12 Cheap Giveaway Ideas That Won't Break The Bank Giveaway Marketing Marketing Strategies Social Media Marketing

12 Cheap Giveaway Ideas That Will Leave An Impression

September 1, 2023
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Building your brand or business can be costly, but with strategic planning, you can make significant progress without emptying your pockets. 

One proven method is leveraging giveaways–tools that capture attention and heighten your brand visibility. Yet, the trick lies in finding the balance between cost-effectiveness and value. That’s where cheap giveaway ideas come into play.

Giveaways are powerful promotional tools used widely across trade shows and other marketing events. They serve as tangible reminders of your brand, making them one of the most effective promotional items out there. 

A thoughtfully chosen item can turn into a walking billboard, keeping your brand fresh in potential customer’s minds long after they interact with your business.

While the thought of promotional giveaways might conjure up images of high costs, it doesn’t always have to be the case. With a little creativity, you can find cost-effective promotional items that resonate with your audience while keeping your budget intact. 

This post will delve into affordable giveaway ideas that increase brand awareness and ensure your budget remains healthy. We’ll look at ideas that fall under $5, $10, and $20–making it easier for you to choose what works best for your brand and your budget.

Giveaway Ideas for $5 or Less

When you’re on a tight budget but still want to make a splash with your marketing, giveaway ideas for $5 or less come to the rescue. 

Not only are these low-cost options kind to your wallet, but they can also be highly effective at increasing brand awareness and attracting new customers. 

While they may not cost much, their potential impact is vast. Dive into this list of budget-friendly giveaway ideas and discover why each one is a winning choice.

Idea 1: Custom Stickers

Stickers are a universal favorite. Not only can they be produced in full color, bringing your brand to life in vibrant hues, but they also have diverse uses. Your brand can find its way into numerous places, from laptops to water bottles.

Go for decals if you want something a bit more permanent, or even fidget spinner stickers for a trendy twist. Remember, a well-designed sticker might just earn a prime spot on someone’s prized possessions, amplifying your brand’s visibility.

Cheap giveaway ideas - Stickers

Idea 2: Branded Pens

Pens are a classic giveaway for a reason. Almost everyone uses them daily. Consider adding highlighters to your giveaway stash besides the usual ink pens. Notepads and Post-its or sticky notes go hand-in-hand with pens; they are all essentials in both office and home settings. With your brand on these everyday items, it becomes a constant reminder of your business.

Idea 3: Personalized Keychains

Keychains aren’t just about holding keys anymore. With added features like flashlights or carabiners, they can be multifunctional tools that people love to keep handy. Lanyards, luggage tags, and wristbands can also be looped into this category. Personalized keychains, especially, provide a touch of individuality, making the receiver feel special. 

Whether it’s a simple design or something more intricate, a keychain is a compact yet powerful way to promote your brand.

Idea 4: Printed Tote Bags

Say goodbye to plastic bags and hello to eco-friendly printed tote bags. These bags, which can be produced at a surprisingly low cost, are perfect for grocery shopping, gym sessions, or even a day out at the beach. 

Cheap giveaway ideas - Tote bags

Plus, they serve as walking advertisements for your brand. If tote bags stretch your budget slightly, you can also consider smaller versions like drawstring backpacks or even coasters and mints to throw inside the bags as bonus goodies.

Whether it’s a vibrant sticker, a handy pen, a unique keychain, or a versatile tote bag, there’s no shortage of ways to effectively promote your brand without breaking the bank. Remember, it’s not always about how much you spend but how creatively you use what you have. Happy branding!

Giveaway Ideas for $10 or Less

When your promotional budget is tight but you still want to make a significant impact, giveaway ideas for $10 or less can be your saving grace. 

Affordable yet practical, these promotional items provide an excellent way to draw new customers and boost brand recognition. The key is to choose items that are useful, attractive, and representative of your brand. 

Let’s explore some of the best cheap giveaway ideas that can make a big splash without drowning your budget.

Idea 5: Custom Phone Grips

Smartphones have become an integral part of everyday life. This makes custom phone grips an excellent promotional item. They are practical, low-cost, and offer ample space for your brand’s logo or message. 

Plus, every time someone uses their phone, your brand is front and center. You can even take it a step further by choosing phone grips that double as phone stands, making them even more useful for your potential customers.

[Read More: How to Run a Giveaway on TikTok]

Idea 6: Reusable Straws with Carrying Case

With increasing awareness about environmental sustainability, reusable straws have become a popular item. Offering these as a giveaway not only provides a practical item for your customers but also shows your brand’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. 

Pair the straws with a branded carrying case for added convenience and visibility. Each sip your customers take will serve as a reminder of your brand’s thoughtfulness and dedication to sustainability.

Idea 7: Branded Water Bottles

Hydration is key, and what better way to remind your customers of this than with a branded water bottle? Water bottles are not only practical but also offer a large surface area for your brand’s logo or message. 

Plus, they’re often used in public places like gyms, parks, and offices, increasing the visibility of your brand. You can opt for plastic bottles to keep costs low or invest a little more in stainless steel bottles for a premium feel.

Cheap giveaway ideas - Branded water bottles

Idea 8: Magnetic Phone Holders

As people increasingly use their smartphones for navigation while driving, magnetic phone holders have become a must-have accessory. They are simple, useful, and perfect for displaying your brand’s logo. 

