The Best Small Business Promotional Items

Pens and t-shirts and koozies, oh my!

You're excited about your small business - and now it's time to get other people excited about your business.

So you sit down, fire up your laptop, and type in the magic phrase: "best business promotional items."

And...go.

First, you’ll see the usual suspects: big promo item websites with millions of options and maybe a few roundup lists that all say basically the same thing.

But what are the best promotional items for your business?

Let's figure it out.

The Best Business Promotional Items are Things People Actually Use

Sounds basic, right? But it’s the hill I will gladly die on..

I can't tell you how many promotional items I've received over the years that were useless, contributed to cluttering up my house and gave me guilt for ultimately sending them to a landfill.

And they most definitely weren't doing what they were intended to do: continually promoting the business.

Rule #1: If it's not useful, it's not worth it.

I have a handful of business promotional items that I've had and used for years.

• A beach towel from my orthodontist (from when I was a teenager)

• A silicone bib from my kids’ pediatrician

• A water bottle with a freezable center that I never would've bought for myself but love having in the summer

These weren’t just cute ideas — they were smart. Thoughtful. Useful. And isn’t that the whole point?

Start by asking yourself:

• Who is my customer?

• What do they spend their time doing?

• What would make their day easier, more fun, or more comfortable?

The towel? Genius for a family with kids. We used it constantly, and when I moved out, I took it with me. It's moved with me five times.

The bib? Lives in my diaper bag, is neon green and gets used every time we eat out. Impossible to miss by people walking by our table.

The water bottle? A seasonal staple that travels with us all summer long.

If you’re feeling stuck, here’s a list to kickstart your creativity — a roundup of consistently awesome promo items that people actually want to keep.

Best Business Promotional Items: The Roundup

Everyday Essentials:

• Pens: But not just any pens. I’m talking about those pens — the smooth, juicy kind you accidentally-on-purpose steal. Cheap pens get tossed. Good pens get stolen (and that's a compliment).

• Sticky notes: We all use them. Keep a stash in your car, bag, or desk — and so will your customers.

• Lip balm: Budget-friendly and endlessly handy. Go wild with flavors and colors that match your brand vibe.

Wearables:

• T-shirts: Don’t skimp here. Quality matters so much. Soft, comfy, unisex shirts get worn — boxy, scratchy ones get donated.

• Hats: A crowd favorite. Great for all ages, and perfect for casual, everyday brand visibility.

For the Long Haul:

• Reusable bags: Groceries, errands, travel — eco-friendly and practical, which means they stick around.

• Reusable water bottles: A classic. Again, quality over quantity. Think double-walled, leak-proof, a freezable center or something else that sets it apart from the rest of the ones in the cabinet.

• Collapsible silicone cups: Compact, fun, and great for adults, kids, and even pet parents.

• Umbrellas: An underrated win. Keep it in the car, pop it open in a storm — and oh look, your logo’s saving the day.

• Pool Towels: Still thinking about that orthodontist towel? Me too. I’ve had it for over a decade and it still gets used.

💡 A Few Final Tips

The best promotional item for your business depends on your customer. Not all swag is created equal — and “cheap” doesn’t always mean “smart.”

In fact, saving money on items no one wants is just… wasting money.

Also keep in mind:

• Lower-cost items like pens, notepads, and reusable straws are perfect for events, swag bags, or giveaways.

• Higher-value items — think towels, t-shirts, and water bottles — make great gifts after a transaction or for VIP customers. (That orthodontist towel? My parents basically paid five grand for it. 🦷)

When you choose intentional, high-quality promo items, you’re creating mini billboards that people actually like. They’ll use them. Talk about them. Maybe even love them for a decade or two.

And that’s how you stay top-of-mind — in a way that feels fun, not forced.