In 2025, promotional products remain one of the most cost-effective ways to build brand awareness, drive engagement, and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re launching a startup, hosting a trade show, running a nonprofit campaign, or simply looking to boost visibility on a budget, inexpensive swag items can deliver high-impact results without draining your marketing spend.
This guide presents 50 of the best promotional items under $5, organized into five strategic categories: everyday essentials, tech and office gear, apparel and accessories, wellness and eco-friendly items, and event-ready giveaways. Each item includes a dash-style description and practical use case to help you select the right mix for your audience and goals.
Everyday Essentials
1. Custom Pens – Classic, reliable, and always appreciated. Include soft-touch barrels or stylus tips.
2. Sticky Note Pads – Used in offices, schools, and homes. Include logo and motivational quotes.
3. Magnets – Great for fridges, lockers, and filing cabinets. Include branding and contact info.
4. Keychains – Functional and collectible. Choose metal, acrylic, or shaped designs.
5. Mini Notebooks – Pocket-sized and practical. Used for lists, journaling, or event notes.
6. Plastic Rulers – Used in schools and offices. Include branding and measurement conversions.
7. Custom Erasers – Fun and functional. Used in education and youth outreach.
8. Clip-on Flashlights – Small, bright, and useful. Ideal for safety campaigns.
9. Bottle Openers – Used at events, parties, and home. Include logo and slogan.
10. Custom Coasters – Used in cafés, offices, and homes. Include bold branding and QR codes.
Tech and Office Gear
11. Cable Organizers – Keeps cords tidy. Used in dorms, offices, and travel kits.
12. Phone Wallets – Stick-on card holders for IDs and debit cards. Always in view.
13. Webcam Covers – Privacy-friendly and brandable. Used in hybrid work campaigns.
14. Screen Cleaners – Includes microfiber cloths or spray kits. Used in tech outreach.
15. Mouse Pads – Budget-friendly and functional. Include full-color branding.
16. USB Drive Lanyards – Combines storage and wearability. Used in education and tech events.
17. Pen Styluses – Dual-use for writing and touchscreen navigation.
18. Mini Screwdriver Sets – Compact and handy. Used in DIY or tech campaigns.
19. Custom Folders – Used in onboarding, education, and trade shows.
20. Phone Stands – Foldable and portable. Used in virtual events and influencer kits.
Apparel and Accessories
21. Wristbands – Silicone or fabric bands with slogans. Used in awareness campaigns.
22. Buttons or Pins – Includes logos, slogans, or mascots. Used in clubs and events.
23. Lanyards – Used for keys, IDs, and access cards. Include bold branding.
24. Bandanas – Versatile and wearable. Used in outdoor events and youth outreach.
25. Sunglasses – UV protection and logo imprint. Used in spring and summer campaigns.
26. Drawstring Bags – Lightweight and functional. Used in events and outreach.
27. Custom Socks – Fun patterns and school colors. Used in spirit kits and giveaways.
28. Rain Ponchos – Packable and practical. Used in outdoor events.
29. Badge Holders – Used in conferences and trade shows. Include inserts and branding.
30. Reflective Slap Bracelets – Used in safety campaigns and youth events.
Wellness and Eco-Friendly Items
31. Lip Balm with SPF – Compact and practical. Include natural ingredients and logo imprint.
32. Hand Sanitizer Bottles – Used in health campaigns and events. Include branded labels.
33. Stress Balls – Shaped like hearts, stars, or mascots. Used in wellness outreach.
34. Cooling Towels – Compact and reusable. Used in fitness and outdoor events.
35. Reusable Straws – Includes case and cleaning brush. Used in sustainability campaigns.
36. Mini First Aid Kits – Includes bandages and wipes. Used in health and safety outreach.
37. Seed Packets – Symbolic and eco-conscious. Used in Earth Day and wellness campaigns.
38. Recycled Tote Bags – Lightweight and brandable. Used in retail and outreach.
39. Custom Water Bottles – BPA-free plastic under $5. Used in fitness and campus events.
40. Aromatherapy Cards – Includes scent strips and messaging. Used in wellness kits.
Event-Ready Giveaways
41. Temporary Tattoos – Used in spirit weeks, sports events, and youth outreach.
42. Scratch-Off Cards – Includes rewards, discounts, or QR codes. Drives repeat visits.
43. Photo Booth Props – Branded signs and cutouts. Used in social media activations.
44. Custom Flyers with QR Codes – Connects print to digital. Used in campaigns and events.
45. Mini Sandwich Bags – Branded snack bags for events. Used in food service outreach.
46. Air Fresheners – Shaped and scented. Used in automotive and lifestyle campaigns.
47. Mini Calendars – Pocket-sized with branding. Used in year-round outreach.
48. Color-Changing Cups – Interactive and fun. Used in youth and café promotions.
49. Branded Pencils – Used in education, events, and giveaways.
50. Custom Stickers – Includes logos, slogans, and icons. Used in packaging, laptops, and water bottles.
Strategic Tips for Budget-Friendly Swag Campaigns
To maximize the impact of inexpensive promotional items, align your selection with your audience’s lifestyle, your campaign goals, and your brand values. Cheap doesn’t mean ineffective—when chosen wisely, low-cost items can outperform expensive ones in visibility and emotional resonance.
- Bundle smartly – Combine items into kits tailored for donors, volunteers, or event attendees. For example, a campus kit might include a drawstring bag, pen, sticker pack, and water bottle.
- Design intentionally – Use bold colors, clear fonts, and messaging that reflects your platform. Include QR codes, hashtags, or mission statements.
- Track engagement – Use redemption codes, surveys, or social media prompts to measure impact. Ask recipients to tag your brand when they use your swag.
- Invest in quality – Even at low price points, choose durable materials and professional printing. Low-quality items reflect poorly on your brand.
- Distribute strategically – Use events, mailers, pop-ups, and influencer kits to get your items into the right hands. Match distribution channels to audience behavior.
Sources
- VistaPrint. (2025). The 50 Best Promotional Products & Trends | 2025 VistaPrint Study
- The CEO Creative. (2025). The 50 Best Promotional Products & Trends of 2025
- Sockfly. (2025). Top 50 Promotional Products & Trends for 2025
- Fine Promotions. (2025). 2025’s Hottest Promotional Products—What Everyone’s Ordering
- ReuseThisBag.com. . (2025). 50 Best Promotional Product Ideas for Trade Shows in 2025