21 Best Eco-Friendly Trade Show Giveaway Ideas

Trade shows and live events are great opportunities for businesses to showcase their products and services to potential customers, clients, and partners.

To make your event memorable for your attendees, giving them take-back gifts can be an effective strategy. However, many trade show swag items can be wasteful and end up in landfills. And that’s why exhibitors should consider eco-friendly swag options that promote their brand and align with their values.

So, here are 21 of the best eco-friendly trade show giveaway ideas that will promote your brand and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.

#1 Digital Gift Cards

The Gift Card is the incentive that players get for playing the game, filling out a form, or completing a survey. Attendees can easily access exclusive discounts, promotions, and other incentives from your business. 

Digital gift cards are a great eco-friendly option for trade shows and events. They reduce physical material waste, are convenient and easy to distribute, customizable and personalized, offer analytics, and can reduce shipping and logistics. 

At Audiencegage, we can integrate digital gift cards into our suite of trade show games. 

[Read: 13 Trade Show Giveaway Ideas for Every Budget]

#2 Digital Postcards

Send attendees digital postcards to share on social media or send to friends and family. They reduce paper waste, are easy to share and customize, and can be interactive and engaging. 

These cost-effective swag items can save money on printing and shipping costs. Moreover, these postcards allow you to incorporate multimedia elements such as videos, images, and links, making them more interactive and engaging than regular postcards. 

#3 Reusable Tote Bags

Create a game where attendees can decorate their recycled tote bags and post pictures of their creations on social media. To add a fun element, the attendee with the most creative tote bag wins a prize. This not only promotes sustainability but also encourages attendees to get creative.

#4 Bamboo Utensils

Bamboo is a renewable resource that grows quickly and does not require pesticides or fertilizers, making it a sustainable alternative to plastic. Bamboo utensils are durable, practical, and long-lasting swag items. Also, these are naturally antibacterial and easy to clean, making them a hygienic and safe option for attendees. Lastly, these are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry and use on the go.

Some of the popular types of bamboo utensils are straws, plates, glasses, cups, etc. In addition, it can be customized with your company's logo or message, making it a personalized and effective marketing tool. 

[READ: 13 Trade Show Tips for First-Time Exhibitors]

#5 Recycled Notebook

Recycled notebooks are made from recycled materials, such as paper and cardboard, reducing the environmental impact of the production process.

Notebooks are practical and valuable items that attendees will likely use and appreciate. These are often affordable swag items, making it a cost-effective way to promote your brand and sustainability. It can come in various sizes, colors, and styles, making it a versatile swag item that can be tailored to fit your brand and message.

#6 Plantable Seed Paper

Plantable seed paper is made from post-consumer recycled paper and embedded with seeds that can be planted in soil. This makes it an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional paper products. 

This unique swag item can help your brand stand out from the competition. When attendees plant the paper, they will remember your brand's positive impact on the environment. In addition, plantable seed paper can be customized with your logo or message, making it a personalized marketing tool. It can also be an educational tool. 

Plantable seed paper can be used for various promotional materials, such as business cards, postcards, and bookmarks.

#7 Solar-Powered Chargers

Solar power is a sustainable energy source that doesn't produce greenhouse gas emissions or contribute to air pollution. 

Solar-powered chargers can charge various devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops, making them versatile and useful swag items that attendees are likely to use even after the trade show. Many solar-powered chargers are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them a convenient option for attendees on the go or traveling. 

Providing attendees with solar-powered chargers shows that your company is committed to sustainability and promoting a greener future. It can also help create a positive image for your brand. 

#8 Cork Coasters

Cork coasters are another great eco-friendly trade show swag idea. Made from sustainable cork material, a renewable resource harvested from the bark of oak trees, it is an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials like plastic, as it is biodegradable and recyclable. 

Cork coasters are durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean, making them practical and useful items for attendees to take home. 

Using cork coasters as a promotional item at trade shows can be a smart way to showcase your brand's commitment to sustainability. You can customize them with your logo or brand message to create a lasting impression. 

#9 Organic Snacks

Organic snacks are made using sustainable farming practices that are better for the environment as they do not use harmful pesticides and fertilizers, which can damage soil and water quality. 

Moreover, organic and sustainably-sourced snacks are a healthier option than conventional snacks, often full of preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors. 

Whether someone is vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a healthier snack option, there are many different organic snack options to choose from. Organic snacks are easy to distribute at trade shows. They can be packaged in individual servings or bulk bags, making them a convenient option for attendees to grab on the go. 

By providing attendees with organic snacks, you can promote your brand as one that is committed to sustainability and promoting healthier living.

#10 Beeswax Wraps

Beeswax is made from natural, sustainable materials such as cotton, beeswax, and jojoba oil. Unlike single-use plastic wraps, beeswax wraps can be reused multiple times. They are easy to clean and can wrap various foods. 

Beeswax wraps can be customized with your company's branding and messaging, providing a unique and sustainable way to promote your brand. 

