Putting your logo on a device doesn\'t mean you enjoy it. People keep things that benefit, make them happy, or make them smile. The second garbage can throws everything else away. 
Start with the people. People who commute need little, spill-proof gear that they can throw in a bag. People who work at desks want silent tools like cable clips, sticky notes that don't give away their secrets, and microfiber towels that really wipe. Warm places? Insulated cups win. Are you cold? Beanies, lip balm, and hand warmers. Context is more important than hype. You might not believe quality is that important. I saw a stall give out pens that broke by lunchtime. The line disappeared like smoke. Spend a little more. Less stuff, better feel. People can tell that it is cared for as soon as they touch it. Make your mark not too obvious. Big logos make you want to yell. Don't put up a billboard; give them a badge. A lot of white space with one bright color. Make sure your Pantone matches. For a permanent look, ask for laser engraving; for a punchy look, ask for screen printing; and for a "ooh" texture, ask for debossing. Put a unique QR code or NFC tag on something useful, not just a generic webpage. Think about how long it will last. A bottle made of stainless steel lasts for years. A weak little thing goes on a two-day trip before going in the trash. Recycled fabrics, mixtures of bamboo fiber, and stone-made paper are all good topics of discourse. But durability is better than buzzwords. lengthy life means lengthy memory. Make a plan for the handoff. At gatherings, mix useful things with a small surprise. A neat kit is better than a pile of stuff. Ship compact boxes that open easily to consumers or teams that work from home. Put a small card with human microcopy on it that says, "This cable wrangler saves future-you." Put in a sticker. Stickers are popular. It's probably science. If you didn't measure it, it didn't happen. Keep track of scans, redemptions, or short vanity URLs. Look at the cost per retained item, not merely the cost per unit. You can see how many times that code accesses the site. Try A/B tests using a notebook and a charger that have the same design but are used in different ways. Let facts, not opinions, drive the bus. Be aware of the regulations and timing. Lead times change with the seasons. Lunar New Year can make anything last longer. Find out what the minimum order amounts are and how much shipping will cost. Request samples before manufacture. Guard addresses for branded promotional products drop-ship lists. Mind safety labels like Prop 65. Be very careful with color consistency, and always accept proofs. Want some new ideas? Socks with patterns that are not too loud. Enamel pins that make fun of inside jokes. Pocket notebooks featuring a list on the first page. Cable organizers that snap into place. Seed paper that sprouts basil, not buyer's regret. Little umbrellas for towns that get a lot of rain. Big towels for towns by the seaside. Match the item to the mood, the venue, and the time. A short list of things to do: Set the goal: getting people to know about you, booking meetings, getting referrals, or just being nice. Choose the environment and the people. Be nice and keep the message short. Choose materials that feel good in your hands. Set goals and then look back after the campaign. Take care when packing so that opening it seems like a win. If you do this well, your swag will go farther than your commercials. It travels busses, sits on desks, and starts conversations. Quiet marketing that works while you sleep.
Start with the people. People who commute need little, spill-proof gear that they can throw in a bag. People who work at desks want silent tools like cable clips, sticky notes that don't give away their secrets, and microfiber towels that really wipe. Warm places? Insulated cups win. Are you cold? Beanies, lip balm, and hand warmers. Context is more important than hype. You might not believe quality is that important. I saw a stall give out pens that broke by lunchtime. The line disappeared like smoke. Spend a little more. Less stuff, better feel. People can tell that it is cared for as soon as they touch it. Make your mark not too obvious. Big logos make you want to yell. Don't put up a billboard; give them a badge. A lot of white space with one bright color. Make sure your Pantone matches. For a permanent look, ask for laser engraving; for a punchy look, ask for screen printing; and for a "ooh" texture, ask for debossing. Put a unique QR code or NFC tag on something useful, not just a generic webpage. Think about how long it will last. A bottle made of stainless steel lasts for years. A weak little thing goes on a two-day trip before going in the trash. Recycled fabrics, mixtures of bamboo fiber, and stone-made paper are all good topics of discourse. But durability is better than buzzwords. lengthy life means lengthy memory. Make a plan for the handoff. At gatherings, mix useful things with a small surprise. A neat kit is better than a pile of stuff. Ship compact boxes that open easily to consumers or teams that work from home. Put a small card with human microcopy on it that says, "This cable wrangler saves future-you." Put in a sticker. Stickers are popular. It's probably science. If you didn't measure it, it didn't happen. Keep track of scans, redemptions, or short vanity URLs. Look at the cost per retained item, not merely the cost per unit. You can see how many times that code accesses the site. Try A/B tests using a notebook and a charger that have the same design but are used in different ways. Let facts, not opinions, drive the bus. Be aware of the regulations and timing. Lead times change with the seasons. Lunar New Year can make anything last longer. Find out what the minimum order amounts are and how much shipping will cost. Request samples before manufacture. Guard addresses for branded promotional products drop-ship lists. Mind safety labels like Prop 65. Be very careful with color consistency, and always accept proofs. Want some new ideas? Socks with patterns that are not too loud. Enamel pins that make fun of inside jokes. Pocket notebooks featuring a list on the first page. Cable organizers that snap into place. Seed paper that sprouts basil, not buyer's regret. Little umbrellas for towns that get a lot of rain. Big towels for towns by the seaside. Match the item to the mood, the venue, and the time. A short list of things to do: Set the goal: getting people to know about you, booking meetings, getting referrals, or just being nice. Choose the environment and the people. Be nice and keep the message short. Choose materials that feel good in your hands. Set goals and then look back after the campaign. Take care when packing so that opening it seems like a win. If you do this well, your swag will go farther than your commercials. It travels busses, sits on desks, and starts conversations. Quiet marketing that works while you sleep.