Remember the last time you went to an event? You might have picked up a cool reusable handbag or a weird pen that writes better than butter. You probably didn’t throw it away. There’s something oddly magical about holding a piece of someone’s brand in your hand—a magic that online promotional products suppliers have truly mastered. A smart giveaway always makes an impression, whether you’re running a booth, putting together a gift basket for a client, or recognizing workers for a job well done.

Let’s be honest: People love getting free stuff. Things that are free, especially if they’re useful or a little strange, last a long time. A cool cup can become a daily source of coffee. Sometimes, a comfy T-shirt is the only thing everyone wants to wear on the weekend. But the true difficulty is to think beyond the usual ballpoint pen and fridge magnet. Want to see your brand on the streets? Give distribute hats in bright colors. Do you wish that your message will show up on someone’s desk every morning? Desk gadgets that are of high quality do great things. People can remember little tools they didn’t know they needed.

Surprise and happiness pay off. If you’re throwing a summer party, giving out small fans or sunglasses is a lot more fun than the standard stress ball. Wintertime? Custom beanies or hand warmers are a sure way to make people feel happy. Add a little comedy, and people will remember you long after your event is over. Your brand goes along for the ride the whole time these things are on the road, starting conversations with every trip.

It’s not only about logos and pretty colors, of course. Now more than ever, sustainability is important. When people see a bamboo pen or a notebook made from recycled materials, they know you care. After all, no one wants to see more plastic go to waste. Choose carefully. “Good for the earth, good for your image” is a nice way to think. If you’re ever stuck on what to buy, talk to your internet promotional products supplier; their catalogs are full of great ideas.

Have you ever gotten a huge collection of cheap, useless trinkets? Yawn. Nobody wants a closet full of heavy keychains or rubber wristbands that never end. Find a balance: Choose products that fit the lives of the people you’re giving them to. A tech lover’s device. Notebooks for those who want to get things done. Water bottles for people who go to the gym. When what you give them fits in with their daily life, you’re speaking their language.

There is a lot of room for creativity, but don’t forget about relevancy. At an accounting convention, a pizza cutter might get a laugh, but give one to a marathon runner and people will look at you funny. Context wins. And don’t be afraid to give it a try. People discuss about the unusual concepts that win for years sometimes.

Being curious makes things more fun. Don’t merely think of every piece of advertising as a way to make money. Instead, think of it as an adventure in generating memories and connections. A fantastic promotional item lasts forever, just like an inside joke that never gets old. Brands that use the “fun and useful” double whammy? People remember their names, grin about them, and talk about them long after the conference is over.