8 Proven Giveaway Ideas for Events that will Boost your ROI

Need giveaway ideas for events that will boost your ROI?

We understand that finding the right promotional giveaways can be challenging—especially on a limited budget.

That's why we're here to help you choose the best giveaways for your events and conferences!

Our studies show that 90% of people recall the company behind a promotional giveaway even two years later.

And when a giveaway is useful, people keep it—77% do, which means your brand stays visible long after the event.

So, what makes a great event giveaway?

As per our TEDx talk the best ones are useful, provide an experience, and practical—like a custom tote bag, a branded notebook, or a handy tech gadget. When people actually use your giveaway, they see your brand again and again.

But, how do you find products that are useful, provide an experience and are practical?

Here're some case studies to help you with exactly that!

In the case studies below, we'll explore real-life scenarios of famous brands that used giveaways to increase engagement, attract new customers, and build strong connections.

Keep reading to discover proven giveaway ideas for events that will make your brand stand out!

Case Study #1: Whitestone’s Anniversary Giveaways That Strengthened Their Brand

Celebrating 10 years in business is a big milestone, and Whitestone wanted to make it truly special. Instead of just hosting a party or posting on social media, they launched a branded giveaway campaign that connected employees, clients, and partners to their journey. This approach turned a simple celebration into a lasting branding opportunity that kept their company top of mind.

Whitestone’s anniversary campaign shows how thoughtful promotional gifts and giveaways can create stronger brand connections and leave a lasting impression.

Let’s walk through this campaign step by step to see what worked—and how you can apply these strategies to your next event.

Company Overview

Company: Whitestone
Company Size: 51-200 Employees
Industry: Branding & Design
Organizer Country: US
Target Audience: Clients, Partners, and Employees

Primary Objective

Whitestone wanted a memorable anniversary giveaway campaign that reflected their company values and made a lasting impact on employees, clients, and partners.

Strategy & Execution

They designed custom promotional giveaways like tote bags, notebooks, and wireless chargers. These weren’t just giveaways—they told a story about Whitestone’s past, present, and future.

Results

The campaign kept Whitestone top of mind, strengthened its community, and helped create new business opportunities.

Similar Product Recommendations

If you're looking for effective giveaway ideas for your events like anniversaries, celebrations, rewards and recognition, etc. consider these top giveaway products:

✔ Custom Tote Bags
✔ Personalized Notebooks
✔ Branded Wireless Chargers

Final Thoughts

Instead of a one-time event, Whitestone used branded giveaways to keep their company in front of the right people. A simple tote bag or notebook became a reminder of their brand long after the celebration ended.

Case Study #2: SugarSpot’s Rebrand using Giveaways That Increased Sales and Website Visits

A strong rebrand can help a company reach new customers and create lasting brand loyalty. SugarSpot, a candy brand under HPG’s Batch & Bodega, embraced this idea and revamped its brand to stand out in the advertising industry. By doing so, they transformed a simple refresh into a powerful marketing opportunity.

SugarSpot’s rebrand proves that thoughtful promotional giveaways can drive engagement, strengthen brand awareness, and leave a lasting impression on customers.

Let’s go step by step through this campaign to see how SugarSpot’s rebrand helped attract new customers and grow its business.

Company Overview

Company: SugarSpot
Company Size: 1K-5K Employees
Industry: Advertising Services
Organizer Country: US
Target Audience: Businesses, and corporate clients

Primary Objective

SugarSpot wanted to refresh its brand and make a strong impression using giveaways. The goal was to increase brand awareness, attract new customers, and drive sales.

Strategy & Execution

They started with a small test launch in late 2022, then revealed the full rebrand at The Industry Expo 2023. Their booth featured a huge display, free candy giveaways, and a fun branding video. They also mailed 1,000 custom candy kits to top customers, helping spread the word.

Results

The rebrand worked like magic! More people visited their website, email engagement increased, and sales went up. SugarSpot successfully reintroduced itself and gained new customers all using the power of branded giveaways.

