Technology plays a vital role in our everyday lives, helping to keep us connected, informed, and entertained. A recent study showed that people touch their smartphones over 2,600 times in a single day! With over 3.8 billion people worldwide owning a smartphone and 78% of households owning a desktop or laptop, it’s no surprise that tech gifts are some of the most sought-after promotional items. Aside from a high degree of face time for your brand, these gifts are just plain practical. A smart tech gift will see use for years after an event or meeting has ended. With technology evolving so rapidly, what’s the best way to ensure a tech gift is not only modern and functional but unique?
Like our drinkware blog, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular tech gifts to act as a quick primer before you begin shopping. From speakers and chargers to sustainable packaging and even tech accessories, this blog will cover everything you need to bring some extra creativity and value to your gifts and help you ensure you’re ending up with a tech product your recipients will be using day after day.
Style
The styles offered for tech are as diverse as their many uses, and which style you land upon will be determined primarily by what functionality you’d like your gift to have. Below are some of the best-selling categories for tech styles to help you decide which is the best fit for you.
Chargers: It’s a problem we’ve all faced, and it usually occurs at the most inconvenient of times - your device runs out of battery. Luckily, power banks and mobile chargers are here to help keep the lights (or the phone) on. So it’s no surprise that charging devices were the most popular tech giveaway in 2022.
Why we love it: Power banks have come a long way in terms of mobility and functionality. In fact, a single unit can power multiple devices before it needs to be recharged and still be small enough to fit in your pocket! Picture your recipient using your power bank to keep their phone running as they browse social media and check emails waiting for their departure. And then use the same charger to keep their laptop powered on as they put some last-minute alterations to their PowerPoint presentation. These tools are as practical as they are versatile!
When shopping:
Tech Specs-The milliamps per hour or (mAh) indicates how much battery capacity the charger has, while the watts (or W) is the battery’s output, or how quickly the battery will charge a device. For newer smartphones (within the past few years), every 10,000 mAh represents about 1.5 full charges (so a 5,000 mAh power bank will give a phone about 75% charge). Power banks with more mAh have greater battery charging capabilities and can charge devices multiple times or even charge multiple devices. Just like higher mAh means more battery power, greater watts means a higher power output, so if you’re looking for a quick charge, the higher the wattage, the faster your devices will be powered up. Generally, the higher the mAh and watts, the higher the price point.
Features- There are clever workarounds for those looking for a high degree of functionality without the high price tag. Consider opting for units without integrated cables that use either wireless charging capability or USB inputs. This allows your recipient to keep the party going with their own cables or any compatible device.
Speakers: Music is a universal language, and speakers are a gift that lets your recipients enjoy their favorite tunes wherever they may be. Speakers are available in a wide range of styles and can be great standalone gifts or integrated into another design.
Why we love it: Bluetooth technology has seen (arguably) the biggest advancements in promotional products. From drinkware to clothing, you'd be hard-pressed to find some category of giveaways that don't offer at least one Bluetooth option. This means your guests can enjoy music on the trail with a clip-on mobile speaker, by the pool with a floating, waterproof speaker, or simply at their desk while the same speaker charges their phone!
When shopping:
Tech Specs- One of the most common specifications in regard to speakers is the hertz (Hz) and kilohertz (kHz), which measure the speaker’s top and bottom frequencies. The Hz is the low frequency and largely represents the level of bass we can expect from a speaker - the lower it goes, the better. While kHz is important to note, our ability to hear this higher frequency diminishes as we get older, so a smaller high-end frequency can be less of a deal breaker if it means getting a big bass sound that is synonymous with quality.
Features- While high-quality speakers make a great standalone gift, especially for keynote speakers or as a sponsor thank you, the gift of music also provides you with a creative opportunity to pair the functionality of speakers with another design for a truly unique and practical gift. Look for Bluetooth capabilities in other gifts you are considering. As we mentioned above, items like coolers, UV sanitizers, wireless charging pads, and even apparel can have speakers built right into them. By expanding your search criteria, you might just find you can have your cake and eat it too! Another neat feature you may want to consider is “Line in'' capabilities which allow older phones without Bluetooth or other devices like an iPod to be plugged directly into the speaker, giving it a bit more versatility. While most speakers do come stock with the 3.5mm input allowing this connection, it’s always best to check (especially with newer Bluetooth models).
Flash Drives: A return to live events means a return to travel! Flash drives are a small, simple way to avoid the hassle of cumbersome FTP sites and emails when moving your files from place to place.
Why we love it: Being able to work on your documents remotely is an important part of our post-pandemic world. Whether your attendees are traveling for business or simply bouncing back and forth between the office and their home, flash drives mean no internet is necessary for keeping your data accessible and your nose to the grindstone. But it’s not just work documents that flash drives are great for. Downloaded movies, albums, software, personal photos, and more can all be loaded onto these handy little devices. Imagine your recipient using your flash drive to deliver a PowerPoint presentation at an out-of-town branch of your company, only to break it out once more back in their hotel room to enjoy that movie they’ve been meaning to watch. Flash drives are a convenient way to inject a little business and pleasure into any trip!
