Gifts Worth Giving
15 Business Gifts Worth Giving
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Fishing Lure
Rattlin' Rapala lures are a great giveaway, particularly if you're targeting affluent male customers. They can be used in fresh water and salt water and for fish like pike, salmon, and trout.
$6
www.corplogoware.com
Next: Stapler -
Stapler
Sure, it's a run-of-the-mill office product, but this fire-engine-red stapler was a hit at a recent education conference, thanks to its usefulness and unusual design.
$5
www.epromos.com
Next: Gummi Worms
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Gummi Worms
Because swag can be delicious: The Promotional Products Association International promotes itself via this colorful candy -- the group's logo appears on the bag -- at trade shows.
$1 per package
www.epromos.com
Next: Fleece Blanket
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Fleece Blanket
Infinitive's Denis McFarlane passes out blankets at his consulting firm's year-end holiday party. "We get compliments from people who say they gave it to their daughter or that they always use it when they watch TV," he says. "And, of course, they see our logo every time they use it."
$11-$21
www.theideacatalog.com
Next: Back Massager
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Back Massager
It's colorful and easy to slip into a carryon, and it could claim real estate on a client's desk forever. The only hitch: Will a back massager bring your company to mind only when the recipient has a knot in her shoulder?
$3
www.epromos.com
Next: Tape Measure
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Tape Measure
It's useful and easy to pack, and has a long shelf life. Plus, you can print a lot of information (phone number, URL, etc.) on the side.
$5
www.leedsworld.com
Next: Matches
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Matches
P.i.n.k. Vodka of New York City gives out tubes of matches as well as branded lip balm ($2) on the theory that it's good to have "a mix of products that's not just about one time of day," says CEO David Mandell.
$1
www.baileygp.com
Next: Travel Kit
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Travel Pack
The Federal Aviation Authority's three-one-one rule for carrying liquids on airplanes presents an opportunity to create truly functional swag for trade shows. This branded packet contains business travel standbys like hand sanitizer, breath mints, and lip balm.
$20
www.promoideas.org
Next: iPod Docking Station
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iPod Docking Station
Andrew Grose, CEO of Nortec, an IT consultancy based in Falls Church, Virginia, saves his best swag for people with real purchasing power. "If it's a gift for someone in the IT department, I don't want to invest as much," he says, "but if it's the CIO of a company, I can justify spending a bit more to get their attention."
$131
www.onsalepromos.com
Next: Notebook
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Notebook
A notebook is always handy, but watch out for ones that are either overdesigned or cheaply made. Opt for these sturdy, colorful notebooks with your logo subtly embossed on the cover fabric.
$15
www.swervepoint.com
Next: Hydration Pack
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Hydration Backpack
The logo on this hydration pack, used for biking, skiing, or hiking, can be large without embarrassing the user. This kind of swag is good if you want to create an association in your customer's mind between your brand and recreation.
$33
www.leedsworld.com
Next: USB Drive
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USB Drive
Even if people don't need a drive, they'll often pass it along to a colleague or family member. Some companies load a marketing presentation onto their giveaway drives. If you go this route, we strongly advise that you keep it brief.
Next: USB Travel Mouse
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Wireless Travel PC Mouse
Denis McFarlane says, "We actually get requests from employees and clients who ask for extras for their home computer or to give to a spouse."
$15
www.cables4computer.com
Next: Flashlight
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Flashlight
Because it's so useful, you can get away with a relatively large logo on this flashlight. If you're lucky, it will find a long-term home in a customer's toolbox or glove compartment.
$14
www.epromos.com
Next: Steak Knives
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Steak Knives
"Companies are increasingly choosing items that will win at-home real estate," says Lindsay Hoylman, a marketer at Leed's, a promotional products company. Knife sets like this Laguiole-style design (with the signature bumblebee handle) are nice gifts for the holiday season. Your company's logo can be printed on the lid of the wooden case, where it will be visible but not obtrusive.
$60
www.leedsworld.com -
