Promo items - what works and what do people want?!

[NemoTeamo]

My boss has asked me to promote the company using a smallish budget of a couple of hundred quid. She wants promo type items but not very specific about WHAT. Im keen to avoid plastic rubbish that will be binned, but cant blow the budget on three nicely embroidered bags.
What do people like? Pens? Coasters? I ideally need to get company name and contact as well as a picture (not really a logo) on it. Any thoughts anyone?

What kind of industry are you in? Is there something that your target customers would be likely to use on a daily basis? That way if they use your promotional gift they will get used to seeing your company name every day and have the contact number to hand- so when they do need you it's an obvious choice?

Do people still like mouse mats? I do.
Don't do a desk calendar, I think everyone prefers online calendars these days, rather than a card one cluttering the desk.
Bespoke books were appreciated at my last company. They were tailored to the client and I think cost £10 each online. Requires thought and time. Preferably by someone with graphics ability.

Depends on your industry and if you deal with consumers or business to business. For consumers I always like trolley tokens (might be possible to squeeze everything in). Unless you are in the pub industry, not coasters!
If not a tool / ruler or similar.
I do like freebie pens, but that’s because I’m forever loosing pens!!

A plant a tree initiative - sending out a small, boxed sapling. Not sure on cost though. Daffodil bulbs, nicely boxed with your branding. The box won't last, but they might think it's a thoughtful gift.

It's direct to the public - a small events company. Need to be easy to give out or even just leave in places. Its quite female oriented and shopping trolley tokens wouldn't go down well...(although I like them!).

How about small notebooks I love having one in my bag for jotting down numbers or writing lists.

Pens..pencils.. reusable shopping bags..lip balm...lip stick. Candle. Post its. Flower (real or fake). Sweets. Coffee beans.

Tbh the only thing I would take is a pen or pencil.

Pens probably most likely to be used

I’ve always held on to pens whenever I’ve had goodie bags etc at events. And on the many occasions I’ve used them out and about, I’ve often ended up having conversations about “who are xx company, what do they do?” - what more could you want?

Phone/ device chargers are always good- you can get promotional multi chargers with your company logo on.

How many units do you need? What's the turnaround?

We did jelly beans once and also little wrapped chocolates. They were really popular. We had a slogan on that tied the product in with the company. The only downside is that consumables means you disappear whereas a mug or pen hopefully stays around.
What kind of company is it?

Its an events company. I like the idea of a pen but we need more info on it than would realistically fit...

Of all the crap gifts I have picked up over the years, the only things I still have and use are pens (often ones I've 'inherited' from others so spreading the word) and printed up cloth carrier bags.

I have quite a few cloth carrier bags - some plain, some printed - and they are so useful as they don't take up much space when empty. The advertising is also seen by others - to the extent that I have turned one inside out to avoid advertising WREN Kitchens

Small reflectors that you can put on a handbag/rucksack.

Usb memory sticks are my go to promo item at a conference (I also work in events) You can brand the stick and pop some advertising files on it (which will be deleted, but it's worth a shot!) Everyone needs USB sticks

I like the pens with the little rubbery ends (for phone screens). I also like edibles!

Or something practical - in ye olden days that would be a calculator, tape measure or swiss army knife. So today that would be - tote bag, travel cup, reuseable straw (I don't really 'get' this but the stores are full of them), or travel cutlery set/lunch box. Or a mini torch.

Pens and pencils get used in our house. I still have Holiday Inn ones from going to USA for work in 1994.

Lanyards? I use these for work passes, keys, etc

Fridge magnets

A cupcake

Tote bag & lanyard are great ideas

Get hand gel in a little holder and you will be their best pals for life!

We used to make personalised bottles of booze (and swiss army knives). I don't think you can really just hand these things out willy nilly any more!

I got a 3D puzzle ball at an event and really liked that.

I used to work for Royal Mail in promotions and the thing people loved the most were little tins of mints. You can get quite a bit of info on them and people keep in their bag and often would top up with more mints when finished so they have longevity.