#11 Stainless Steel Straws

Unlike plastic straws, which can leach harmful chemicals into drinks, stainless steel straws are a healthier option. Made from food-grade stainless steel, which is safe and non-toxic, these straws can be reused.  

Stainless steel straws are an affordable option for trade show gifts. These straws are easy to clean and come in various sizes and shapes, making them a versatile option for different types of beverages. 

Whether attendees drink iced coffee, smoothies, or cocktails, stainless steel straws can be customized to fit their needs. 

By providing attendees with a sustainable alternative to plastic straws, you can positively impact the environment while promoting sustainability. 

And yes, don’t forget to put your branding on the straws for better brand recall. 

#12 Bamboo Sunglasses

Now who doesn’t love a pair of sunglasses?

Sunglasses made from bamboo are eco-friendly, stylish, lightweight, and durable and come in various styles and colors. This makes them a great alternative to traditional sunglasses. 

Customize bamboo sunglasses with your company logo or message to transform them into a great marketing tool. And take a step further by packaging these glasses in eco-friendly materials like recycled paper or bamboo fiber bags.

#13 Eco-Friendly Pens

While giving pens engraved with your company logo is outdated, give it a twist by offering eco-friendly pens. Made from recycled materials, some of them also are made of plantable seed paper, which allows users to plant them into the soil after using it. 

Moreover, these are often budget-friendly, making them an affordable and practical choice for trade show swag. By providing attendees with a high-quality, eco-friendly pen, you can create a positive impression and showcase your company's commitment to sustainability without breaking the bank.

#14 Organic Cotton T-Shirts

Give attendees a sustainable and branded t-shirt made from organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides and fertilizers, making it a sustainable alternative to conventionally grown cotton. 

These t-shirts are soft and comfortable, making them desirable for attendees to wear and use. These can be customized with your company's logo or message, making it a personalized and effective marketing tool. 

Organic cotton t-shirts can come in various sizes, styles, and colors, making them versatile swag items that can be tailored to fit your brand and message.

#15 Reusable Coffee Cups

Reusable coffee cups can reduce the number of single-use cups ending up in landfills. This can reduce the environmental impact of your event and showcase your commitment to sustainability. Coffee cups are practical and useful items that attendees can use and take home with them. 

Reusable coffee cups are an effective way to showcase your company's branding and messaging. With customizable branding options, you can add your logo or message to the cup, ensuring your brand is visible to trade show attendees. 

Reusable coffee cups can be used in various settings, including at home, at work, or on the go. You can increase brand recognition and loyalty by providing attendees with a practical item they can use in their daily lives.

#16 Bamboo Toothbrushes

Unlike plastic toothbrushes, which can take hundreds of years to break down, bamboo toothbrushes decompose naturally in just a few months, reducing waste and pollution. 

Despite being made from organic materials, they are as long-lasting as plastic toothbrushes and can last up to a few months or more. In addition to their environmental benefits, bamboo toothbrushes also offer a unique and attractive appearance. 

With their natural wood grain and customizable branding options, bamboo toothbrushes are a thoughtful and memorable way to showcase your commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.

#17 Digital Magazine Subscriptions

Digital magazines are an eco-friendly and convenient alternative to traditional print magazines. With the rise of digital technology, many publishers have shifted their focus to online platforms, offering readers a more sustainable and accessible reading experience. 

You can either offer a subscription to your own digital magazine or to the popular ones in your industry. 

#18 Recycled Glassware

These items not only help conserve natural resources but also reduce the amount of waste in landfills. Recycled glassware is also versatile and can be used for various purposes, from drinking glasses and vases to decorative bowls, centerpieces, and even bottles. 

In addition to being eco-friendly, recycled glassware has a unique and attractive appearance. The slight imperfections and variations in color and texture give each piece a unique look that will surely catch the eye of trade show attendees.

#19 Energy-Saving Light Bulbs

These are the perfect choice to reduce energy consumption and minimize carbon footprint. Light bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs while lasting up to 25 times longer. With customizable branding options and practical use, our energy-saving light bulbs are an innovative and sustainable way to showcase your commitment to the environment and energy efficiency.

#20 Organic Lip Balm

Made from all-natural ingredients, it provides long-lasting moisture and protection for the lips without harmful chemicals or synthetic fragrances. With customizable branding options and practical use, the organic lip balm is a thoughtful and memorable way to showcase your commitment to sustainability and wellness. 

#21 Recycled Keychains

Keychains made with recycled materials can perfectly showcase your commitment to sustainability while providing attendees with a useful and memorable item. With customizable branding options and practical uses, recycled keychains are a win-win-win for you, the attendee, and the environment. 

Promote Sustainability with Eco-friendly Trade Show Giveaways

Trade show swag doesn't have to be wasteful. By providing eco-friendly and sustainable options like digital gift cards, reusable items, and products made from recycled materials, businesses can promote their brand while demonstrating their commitment to the environment.