To make this project, you\u2019ll need printable fabric transfer paper for light fabrics (3271). Customize this template in our free software or upload your own design, then print and apply it following the package directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2) Turn product samples into DIY promo items<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you sell products that people can sample, smaller sizes give potential customers an easy way to try them. Add a branded label with a QR Code\u00ae<\/sup> that takes them to the full-size product, your online shop, or more information about your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customize this template in our free software to add your logo and create a QR Code. Then print the design yourself on 1.5″ round labels (8293) or order them custom printed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n New to QR codes? Learn what they are and how to use them<\/a> for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A raffle can help a few higher-value promo items go further while also generating email leads. Collect contact information to notify the winner, and clearly tell entrants if they\u2019re also joining your marketing list. Any follow-up marketing emails should include an easy way to opt out<\/a>. I’ve contributed to many raffles at smaller craft fairs and markets where each vendor donated one product each to create a larger prize basket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customize this ticket template in our free software. Then print it yourself using tickets with tear-away stubs (16154) or order custom-printed tickets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Branded T-shirts can be useful DIY promotional items for event staff, client giveaways, or raffle prizes. They work best when you know which sizes you need or can offer recipients a choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start with printable stretchable fabric transfers (3302)<\/a>. Watch our video on working with images in our free software<\/a>, then customize this template or upload your own artwork. Print and apply your design following the package directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Custom die-cut logo stickers are one of the easiest promo items to order (and my personal favorite). In fact, it’s one of my vendor booth secrets<\/a> for increasing sales. I\u2019ve even timed it\u2014more than once. If your logo file is ready, the process of ordering custom die-cut stickers on Avery.com really does take just a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Upload your logo or completed sticker design, then choose your material, size, and quantity. Add the stickers to your cart, and you\u2019re done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t have a logo yet? Learn how to make a logo for your business<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pair one of your products with a related item, or partner with another small business to create a giveaway together. For example, I make fantasy headpieces that people often wear at outdoor festivals, so a folding fan from another maker would be both useful and on-theme. Each business can contribute an item and share the giveaway with its own audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use coordinating colors, shapes, and artwork to make products from different businesses feel like one complete prize. Browse postcard designs to find a starting point for your giveaway, then personalize your choice with your logo, colors, and message. With custom printing, you can also choose standard or custom label shapes that coordinate with your postcard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coffee is easy to turn into a DIY promo item for almost any budget. Add a branded tag to an individual coffee packet for a simple giveaway, or pair a bag of coffee with a mug for a larger prize. The same idea also works with tea or hot cocoa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customize this tag with your logo, colors, and message. Then print it yourself using printable tags (22802) or order custom-printed tags<\/p>\n\n\n\n Branded candles and self-care products can make appealing promo items when they fit your audience and brand. For a broad group, consider mild or unscented options, and make sure any original ingredient or safety information remains visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customize this design, then print it yourself on square waterproof labels (64503) or order custom-printed square labels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that waterproof film is a often better choice than paper for promo items that may be exposed to water or oils. Learn more about when durable product labels matter<\/a> and how to choose the right material.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Gift cards are a quick and easy DIY promo item because people already want them and you can choose one that fits almost any audience. Slip one into a small envelope, add a branded wraparound label, and you\u2019re done. If you\u2019d rather offer credit toward your own products or services, you can also make your own custom gift cards<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customize this wraparound label with your logo, colors, and message. Then print it yourself on wraparound labels (22845) or order them custom printed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notebooks, pens, and other writing supplies make practical promo items for conferences, workshops, and training sessions. People can use them during the event and continue using them afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customize this oval label with your logo and message, then add it to a plain notebook. Print the design yourself on oval labels (22564) or order custom-printed labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Travel-size hand sanitizer is a compact, useful promo item for trade shows, markets, and other busy events. Place your branding where it won\u2019t cover the product name, Drug Facts, directions, warnings, or other information on the original packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customize this design with your logo and message. Then print it yourself on 2″ round labels (22807) or order custom-printed labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Promo items for eco-friendly brands work best when sustainability is built into the item, not just the message. Consider reusable products, items made with recycled materials, or small plants in compostable pots. For events, make sure the item is also practical to carry and care for. Explore Avery sustainability goals and product options<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Complete the presentation with an option from Avery labels made with sustainability in mind. Customize this design, then print it yourself on Avery Eco-Friendly Labels (48160) or order them custom printed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best