Uncategorised

20 Things You May Not Know About Promotional Gifts and Corporate Clothing

Why Promotional Gifts Are More Powerful Than You Think

Promotional products aren’t just giveaways. They’re cost-effective marketing tools with proven power to build awareness, loyalty, and sales.

At BrandsUp, we’ve seen how the right corporate gifts can transform brand strategies across industries.

Here are 20 facts about promotional gifts that you may not know — and why they matter for your business.

20 Key Facts About Promotional Gifts

  1. One of the oldest marketing tools — promotional items date back to the late 1700s.
  2. High recall rates – 83% of people remember the advertiser on a promo gift they received.
  3. Better than business cards – promo gifts are kept far longer than traditional paper handouts.
  4. Low cost per impression – cheaper than TV, radio, or print advertising in terms of reach.
  5. Used daily – items like branded mugs, printed pens, and customised bags provide repeated exposure.
  6. Boost referrals – happy clients often recommend companies that gift them.
  7. Increase loyalty – recipients are more likely to buy again from a company that they receive corporate gifting items from.
  8. Versatile for all industries – from finance to healthcare, every business can benefit from handing out promotional merchandise.
  9. Employees love them too – staff gifts increase motivation and reduce turnover.
  10. Eco-friendly options rising – sustainable products are now in high demand.
  11. Boost social media – branded gifts are highly “shareable,” extending your online reach.
  12. Event must-haves – giveaways are proven to drive traffic to stands at expos.
  13. Strengthen brand image – quality gifts reinforce professionalism and trust.
  14. Tactile advantage – unlike digital ads, they can be touched, used, and kept.
  15. Can influence behaviour – coupons or gifts tied to purchases encourage upselling.
  16. Personalisation increases value – adding a name or message makes gifts more memorable.
  17. Global industry – promotional products make up a multi-billion-dollar sector worldwide.
  18. Work across budgets – from affordable pens to luxury hampers, there’s an option for everyone.
  19. Boost lead generation – giveaways at trade shows increase data capture rates.
  20. South Africans value them – practical, useful promo items resonate strongly in local markets.

Why BrandsUp Leads in Promotional Gifting

These 20 insights show why corporate gifts remain one of the most effective marketing strategies. The secret lies in selecting items that are useful, high-quality, and aligned with your brand values.

At BrandsUp, we bring over 50 years of combined experience, helping South African businesses craft gifting campaigns that drive brand awareness, loyalty, and measurable ROI.

Explore our extensive range of branded promotional gifts today and start making your marketing spend work harder.