You’re planning a marketing campaign and someone brings up promotional materials, but what does that actually include? In simple terms, promotional materials cover branded items and marketing assets used to increase visibility and help customers remember a business. That can include everyday giveaways, event signage, printed handouts, and even downloadable content.

Modern marketing campaigns need tools that work both online and offline. That’s why many brands use promotional materials alongside digital ads, email marketing, and social media to create more touchpoints and stronger recall. When the right item reaches the right audience, it becomes a practical reminder instead of something people ignore.

In this blog post, you’ll find 15 examples organized by category, plus tips to help you choose the best options based on your budget, audience, and campaign objective.

What Are Promotional Materials

 Promotional materials are branded products, printed resources, or digital assets used to support marketing efforts and reinforce brand recognition. They are commonly used for trade shows, conferences, store promotions, school events, and community outreach because they help keep a brand visible beyond the first interaction.

One advantage of promotional materials is that they create longer-lasting exposure than many traditional ads. A banner may attract attention during an event, while a reusable item can keep your name in circulation long afterward. This makes them especially useful for event marketing, customer acquisition, and brand-building campaigns.

T-Shirts

Keychains

Pins

Fanny Packs

Plastic Tumblers

Coffee Mugs

Pens

Mint Tins

Fidget Spinner

Stuffed Animals & Plush Toys

Stress Balls

Golf Balls

Common Types of Promotional Materials

Here are the most popular categories used in modern campaigns:

1. Branded giveaway items: pens, mugs, water bottles, tote bags, notebooks
2. Printed marketing collateral: business cards, brochures, postcards, flyers, catalogs
3. Digital marketing assets: eBooks, infographics, downloadable guides, white papers

How to Choose the Right Promotional Materials (Before You Order Anything)

Before selecting promotional materials, start with one key question: What do you want the campaign to achieve? Some campaigns focus on lead generation, others aim to increase store traffic, improve retention, or support a product launch.

Next, consider the audience and the setting. Items for a busy trade show booth should be lightweight and easy to grab, while corporate gifting should feel more premium and intentional. Focus on practicality, brand fit, and how often the item will realistically be used. When chosen strategically, promotional materials help you stay top-of-mind without relying on constant ad spend.

15 Promotional Materials Examples

I've organized the following 15 examples into categories so you can quickly find what fits your campaign, audience, and budget.

Branded Pens & Writing Instruments

Writing instruments consistently deliver the lowest cost-per-impression (CPI) in the promotional industry. From budget-friendly plastic stick pens for high-volume trade shows to laser-engraved metal executive pens for client appreciation, these daily essentials ensure your brand stays in hand. Customization options range from standard silk-screening to full-color digital wraps and soft-touch rubberized finishes.

Writing instruments generate approximately 3,000 impressions over their lifetime and have a Cost-Per-Impression (CPI) of less than 1/10th of a cent. (Source: ASI Ad Impressions Study)

Custom Printed Tote Bags

More than just a carrier, a custom tote bag acts as a mobile billboard with an expansive imprint area. We offer options ranging from lightweight non-woven polypropylene for conventions to heavy-duty cotton canvas and jute for premium retail merchandising. These reusable bags align with eco-conscious initiatives while providing high utility for grocery shopping, commuting, or gym use.

A single promotional bag generates nearly 6,000 impressions throughout its lifetime, more than any other product in the industry. (Source: ASI Ad Impressions Study)

Promotional Apparel & Custom T-Shirts

Apparel offers the highest brand visibility of any category. Beyond standard screen-printed cotton tees, our selection includes performance blends, moisture-wicking polos, and retail-quality hoodies suitable for corporate uniforms or lifestyle merchandising. We utilize advanced decoration methods—including embroidery, dye sublimation, and direct-to-film (DTF) transfer—to ensure your logo endures wash after wash.

80% of consumers own at least one promotional t-shirt, making it the most ubiquitous branded item in households. (Source: PPAI Consumer Study)

Logo Mugs & Ceramic Drinkware

Secure prime real estate on your client's desk with custom ceramic mugs. High-retention items like bistro mugs, camper styles, and large-capacity steins become part of the recipient's morning routine. Our drinkware features kiln-fired imprints for durability, ensuring your message remains vibrant through daily dishwasher cycles and microwave use.

