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Originally Posted On: https://desertskiesmarketing.com/best-trade-show-giveawaysfor-2026/
WHAT MAKES A “BEST” TRADE SHOW GIVEAWAY?
A smart giveaway starts with intent. Are you trying to create quick booth traffic, start longer conversations, or reward qualified prospects? Once you know the goal, it is easier to choose an item that fits the moment and the budget.
Here are the traits I look for when choosing “best” trade show giveaways for 2026:
- Useful right away
- Easy to carry
- High chance of being kept
- Clear branding space
- Strong value per impression
- A good fit for your audience
Most booths do better with a mix, not a single item. A grab-and-go piece pulls people in. A mid-tier item keeps them talking. A premium piece supports meetings with the right prospects. The goal is to make your giveaways feel intentional, not random.
Check out our full guide!
Custom Die-Cut Stickers
Per unit cost: $0.07 – $3.79
Stickers are still one of the best trade show giveaways because people use them in public. They end up on laptops, water bottles, notebooks, phone cases, and toolboxes, so a single handout can create repeated impressions over time. These are contour cut to the exact shape of your design, so there is no extra backing material around the edges. That die-cut shape is also more eye-catching than a standard rectangle sticker, which helps your brand stand out in a pile of swag.
Pricing ranges from $0.07-$3.79 each, and the price scales dramatically with quantity. A clear example: at 1,000 quantity, 2″x2″ stickers are $0.34 each. Production is 4-6 business days.
Custom Lapel Pins
Per unit cost: $0.94
Pins have built-in “keep” behavior because they feel collectible. People display them on backpacks, jackets, tote bags, and at-home pin boards, so your brand stays visible well after the show ends. This option is die struck metal with soft enamel colors. Sizes include 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, or 1-1/4″. You can use up to 4 soft enamel colors with free PMS matching, and you can choose metal finishes such as Gold, Nickel,
Pricing ranges from $0.94-$2.88 each, with an example cost of $1.72 each at 500 quantity for 3/4″ pins.
Non-Woven Tote Bags
Per unit cost: $2.80
A tote bag is the ultimate “carrier” giveaway. It helps attendees carry everything else they collect, which means your logo can travel the show floor for the entire day. This is a best-selling grocery tote made from premium 100 GSM non-woven material. Size is 13″W x 10″D x 15″H. It includes dual-reinforced handles that are 1-1/4″W x 20″ long, plus a plastic bottom insert that helps the bag stay upright and useful.
There are 13+ color options including Black, Royal Blue, Red, Navy, and Lime Green. Pricing ranges from $2.80-$3.90 each, with an example cost of $3.20 each at 500 quantity. Screen print imprint area options are 5″W x 10″H or 6″W x 8″H. Production can be 4 business days. The trade show value is simple: it holds other swag and gets reused, creating a “walking billboard” effect.
Eco-Friendly Tumbler
Per unit cost: $8.77
If you want a premium giveaway that feels like a real gift, insulated drinkware is a strong choice because it gets daily use. This 16oz tumbler is double-wall vacuum insulated: hot 5 hours, cold 15 hours. It is made from 91% post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel. The push-on lid with twist opening closure is 100% recycled polypropylene. The exterior is condensation-resistant, which helps it feel comfortable in-hand and keeps bags and desks drier.
It comes in 7 colors: Black, Gray, Green, Midnight Blue, Orange, Red, and White. Pricing ranges from $8.77-$12.28 each, with an example cost of $11.80 each at 150 quantity.
Softy Gel Pens with Stylus
Per unit cost: $1.68
Pens win because they are always needed and easy to accept. This one adds a built-in stylus, which gives attendees another reason to keep it for phones and tablets. It features an aluminum rubber barrel with a chrome metal clip and measures about 5.65″ in length. Classic colors are Black, Red, Green, Taupe, Blue, and Purple, with silver accents.
Branding is laser engraving on the barrel with a 2″W x 0.295″H imprint area. Price is listed at $1.68-$1.83 each, with an example cost of $1.79 each at 500 quantity. Production is 4 business days most of the time. For many booths, pens are the perfect “table-level” giveaway because they are low cost, high utility, and always appreciated.
Brights Version: Same Features, More Energy
If you want a brighter look on your giveaway table, the Brights version keeps the same features while changing the vibe. It has the same aluminum rubber barrel, chrome metal clip, stylus, and laser engraving imprint (2″W x 0.295″H). Length is also about 5.65″. The Brights color options are White, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Pink, Light Blue, and Dark Blue.
