Trade Show Giveaways by Budget: What to Order

By Nathalie Vaiser, Owner, Promotional Resource | Updated 2026-10-19

For trade shows, pens, lip balm and stress balls work at about $1 to $2 per piece. At $5 to $10, tumblers, notepads, sticky notes and tote bags are popular. For VIPs and key prospects, a power bank or premium tumbler makes a stronger impression.

Picks by budget

Budget per piece	Popular picks	Best for
About $1 to $2	Pens, lip balm, stress balls	High-traffic booths and everyone who stops by
About $5 to $10	Tumblers, notepads, sticky notes, tote bags	Qualified visitors and demo attendees
Premium	Power banks, premium tumblers	VIPs, key prospects and meeting follow-ups

Split the budget

Most exhibitors get more from two tiers than one: an affordable item for everyone who stops by, and a better item for the people you actually want to follow up with. Keep the premium items behind the table and hand them out after a real conversation.

How many to order

Ask the show organizer for expected attendance and estimate what share will pass your booth.
Order the low-cost item for the crowd and a much smaller quantity of the premium item.
Check minimums first. Pens commonly start at 100 to 250 pieces. See minimum order quantities.
Leftovers are rarely wasted. Useful items work for the next show, client visits or office use.

Plan the timeline

Order early enough to avoid rush fees, and ship to your office or hotel rather than straight to the venue unless you have confirmed the show's receiving dates. Most products take about 5 to 7 working days of production after proof approval. See turnaround and rush orders.

Quick answers

What is a good trade show giveaway under $2?

Pens, lip balm and stress balls are popular trade show giveaways at about $1 to $2 per piece.

What is a good trade show giveaway for $5 to $10?

Tumblers, notepads, sticky notes and tote bags are popular choices at about $5 to $10 per piece.

What should I give VIPs at a trade show?

A power bank or a premium tumbler works well for VIPs and key prospects.

Can you suggest giveaways for my budget?

Yes. Promotional Resource offers full research services and will present ideas that match your event, budget and time frame.

Want ideas for your event or budget?
Tell us what you need and when you need it, and we will send options that fit.
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About the author. Nathalie Vaiser is the owner of Promotional Resource, a promotional products distributor based in Boynton Beach, Florida, and a member of PPAI and SAGE. Since 2003, she has helped businesses in technology, real estate, healthcare, construction and legal services choose branded apparel, awards and giveaways that fit their budgets and deadlines. She works with clients throughout South Florida and across the country. LinkedIn