Bank delivers 15W Qi2-certified fast charging in a slim design with a 10,000mAh capacity-perfect for travel-savvy attendees.

Apple users will love the Anker 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe, which charges iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously in a compact, foldable form.

And for a smart desktop solution, the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station powers multiple devices at once while saving space-ideal for maintaining clutter-free workspaces.

These high-utility, tech-forward items check all the boxes for great trade show giveaways that attendees will actually use and remember.

How Many Swag Items Should You Order?

Not sure how much to bring? Your event size plays a big role. Planning the right number of giveaways helps you avoid waste while maximizing reach.

Small Events: Aim for 75% of attendees

For events with around 400 attendees, prepare 300 items. Smaller crowds mean more booth visits per person, so your booth is more likely to see a higher percentage of traffic.

Large Events: Plan for 25% of attendees

If 2,000 people are expected, 500 giveaways are usually enough. With larger shows, it's tough to engage everyone-hitting one-quarter of the crowd is actually a solid result.

Consider your goals

Also think about how you'll use your swag. Will you give out the same item to everyone, or reserve premium items for top leads? If so, order in tiers-basic items in higher volume, and fewer high-end pieces for key conversations.

Pro tip: Ordering in larger quantities often qualifies you for corporate bulk discounts, which can help you get more value for your marketing budget.

Smart Strategies to Distribute and Maximize Swag Impact

Giving away great swag is only part of the equation-how and when you distribute it makes all the difference. A strong strategy ensures your trade show giveaways aren't just collected, but remembered and used.

Know the Best Times to Distribute

Understanding foot traffic and attendee behavior is key. Not all moments on the trade show floor are created equal.

• Opening Day: This is when excitement is highest. Distribute selectively during mid-morning and early afternoon when crowds are thickest.
• Middle Days: Use these for deeper conversations and targeted engagement. It's a great time to share more thoughtful or themed giveaways.
• Final Day: Foot traffic drops, but attendees who remain are often serious buyers. A high-value gift at the right moment can leave a strong final impression.

Hour-by-Hour Tips

• Venue Opening: Curiosity is high, and energy is fresh. A great time to build early buzz.
• Before and After Lunch: Attendees are more relaxed and open to interaction. This is the sweet spot for making connections.
• Late Afternoon: A perfect window to hand out premium items or close the day with a strong brand moment.

Avoid Mistimed Giveaways

Equally important is knowing when not to give out swag.

• Setup and Breakdown Times: Attendees aren't present or paying attention-save your inventory.
• During Keynotes or Sessions: People are focused elsewhere and not likely to engage.
• End-of-Day Exhaustion: When attendees are heading to transportation, swag often gets tossed or forgotten.

Make Giveaways Feel Exclusive

Creating urgency works. Try strategies like:

• "First 50 visitors get a bonus gift"
• "Limited edition swag today only"

Promote these offers through social media or signage. These tactics create excitement and draw traffic faster than passive giveaways.

Create an Interactive Experience

Don't just hand things out-make it fun:

• Use prize wheels, photo booths, or quick games to earn swag.
• Offer themed trivia or QR code scavenger hunts.

This transforms a basic giveaway into a memorable brand interaction. Some of the most cool trade show giveaways are the ones that make people laugh, share, or post on social media.

Match Swag to Moments

Align giveaways with event activities for added relevance:

• After a session on sustainability? Hand out branded plant kits.
• Hosting a networking coffee hour? Give away mugs or tumblers.

This level of thoughtfulness elevates even simple trade show giveaway ideas into brand statements.

This level of thoughtfulness elevates even simple trade show giveaway ideas into brand statements.

If your booth is near:

• Entrances or food courts: You'll see more walk-by traffic. Have swag ready during peak times.
• Out-of-the-way corners: Get creative. Run a QR scavenger hunt or promote an exclusive item that makes it worth the walk.

Custom socks, for example, can become conversation starters when branded with fun designs. These types of giveaways stand out, no matter where your booth is located.

Stay Flexible and Observe the Flow

Each event is different. Watch how the crowd moves. If traffic is heavier in the morning than expected, adapt your timing. If people are lingering during lunch, ramp up your distribution.

By being responsive, you get the most out of your inventory and avoid running out too early-or wasting valuable items at the wrong time.

Conclusion

The best trade show giveaways in 2025 are the ones that combine thoughtfulness, usefulness, and perfect timing. Whether you're handing out lip balm or Power Banks, planning ahead and reading the room will set you apart. With the right items and smart strategies, your giveaways won't just be remembered-they'll keep your brand top-of-mind long after the show is over.

FAQs

What is the best thing to give away at a trade show?

The best trade show giveaway is something useful, portable, and memorable. Items like power banks, reusable water bottles, or custom notebooks are top choices. They're practical for attendees and keep your brand visible long after the event. The key is to choose something that aligns with your brand and provides real value to your audience.

What are trade show giveaways called?

Trade show giveaways are often called "swag," which stands for "Stuff We All Get." They may also be referred to as promotional items, freebies, or branded merchandise. These items are used to attract booth visitors, promote brand awareness, and leave a lasting impression on potential clients or partners.

What are some good giveaway items?

Good giveaway items are practical, eye-catching, and easy to carry. Popular choices include tote bags, phone chargers, lip balm, custom socks, and tech accessories. These items are especially effective when they reflect your brand's personality and are tied to the interests or needs of your audience at the event.

How many giveaways to order for a trade show?

The quantity depends on the size of the event. For small shows, order enough for about 75% of attendees. For larger events, plan for 25% of the total audience. For example, bring 300 items to a 400-person show or 500 items to a 2,000-person event. This approach helps balance cost with reach and impact.