Trade Show Giveaways and Events: Strategy, Products and Budget
87% keep promotional products for over a year, and 85% remember the brand behind the gift. The right trade show giveaway draws visitors to your stand, qualifies leads and keeps your brand visible long after the event.
You have invested in a trade show stand, paid for floor space and sent your team to the event. Now you need something to hand out. Something people actually want, that keeps your brand moving long after the show closes.
Giveaways are not just free stuff. They are tools for starting conversations, qualifying leads and building brand recognition. Done right, they deliver better returns than most digital campaigns.
Why giveaways work at trade shows
Research from the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) shows that 87% keep promotional products for over a year. 85% remember the brand behind the gift. This comes down to psychology: the reciprocity principle makes recipients feel inclined to give something back, even if it is just attention and time at your stand.
The numbers are concrete. Outerwear with a logo generates an average of 6,100 impressions over its lifetime. A thermal mug delivers over 1,400 impressions. Compare that to a digital ad that disappears the moment your budget runs out.
A good giveaway does three things: it draws people to the stand, it gives a natural reason to start a conversation, and it keeps the brand visible long after the event.
Top 10 trade show giveaways in 2026
| Rank | Product | Price range (ex. VAT) | Impressions | Practical value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thermal mug with logo | NOK 80-200/pc | 1,400+ | Very high |
| 2 | Tote bag | NOK 25-80/pc | 3,300+ | High |
| 3 | Water bottle (steel) | NOK 60-180/pc | 1,400+ | Very high |
| 4 | Power bank | NOK 100-350/pc | 900+ | High |
| 5 | Notebook with logo | NOK 30-120/pc | 800+ | Medium |
| 6 | Quality pen | NOK 15-80/pc | 700+ | Medium |
| 7 | USB drive | NOK 50-150/pc | 700+ | Medium |
| 8 | Umbrella | NOK 80-250/pc | 1,100+ | High |
| 9 | T-shirt with logo | NOK 70-200/pc | 3,400+ | Very high |
| 10 | Stress balls / fidgets | NOK 10-40/pc | 400+ | Low |
Prices vary with quantity and printing technique. Larger orders bring down the unit price. See our complete guide to branded promotional products for details on printing methods and materials.
Two-tier strategy: bulk items + premium giveaways
The most common mistake is ordering one product for everyone. Instead, think in two tiers.
Tier 1: Bulk items are low-cost products you hand out to everyone passing the stand. Pens, sweets, stickers, stress balls. These typically cost NOK 10-50 per piece and serve one purpose: create traffic and make your logo visible across the show floor.
Tier 2: Premium giveaways are products with higher perceived value, reserved for visitors who stop by, share contact details or qualify as potential customers. Thermal mugs, power banks, water bottles or tote bags. These cost more (NOK 80-350 per piece) but create a stronger connection.
The budget split should be roughly 30% on bulk items and 70% on premium. You hand out many bulk items, but they cost little per unit. Premium gifts reach fewer people, but they make a lasting impression.
Budget planning for trade show giveaways
A simple formula: take the number of expected visitors to your stand, multiply by unit price.
Example for a mid-size stand at ONS:
- Expected stand traffic: 800 visitors
- Bulk items (60%): 500 pcs x NOK 30 = NOK 15,000
- Premium giveaways (10%): 80 pcs x NOK 150 = NOK 12,000
- Total giveaway budget: NOK 27,000 ex. VAT
For a smaller local show with 200 visitors, you can manage with NOK 8,000-12,000. For a large international exhibition, the budget can easily reach NOK 50,000 or more. Check our guide to trade show stand costs for the full picture.
Looking for giveaways under NOK 100? We have compiled the best options with the highest visibility per krone.
Timeline for major trade shows in Norway
| Trade show | Timing | Order deadline (standard) | Order deadline (custom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nor-Shipping | June 2025 | April 2025 | March 2025 |
| ONS | August 2026 | June 2026 | May 2026 |
| Aqua Nor | August 2025 | June 2025 | May 2025 |
Standard products with simple logo printing require 6-8 weeks lead time. Custom products with specific colours, materials or large quantities need 10-12 weeks. Rush orders can be handled within 2-3 weeks for selected products, but cost more.
Start planning early. The best products sell out fast, and printers are at peak capacity before major shows. Read why trade shows matter for your business to build a complete exhibition strategy.
Phygital giveaways: QR codes meet physical products
A giveaway does not have to stop at the physical product. Adding a QR code connects the physical gift to a digital experience.
Practical examples: a water bottle with a QR code leading to a landing page with a special offer. A notebook where the QR code inside gives access to a digital resource. A power bank with a QR that automatically registers the lead.
The benefit is twofold. You get trackable data on who actually uses the giveaway, and you can follow up digitally after the show. This makes the giveaway measurable in a way that traditional products simply are not.
Tax deductions for trade show giveaways in Norway
Giveaways with your company logo are tax-deductible. The rules are straightforward:
- Promotional gifts with logo under NOK 324 ex. VAT per recipient qualify for full tax deduction
- Gifts under NOK 100 incl. VAT also qualify for full VAT deduction
For most trade show giveaways, this means both bulk items and premium gifts are deductible. Read our complete guide to tax deductions for corporate gifts for details on documentation requirements.
How to order trade show giveaways from Show Off
- Tell us about the event and your audience. Which trade show, how many visitors, who is the target group?
- We suggest a two-tier package. Bulk items and premium giveaways tailored to your budget.
- Approve the digital proof. You see the products with your logo and colours before production.
- We produce and quality-check. Everything is inspected before delivery.
- Delivery to the stand or your office. We can deliver directly to the exhibition venue.
We offer everything from promotional products and merch to complete trade show stand solutions. Contact us for a no-obligation quote.
Frequently asked questions
How many giveaways do I need for a trade show?
Calculate 60-70% of expected stand traffic for bulk items and 10-15% for premium giveaways. For ONS with a mid-size stand, that could mean roughly 500 bulk items and 50-75 premium gifts. Always order 10% extra as a buffer.
When should I order giveaways for a trade show?
At least 6-8 weeks before the show for standard products. For custom items or large quantities, start 10-12 weeks ahead. Rush orders can be handled within 2-3 weeks for selected items, but cost more.
What are the most effective trade show giveaways?
Drinkware like thermal mugs and water bottles delivers the best long-term visibility with over 1,400 impressions per piece. Tote bags are the most cost-effective with roughly 3,300 impressions per piece. Choose products the recipient will actually use in daily life.
Can I deduct trade show giveaways from taxes in Norway?
Yes. Promotional gifts with logo under NOK 324 ex. VAT are tax-deductible. Giveaways under NOK 100 incl. VAT also qualify for full VAT deduction. Make sure to document the distribution and keep receipts for all purchases.
Should I choose sustainable giveaways?
Yes, it strengthens your brand. 89% of consumers prefer sustainable products. Water bottles in recycled steel, tote bags in organic cotton and bamboo pens are popular and environmentally friendly alternatives. See our range of sustainable promotional products.