In a world overflowing with promotional freebies and short attention spans, giving something that’s actually remembered (and not thrown away) is an art.
Companies are waking up to the fact that typical event swag (the branded pen, the generic water bottle, the oversized t-shirt) rarely leaves an impression. Worse: it can even harm your brand image by feeling wasteful or irrelevant.
In this article, we’ll break down what makes a truly useful and memorable corporate gift, and how it can boost brand value, reinforce your message, and make people say, “This is actually cool.”
What makes a gift memorable?
Usefulness.
Relevance.
Sustainability.
It’s not about how much you spend. It’s about how much value you create.
A great gift should:
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Be used more than once
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Create a positive association with your brand
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Spark conversation (not landfill)
According to ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute), 83% of consumers like receiving useful promotional products, and they tend to keep them for an average of 8 months.
Smart swag: think before you print the logo
Before ordering 1000 mugs or 5000 keychains, ask yourself:
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Will it be used regularly?
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Does it reflect our brand values?
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Is it different from what everyone else is giving?
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Is it at least a bit eco-friendly?
If you hesitate… it might be worth rethinking.
The ROI of a thoughtful gift
High-ROI doesn’t mean cheap.
It means effective.
Take the Infinitebook reusable notebook, for example:
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It lasts for years
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Boosts productivity and creativity
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Made with recyclable paper and plant-based ink
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Fully customizable (cover design, patterns, interior messages, even wood finishes)
It’s not just a giveaway, it’s a tool with a purpose.
And each time it’s used, your brand gets a quiet reminder… in the best way.
Sustainability: not just a buzzword
Today, brands care more about:
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Reducing their environmental footprint
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Choosing local, certified materials
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Giving less junk and more meaning
A sustainable gift at an event stands out. Not just for what it is, but for what it says about your company. It shows you care.
What works (and what to avoid)
✔️ What works:
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Reusable or long-lasting items
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Gifts that solve a practical need
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Products aligned with your mission or sector
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Well-designed, high-quality materials
❌ What to avoid:
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Generic, one-size-fits-all stuff
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Aggressively branded items
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Poor quality or single-use plastics
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Apparel that probably won’t be worn
Final note: less quantity, more impact
Instead of handing out “something,” think about what you want people to remember.
A smart corporate gift doesn’t need to be expensive.
It needs to be thoughtful.
And if you’re looking for something already tested, loved, and reused by thousands… we’ve got you covered:
Custom Infinitebooks for Teams