Similar Product Recommendations

If you're looking for effective giveaway ideas for events at your company, consider these top promotional products:

✔ Branded Candy Gifts
✔ Custom-Wrapped Chocolates
✔ Personalized Candy Boxes

Final Thoughts

SugarSpot’s rebranding shows that a fresh look, smart marketing, and quality promotional products can completely transform a brand’s reputation.

Case Study #3: Hillarys Holiday Giveaway: 23,000 Meals Donated

The holiday season is about gratitude, generosity, and bringing people together. Hillarys, a leader in the retail industry, saw this as a chance to create something meaningful. Instead of sending traditional holiday cards, they launched a giveaway campaign where customer participation helped provide meals for families in need.

Hillarys holiday giveaway campaign shows how a simple yet thoughtful initiative can create meaningful engagement while strengthening brand connections.

Let’s go step by step through this giveaway campaign to see how Hillarys made it a special experience for connecting with customers.

Company Overview

Company: Hillarys
Company Size: 1K-5K Employees
Industry: Retail
Organizer Country: United States
Target Audience: Customers, Business Partners, and Community Members

Primary Objective

Hillarys wanted to make the campaign more meaningful by using branded giveaways to engage customers while supporting a charitable cause.

Strategy & Execution

Each holiday card included a QR code leading to a webpage where customers could share how many people would be at their holiday table. For every response, Hillarys donated one meal per person to Feeding America. To close the giveaway campaign, they sent a New Year’s message thanking customers and sharing the total meals donated.

Results

Through their holiday giveaway campaign, Hillarys donated 23,000 meals to families in need. Customers loved being part of the initiative and appreciated a brand that gives back through meaningful giveaways that make a real impact.

Similar Product Recommendations

If you're looking for effective giveaway ideas for your events like holiday campaigns, customer appreciation programs, cause-driven initiatives, corporate social responsibility (CSR) events, and brand engagement campaigns, consider these top giveaway products:

✔ Personalized Thank-You Gifts
✔ Reusable Lunch bags with food
✔ Cutlery sets
✔ Custom Mugs with a Purpose
✔ Branded Snack Boxes

Final Thoughts

Hillarys proved that a simple giveaway idea can create a big impact. By involving customers in their holiday campaign, they transformed a seasonal tradition into a powerful act of kindness—one that strengthened customer relationships and supported a great cause.

 

Case Study #4: One Giveaway, 225 New Sign-Ups

Commonsku wanted more people to sign up for The Backpack, their bi-monthly newsletter. Instead of just sending emails or running ads, they launched a giveaway campaign featuring an Oakley backpack—a high-quality prize that caught people’s attention and drove sign-ups.

This campaign highlights how a well-planned promotional giveaway can increase engagement and attract new customers.

Let’s go step by step through this campaign and see how this giveaway led to 225 new sign-ups.

Company Overview

Company: Commonsku
Company Size: 51-200 Employees
Industry: Software Development
Organizer Country: United States
Target Audience: Existing customers and new prospects

Primary Objective

Commonsku wanted to increase newsletter subscriptions and keep current readers interested through giveaways.

Strategy & Execution

The giveaway campaign was promoted through social media and email marketing, reaching both new and existing subscribers. Commonsku partnered with S&S Activewear to give away an Oakley backpack, a high-quality product that would grab attention.

Their team designed the backpack branding in-house, took professional photos, and created engaging content to build excitement. Every part of the campaign—from announcing the giveaway to interacting with participants—was planned to make people feel involved.

Results

The giveaway campaign attracted 225 entries, exceeding expectations by more than 10%. Beyond sign-ups, it strengthened brand awareness and deepened engagement with their existing audience. Don’t forget how many impressions the backpack will get throughout its lifetime. The average number of impressions for backpacks is 1940.

Similar Product Recommendations

If you're looking for effective giveaway ideas for events at your company, consider these top giveaway products:

✔ Custom-Branded Backpacks
✔ Personalized Laptop Bags
✔ Tote bags

Final Thoughts

The giveaway helped Commonsku reach new people while reminding existing readers why they love the brand. More sign-ups meant more people learning about their business and staying involved.

