by Catalogs.com Info Guru Elizabeth Sobiski

Company swag – the gifts your business gives trade show or special event attendees.

The more creative your organization is with giveaways, the better your chances are of having all that marketing material seen and used. While items like pens always come in handy, most businesses give those out routinely. So routinely, in fact, that many times the name of the company goes unnoticed. Here, we’ve assembled the top ten creative ways companies can reach new and existing customers with fun giveaways.

10. Business card holders – filled with candy!

Even in this digital age, business cards are still used because they come in very handy. Consider a card case that has your contact information imprinted on it. Make it something your customers would enjoy using for their own cards so they remember you every time they pull it out of their pocket. Your employees will appreciate them as a great way to show pride in their company. As a fun twist, perhaps fill it with logo-stamped or custom colored candies when you give it away.

9. Bags

It never fails. Every trade show has catalogs, flyers and other papers – and everyone searches for a booth giving away a bag to carry the paperwork. You can be the booth attendees flock to and talk about by giving away unique and usable bags. Options include lunch or other insulated bags, duffle or gym bags and backpacks or messenger bags. Think of how many potential clients will see your name – just because somebody is using your bag on their train commute.

8. T-shirts

People love free t-shirts. And better still, they usually wear them. To make yourself stand out from the crowd, go beyond the company logo and tagline. Come up with quotes that are fun, catchy and memorable. Another option is to use part of the organization’s mission or vision statements. If your company is in the sporting goods, athletic or health arenas, consider a tech t-shirt. It wicks moisture away from the skin during physical activity and is a staple for every athlete.

7. Umbrellas

This is a great option if your trade show is in an area with unpredictable weather. Just imagine a storm blowing in during the show and nobody is prepared for it – except you. Attendees will gladly take your umbrella and advertise your company for years to come.

6. Fun in the sun

Give out a smaller tote bag that is loaded for fair weather fun. A little flying disc, flip-flops, sunscreen and some sunglasses are all great options. And, they can be imprinted with your name and logo, as well as any other information you’d like. Chances are excellent that these items will get used in public places long after the trade show or networking event is over.

5. Mobile tech

Having a mobile power supply is important to anyone who has to use their tech devices away from wall outlets. A branded power bank that can provide up to four hours of a charge is an item that people will use over and over again. Every time they re-charge their phone or tablet, they’ll think of you.

4. The journal

So, you have your standard promotional pens. How about pairing them with a journal or notebook as a creative give-away item? When they are used, you name is front and center, both when they take a note or stare at the pen waiting for the right words to come their way. Another option is to offer a blank notebook and pencils. After all, who doesn’t doodle during meetings?

3. Sweets for the sweet

Emblaze your name, logo, web address or other contact information on a candy jar. Perfect for sitting on a desk and sharing with coworkers, the jar can be used long after the candy is gone. Consider a trendy glass jar filled with an assortment of chocolates, mints or salt water taffy.

2. Snuggle up

People wrap up in blankets at sporting events, outdoor movies and bonfires. There are many styles and options to choose from, too. For instance, some picnic-style blankets have integrated speakers that are compatible with most smartphones and MP3 devices.

1. Game on

Help people fill their down time between trade show speeches or breakout events with a game. Provide playing cards with your company name and information as a welcome diversion. Also consider pocket sized word searches or logic puzzles. If you know the attendees will be spending time outside, a paddle ball or mini bean bag toss might fit the bill. Yo-yo’s are simple and still provide plenty of amusement. Just think of your name spinning around as people try to recreate the tricks and talents they had when they were kids!