Promotional items are more than just practical gifts – they are a powerful tool for creating lasting awareness, increasing recognition and strengthening relationships with your customers. Research shows that recipients often use promotional products for months – and sometimes years – after they receive them. This means that one well-thought-out product can generate thousands of impressions 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.
- A wide audience at events or fairs can be captured with simple products such as candy bags, key chains or tote bags, which quickly create attention and broad visibility.
The better the product fits the recipient's lifestyle and needs, the more likely it is 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 trade fairs and events, small giveaways like pens, key chains and candy 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 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 advertising products, it's not just about the price of the product, but also about how much exposure and interaction you get for your money. Here are some of the most popular products, compared with average interaction figures from studies and a calculation of the cost per interaction.
- Ballpoint pen (from DKK 5.95)
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 DKK 0.002 – extremely cheap in terms of exposure.
- Sunglasses (from DKK 13.95)
Sunglasses are particularly effective in the summer, when they are often worn in public. Here we can estimate around 2,000 interactions , giving a cost per interaction of around DKK 0.007.
- Tote bag (from DKK 20.95)
Tote bags are popular in urban life and for shopping. They generate around 1,940 interactions , giving a cost per interaction of around DKK 0.011.
- Drinking bottle (from DKK 22.95)
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 DKK 0.007.
- Thermos mug (from DKK 34.95)
Thermos mugs are often used daily, for example on the way to work. With 3,162 interactions , the cost per interaction is approximately DKK 0.011.
- T-shirt (from 39.95 kr.)
T-shirts are one of the most visible advertising products, as they are worn in public. They can generate up to 5,000 interactions , which corresponds to a cost per interaction of approximately DKK 0.008.
- Umbrella (from DKK 74.95)
Umbrellas have a relatively long lifespan, but are not used daily. They average around 1,300 interactions , giving a cost per interaction of around DKK 0.058 – 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 cost per interaction . At the same time, products like umbrellas and tote bags have another strength: They are highly visible in the cityscape and can signal quality and thoughtfulness.
What do the different products exude?
Promotional items also send a signal about your brand. What you give away says something about how you want to be perceived:
Pens and notebooks : Exude professionalism and accessibility. Perfect for B2B and professional contexts.
Caps and clothing : Shows community and identity. Often used in campaigns where you want to create belonging and visibility.
Umbrellas and bags : Associated with value and thoughtfulness – 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 audience 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.