 

Case Study #5: Spector & Co.'s Success with the Super Nintendo World Giveaway Campaign

Branded giveaways do more than just advertise—they help people connect with brands in a fun and memorable way. Spector & Co. took this idea to the next level with their Super Nintendo World giveaway campaign, using creativity, nostalgia, and bold design to make their giveaways stand out.

This campaign proves that the right giveaway can be more than just a freebie—it can be something people genuinely value and hold onto.

Let’s go step by step through this campaign to see how they made it happen.

Company Overview

Company: Spector & Co.
Company Size: 201-500 Employees
Industry: Advertising Services
Organizer Country: United States
Target Audience: Businesses

Primary Objective

Spector & Co. aimed to showcase their creative branding expertise by designing giveaways that spark excitement and create strong brand connections.

Strategy & Execution

They created bold, nostalgia-driven promotional giveaways that people genuinely wanted to keep. The campaign featured eye-catching graphics, interactive elements, and a strong storytelling approach. Promotion extended across social media, email, website content, and in-person events like The Industry Expo 2023, reaching both existing clients and new prospects.

Results

The campaign proved that branded giveaways can be more than just freebies—they can create an experience. It positioned Spector & Co. as a leader in creative promotional marketing, strengthening brand awareness and engagement.

Similar Product Recommendations

If you're looking for effective giveaway ideas for events at your company, consider these top promotional giveaways:

✔ Custom-Designed Collectible Merchandise
✔ Interactive Branded Gifts
✔ Nostalgia-Themed Promotional Items
✔ Custom Water Bottles

Final Thoughts

Spector & Co. transformed promotional giveaways into an immersive brand experience. By combining smart design, strategic promotion, and creative storytelling, they made giveaways exciting, memorable, and impactful.

 

Case Study #6: HPG's Giveaway Campaign Increased Sales by 205%

A great product launch does more than introduce something new—it creates excitement and keeps people talking. HPG, a leader in advertising services, launched its Hub Infinity Imprint giveaway campaign to showcase 360-degree imprint technology in a way that truly stood out.

HPG’s approach shows how well-planned promotional giveaways can grab attention, build brand awareness, and even drive sales.

Let’s go step by step through this campaign to see what worked—and how you can use these strategies for your next event.

Company Overview

Company: HPG
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 Employees
Industry: Advertising Services
Organizer Country: United States
Target Audience: Companies and marketers

Primary Objective

HPG aimed to increase awareness and demand for its new imprinting technology using promotional giveaways while setting a sales target of $15,000 within five months.

Strategy & Execution

HPG launched a giveaway-driven marketing campaign using:
✔ Email campaigns to generate interest
✔ Social media promotions to engage potential buyers
✔ Event giveaways showcasing the 360-degree imprinting technology

Their messaging emphasized how high-quality branded giveaways enhance visibility, making a lasting impression on customers. They also shared real-life examples and success stories to reinforce the value of their products.

Results

The campaign exceeded expectations, boosting sales by 205.61% and generating $30,841 in revenue—more than double the initial target. Within just three months, two pen models completely sold out, proving that a well-planned giveaway strategy can create demand and drive sales.

Similar Product Recommendations

If you're looking for effective giveaway ideas for events at your company, consider these high-impact promotional products:

✔ Custom Engraved Metal Pens
✔ 360-degree Imprinted Plastic Pens
✔ Personalized Gel Ink Pens

Final Thoughts

HPG’s campaign proves that giveaways aren’t just freebies—they’re strategic marketing tools that can build brand recognition and drive sales. With the right messaging, creative branding, and distribution strategy, even a simple product can become a must-have promotional item.

 

Case Study #7: HPG’s Self-Promotion Giveaway Campaign Success

Marketing is most effective when it’s engaging, interactive, and valuable. HPG launched a self-promotion giveaway campaign to help Fullarton distributor members learn about their products in a fun and hands-on way. Instead of simply sharing product details, they used short videos, free samples, and digital tools to make learning more effective.

HPG’s campaign proves that strategic giveaways can enhance brand awareness, strengthen relationships, and drive sales.

Let’s walk through this campaign step by step to see what worked—and how you can apply these strategies to your next event.

