Summer giveaways are a thoughtful way for brands to gain attention and build rapport. They can make a big impact, whether it’s at a casual beach event or a formal trade show.
Picking the right item is key, one that speaks to your audience and fits the event, all while keeping a handle on costs.
In this guide, we’ll go over:
- Why Giveaways Work for Brands
- Our Recommended Summer Giveaway Items
- How to Pick The Perfect Giveaway
- Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Giveaways
Here Is a Summary of Our Recommended Summer Giveaways
| Giveaway Item | Best Suited For | Cost |
| Beach Balls | Beach events, outdoor festivals | $ |
| Reusable Water Bottles | Sports events, eco-conscious events | $$ |
| Tote Bags | Trade shows, shopping events | $ |
| Sunscreen Bottles | Beach events, outdoor sporting events | $$ |
| Sunglasses | Outdoor festivals, beach events | $$ |
| Beach Towels | Beach events, pool parties | $$$ |
| Fans | Outdoor summer festivals, parades | $ |
| Sun Visor | Beach events, spa events | $$ |
| Coolers | Picnics, outdoor BBQ events | $$$ |
| Hats | Outdoor sporting events, festivals | $$ |
| Umbrellas | Golf events, outdoor corporate events | $$$ |
| Stubby Holders | Tailgating events, BBQs | $ |
| Frisbees | Outdoor festivals, park events | $ |
| Phone Chargers | Trade shows, tech events | $$$ |
Why Giveaways Work for Brands
Summer giveaways work wonders for several reasons:
Memorable Interaction
They provide a tangible interaction with the brand, creating a memorable experience.
Word-of-Mouth
Happy recipients are likely to share their positive experience with others, fostering organic word-of-mouth marketing.
Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to other marketing strategies, giveaways can be a cost-effective way to increase brand awareness and visibility.
According to Agility PR Solutions, 62% of businesses use giveaways to boost brand awareness, and many host them regularly.
It’s evident that promotional giveaways are a viable strategy for building brand rapport and staying top of mind in your target market.
Our Recommended Summer Giveaway Items
Here’s a curated list of 14 promotional products, tailored to make your brand memorable at summer events. From budget-friendly to a bit lavish, find the perfect fit for your summer giveaway needs.
- Colourful, inflatable balls made of high-quality PVC for outdoor fun.
- Perfect For: Beach events, outdoor festivals.
- Cost: $
- Sturdy, eco-friendly bottles made from stainless steel or BPA-free plastic.
- Perfect For: Sports events, eco-conscious events.
- Cost: $$
3. Tote Bags
- Durable, reusable bags made from canvas or recycled materials.
- Perfect For: Trade shows, shopping events.
- Cost: $
- Bottles of protective sunscreen, perfect for sunny days.
- Perfect For: Beach events, outdoor sporting events.
- Cost: $$
5. Sunglasses
- Stylish sunglasses offering UV protection.
- Perfect For: Outdoor festivals, beach events.
- Cost: $$
6. Beach Towels
- Soft, absorbent towels for beach or pool use.
- Perfect For: Beach events, pool parties.
- Cost: $$$
7. Fans
- Handy fans to stay cool in the heat.
- Perfect For: Outdoor summer festivals, parades.
- Cost: $
8. Sun Visor
- Lightweight, adjustable, and perfect for outdoor summer events.
- Perfect For: Beach events, spa events.
- Cost: $$
9. Coolers
- Insulated coolers for keeping beverages and food chilled.
- Perfect For: Picnics, outdoor BBQ events.
- Cost: $$$
10. Hats
- Stylish hats for sun protection.
- Perfect For: Outdoor sporting events, festivals.
- Cost: $$
11. Umbrellas
- Durable umbrellas for rain or sun protection.
- Perfect For: Golf events, outdoor corporate events.
- Cost: $$$
12. Stubby Holders
- Insulated beverage holders for cans or bottles.
- Perfect For: Tailgating events, BBQs.
- Cost: $
13. Frisbees
- Fun flying discs for outdoor play.
- Perfect For: Outdoor festivals, park events.
- Cost: $
14. Phone Chargers
- Compact, convenient portable chargers for device charging on the go.
- Perfect For: Trade shows, tech events.
- Cost: $$$
How to Pick The Perfect Summer Giveaways
Choosing the perfect giveaway boils down to knowing your audience and the event. Pick items that echo the occasion’s vibe while resonating with your attendees. It’s about striking a balance between utility, appeal, and budget.
In summary, the ideal summer giveaway is:
Relevant: Aligns with your company logo, brand and audience interests.
Useful: Provides value, encouraging repeated use.
High-Quality: Well-made to create a positive brand impression.
Memorable: Stands out and leaves a lasting impression.
Cost-effective: Fits within budget while achieving desired impact.
Your Target Audience Should Dictate Your Giveaway Items
Understanding your target audience ensures that your next summer promotional products and giveaways are relevant and valuable to them.
For instance, tech-savvy audiences might appreciate branded portable chargers while eco-conscious crowds might value reusable water bottles.
By aligning the giveaway with your audience’s interests or needs, you increase the likelihood of the item being used, which in turn, enhances brand visibility and brand recall.
How to Identify Your Target Audience
To accurately identify your target audience:
Research
Conduct thorough surveys, review feedback forms, or analyse customer reviews to understand their preferences, common needs, and desires.
Social Media Analytics
Use the analytics tools on platforms like Facebook or Instagram to analyse your followers’ interactions, likes, comments, and shares to gauge their interests and behaviours.
Market Trends
Keep an eye on current trends within your industry, utilising reports, articles, or trend analysis tools to identify what products or services are gaining traction.
Competitor Analysis
Investigate your competitors’ audiences, observe their engagement strategies, and analyse what giveaways or promotions are working well for them.
Direct Engagement
Engage directly with your audience through forums, other social media channels, or in-person events. This will allow you to gather firsthand insights into their preferences, needs, and the kind of summer vacation giveaways that would excite them.
Balancing Budget with Quality and Impact
Navigating the fine line between budget, quality, and impact when selecting giveaways is crucial for achieving your marketing campaign goals. Here are some tips to maintain this balance:
Assess Your Budget
Determine your budget and prioritise spending on items that align with your brand and audience preferences.
Prioritise Quality Over Quantity
Opt for quality promotional items that enhance brand perception rather than cheap items that might be discarded.
Evaluate The Impact
Assess the potential impact of the giveaway on brand awareness, engagement, and long-term value.
Choose Cost-effective Items
Look for items that offer good value for money without compromising on quality.
Track ROI
Post-event, evaluate the return on investment to better inform future budget allocations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do giveaways make money?
Giveaways indirectly contribute to making money by boosting brand awareness, generating goodwill, and encouraging future purchases. They are a cost-effective marketing strategy to increase sales over time.
How long should a giveaway last?
The duration of a giveaway can vary based on its goals and the event it’s tied to, but typically, they last between a day to a week. Shorter giveaways create urgency, while longer ones allow more participation. It’s crucial to find a balance that suits your marketing objectives.
How do you make a fun giveaway?
Creating a fun giveaway involves selecting engaging prizes, tying it to a theme or event, and ensuring easy participation. Incorporate interactive elements like contests or social media shares to build excitement and engagement. Tailoring the giveaway to your audience’s interests and promoting it creatively can also enhance the fun and attract more participation.
