You’ve seen it happen. A sea of tote bags, all filled with the same tired swag—keychains no one uses, pens that dry out by lunchtime, flyers forgotten before the day ends. By the time attendees reach their hotel, half the freebies are already headed for the bin.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
If you want people to remember your booth long after the exhibition ends, you need to give them something they’ll actually want to keep—something practical, surprising, or just plain useful. The kind of giveaway that sparks a smile and a conversation.
That’s where these ten smart ideas come in.
10 SMART GIVEAWAYS FOR YOUR NEXT EXHIBITION
If you are planning for your next exhibition or trade show and want people to actually care about your brand, it starts with giving them something valuable, useful, and memorable. Below are 10 tried and true booth items that people really want, not just because they are free, but because they are worth keeping.
1. PHONE CHARGING STATIONS
Trade shows are all-day events. Between snapping photos, checking schedules, and swapping LinkedIn profiles, phone batteries don’t stand a chance. That is why having a phone charging station is a major crowd puller.
But you can go a step further and offer branded portable chargers as giveaways. A sleek power bank with your logo? That’s daily brand visibility right in their pocket. Every time someone charges their phone, guess whose name they will see? Why it works:
- Attracts traffic to your booth naturally.
- Gives you time to start a real conversation while they charge.
- Puts your brand in their hands after the event.
2. HIGH QUALITY TOTE BAGS
Yes, everyone gives away tote bags. But not everyone gives away bags that last. So you may opt for the following:
- Thick canvas material.
- Cool, minimalist design.
- Bonus features like pockets or zippers.
And most importantly, make them attractive. A stylish bag can become someone’s go-to gym or travel tote. Add a fun quote or clever design that doesn’t scream” corporate freebie,” and suddenly you’ve turned a simple bag into mobile advertising.
SMART MOVE
Add a QR code or business card stitched inside the bag for that subtle branding touch.
3. CUSTOM REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES
Let’s be honest, single-use plastic bottles are out, and sustainable swag is in. People are always thirsty at exhibitions. A branded, reusable water bottle can be a lifesaver, especially if there are refill stations around. Choose bottles made of:
- Stainless steel.
- BPA-free plastic.
- Glass with silicone sleeves.
And go for leak-proof lids, no one wants a spill in their work bag. Bonus if they come in sleek, matte colours.
EXTRA TIP
Include a hydration message like, Stay fresh with [Your Brand Name], or launch a refill challenge to win a prize.
4. HEALTHY SNACK PACKS WITH A TWIST
Imagine walking around a conference all morning and suddenly stumbling upon a booth with free snacks. You would stop, right? That‘s why snack packs are such a winner. You are not just handing out food; you are solving a problem. Go for individual packs of:
- Trail mix.
- Energy bars.
- Granola.
- Dried fruits.
- Mini cookies.
Seal them with a custom label and brand message. People will remember the booth that saved them from hunger.
CREATIVE ADD-ON:
Include a fortune cookie-style message or fun note inside: you are one smart cookie for visiting “your brand name!”.
5. SPIN THE WHEEL OR GAMIFIED GIVEAWAYS
Want to grab attention and keep people at your booth longer? Make it fun. Games like spin the wheel, mini plinko boards, or trivia challenges entertain and generate buzz. You will get people lining up just to play. The key is to have:
- A mix of small and large prizes.
- Daily giveaways with a countdown.
- Branded merch and bonus entries for email sign-ups.
This is an easy way to drive engagement, footfall, and lead capture, all while keeping things lively. Best prizes to include can be the following:
- Branded hoodies or mugs.
- Wireless earbuds.
- Free service trials.
- Amazon or coffee shop gift cards.
6. BRANDED TECH ACCESSORIES
Think about small tech gadgets that can solve everyday problems; it’s time to move past pens and stress balls. Tech accessories are way more useful and stick around longer. Thus, consider the following:
Branded PopSockets or phone grips.
- Magnetic cable organisers.
- Webcam covers for privacy.
- Mini USB hubs.
- Wireless charging pads.
Most of these are lightweight, practical, and immediately useful. Plus, every time someone plugs in or sticks your brand on their phone, they are becoming more familiar with your business.
7. MINI DESK PLANTS OR SUCCULENTS
This one is a crowd pleaser and not just because it is cute. Mini succulents or desk plants add life to any workspace and send a message that your brand is thoughtful, fresh, and eco-friendly. They are compact enough to carry around and can be placed on any desk post-event.
Attach a plant tag that says:
- Let’s grow together.
- Rooting for your success.
- Bringing green energy to your desk, by [Your Brand Name].
People love these kinds of touches, and they will post about it online, tagging you.
8. NOTEBOOKS, THEY WILL ACTUALLY WANT TO USE
Let’s reinvent the boring branded notebook, shall we? Instead of handing out thin paper pads, go premium and try the following:
- Hardcover or soft-touch covers.
- Built-in pen holders or elastic bands.
- Custom internal pages with inspiring quotes.
- Lightly branded cover design (don’t overdo it.)
You can also make the first few pages interactive:
- Include a goal-setting section.
- Include a page with your service menu or QR code.
- Add a “Conference Contact” table to help them organise business cards.
They will thank you later and maybe even tag your notebook in their social media recap post.
9. EXPERIENCE-BASED GIVEAWAYS (MEMORABLE MOMENTS WIN)
Let us move beyond the stuff. If your booth can offer an experience, you win hearts. Here are a few ideas that work like magic:
- Mini massages (hire a local therapist for 5-minute sessions).
- Latte art baristas (serving hot drinks with your logo in foam).
- Photo booths with fun props and instant prints.
- Live caricature drawing or custom portraits.
- Wellness zones with essential oil samples and meditation tracks.
These are not just giveaways, they are moments. And people remember moments long after the freebies are gone.
10. EXCLUSIVE ACCESS VOUCHERS OR PASSES
Want to build relationships that last? Hand out branded cards that offer:
- Free consultations.
- 30-day trials of your service.
- Special discounts.
- VIP access to webinars or private networking mixers.
You are not just giving away a product, you’re giving away access. And access creates loyalty.
WRAPPING IT ALL UP
The truth is, the best exhibition booth items are not always flashy or expensive; they are thoughtful, practical, and well-designed. The kind of things people actually keep, talk about, and associate with a great brand experience. If you are planning your booth, ask yourself:
- Does this solve a real problem?
- Will they use this at work or at home?
- Would I be excited to receive this?
If the answer is yes, you are on the right track.Do you need help building your exhibition presence from the ground up? From custom stand design to branded experiences that people remember, our team is here to help you shine.
