Trade shows are perfect for making connections and helping your brand stand out. With so many booths vying for attention, the right giveaways can make visitors remember you long after the event ends. At Pinnacle Promotions, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t when it comes to trade show swag. Here’s what we think will make the biggest impact in 2025!
1. Branded Drinkware
Custom drinkware continues to be one of the most appreciated giveaways at trade shows. Attendees are always looking for practical items—and a stylish tumbler or mug they’ll actually use is a win. Whether it’s holding coffee at the office or water at the gym, drinkware creates frequent, valuable brand impressions.
Top Pick: Stanley® Quencher H2.O FlowState™ Tumbler (40 oz.) — iconic design, massive capacity, and built to last. A modern favorite that’s guaranteed to be carried (and envied) everywhere.
2. Tech Accessories
Tech accessories are always a hit, especially ones people can actually use. Think power banks, wireless chargers, and other handy gadgets. These items get picked up often, keeping your brand front and center throughout the day. Choose tech accessories that are compatible with multiple devices. A charger that works with both phones and tablets becomes the one everyone grabs first.
Top Pick: 3-in-1 Travel Charger — foldable, compact, and perfect for powering multiple devices on the go. A must-have for travelers and multitaskers.
3. Sustainable Tote Bags
Tote bags serve double duty at trade shows—helping attendees carry other swag while acting as mobile billboards for your brand. When made from recycled materials, they also send a strong message about your company’s values.
Top Pick: Combo Recycled Drawstring Bag — durable, eco-friendly, and practical, this bag stands out while showing your commitment to sustainability.
4. Branded Apparel
Custom apparel offers something special that other promotional items can’t match. A hoodie or cap with a logo might become a part of someone’s favorite Saturday morning coffee run outfit or go-to yard work shirt. Our clients have reported spotting their branded gear in airports years after a show. Pick from popular styles and stock a full size range (S–3XL) so everyone gets something they’ll actually wear.
Top Pick: Allmade® Unisex Tri-Blend Tee — ultra-soft, made with eco-conscious materials, and cut to flatter just about everyone.
5. Unique Desk Accessories
Want to earn a spot on someone’s desk? Give them something they’ll see or use daily. High-quality office accessories help keep your brand top of mind during meetings, calls, and work sessions.
Top Pick: FSC® Bamboo Photo Frame Desktop Organizer — a sleek blend of utility and style, perfect for displaying memories while organizing essentials.
6. Custom Journals and Notebooks
Promotional notebooks are the perfect mix of function and style. Bonus points for journals made with sustainable or premium materials—they tend to get used more often and kept longer.
Top Pick: 5.5” x 8.5” Kaya Recycled and Bamboo JournalBook — sleek, eco-friendly, and perfect for taking notes during key conversations or speaker sessions.
7. Comfort & Household Items
Trade show swag doesn’t have to stay at work. Household products like blankets, cutting boards, or bottle openers often get used at weekend games, camping trips, or cozy movie nights—associating your brand with comfort and leisure.
Top Pick: High Sierra Roll-Up Puffy Sherpa Blanket — soft, packable, and surprisingly useful across seasons.
8. Health & Wellness Giveaways
Personal care products like branded hand sanitizers, lip balm, and sunscreen continue to resonate—especially in crowded trade show environments. These small but thoughtful giveaways are frequently used on the spot, creating immediate brand recognition and utility.
Top Pick: Lip Moisturizer Ball — fun, compact, and easy to throw into a bag or pocket. A simple way to keep your brand in their daily routine.
9. Outdoor Recreation Items
Custom outdoor products and lifestyle swag like sunglasses, coolers, and folding chairs move your brand beyond the booth and into daily life. These items are perfect for both work and weekend use, maximizing your exposure.
Top Pick: Sun Ray RPP Sunglasses — lightweight, trendy, and made from recycled materials for a feel-good giveaway.
10. Last-Minute Rush Items
Even the best planners sometimes run out of time. That’s where 24-hour Rush products shine. From reusable water bottles to notepads and tote bags, our quick-ship options are a lifesaver for last-minute trade show prep. Our Victor Recycled Vacuum Insulated Tumbler is a go-to for rushed events—quick to produce, high in quality, and still leaves a lasting impression.
Top Pick: Victor Recycled Vacuum Insulated Tumbler (20 oz.) — sleek, functional, and rush-ready for tight timelines.
Choosing the Right Trade Show Promotional Products
Based on our trade show experience, a few factors typically work best.
- Be true to your brand – If sustainability is central to your company’s mission, plastic trinkets can send the wrong message
- Think usefulness first – The best promo items for a trade show are the ones recipients actually keep and use repeatedly
- Don’t cheap out on quality – Nothing says “we cut corners” like a pen that stops working after two days
- Plan ahead (with backup options) – Our 24-hour Rush option can save procrastinators
- Work with your actual budget – We offer promotional products across various price points
Our Pinnacle Platinum Guarantee™ ensures that orders will ship on time and exactly as approved, or we’ll re-run the order or refund your money.
Pinnacle Knows Promo, and that’s why thousands of businesses trust us with their trade show needs. Need help picking the right trade show swag for your next show? Give us a call at (888) 413-7283 to chat with our team, or browse our selection whenever inspiration strikes—even if it’s the week before your event.
Quick Tip: Ask about our digital IdeaKit™ to see multiple options at different price points. It makes getting internal approvals easier when budgets shift before finalizing your order.
