Top 10 most effective promotional products

By Jessica Martin

Studies show that promotional products remain the public’s favorite form of advertising! Who doesn’t love to get a printed pen, customized T-shirt, logo tote bag or other fun swag? But what are the top 10 most effective promotional products? We looked at studies from the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) and 4imprint’s most popular items by sales volume. This top 10 list can make your job easier finding the perfect promo giveaways to connect with your customers, prospects and staff!

Here's a quick list of the Top 10 promo products categories:

1. Custom pens
2. T-shirts
3. Polo shirts
4. Bags (totes)
5. Outerwear (jackets and hoodies)
6. Headwear (custom caps and hats)
7. Custom notebooks and journals
8. Embroidered sweatshirts
9. Printed table covers and throws
10. Drinkware (custom mugs and tumblers)

Promotional products continue to have a significant advantage in the world of marketing. And 85% of those who receive a promotional product remember the brand that gave it to them (PDF) opens in new window.

85%

of people who receive a promotional product
remember the brand that gave it to them

1. Custom pens

Everyone appreciates an imprinted pen. In fact, according to the ASI, 89% of consumers own a promo writing instrument. Research shows your customers and prospects will keep these useful giveaways for at least nine months! All the while, your brand is visible. It’s a great return for an inexpensive printed pen. Banks love personalized pens, but any business with in-person customers can hand out colorful pens with logo in bulk.

2. Custom T-shirts

The perennial favorite of concert-goers, students, casual dressers and opinion-sharers is the classic printed T-shirt. Customers, employees and prospects become walking billboards with your branded T-shirt, and it will be seen more than 5,000 times in its lifetime, according to the Advertising Specialty Institute opens in new window. Whether you’re looking to promote your start-up, build school spirit or provide employees with comfy work-from-home attire, there’s a crewneck or V-neck that can do the job. Our customer service reps can help you design and make your T-shirts fast with dazzling printing and at a great bulk price!

3. Logo Polo Shirts

Classic polo shirts are timeless workwear that creates a sense of unity for staff and helps your customers identify store employees. Your embroidered dress shirts always look sharp and professional. Coordinate colors to match your logo (tone on tone has an exceptional look) or contrast it to make your brand pop.

4. Custom Tote Bags

Everyone needs a place for their stuff. Whether they’re at a trade show, county fair, picnic or weekend trip, a printed promotional tote can carry it all in style! Everyone will see your logo and want one too. That’s the idea behind reusable tote bags: brand recognition. It not only works but also works well—to the tune of about 1,900 views during the life of the promotional bag!

Swag totes are ideal for pairing with pens, notebooks, lip balm and other inexpensive gifts for a memorable package they’ll use and appreciate. The wide price range of logo totes gives you options from low-cost non-woven polypropylene bags (perfect at retail shops and schools) to sturdy cotton or canvas tote bags that will quickly become your customers’ favorite reusable shopping bag. Give them out for free with a purchase or sell them. Offer a future discount every time they shop with it.

5. Outerwear

If you’re looking to boost brand awareness, printed outerwear may be the most effective promotional item for the job. With the average custom jacket or vest getting 6,600 impressions in its lifetime opens in new window, it’s the perfect product to spotlight your brand. A packable jacket is lightweight and easy to carry, making it a customer favorite. Embroidered jackets with your logo also make great employee anniversary gifts or thank-you gifts for customers.

6. Logo Hats and Caps

Promotional hats get about the same number of impressions as branded T-shirts. Plus, like T-shirts, there are countless styles to choose from. They make perfect giveaways for golf outings, company picnics and any other outdoor occasion. Trucker caps are a popular choice because their snap-back closure provides a comfortable fit for any wearer. Headwear is often adjustable to fit most, so ordering for a group is a breeze.

Headwear is often
adjustable to fit most,
so ordering for a group is a breeze

7. Notebooks

Custom notebooks and journal books are a refreshing, old-school approach for customers, staff and prospects wanting an easy, no-batteries way to jot down thoughts, recipes, lists and creative concepts. Everyone will appreciate a simple branded notebook or an upscale Moleskine^® to inspire and encourage their writing. “You should write that down” has fresh meaning with your logo notebook in hand.

8. Embroidered sweatshirts

Comfort is king with any custom sweatshirt, but when you hand out logo embroidered sweatshirts, you take style and durability up a notch! A casual sweatshirt looks fine at the gym or slouching around town, but handsome embroidered hoodies or other options bring a touch of refinement to the office or almost everywhere your recipients go.

Chilly office? Fall or winter breezes blowing? Need a comfy layer for outdoor sports? Your customers and prospects will solve all these wardrobe dilemmas and share your brand every time they slip on a sharp stitched sweatshirt that will still look sharp years later. Co-brand with a name-brand model for corporate or vendor gifts, or choose one of our value-priced options (including our own Crossland^® brand) to outfit your teams or valued prospects at trade shows or in your store or office.

9. Printed table covers and throws

You’ve spent plenty on trade show registration fees, staff travel and lodging, plus creative giveaways for your booth. Make sure your space catches their eye with elegant printed table covers, throws and other trade show booth necessities. Our art department can help you with your designs at no extra charge, and our 40 years of experience allows us to create professional custom table covers that are sure to impress! Our 360° Guarantee_® seals the deal.

10. Drinkware (mugs and tumblers)

Branded drinkware, including custom tumblers and coffee mugs, remains a popular promotional item. Reusable cups and tumblers are handy for commuters and office staff, and they help cut down on waste when compared to disposable options. Your customers will appreciate the sustainable gesture when you hand out logo drinkware, and your brand gets seen all along their commute route! Replace disposable cups in the office with personalized coffee mugs. Keep some on hand for visiting customers and give one to every employee to show appreciation.

The most effective promotional items are ones your customers will use again and again. Get lots of eyes on your brand when you choose any of these top 10 items for your next promotion. Stock up for employee gifts and milestone awards too!

Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin is 4imprint’s merchandising planning manager with over 20 years of retail experience, 15 years of merchandising expertise and more than a decade in the promotional products industry. She ensures the right products get into customers’ hands through deep customer insight, trend awareness and seasonal analysis. Jessica is a key connection point between vendor relations, purchasing, and 4imprint’s end users, supporting programs across the Blue Box^® sample program, digital marketing, print and TV campaigns.

Trademarks & Sources