57% of people were able to recall the advertiser on a mug, compared to only 32% recall from radio advertising. (Source: ASI Ad Impressions Study)

Custom Notebooks & Professional Journals

Ideal for B2B marketing and employee onboarding, branded notebooks offer high perceived value and functional utility. Options include hardcover Moleskine-style journals, spiral-bound jots, and eco-friendly recycled paper books. Debossing and foil stamping on leatherette covers add a sophisticated touch suitable for executive meetings and conferences.

People are 42% more likely to achieve their goals just by writing them down, making notebooks a high-utility gift for professionals. (Source: Dominican University Psychology Study)

Insulated Tumblers & Travel Mugs

Driven by hydration trends, vacuum-insulated stainless steel tumblers are among the most coveted corporate gifts. Featuring double-wall copper construction, these vessels keep beverages hot for 12 hours or cold for 24+. High-end powder-coated finishes allow for laser engraving that reveals the stainless steel beneath for a permanent, premium look.

The global reusable water bottle market is projected to reach $12.6 billion by 2030, driven by the shift away from single-use plastics. (Source: Grand View Research)

Wireless Chargers & Tech Accessories

Position your brand as tech-forward with Qi-certified wireless chargers and desktop tech organizers. As remote work and mobile reliance grow, accessories like multi-device charging pads and weighted cable organizers keep your logo visible in the modern workspace. These high-utility items are excellent for client retention gifts and tech-industry events.

87% of consumers keep promotional power banks and tech accessories for more than one year because of their usefulness. (Source: ASI Ad Impressions Study)

Branded Phone Wallets & PopSockets

Capitalize on the device people look at most: their smartphone. Silicone phone wallets and genuine PopSockets offer high-frequency exposure at an affordable price point. These adhesive accessories are particularly effective for targeting younger demographics, university students, and festival attendees.

The average American checks their phone 96 times per day, providing nearly 100 daily brand impressions for phone accessories. (Source: Asurion Tech Survey)

Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Merchandise

Align your brand with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals using our verified sustainable product lines. We source items made from RPET (recycled plastics), organic cotton, bamboo, and wheat straw. Authentically eco-friendly products not only reduce environmental impact but also resonate deeply with values-driven consumers.

46% of consumers have a more favorable opinion of an advertiser if the promotional product they receive is environmentally friendly. (Source: ASI Ad Impressions Study)

Custom Wellness Kits & Hand Sanitizers

Demonstrate care for your customers and employees with branded health essentials. From FDA-approved hand sanitizers to SPF lip balms and compact first-aid kits, these items associate your brand with safety and preparedness. They are essential components for travel agencies, healthcare providers, and outdoor event coordinators.

The corporate wellness market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2028 as companies prioritize employee health and safety. (Source: Grand View Research)

Bluetooth Speakers & Audio Gear

High-fidelity Bluetooth speakers and noise-canceling earbuds are high-impact rewards perfect for sales incentives or VIP client gifting. Because audio gear is used during leisure time and travel, it builds a positive emotional connection with your brand outside of office hours.

High-end tech items like speakers generate high "pass-along" value, with 63% of consumers passing them on to others rather than throwing them away. (Source: PPAI Consumer Study)

Branded Puzzles & Brain Teasers

Don't just show your audience your brand message—make them build it. Custom jigsaw puzzles and logic games create a unique "lean-in" moment where the recipient actively focuses on assembling your logo or campaign imagery. This transforms a passive gift into an active experience.

Why it works: Interactive engagement and memory retention.

The Evidence: This approach is backed by the "Revelation Effect," a concept highlighted in the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology. The study confirms that when people actively solve a problem to reveal a word or image, they are significantly more likely to remember that brand later compared to simply reading it on a flyer.

Best usage:

• Direct Mail: Flat puzzles fit easily into standard envelopes for high-impact mailers.
• Wellness Kits: Position them as "desk-break" tools to encourage mental downtime.
• Event Invites: Send the pieces as a teaser that reveals the event location or date.