By offering magnetic phone holders as a giveaway, you ensure that your brand remains in sight every time your customers hit the road. Additionally, the utility of these holders means that they’re likely to be used for a long time, providing long-term exposure for your brand.

Remember, the effectiveness of a giveaway lies not in its cost but in its relevance and usefulness to the recipient. By choosing items that your customers will find valuable, you increase the chances of your brand being remembered and recognized. So, whether it’s custom phone grips or magnetic phone holders, ensure that your giveaways align with your brand values and resonate with your target audience.

Giveaway Ideas for $20 or Less

As your business grows and your promotional budget expands, you might be able to invest more in your giveaways. Even so, being mindful of costs remains crucial. 

Thankfully, a larger budget doesn’t necessarily mean extravagant spending. Instead, it opens up a range of promotional items offering a higher perceived value while remaining cost-effective. 

Let’s dive into some giveaway ideas for $20 or less that can leave a lasting impression on your customers.

Idea 9: Portable Phone Chargers

Today, staying connected is essential. This is where portable phone chargers come into play. These handy gadgets are a lifesaver for anyone on the go, making them a highly appreciated giveaway. 

You can customize these power banks with your brand logo or message, turning a practical tool into a powerful promotional item. Every time your customers use these chargers to power up their devices, they’ll be reminded of your brand’s thoughtful gift. 

Portable phone charger

Plus, the high utility of portable chargers means they will likely be used frequently, giving your brand regular exposure.

Idea 10: Bluetooth Speakers

Music has brought people together since the dawn of time, and its language is universal. By offering Bluetooth speakers as a giveaway, you’re gifting your customers with the joy of music wherever they go. 

These speakers can be customized with your brand logo, transforming them into a moving advertisement for your business. They’re a hit at parties, picnics, or even during a relaxing evening at home. 

Every time your customers play their favorite tunes, they’ll associate the good vibes with your brand, enhancing brand recall and affinity.

Idea 11: Wireless Earbuds

Wireless earbuds are another tech-savvy giveaway that resonates with today’s consumers. Whether for listening to music during a workout, taking calls on the go, or tuning into a podcast during the commute, these earbuds are a daily essential for many. 

Branding these gadgets with your logo ensures your brand stays top of mind each time your customers pop them in. They’re compact, useful, and speak to your brand’s commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest trends.

Wireless earbuds

Idea 12: Eco-friendly Tote Bags with Branded Goodies Inside

Another creative way to maximize your $20 budget is to offer eco-friendly tote bags filled with smaller branded goodies. This could include items like hand sanitizer, lip balm, or stress balls. 

Not only does this provide multiple touchpoints for your brand, but it also showcases your brand’s commitment to sustainability with the use of a reusable tote. Each time your customers use the bag or the items inside, they’ll be reminded of your brand. Plus, the tote bag also serves as a mobile advertisement, extending your brand visibility wherever it goes.

These giveaway ideas for $20 or less blend utility, trendiness, and brand visibility. They provide a higher perceived value, making your customers feel appreciated while keeping your costs in check. 

Remember, to have a successful giveaway, it has to be relevant. Make sure your promotional items reflect your image and brand and are of high interest to your target audience. This way, you’ll create a lasting impression and keep your brand at the forefront of your customers’ minds.

Read More: Innovative Social Media Giveaway And Contest Ideas

Take the Leap: Launch Your First Giveaway with ViralSweep!

Having explored a wealth of affordable giveaway ideas, it’s time to turn those ideas into action. Where should one initiate? The answer is simple: ViralSweep. This powerful platform is designed to make running your first giveaway a breeze, offering a host of features that simplify the process while maximizing your results.

ViralSweep takes the guesswork out of giveaways. It provides a comprehensive solution for creating, launching, and managing your promotional campaigns. Whether you’re giving away custom phone grips or eco-friendly tote bags, ViralSweep’s user-friendly interface makes setting up your giveaway straightforward and hassle-free.

But ViralSweep is more than just a giveaway platform. It’s a tool designed to see your marketing goals through to fruition. With ViralSweep, you can grow your email list, increase your social media following, and increase website traffic. It’s a multi-faceted platform that harnesses the power of giveaways to boost your brand’s visibility and engagement.

One of the standout features of ViralSweep is its robust analytics. Understanding the performance of your giveaway is crucial to refining your marketing strategy and making informed decisions. ViralSweep provides real-time data, giving you insights into entries, social engagement, and more. This allows you to track your giveaway’s success and identify areas for improvement.

Running a giveaway can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time. But with ViralSweep, you’re not alone. The platform offers excellent customer support, providing guidance and assistance every step of the way. From setting up your giveaway to interpreting your results, the ViralSweep team is there to help you succeed.

Moreover, ViralSweep understands the importance of compliance. The platform ensures that your giveaway adheres to legal requirements, providing built-in rules and regulations for over a dozen countries. This means you can focus on crafting the perfect giveaway, knowing that ViralSweep has your back when it comes to compliance.

So, are you ready to run your first giveaway? With ViralSweep, you have a partner that makes the process easy and effective. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, a beginner, or a seasoned marketer, ViralSweep equips you with the tools you need to run a successful giveaway.

Remember, a giveaway is more than just a promotional tool. It’s a pathway to building brand loyalty by connecting with your audience and making a lasting impression. With the right giveaway idea and the power of ViralSweep, you can achieve all this and more–without breaking the bank.