Company Overview

Company: HPG
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 Employees
Industry: Advertising Services
Organizer Country: United States
Target Audience: Fullarton distributor members looking to improve product knowledge and boost sales

Primary Objective

HPG aimed to educate and engage distributor members through a fun, interactive learning experience using giveaways. The goal was to increase product awareness, strengthen client relationships, and drive sales.

Strategy & Execution

✔ Engaging Video Content: HPG created seven short, 60-second videos, each featuring top-selling products. These videos provided quick and easy product insights.

✔ Hands-On Experience with Giveaways: To reinforce product knowledge, HPG gave away free branded product samples to distributors. This hands-on experience allowed them to test, showcase, and demonstrate the products directly to customers—enhancing credibility and driving sales.

✔ Multichannel Giveaway Promotion: HPG strategically integrated giveaways into its marketing campaign, promoting them through email, PDF flyers, direct mailers, and QR codes linking to the videos. Each mailer included branded giveaways, ensuring distributors had tangible products to share, test, and use in real sales interactions.

Results

The campaign was a big success. Distributors gained valuable product knowledge, built stronger customer relationships, and increased sales—all through the power of branded giveaways. By combining videos, product samples, giveaways, and digital tools, HPG made learning and selling easier than ever.

Similar Product Recommendations

If you're looking for effective giveaway ideas for your events like training sessions, corporate workshops, product demonstrations, and industry expos, consider these top giveaway products:

✔ Custom Promotional Kits
✔ Branded Training Products
✔Branded Water Bottles
✔ Custom Tote Bags

Final Thoughts

HPG didn’t just distribute product details—they made learning exciting and hands-on. By combining video content, giveaways, and easy-to-access digital tools, they helped distributors experience products firsthand, build stronger customer connections, and boost sales.

 

Case Study #8: Showdown Displays Success with Giveaways for Trade Show

A great trade show display does more than just attract visitors—it tells a story, builds connections, and strengthens a brand. Showdown Displays recognized this and created their 2023 Tradeshow Lookbook to help businesses plan better, showcase products effectively, and stand out at events.

This campaign shows how a well-crafted resource can simplify event planning, enhance brand visibility, and make a lasting impact.

Let’s go step by step through this campaign to see how this Lookbook made tradeshows easier and more impactful for their clients.

Company Overview

Company: Showdown Displays
Company Size: 201-500 Employees
Industry: Printing Services
Organizer Country: United States
Target Audience: Businesses looking to improve their trade show setup

Primary Objective

Showdown Displays wanted to help businesses create better displays for events. They designed the Lookbook to give ideas, show how different products work together, and make planning easier.

Strategy & Execution

Instead of just showing products, the Tradeshow Lookbook:

• Gave display ideas to help businesses plan.
• Showed how products work together for a great setup.
• Made tradeshow prep easier with simple tips.

The lookbook became more than just a catalog—it was a useful guide to help businesses succeed.

Results

Businesses found the Lookbook easy to use and helpful for setting up displays. It simplified trade show planning and helped companies attract more visitors.

Similar Product Recommendations

If you're looking for giveaway ideas for events that increase brand visibility and engagement at trade shows, consider these top promotional products:

✔ Custom Trade Show Banners
✔ Personalized Pop-Up Displays
✔ Branded Table Covers
✔ Custom Lanyards & Badges
✔ Promotional Tote Bags
✔ Wireless Chargers & Tech Accessories

Final Thoughts

Trade Shows can be overwhelming, but this lookbook gave businesses a clear plan to set up displays that attract attention. It showed how different products work together, taking the guesswork out of the process.

 

FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Event Giveaways

 

What are good giveaways at events?

Good giveaways are useful, fun, and something people will keep. Popular options include branded tote bags, reusable water bottles, tech gadgets, and notebooks. People love swag they can use daily, like custom T-shirts, phone chargers, or eco-friendly promotional products. The best giveaways help people remember your brand long after the event!

How do you make a giveaway interesting?

Make a giveaway exciting by adding fun and making it feel special! Try a spin-the-wheel game, social media contest, or mystery prizes. Giveaways with limited-edition or personalized items, like engraved bottles, make people feel valued. The more engaging and exclusive it is, the more people will talk about it!