Stack'D Up™ Tumble Tower Game

Color Wood Shapes Challenge Puzzle

Promotional Wooden Tower Puzzle

Logo Wooden Snake Puzzle

Customized 2-Sided Maze Puzzle

Puzzle Picture Frame Magnet

Imprinted Wooden Block Set

New 3-in-1 Wooden Puzzle Boxed Set

Promotional Wood Hexagon Puzzle

Custom Wooden Elastic Cube Puzzle

Personalized Wooden Star Puzzle

Desk Toys & Stress Relievers

Classic polyurethane stress balls and modern fidget devices serve a functional purpose in high-stress environments. By providing a tactile outlet during long calls or meetings, these items earn a permanent spot on the desktop, ensuring your contact information is always within arm's reach.

74% of office workers have at least one promotional item in their workspace, with desk accessories being the most common retention item. (Source: PPAI Research)

Plantable Seed Paper & Grow Kits

Create a lasting legacy with zero-waste marketing. Seed paper cards and biodegradable pots allow recipients to plant your promotional message, which grows into wildflowers or herbs. This "green" interaction creates a memorable brand experience that physically grows over time.

78% of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand with a proven focus on sustainability and waste reduction. (Source: Nielsen IQ)

Custom Snack Boxes & Edible Gifts

Food is a universal language that creates immediate gratification. Our curated snack boxes feature gourmet treats like chocolates, nuts, and popcorn in fully branded packaging. These are highly effective for holiday gifting, virtual event refreshments, or "welcome back" office kits.

The US corporate gifting market is valued at over $258 billion, with food and beverage being the leading category for client appreciation. (Source: Coresight Research)

Novelty Items & Viral Swag

Break through the noise with unique items designed to spark conversation. From branded sunglasses and retro fanny packs to light-up gadgets, novelty products are perfect for festivals, product launches, and experiential marketing campaigns where the goal is immediate engagement and social sharing.

Novelty items have the highest "social media share rate" of any promotional category, driving organic digital reach beyond the physical recipient. (Source: PPAI Social Media Trends)

Custom Padfolios & Presentation Folders

Equip your sales team and conference attendees with professional organizational tools. Leatherette padfolios and debossed presentation folders elevate the perceived value of your documents. These are staples for financial institutions, real estate closings, and educational seminars.

Industry Insight: Sales representatives using high-quality presentation materials are perceived as 50% more professional and prepared by prospective clients. (Source: Sales Management Association)

Custom USB Flash Drives

Bridge the physical and digital gap by distributing branded USB drives pre-loaded with your catalogs, presentations, or software demos. Available in swivel, credit card, or custom-molded shapes, these drives ensure your digital assets are delivered in a tangible, keepable format.

58% of consumers own a promotional USB drive, and 43% keep it for two years or longer—double the retention of standard print advertising. (Source: ASI Ad Impressions Study)

Executive Pen Gift Sets

For milestones and C-suite gifting, standard pens won't suffice. Our executive sets feature heavyweight brass or metal barrels, premium rollerball cartridges, and presentation gift boxes. Brands like Parker, Waterman, and Cross leverage established prestige to elevate your corporate reputation.

89% of consumers can recall the name of the advertiser who gave them a premium promotional product within the last 24 months. (Source: PPAI Consumer Study)

Leather Business Card Holders

A refined accessory for the networking professional. Laser-engraved leather or metal card holders protect business cards while adding a touch of class to every exchange. This is a sophisticated gift choice for legal professionals, consultants, and luxury service providers.

First impressions are formed within 7 seconds of meeting; premium accessories help establish immediate credibility in face-to-face networking. (Source: Forbes/Psychology Today)

Desktop Organizers & Office Accessories

Help your clients declutter while keeping your brand front and center. Multifunctional desk accessories—such as pen cups with built-in phone stands or digital clock organizers—provide daily utility that justifies the desk space they occupy.

