Promo item ideas sourced from customers’ success stories

By Melanie Vandenboogaard

When looking for inspiration for your next promotion, our customers are the experts. Each quarter, we gather stories about clever promo item ideas that help make positive brand impressions. Read the latest round of inspiring examples from customers who’ve earned #SwaggingRights^®.

Bags that carry your mission forward

There is no limit to the possibilities presented by totes, backpacks, sportpacks and other bags. From events to sales add-ons to team gifts, they’re a practical choice that can carry memories for years.

• “We distributed those tote bags to our participants for the RéseauLAB scientific congress. They loved it!” — Alex

• “We used our Dogs in the Park totes as part of our incentive program to thank folks for a purchase. They have proven so popular that we now carry them in our shop for other students who want them.” — Sue

• “Used the [tote bags] at the Canadian Mining Expo, prompted for several business cards and several new potential clients.” — Denise

• “We use [folding cosmetic bags] as an MVP award in a female hockey tournament. The participants were very happy with this practical take away award.” — Robin

Drinkware can help keep them fulfilled

If you’re looking for a promotional product idea people will thirst for, choose cups, mugs and tumblers. These customers thought up fun ways to use drinkware to hydrate and motivate.

• “We needed a way to get our graduating students to willingly come back to our Building for group photos. The mugs were an enticement, and they worked well!” — Christopher

• “Used the mugs to keep my team hydrated and remind them that our company cares.” — Melissa

• “During provincial hockey championship our organization was the main sponsor so we had been asked at the local level to get involved. We set up a booth with the Mood Stadium Cups with some other promo items we had and had a game set up for the kids to play. They kept coming back all weekend for more cups.” — Cathy

• “We wanted to get our students … something they could treasure. This mug was both elegant and beautiful. The students loved it and staff too. The quality was beautiful.” — Saamah

Pens that check all the boxes

Pens are a small item with the potential for a big impact. These customers all found ways to get them into the hands of their audience.

• “Having your swag be a high quality product really makes a difference. People are excited to receive our pens and they are more likely to be used which in turn creates better publicity!” — McKenzie

• “The price is great and the choice of ink was appreciated. The pen feels great to use and the grip is very comfortable.” — Bernard

• “The pens help build recognition for South Muskoka Hospital Foundation. People love them.” — Leah

• “For the first time ever, we entered a float in our local Santa Claus Parade. And instead of handing our candy to kiddos, we passed our pens to parents and grandparents in an effort to get our name out in the community and generate buzz around what we do.” — Nancy

Unexpected prizes and giveaways

When planning events, sales promotions or other happenings, strong promotional swag ideas can help maximize the moment. These customers got especially creative with their prizes and giveaways.

• “Great little First Aid Kit, lots of room to customize to your needs. It opens the door to Fire & Life Safety questions!” — Jeff

• “We use your custom lanyards for our medals and your pucks for our player of the game awards with our minor hockey association. Kids love them and it's a good look. Thanks!” — Keith

• “During Covid a campaign was started called #duckduckjeep and it was to connect Jeep^® people so we decided to give custom ducks away with new Jeep purchases at our dealership.” — Troy

• “We use these business card magnifiers as promotional giveaways at our information tables during community events. We haven't had many events yet, but we are excited to give them away!” — Shahzi

Share your own expert promotional product ideas

Do you have successful promo item ideas that could inspire others? Head to our #SwaggingRights page and share your story.

Melanie Vandenboogaard

Melanie VandenBoogaard is a senior merchandising category manager with nearly two decades of experience in the merchandising industry. She specializes in bags—including backpacks, totes, and more—staying on top of trends to ensure 4imprint offers a wide selection that meets customers’ needs in both style and price. Melanie also leads product development for 4imprint’s private-label brands, where she enjoys creating, building, and designing new products.

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