Spark a Chat!

When done right, promotional products do more than carry your logo—they tell a story. Whether it’s a quirky desk accessory, a witty T-shirt slogan, or a high-quality reusable water bottle, unique items naturally spark curiosity and invite people to ask questions. As recipients share their experiences it allows others to engage with your products, and just like that, your brand becomes part of the conversation. Below, we will highlight some of the best ways you can customize your promo to turn them into conversation starters.

The Power of the Unexpected

Novelty matters. A custom product that is a little out of the ordinary can really generate interest and attract new followers to your brand. A branded item doesn’t need to be expensive to be impactful; it just needs to be memorable. Think about customizing unexpected product combos like this Picture Frame With Wireless Charger, or our Multi Tool Pen. These items are not something people see every day, and it immediately invites both curiosity and usefulness. For more quirky, unexpected product ideas, check our blog on promo you never thought to give.

Word-of-Mouth

One of the most powerful advertising methods, word of mouth remains at the heart of a successful promotional campaign. When someone uses a product they love—especially one that’s clever, cool, or surprisingly useful—they’re likely to show it off or answer questions about it. That creates an opportunity for your brand to be introduced in a casual, trustworthy way. Unlike TV or digital ads that interrupt a user’s experience (we’re looking at you, YouTube), this kind of brand exposure feels organic, welcomed, and meaningful. Apparel is particularly effective in creating this effect as people choose to wear branded t-shirts, hats, and other garments that put your logo in the spotlight each time they are used.

Where to Use Conversation-Starting Products

To maximize the impact of these branded conversation starters, placement and context are very important. Events like trade shows, conferences, fairs and festivals offer prime opportunities to distribute items that spark interest. For example, a travel-themed company might hand out branded luggage tags with clever travel tips printed inside—something attendees are likely to keep and talk about. Tech companies could distribute ring lights, which are not necessarily linked to their business but are useful and also provoke curiosity.

Great promotional products aren’t just giveaways, they’re an extension of your brand. The more clever, useful, or fun your item is, the more likely it is to be shared, discussed, and remembered. Think of promo items as tools for telling your story, to say something about who you are and why you matter. For this reason, branded products make ideal walking billboards that can be used to spark someone’s interest and start a conversation. So next time you are customizing items, aim to make products that will make recipients say “Hey, check this out” to anyone they interact with.