10 Most Popular Tradeshow Promo Giveaways
(and Smarter Alternatives)

 

If you’ve ever walked a tradeshow floor in Las Vegas, you know exactly how it goes. Whether you’re at the Las Vegas Convention CenterMandalay Bay, or The Venetian Expo, booth after booth is handing out the same tired giveaways — pens, tote bags, stress balls. Most attendees either politely decline them or grab one out of habit, only for it to end up forgotten in a hotel room trash can or, worse, tossed straight into a landfill.

After working with countless exhibitors at tradeshows here in Vegas, we see the booths that actually make an impact aren’t necessarily the biggest or the flashiest — they were the ones that handed out something different. Something useful, clever, and worth keeping. Choosing the right promotional giveaway in a place like Vegas — where sensory overload is the norm — means you have to think smarter.

In each section below, we’ll show you a better giveaway option — something attendees are excited to keep.

 

1. Considering Pens? Use Mechanical Pencils or Sharpies

 

 

Pens are the most overused giveaway at tradeshows — every booth has a pile. Instead, hand out mechanical pencils for a fresh twist, or branded Sharpies that people actually keep and use. A Sharpie sticks around long after the tradeshow ends — on desks, in workshops, and even at home. Offering an upgraded writing tool immediately elevates the perceived value of your booth and shows you care about quality over quantity.

 

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2. Considering Tote Bags? Use Foldable Backpacks

 

 

Totes are handed out by the dozen. Switch it up with a foldable backpack or compact drawstring bag. Lightweight, functional, and easy to carry — it instantly makes your booth feel smarter and more thoughtful. Plus, a backpack provides more real-world utility after the event, keeping your brand visible at airports, gyms, and weekend trips.

 

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3. Considering Stress Balls? Use Dog Toys & Kids’ Toys

 

Stress balls usually end up lost or thrown away. Instead, offer a small branded dog toy or kid-friendly toy like a squishy popper or mini puzzle. They create emotional connections, spark conversations, and give people something to genuinely smile about. Fun, interactive giveaways create a positive brand experience, making your booth one people remember and recommend to others.

 

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4. Considering Keychains? Use Phone Grips & Stands

 

Most keychains collect dust. A phone grip or mini phone stand is a smart alternative — it stays attached to a device people use all day. Your brand will be front and center, not forgotten in a drawer. Functional tech accessories also show your company is modern and understands daily convenience needs, strengthening the connection with your target audience.

 

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5. Considering Water Bottles? Use Collapsible Bottles & Cups

 

Standard water bottles are bulky and easy to leave behind. A collapsible water bottle folds up neatly and appeals to eco-conscious attendees who appreciate convenience and smart design. These reusable, space-saving alternatives position your brand as practical and environmentally aware, two increasingly important values among modern consumers.

 

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6. Considering Notepads? Use Reusable Dry Erase Boards

 

Notepads are easy to toss. Instead, hand out a small reusable dry erase board — perfect for jotting quick notes at a desk or during meetings. It's practical, fresh, and shows you're thinking beyond throwaways. A reusable product not only reduces waste but also associates your brand with innovation and forward-thinking sustainability initiatives.

 

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7. Considering USB Drives? Use Privacy Webcam Covers

 

USB drives are outdated and often unused. A webcam privacy cover addresses real security concerns and sticks to laptops — keeping your brand visible and relevant. In an era when data privacy is top of mind, offering protective tech gadgets signals that your brand cares about customer safety and modern challenges.

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8. Considering Candy? Use Healthy Snack Packs

 

Candy giveaways are common (and messy). Offer a healthy snack pack with trail mix, fruit bites, or protein bars. It shows you value your attendees' well-being and provides an instant energy boost. Healthy options also appeal to fitness enthusiasts, travelers, and professionals who are constantly on the move, widening your brand's appeal.

 

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9. Considering Lanyards? Use RFID Blocking Card Holders

 

Lanyards are often left behind after the event. A RFID-blocking sleeve or card holder offers real protection against identity theft, making it a smart, highly appreciated gift. Secure giveaways show your company is up-to-date with modern needs and concerned with user safety, making attendees more likely to trust and engage with your brand.

 

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10. Considering Caps? Use Cooling Towels or Neck Gaiters

 

Caps are nice, but not always practical for everyone. A cooling towel or multi-functional neck gaiter fits more lifestyles — perfect for travel, sports, and outdoor adventures. These practical, climate-adaptable giveaways provide a luxury feel and increase the chances of post-event usage, keeping your brand in front of prospects long after the tradeshow ends.

 

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Final Tip:

 

In a city built on spectacle, your tradeshow giveaway needs to be more than just a freebie.
It should be a conversation starter, a memory-maker, and a small reflection of your brand’s value. Choose items that are useful, unique, and built to last — because in Las Vegas, it’s not about giving away the most swag. It’s about giving something worth remembering, being able to bring it back on the plane, and actually keeping it!

 

As a local Las Vegas company, we work directly with all major convention centers, hotels, and event venues. We offer fast, flexible delivery options — including courier service, after-hours, and weekend deliveries — to make sure your promotional products arrive exactly when and where you need them. Trust us to help you stand out and stay stress-free at your next Vegas event!
 

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