Pricing is listed at $1.68-$1.83 each, with an example cost of $1.79 each at 500 quantity. Production is around 4 business days. Functionally it is a writing tool plus stylus, but visually it can help your booth look more energetic and easier to notice from a few steps away.
Soft Bound Journal
Per unit cost: $8.08
A journal is a strong mid-to-premium giveaway because it tends to stay on desks and in bags. This one is 8″ x 5.5″, which is compact enough to carry but large enough for meeting notes. The cover is supple Italian UltraHyde for a faux leather look and feel. Inside are 80 sheets of FSC Mix lined paper. It includes an elastic band closure, a page marker ribbon, and an interior document pocket.
It comes in 9 colors: Black, Blue, Gray, Navy, Orange, Purple, Red, Terra Cotta, and Turquoise. Pricing ranges from $8.08-$11.32 each, with an example cost of $10.42 each at 144 quantity (debossed). Production is about 5 business days decorated.
Classic Dad Cap
Per unit cost: $9.90
Wearables are powerful because they extend your impressions beyond the show. This cap is a top-selling style with a relaxed fit. Material is washed chino twill fabric. The design is low profile, unstructured, with a pre-curved visor. It closes with a fabric strap and antique brass sliding buckle, so it is adjustable.
Colors include Black, Navy, Khaki, Forest Green, and Burnt Orange. Imprint options include flat embroidery, 3D embroidery, screen print, and patches. Pricing ranges from $9.90-$24.40 each depending on decoration, with an example cost of $16.50 each at 96 quantity for flat embroidery. If you want a premium item that people wear repeatedly, this is a strong VIP-level giveaway.
Crew Athletic Socks
Per unit cost: $8.71
Socks are a memorable giveaway because they are unexpected and feel like a real gift. These are calf-length athletic socks with a padded footbed, arch support, and ventilating mesh panels. They are made from a cotton-nylon blend. They are also 100% custom design with any colors and full coverage, which is a big reason they can become a conversation starter at the booth.
The imprint is knitted or woven jacquard, meaning the design is part of the sock, not printed on. Pricing ranges from $8.71-$18.36 each, with an example cost of $9.12 each at 500 quantity. Production ranges 15-20 business days, so plan ahead. They are positioned as a high perceived value item that is shareable, meaning people may photograph them and post them, which can extend your brand reach.
3/4″ Dye-Sublimated Lanyard
Per unit cost: $2.27
Lanyards are a trade show essential because badges are everywhere. This lanyard is 3/4″ x 16″ and made from polyester. Hardware includes a metal crimp and metal split ring, with other options available. The branding advantage is full-color dye sublimation with unlimited colors and photographic quality, so you can print detailed designs rather than simple one-color layouts.
Attachment upgrades include Bulldog clip, swivel snap hook, and lobster claw. There is also a glow-in-the-dark option available. Pricing ranges from $2.27-$3.06 each, with an example cost of $2.48 each at 500 quantity. Production is 7 business days. Because lanyards are worn all day during the event, they can create strong on-site visibility.
Premium Hand Sanitizer Combo
Per unit cost: $3.92
Health and wellness items stay popular because they are compact, portable, and used often. This is a 2-in-1 giveaway: a 1.5 fl oz hand sanitizer plus an SPF 15 lip balm. The sanitizer is 60% ethyl alcohol and the lip balm provides broad spectrum SPF 15 protection. A clip attachment lets it attach to a bag, purse, or pocket, which increases the odds it stays with the attendee.
There are 22 lip balm flavors including Beeswax, Cherry, Coconut, Peppermint, Vanilla, Watermelon, and more. Branding is full-color label imprint on both the tottle and the lip balm, giving you two branded surfaces in one giveaway. Pricing ranges from $3.92-$4.30 each, with an example cost of $4.02 each at 500 quantity. Production is 7 business days after proof approval.
bonus – 6′ Standard Table Throw
Per unit cost: $192.60
Giveaways help, but your booth presentation sets expectations before anyone picks up an item. A branded table throw makes your space look intentional and helps people identify your booth quickly. This table throw fits standard 6′ tables and is sized 72″W x 28″D x 30″H. It provides full four-sided coverage with draped corners and is made from polyester poplin. It is machine washable, wrinkle-resistant, and flame retardant (FR rated for exhibit halls).
Printing is full-color, full-bleed dye sublimation. Pricing ranges from $161.80-$192.60 each, and the single unit price is $192.60. Production is 3 business days. A 1-year product warranty is included. If you want one item that improves your booth photos, booth visibility, and overall professionalism at once, this is it.
