Gifts Worth Giving

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Travel pack, $20
The Federal Aviation Authority's three-one-one rule for carrying liquids on airplanes presents an opportunity to create truly functional swag for trade shows. This branded packet contains business travel standbys like hand sanitizer, breath mints, and lip balm. promoideas.org

iPod docking station, $131
Andrew Grose, CEO of Nortec, an IT consultancy based in Falls Church, Virginia, saves his best swag for people with real purchasing power. "If it's a gift for someone in the IT department, I don't want to invest as much," he says, "but if it's the CIO of a company, I can justify spending a bit more to get their attention." onsalepromos.com

Notebook, $15
A notebook is always handy, but watch out for ones that are either overdesigned or cheaply made. Opt for these sturdy, colorful notebooks with your logo subtly embossed on the cover fabric. swervepoint.com

Hydration backpack, $33
The logo on this hydration pack, used for biking, skiing, or hiking, can be large without embarrassing the user. This kind of swag is good if you want to create an association in your customer's mind between your brand and recreation. leedsworld.com

USB drive, $10
Even if people don't need a drive, they'll often pass it along to a colleague or family member. Some companies load a marketing presentation onto their giveaway drives. If you go this route, we strongly advise that you keep it brief. ipromo.com

Wireless travel PC mouse, $15
Denis McFarlane says, "We actually get requests from employees and clients who ask for extras for their home computer or to give to a spouse." cables4computer.com

Flashlight, $14
Because it's so useful, you can get away with a relatively large logo on this flashlight. If you're lucky, it will find a long-term home in a customer's toolbox or glove compartment. epromos.com

Steak knives, $60
"Companies are increasingly choosing items that will win at-home real estate," says Lindsay Hoylman, a marketer at Leed's, a promotional products company. Knife sets like this Laguiole-style design (with the signature bumblebee handle) are nice gifts for the holiday season. Your company's logo can be printed on the lid of the wooden case, where it will be visible but not obtrusive. leedsworld.com

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