Promotional Items Dictionary of Terms

Swag 101: Introduction to Promotional Items and Apparel

Promotional items and corporate apparel are some of the most impactful tools a business can use to build loyalty, increase visibility, and make lasting impressions. Branded items have a tangible value that brings your company into the daily lives of customers, prospects, and employees. When thoughtfully selected and customized, these items can become lasting brand ambassadors, representing your company at events, in the office, and everyday settings.

Why Invest in Promotional Items and Corporate Apparel?

Promotional items and branded apparel can deliver high returns for a relatively low cost, especially when purchased in bulk. Here are a few key reasons to consider them for your business:

Strengthening Brand Recognition: Each time a client or prospect uses a branded item—be it a pen, water bottle, or tote bag—they are reminded of your company, reinforcing your brand’s presence in their lives.

Creating Lasting Impressions: Quality promotional products can be memorable, building goodwill among recipients and potentially resulting in future sales. Branded apparel, worn by your employees, helps establish professionalism.

Building Customer Loyalty: Distributing branded items as a thank-you gift to loyal customers can build rapport and deepen customer connections with your brand.

Supporting Event Presence and Engagement: For events and tradeshows, branded items like tote bags, lanyards, or notebooks provide a practical, hands-on way to engage attendees.

Incentivizing and Recognizing Employees: Branded apparel and promotional items can also serve as employee appreciation gifts. T-shirts, hoodies, or jackets that feature the company logo foster a sense of pride, unity, and teamwork among staff.

Common Uses for Promotional Items and Corporate Apparel

Here are some of the most popular applications for branded items in various business settings:

Giveaways: Perfect for tradeshows, public events, and even direct mail, giveaways such as pens, notepads, and keychains provide a budget-friendly way to get your brand into the hands of prospects.

Client Gifts: Higher-end items like insulated drinkware, journals, or tech gadgets make great gifts for clients, showing appreciation and creating positive brand associations.

Employee Uniforms: Branded apparel can be provided as part of a uniform for staff. Polo shirts, jackets, and caps can promote brand consistency and professionalism in customer-facing roles.

Internal Recognition: Recognizing employees for milestones or achievements with branded gifts like high-quality jackets or unique desk items can boost morale and create a sense of belonging within the company.

To help you make the most informed decisions, here is a guide to common terminology in the promotional products and corporate apparel world:

Screen Printing: A method of printing that uses a mesh screen to apply ink onto the fabric or item.
Embroidery: Stitching designs, often with threads, onto apparel or other fabric items for a high-end, textured look.
Heat Transfer: A process that uses heat to transfer designs from a special film onto the fabric.
Dye Sublimation: A printing technique where ink turns to gas and permeates the material, producing vibrant, full-color images.
Laser Engraving: A method of marking the surface with a laser for a precise, etched look, commonly used on metal items.
PMS Colors (Pantone Matching System): A standardized color reproduction system used to ensure consistent color across different products.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): The smallest number of units a supplier is willing to produce per order.
Soft Goods: Items made from fabric or similar materials, such as T-shirts, bags, and caps.
Hard Goods: Non-fabric items, often plastic, metal, or other rigid materials, such as water bottles, pens, and tech accessories.
Turnaround Time: The time required to complete production after an order is placed.
Vector Art: Digital artwork that can be scaled without losing quality, commonly required for high-quality printing.
EPS Files: A file format used for vector graphics, ideal for high-quality print projects.
Setup Fee: A one-time cost associated with preparing equipment or files for production, often required for screen printing andembroidery.
Decoration Method: Refers to the process used to add a logo or design to a promotional item, such as screen printing, embroidery, or laser engraving.

You can download a reference sheet with this terminology and learn more on our solutions page. Visit our online store for a comprehensive list of items you should consider for your next event, giveaway, or incentive.

Promotional items and corporate apparel serve as powerful tools for brand-building and engagement, providing businesses with unique ways to connect with clients, employees, and prospects. When you’re ready to select the best promotional items or corporate apparel for your brand, consult us first for product options, decoration methods, and branding strategies. We partner with over a dozen promotional suppliers with corporate responsibility initiatives and giveback programs related to their promo purchases. With our expertise and your understanding of these versatile tools, your business can make a lasting impression that goes far beyond traditional advertising.

Promotional Items

Perennial favorites, “hard goods” like tumblers, magnets, and notebooks can tell your story for years to come.

Pens – Customizable with logos or contact information; ideal for giveaways
Notepads and Sticky Notes – Practical and budget-friendly, often used as desk essentials.
Tote Bags – Reusable and highly visible, perfect for events and tradeshows.
Drinkware – Includes water bottles, mugs, and insulated tumblers, which make great client gifts.
USB Drives – Branded USBs are useful and provide plenty of brand exposure.
Keychains – Compact and portable; can include additional features like bottle openers or flashlights.
Tech Accessories – Items like phone stands, charging cables, and power banks.
Calendars and Planners – Customized with your branding and great for year-round visibility.
Magnets – Often used for quick-reference info or contact numbers; ideal for tradeshow giveaways.
Stress Balls – Fun and useful, often used in health and wellness contexts.
Umbrellas – A practical, high-value gift.
Journals and Notebooks – Premium notebooks make great gifts for clients and employees.
Branded Candy or Snacks – Custom-packaged treats are perfect for events, holidays, and gift baskets.
Lanyards – Useful for events and conferences, and can be reused by attendees.
Desk Items – Mousepads, rulers, and desk organizers, for example, provide a daily touchpoint.

Corporate Apparel

These “soft goods” serve functional purposes and act as effective marketing tools that reinforce your brand wherever they go.

T-Shirts – A versatile choice for staff uniforms, giveaways, or event apparel.
Polo Shirts – Great for uniforms or a more polished look for brand representatives.
Hoodies and Sweatshirts – Popular for colder seasons, casual offices, or employee gifts.
Caps and Beanies – Ideal for outdoor events or as giveaways for clients and employees.
Jackets – High-quality, durable jackets are perfect for employee appreciation gifts.
Button-Down Shirts – Professional apparel for client meetings, tradeshows, or uniforms.
Aprons – Ideal for food service businesses or trades requiring protective gear.
Face Masks – Branded masks can be used by employees or given to customers for brand visibility.
Socks – Custom socks make unique and memorable giveaways.
Vests – Great for layering and can add a branded touch to outdoor workwear.
Scarves, Bandanas, and Neck Gaiters – Unique options for highly-visible branding.
Workwear – Durable branded apparel suitable for industrial or trade jobs.
Athletic Wear – Custom athletic shirts or jackets for team events or fitness-related branding.
Safety Gear – Reflective vests or other safety apparel for industries requiring high visibility.
Accessories – Items like branded belts or gloves can also be used as unique promotional apparel.

Use these common search terms to find the latest options in our online store and don’t miss our Gift Guide for the latest On-Trend Promotional Gifts! Don’t see the item you’re looking for? Reach out and we can help match your purchase to your company’s values and find high-quality branded products at the same time.