DIY promo items don\u2019t have to be expensive or elaborate. And you don’t have to make every idea that comes across your path. It’s better that the ones you choose make sense for your business, fit the setting, and give people a reason to remember you. For me, that’s stickers, for you it might be totes, gift cards, complementary items, or a combination of items. Before choosing what to make, consider where you\u2019ll distribute it, how easily people can carry it, and what you want them to do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Several inexpensive items can feel more useful and substantial when you group them around one purpose. Try combining travel essentials, desk supplies, self-care products, or items related to what your business sells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use coordinated labels, tags, or outer packaging to tie everything together. You don\u2019t necessarily need a different branded label for every item. One cohesive design on the bag, box, or card can make the entire kit feel complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For trade shows and conferences, prioritize DIY promo items that are compact, broadly useful, and easy to distribute. Stickers, notebooks, gift cards, and other lightweight items are easier for attendees to carry throughout the day. At markets or community events, you may have more flexibility to offer product samples, themed kits, or raffle prizes. Avoid items that are fragile, difficult to transport, or dependent on knowing someone\u2019s size unless they\u2019re intended for a specific recipient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A logo can help people recognize your business, but it doesn\u2019t always tell them what to do next. Add a website, social handle, short message, or QR Code that leads to your shop, product information, event offer, or email signup. Keep the next step relevant to the item and easy to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Printable fabric transfers let you add full-color designs to tote bags, T-shirts, pouches, and other fabric items. Although the sheets are 8\u00bd” \u00d7 11″, your design doesn\u2019t have to fill the entire page. You can arrange several smaller designs on one sheet and cut out the shapes you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important thing to know is that fabric transfers require more preparation than labels or stickers. The instructions vary depending on the transfer product and fabric color. For example, some designs must be reversed before printing because the transfer is applied face down. Always follow the instructions for the specific product you\u2019re using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro tip:<\/strong> Visit our fabric-transfer resource center<\/a> for product options, video tutorials, instructions, and more. It’s a great place to get started if you want to make promotional items like T-shirts, totes, or pouches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The short answer is: sometimes. Making your own promo items is often cheaper when you only need a small quantity and can buy the unbranded items at a good price. For example, if a supplier requires you to order 20 custom T-shirts but you only need five, buying five blank shirts and applying your own fabric transfers may cost less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quantity can change the math. At higher quantities, ordering finished mugs, T-shirts, notebooks, or other custom merchandise may cost less per item and save you assembly time. Compare the total cost of getting the quantity you actually need\u2014not just the advertised price per item. Remember to include the unbranded products, branding materials, shipping, printing supplies, and your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stickers are a good example of how that decision can shift. I could print stickers at home for giveaways, but I don\u2019t want to keep the equipment or spend the time making them. Sometimes I take 2,000 stickers to an event. At that quantity, ordering custom-printed stickers and keeping it moving makes much more sense for my business (and sanity).<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re using labels, stickers, or tags to customize another product, you still have a choice between printing them yourself and ordering them custom printed<\/a>. Compare printing at home and custom printing to decide which option makes sense for that part of your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DIY promotional items can help people remember your business, start conversations, and give event visitors a reason to reconnect afterward. The strongest choice depends on your audience, budget, event, and what you want the giveaway to accomplish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore more event marketing ideas for planning your booth, building interest before the event, connecting with visitors, and following up afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>
3) Use raffle tickets for a promotional giveaway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4) Make branded T-shirts with fabric transfers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5) Turn your logo into custom die-cut stickers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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6) Pair complementary products for a giveaway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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7) Create DIY promotional items with coffee and mugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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8) Make DIY promotional items for relaxing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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9) Quickly turn gift cards into promotional items<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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10) Make practical promo items with notebooks and pens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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11) Customize travel-size hand sanitizer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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12) Choose more sustainable DIY promotional items<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tips for making effective DIY promotional items<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Group small items into a themed kit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Choose items that fit the event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Give people a clear next step<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat to know about making fabric DIY promo items<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is it cheaper to make your own promotional items?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Build promo items into your event marketing plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n