Gift bags are a great way to create a buzz for your event. A carefully crafted bag can show appreciation, and if customized, can help spread the word about your brand. You may even get some buy-in from brands to get product free or at a discount in exchange for getting in front of influencers. Try to think of including items that people will appreciate for themselves or to re-gift. Re-gifting isn’t a negative, it’s a bonus because then your message is shared with two or even three consumers. Here are our favorite attendee gifts for 2015: five for every budget.

 

But first, a few Do’s and Don’ts for gifting. Gift cards are always appreciated or specialty services printed on nice paper and packaged go a long way. Planning in advance and getting your logo on items will encourage people to take notice.

Gift List

There are a few event Gift Bag ideas best left on the shelf. Trust us, nobody wants more of these.

  • discount cards (say 10% off something)

  • sample sizes (unless it’s a really awesome product)

  • advertising materials and pamphlets

  • mouse pads

  • key chains*

  • pens*

  • paper weights*

  • pocket knives*

  • branded ball caps and t-shirts

  • flash drives

  • alcohol – it’s usually illegal anyway

*unless they’re high-end versions.

Attendee Gift Ideas Under $25

Hydro Flask Bottles: Let your guests hydrate the eco-friendly way. Instead of disposable plastic, why not a reusable, co-branded Hydro Flask stainless steel bottle that keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Universal Phone / Tablet Charger: Always handy for a long day, let your attendees have power no matter where they are – and what device they use. You could explore brands that allow a logo customization. Indestructable Candy: Chocolates and other sweets aren’t always consumed and tend to melt easily. However, a tin of mints or some butterfly gummies from Dylan’s Candy Bar are delightful, easy to tote around and can be shared with others.

Kiehl’s Hand Salve: this is a great thing to give to attendees who are often traveling and staying in hotels and will appreciate the thorough hand moisturization from a repuatble company. Book of the Moment: what are some cool underground books that are related to your event? Give some fun reading material like The Big Bad Book of Bill Murray or the Thug Kitchen cookbook.

Attendee Gift Ideas Under $25 to $50
  • Double Canopy Umbrella: This high quality umbrella from Jos A Bank is sturdy enough to hold up to rain and wind, and large enough to shelter a soccer team.

  • Jewelry: Alex and Ani offer high quality, eco-conscious bangles and baubles for any occasion. Pick one to pair up with your event!

  • Jawbone Fitness Tracker: The Up Move tracker counts steps and tracks sleep and food intake. Who doesn’t want to take a step in the right direction toward a healthier lifestyle?

  • Shuttr Selfie Remote: Forget the selfie stick, the Shuttr is the tiny device that can trigger photos with your mobile device. The beauty of it is that it can take photos up to 30 feet away, so no outstretched selfie arms.

  • Goal Zero Flip 20 Recharger: Give attendees the power of power. This little device holds enough to recharge small devices multiple times quickly, and can be recharged from USB or solar power.

Attendee Gift Ideas Under $50 to $100
  • Skin Care: even men appreciate good quality skin care products. Just stay away from the highly fragranced ones. L’Occitane has wonderful gift sets.

  • iPad Case: Choose a classic look like a cognac leather. KAVAJ offers one with a stand-up feature.

  • A Home Cooked Meal: Give a Blue Apron or Plated gift certificate and they can cook delicious meals with instructions and ingredients, delivered to most places in the United States.

  • The Rabbit: A simple way to uncork that next bottle, the Rabbit pops and ejects wine corks in no time.

  • Bluetooth Grilling Thermometer: iGrill, you grill, we all grill. Perfectly. With the iGrill Thermometer, you plug it into the meat and get alerted when it’s up to temp. Perfection every time.

Attendee Gift Ideas Under $50 to $100
  • SoulCycle Gift Certificate: Try an inspiring workout that benefits the mind and body!

  • Noise Canceling Headphones: Bose QuietComfort noise canceling headphones work as well on the plane as they do on the running track and pack up into a tiny package.

  • Leather Portfolio: Like a large wallet, the best new accessory is the portfolio. Designed to hold all business essentials like computer cords and plane tickets. Jack Spade makes one that can be used on its own or inside a briefcase or handbag.

  • Ralph Lauren Hourglass: Track time in style with this leather-cased hourglass with beveled silver-plated brass trim.

  • WiFi Everywhere: Give the gift of wireless access with Karma. It fits in your pocket and can connect up to 8 devices to WiFi from anywhere.

Attendee Gift Ideas Under $50 to $100
  • Watch: Not so much for keeping time anymore, watches have evolved to more of a fashionable accessory. Swiss designed Mondaine watches are classic, elegant and iconic.

  • Sunglasses: You can never have too many high quality pair of designer sunglasses. Give your guests a pair of Tom Ford shades and you’ll see them smile.

  • High End Scarves: Burberry Heritage Check Scarf or Etro Scarves and wraps: A textured wool or silk scarf would be a dimensional and sophisticated gift.

  • Designer Headphones from Master & Dynamic: Tune out ambient noise in style with these leather, forged aluminum and stainless steel beauties.

  • Dyson Bladeless Fan: Easy to clean, safe for kids, quiet and powerful, your guests have never seen anything like this.

Attendee Gift Ideas Under $500 to $1000
  • Home Automation Package: A security/home automation service like Vivint would be handy for anyone. Control heat, lighting and even the sound system from a smart phone.

  • Apple Watch: Workout, communicate and live more efficiently with the latest and greatest gaget: a smart watch.

  • Fountain Pen: Referred to as the “pens that write history” a fountain pen will make an impression on any desk. Traditionally found in black resin with gold inlay, they are now available in all colors and materials like titanium.

  • iPad Air 2: Get the ultimate edition, the iPad Air with 128GB, Cellular + Wi-Fi for $829. Everyone wants one.

  • The Cube: With this home 3D printer, the world is at your fingertips. So you are virtually giving them anything they can imagine.

Attendee Gift Ideas $1000 & Up
  • Burberry Cashmere Blanket: Crafted in brushed cashmere, these blankets are statement pieces with classic designs and the ultimate in comfort.

  • Gucci Carry-On Duffel Bag: Attendees will immediately ditch their planned carry-on bags once they see this one. Traveling in style never looked so good.

  • Super Bowl Tickets: Who wouldn’t love tickets to the biggest game of the year? See if you can score some. Warning, they can get pricey.

  • Two Wheeled Transport: The Airwheel Self Balancing Bike may be the closest thing we have to a hoverboard, at least for the next few years. Picture your attendees roaming around your event on these. Pure enjoyment.

  • DJI Phantom: The ultimate drone experience isn’t going to happen under $100. This one takes the smoothest, most stable drone photos and videos on the planet.

 

There are a number of wonderful ideas for every budget when it comes to your event gift bag. Overall, the more thought, planning and creativity you can put into the gift bag process, the better it will be received. Consider your budget, theme and attendees. When done well, a gift can truly be the icing on the event cake.

 

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