The average employee spends 5 hours and 41 minutes per day at their desk, guaranteeing thousands of brand impressions per year for desktop items. (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Event Badges & Credentials

Security and networking rely on clear identification. We produce durable laminated credentials, PVC badges, and variable-data name tags for conferences and festivals. High-quality badging enhances the professionalism of your event and facilitates easier attendee interaction.

76% of event attendees say that networking is the primary driver for their participation, making readable, professional badges critical for ROI. (Source: IAEE)

Conference Swag Bags

Set the tone for your event with a fully stocked welcome bag. A well-curated swag bag serves as a starter kit for attendees, containing water bottles, schedules, lanyards, and local snacks. High-quality bags continue to be used long after the conference ends, extending event ROI.

71% of attendees share images of their event swag on social media, expanding the event’s reach far beyond the convention hall. (Source: EventMB)

Custom Lanyards & Badge Reels

The most visible item at any event, lanyards offer continuous eye-level branding. We offer dye-sublimated lanyards for full-color graphics, as well as woven polyester and tubular styles. Attachments can be customized for keys, ID badges, or USB drives, making them practical for campus security and corporate offices.

Lanyards generate approximately 1,200 impressions per month during active use in corporate or campus environments. (Source: ASI Ad Impressions Study)

Custom Table Covers & Throws

Don't let a bare table undermine your professional presence. Our full-color, dye-sublimated table throws cover unsightly rental tables and turn your booth into a branded destination. Options include standard drapes, fitted covers, and stretch fabrics that provide a sleek, modern silhouette.

Exhibitors with professional booth branding (including table covers) attract 48% more traffic than those with unbranded or cluttered displays. (Source: CEIR)

Summarize at the end 

FAQs About Promotional Materials

1) What imprint method should I choose for different items?

For drinkware and metal products, laser engraving is durable and premium. For apparel, screen printing works for large runs, while embroidery feels higher-end. For full-color logos on flat items, UV print or digital printing is a strong choice.

2) How do I make sure my logo looks good on every product?

Ask for a digital proof and confirm size, placement, and colors. If your logo has fine details, request a simplified version for small items like pens and phone accessories.

3) What file format do printers need for the best results?

Vector files are best (AI, EPS, or PDF). If you only have a PNG or JPG, it may need to be redrawn for clean edges and accurate colors, especially for embroidery or engraving.

4) What’s the best way to match brand colors accurately?

Provide Pantone (PMS) color codes when possible. Screen colors can look different on fabric, metal, and paper, so ask for color-matching guidance or a pre-production sample for larger orders.

5) How do I choose the right item for a specific audience?

Start with lifestyle: office workers love desk and tech items, commuters value drinkware and bags, and event crowds respond well to lightweight giveaways. Relevance beats trendiness.

6) Are eco-friendly options actually sustainable, or just marketing?

Look for proof points like recycled-material details (RPET), certifications, and transparent sourcing. A product can be “green” in concept but still wasteful if it breaks quickly or gets tossed.

7) What are the most common hidden costs to plan for?

Shipping, setup fees, proofs, rush production, and import tariffs (on some items) can change totals. Packaging upgrades and kitting also add cost if you’re building gift boxes.

8) How far in advance should I order for events and launches?

For standard production, many orders take 2 to 4 weeks after proof approval. For large quantities, complex decoration, or overseas sourcing, plan 6 to 10 weeks to avoid rush fees and limited options.

9) Should I include QR codes on items, and where do they work best?

Yes, when you have a clear next step like a landing page, discount, or event signup. QR codes work best on flat, readable surfaces like postcards, stickers, packaging inserts, and tote bags.

10) What are smart ways to distribute items beyond trade shows?

Try direct mail kits, customer onboarding boxes, employee welcome packages, referral rewards, appointment follow-ups, and local partnerships. Distribution matters as much as the product choice.

Ready to Create Your Promotional Materials Campaign?

Finding the right promotional materials doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're planning a trade show presence, building employee welcome kits, or creating client appreciation gifts, the right products make all the difference.

Explore our promotional products catalog to browse thousands of customizable options across every category covered here. Our team can help you select items that fit your budget, match your brand, and achieve your marketing goals.