Promotional products are more than just practical gifts – they are a powerful tool to create lasting awareness, increase recognition and strengthen the relationship with your customers. Research shows that recipients often use promotional products for months – and sometimes years – after they have received them. This means that one well-thought-out product can create thousands of exposures and interactions over time.
Know your customer segment
When choosing promotional products, it is crucial to consider who will receive them.
- Young target groups (e.g. students or Gen Z) often respond positively to modern, interactive and digital products. Power banks, to-go cups with QR codes or gadgets with a technological dimension provide high interaction.
- Professional target groups typically appreciate functional and quality items such as pens, notebooks or exclusive bags that can be used in everyday life.
- Broad audiences for events or trade fairs can be captured with simple products such as candy bags, key rings or tote bags, which quickly create attention and wide visibility.
The better the product fits the recipient's lifestyle and needs, the greater the likelihood that it will be used - and thus create value for your brand.
Catch customers in the right situation
Interaction depends not only on the product, but also on when and where it is given.
- At fairs and events small giveaways like pens, key rings and sweets are obvious – they are easy to take with you and create quick contact.
- For customer or employee gifts it is worth choosing products that have a longer lifespan, such as umbrellas, clothing or bags. They are used in public spaces and provide high visibility.
- In campaigns aimed at young people, interactive elements such as QR codes, games or limited edition products can help maintain interest and create shares on social media.
Timing and context can therefore be just as crucial as the product itself.
How much does a promotional product / piece of merchandise cost – and what do you get out of it?
When choosing the right promotional products, it's not just about the price of the product, but also about how much exposure and interaction you get for the money. Here are some of the most popular products, compared with average interaction numbers from studies and a calculation of the price per user. interaction.
- Ballpoint pen (from 5.95 kr.)
Ballpoint pens are among the most classic promotional items and are widely used in everyday life. Studies show that a promotional pen can generate over 3,000 interactions. This means a cost per interaction of approximately 0.002 DKK – extremely cheap in relation to exposure.
- Sunglasses (from 13.95 DKK)
Sunglasses are particularly effective in the summer, when they are often worn in public. Here we can estimate around 2,000 interactions, which gives a cost per interaction of around 0.007 kr.
- Mulepose (from 20.95 kr.)
Mule bags are popular in urban life and for shopping. They generate around 1,94 interaction of approximately 0.011 kr.
- Drinking bottle (from 22.95 kr.)
Drinking bottles are both practical and visible in sports and everyday life. With approximately 3,162 interactions, this gives a cost per interaction of approximately 0.007 kr.
- Thermo mug (from 34.95 kr.)
Thermo mugs are often used daily, e.g. on the way to work. With 3,162 interactions the price per interaction of approximately 0.011 kr.
- T-shirt (from 39.95 kr.)
T-shirts are one of the most visible advertising products, as they are used publicly. They can give up to 5,000 interactions, which corresponds to a cost per interaction of approximately 0.008 kr.
- Umbrella (from 74.95 kr.)
Umbrellas have a relatively long lifespan, but are not used daily. They generate an average of around 1,300 interactions, which gives a cost per interaction of approximately 0.058 kr. – still effective, but more expensive than other products.
As the numbers show, pens, t-shirts and water bottles are some of the most cost-effective products when looking at price per. interaction. At the same time, products like umbrellas and tote bags have another strength: They are very visible in the cityscape and can signal quality and thoughtfulness.
What do the different products radiate?
Promotional items also send a signal about your brand. What you give says something about how you want to be perceived:
Pens and notebooks: Radiate professionalism and accessibility. Perfect for B2B and professional contexts.
Caps and clothing: Show community and identity. Often used in campaigns where you want to create belonging and visibility.
Umbrellas and bags: Are associated with value and consideration - practical products that signal that you are investing in the recipient's everyday life.
To-go cups and drinking bottles: Exude sustainability and lifestyle. Perfect for reaching a target group that values the environment and functionality.
Keychains and candy: Easily accessible, fun and informal – great for breaking the ice and creating a quick smile.
With the right choice, you can not only create interaction, but also shape your brand image in the desired direction.