Making memories: Fun outdoor event giveaway ideas

By Mae Strehlow

Want to turn your outdoor event from ho-hum to fun? The right use of promotional products can make it happen. Depending on your goals, these fun event giveaway ideas could help create lasting memories for your employees and customers or get your brand more recognition in the community.

38% of people keep promotional products longer than five years because the item reminds them of an event or experience.

Surveys show that 49% of people keep promotional products longer than five years opens in new window. And when they do, 38% say it’s because the item reminds them of an event or experience, while 35% say it’s because the product is fun to have. With these fun event giveaways, you can make memories no matter what kind of outdoor gathering you have in mind.

Don’t just meet—eat!

From company picnics to milestone celebrations, many outdoor events revolve around food and drink. Stock your table with color-changing cups, and hand out party waist packs that are perfect for carrying a beverage and treat bag.

If you’re bringing in a local food truck or caterer, giving away picnic blankets provides folks with a comfy alternative seating option. Take things up a notch by entering everyone who attends into a drawing for a picnic basket—it makes a great memento!

Add some friendly competition

If attendee interaction is a priority, consider an event theme, like tailgating or field day. Select teams at random, and stage a tournament with fun outdoor games, like bean bag toss or ladder ball. Winners get to take home a game!

Encourage guests to try their hand at giant tumble tower, and raffle it off at the end of the day. Or maybe a game of cards is more up their alley. Whether participating or not, everyone gets a deck plus a branded can cooler as a gift for coming.

Combine your event with another

Turn your outdoor event into a destination experience. A boat tour or cruise can be a great way to spend a summer day. Make a pair of sunglasses with an eyewear strap part of a care package to kick things off.

Many communities host public outdoor movies or musical performances, which can make for wonderful company outings, volunteer opportunities or collaborative fundraising adventures. Provide outdoor chairs for people to settle in and enjoy the show. Couple those with matching branded event T-shirts to help the group feel united.

Use it as an opportunity to be active

If your group is an active one, organize a fun run or bike ride. An insulated cooler bag stocked with water and healthy snacks is a refreshing treat for participants at the finish line. A running belt could help those taking part protect their keys, phone and wallet while on the course or trail.

Could the pickleball trend be a hit with your audience? Organize a tournament, and give everyone their own pickleball set to take home. As for the champs, reward them with a pennant magnet or paperweight forever declaring their court royalty.

If it’s not too big a stretch, your clientele might be interested in an evening yoga event. Participants need to bring only themselves, as each yoga mat on the floor doubles as a take-home prize. A comfy pullover or cropped hoodie gives instructors and students something to remember the occasion too.

Get your brand out there

Sometimes the goal of an outdoor event is to network or raise brand awareness. These fun giveaway ideas can ensure you come prepared to stand out at a crowded trade show, farmers market or other event. A tote bag is a practical choice everyone will appreciate, and a flashing LED bracelet is sure to light up your nighttime event. Don’t forget our four-legged friends. A pet bandana is just the thing for a dog or other fur-friendly gathering.

Lip balm or sunscreen works well for outdoor events on a sunny day. And a fan can be a cool bonus for signing up for your newsletter or mailing list.

Fun giveaways ideas to make lasting event memories

Whatever your goals, these event giveaway ideas can add an element of fun to your outdoor gathering. You can make your brand stand out and help those working alongside you make lasting memories.

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