What kind of swag would you prefer?

“Evelyn, this is your package.”

“What?” I have no idea what this rectangular paper box come from.

Unwrapping the box as excited as a little kid, I am, partially, eager to find out what presents I get from this “creative marketing solutions,” but more desiring to know what this creative promotional swag can surprise me.

And here it is, under the bed of the box is a pile of shredded recycle paper, hid a diamond green digging trowel.

“We send them for three reasons:

First, to bring xxx company to your attention.

Second, to make clear our interest in working with you.

And third, to symbolize the business philosophy by which we operate: Digging Deeper, Working Smarter.”

Honestly speaking, the novelty of this digging trowel didn’t inspire me as much as this cute memo, but it’s definitely something new for my food of thought in regards to the true meaning of promotional products.

Everyone likes gifts, but marketers like you & I definitely look at these swag (something we all get) at a different angle. We focus on not only how impressive these catchy these promotional items are, we also dig beyond these gifts to find out its creative ideas & how we can relate the idea to branding.

In a recent blog post from Article Feeder titled “Choosing your promotional products,” the writer made some great points about promotional products. The rationale behind choosing a certain promotional item consists three factors: your own company image, your customer profile, and whether the product adding any value to the person’s practical uses.

I’m sure everyone has received promotional pens, mouse pad, t-shirts…etc, and it is true even these simple items deliver different messages based on its quality and deliver method (whether you receive it in mail or handed by a sales person). A female, 20 something marketer like me, is always looking for more inspiring creative ideas in all marketing channel. I remember receiving a bundle of flowers made by Cheryl Co. cookies from a PR company, a wolf claw shaped rice crispy from a hotel, and many other simply & lovely, yet outstanding swags that outshine many other buzz I get throughout the day.

What are some impressive swag you’ve gotten today?