1. Reusable Water Bottles
Eco-friendly, useful, and always welcome, branded water bottles are one of the most popular event giveaways in the UK right now. Choose stainless steel or BPA-free plastic, and go for bold branding to keep your logo front and centre.
💡 Great for: Corporate conferences, wellness events, and summer expos.
2. Branded Tote Bags
Tote bags are a classic for a reason. They’re functional, sustainable (especially in cotton or recycled fabric), and they keep your brand visible long after the event ends.
💡 Great for: Trade shows, career fairs, and product launches.
3. Tech Accessories
Think phone chargers, cable organisers, and webcam covers, compact items that people genuinely use. These are high-impact, low-fuss giveaways that tick the “useful” box.
💡 Great for: Tech expos, digital marketing events, and business conferences.
4. Notebooks and Pens
A branded notebook and pen combo is still one of the most effective pieces of promotional swag. To add a modern touch, opt for recycled or bamboo materials.
💡 Great for: Seminars, training events, and internal company conferences.
5. Lanyards with ID Card Holders
Lanyards are everywhere at conferences—but branded ones give you long-lasting visibility. Durable, colourful, and worn all day, what’s not to like?
💡 Great for: Networking events, multi-day trade shows, and large exhibitions.
6. Custom Printed T-Shirts
Branded clothing like T-shirts or polos can turn your team into walking adverts, and make great giveaways too, especially when the design is stylish and wearable.
💡 Great for: Outdoor events, university fairs, and brand activations.
7. Travel Mugs & Branded Cups
Coffee culture isn’t going anywhere. Branded travel mugs or reusable cups are always well received, especially when they’re insulated or collapsible.
💡 Great for: Business expos, HR events, and sustainability-focused conferences.
8. Desk Essentials
Items like sticky notes, phone stands, or mouse mats might seem simple, but they’re the kind of swag that people actually use day-to-day. That’s long-term brand exposure for minimal spend.
💡 Great for: Office-themed events, recruitment fairs, and B2B exhibitions.
9. Hand Sanitiser & Wellness Packs
Since 2020, hygiene-related giveaways have become a staple. Compact hand sanitisers or branded wellness kits show your business is thoughtful and professional.
💡 Great for: Healthcare events, HR conferences, and public sector gatherings.
10. QR-Linked Swag
Want to tie in your physical giveaways with your digital marketing? Try printing QR codes on items that link to a landing page, competition, or exclusive content. It’s a clever way to drive engagement post-event.
💡 Great for: Tech and digital events, app launches, and eCommerce shows.
Why Branded Merchandise Still Works
Branded swag isn’t just a box to tick. it’s a powerful tool. It can:
- 🔄 Keep your brand in front of decision-makers, day after day
- 🚶 Increase footfall to your stand
- 🤝 Break the ice in conversations
- 🧠 Boost recall of your business, long after the event is over
UK businesses are still seeing a strong return on investment from promotional merchandise, especially when it’s useful, well-designed, and sustainably sourced.
If you’re planning ahead for a busy events calendar, make sure your event giveaways aren’t an afterthought. The right branded merchandise can help you create a real impact—during the event and long after people head home.
At Spark Merchandise, we specialise in bulk branded merchandise for UK businesses, with high-quality, high-volume options to suit every kind of event.
👉 Need help choosing the right swag for your next show? Get in touch today — we’ll help you stand out for all the right reasons! Email: sales@sparkmerchandise.com or Tel: 01423 391 224