What are some swag giveaway ideas?

Great swag ideas include:

• Tech accessories – Wireless chargers, earbuds, webcam covers
• Eco-friendly items – Reusable straws, bamboo notebooks, tote bags
• Office supplies – Custom pens, notebooks, sticky notes
• Wearables – Custom T-shirts, caps, socks
• Wellness items – Stress balls, fitness bands, sleep masks

Pick swag that’s practical and fun so people will actually use it!

What are company swag ideas for events?

Company swag should be useful, eye-catching, and something people love to keep. Some great ideas include:

• Tote bags – Handy for events and daily use
• Tech gear – Power banks, USB drives, Bluetooth speakers
• Branded apparel – T-shirts, hoodies, caps
• Wellness items – Hand sanitizers, fitness towels, stress balls
• Eco-friendly swag – Bamboo pens, reusable water bottles

Good swag keeps your brand in people’s hands for a long time.

What is event swag?

Event swag is free branded stuff given at events to promote a company. It includes things like T-shirts, tote bags, notebooks, and tech gadgets. The goal is to make people remember your brand in a fun and useful way. Good swag is something people actually want to keep and use!

How to plan a giveaway?

To plan a great giveaway:

1. Pick a goal – Do you want more followers, leads, or brand awareness?
2. Choose a prize – Make it valuable and relevant to your audience.
3. Set the rules – Keep it simple to enter.
4. Pick a platform – Social media, email, or in-person?
5. Promote it – Use ads, influencers, and email blasts.
6. Choose winners fairly – Be transparent.
7. Follow up – Keep engaging with participants to build loyalty!

What are sustainable giveaways?

Sustainable giveaways are eco-friendly promotional items that help the planet. Great options include:

• Reusable water bottles – No more plastic waste
• Bamboo utensils – Great for on-the-go meals
• Recycled notebooks – Made from reused paper
• Solar-powered gadgets – Energy-saving and useful

These giveaways show you care about the environment while promoting your brand!

How to do a viral giveaway?

A viral giveaway spreads fast because people love sharing it! Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Offer a must-have prize – Make it exciting and valuable.
2. Make it easy to enter – Simple rules like "Tag a friend" or "Follow & share."
3. Create urgency – Limited-time giveaways get more attention.
4. Use social media – Encourage sharing and hashtags.
5. Work with influencers – More reach = more entries!

A good viral giveaway gets people talking and boosts brand awareness fast!

What are some giveaway rules?

Every giveaway needs clear and fair rules. Here’s what to include:

• Who can enter? (Age, location, any restrictions)
• How to enter? (Follow, tag, sign up, etc.)
• Entry deadline (Start and end date)
• How winners are picked (Random draw or best entry)
• Prize details (What they win, how it’s delivered)
• Legal disclaimer (Follow social media rules)

Clear rules make sure everyone plays fair and trusts your brand.

What are the benefits of giveaways?

Giveaways help attract new customers, increase brand awareness, and boost engagement. They’re great for growing social media followers, collecting emails, and getting people excited about your brand. The best part? People love free stuff, and a great giveaway keeps them coming back for more!

Do giveaways increase engagement?

Yes! Giveaways get more likes, shares, and comments because people love winning free stuff. Social media contests, email sign-ups, and event giveaways all boost engagement by making people interact with your brand. The more fun and valuable the giveaway, the better the response!

Are giveaways beneficial?

Definitely! Giveaways bring in new customers, increase brand awareness, and make people feel connected to your brand. A well-planned giveaway can turn casual visitors into loyal fans, and those fans help spread the word about your business.

Do giveaways generate sales?

Yes, giveaways can lead to more sales. When people win or try your products for free, they’re more likely to buy later or tell others about your brand. A giveaway also increases brand exposure, driving traffic to your website and social media. Adding discounts or special offers after a giveaway can boost sales even more!

Are giveaways still necessary in events today?

Yes! People expect free swag at events, and it’s still one of the best ways to make an impact. A good giveaway attracts visitors to your booth, increases brand awareness, and keeps your company top-of-mind. If your giveaway is useful and high-quality, people will keep it—and remember your brand long after the event!