When shopping:
Tech Specs- Flash drive storage capacity (or memory) is determined by how many bytes it has. Typically flash drive memory is either in kilobytes(KB), megabytes (MB), or gigabytes(GB). While kilobytes and megabytes are great for transferring small documents or even smaller-sized software, opting for a drive with at least 1GB of memory will give your recipient many more options for what they’re able to store. Believe it or not, more memory on a flash drive doesn’t always equate to a bigger price tag. The cost of memory has become surprisingly affordable in recent years, so changing from a 1GB flash drive to a hefty 64GB might only be the difference of a few dollars!
Features- Modern flash drives can come with fun accessories like bottle openers and more professional features like pens and laser pointers for presentations. Some of our favorite designs include the handy Swiss Army Knife USB Drive, the discreet and functional USB Flash Drive Lanyard (which comes with a huge 128g drive!), and the compact and highly mobile Credit Card Style USB Drive that fits easily in your wallet!
Phone Accessories: Cell phones have quickly become a necessity for most people. From keeping in touch with family, and business associates, to accessing email, our phones are near us wherever we may be. This frequency of use makes phone accessories a gift that is sure to be used long after your event has ended.
Why we love it: While most phone accessories offer some functional quality-of-life upgrades to our everyday phone usage, others are just plain fun. Recipients will no doubt love their hands-free, wireless charging phone holder for their car as they navigate a city they may be unfamiliar with. If you’re looking to inject a little fun into your next event, the clip-on camera lenses are a perfect gift for some fun and creative photo ops. Last, who doesn’t love a little added security - especially when it comes to valuable electronics? Your recipients can enjoy their day lounging by the pool or out on the water while resting easily, knowing their waterproof case with your brand on it is keeping their phone safe.
When shopping:
Tech Specs- Because they’re available in various styles and functions, phone accessories tend to skew one of two ways - designed for a specific phone model or universal fit. Opting for universal fits can help ensure your recipient can use whatever gift you give them without worrying whether or not it's compatible with their particular phone.
Features- Try to focus on whether you’re looking for something more fun or practical to help limit your searches. The good news is these accessories are available in a wide variety of price points. So consider putting together a mobile “care package” for your guests with things like magnetic phone wallets, phone stands with speaker boosters, keychain chargers, and selfie ring lights for a healthy blend of functionality and fun.
Headphone/Earbuds: Similar to speakers, headphones, and earbuds allow you not only to listen to music wherever you go but most come with microphone capabilities meaning they’re perfect for calling into virtual meetings or making a hands-free phone call. The versatile functionality of headphones and earbuds makes them an extremely popular gift for people who like to stay on the move.
Why we love it: Headphones allow you to enjoy your music, podcasts, or streaming without disturbing those around you. Whether your recipient is just trying to pump themselves up at the office or the gym or trying to relax in a crowded airport, headphones and earbuds allow them the freedom to listen how they want while being respectful of their surroundings. Sometimes, the best part of headphones is the noise they keep out. Noise-canceling units can not only help recipients focus on whatever music, podcast, or company call they may be listening to but might also help them catch up on some much needed sleep on their redeye flight home from a business trip.
When shopping:
Tech Specs-As they fall under the auditory equipment category, specs for headphones and earbuds are strikingly similar to that of speakers. Look for units with high hZ measurements for that bass boost audiophiles crave and for units that offer plenty of user control, like the ability to reconfigure the touch or button controls, toggle features like ambient passthrough, and just general sound balancing options.
Features- One of the most important questions to ask yourself is whether or not you want wired or wireless headphones or earbuds. While wired units typically boast better connection quality and save you the hassle of having to charge yet another battery, they aren’t quite as mobile as their wireless peers, and wires can break or degrade over time. When shopping, looking for the most current model of each makes it easy to compare style, prices, and features and can help you narrow down your decision.
Non-tech Accessories: Sometimes, the coolest tech gifts are simply accessories that pair great with tech! In a world permeated by technology, finding gifts that synergize with existing hardware can be a clever way to give your recipients something they’ll use while still being mindful of even the tightest budget.
Why we love it: Let's face it, sometimes budgets are tight, and a new tech item isn’t always the most cost-effective way to show your recipients you appreciate their support. Luckily, tech accessories are a great way to capture the spirit of a tech gift while simultaneously providing recipients with something they can actually use. From webcam covers providing us a little extra privacy as we work from home and styluses making tablet work a breeze to earbud holders that fit onto your keyring, tech accessories all fit seamlessly with a recipient’s existing tech goodies.
When shopping:
Tech Specs- Because these items are accessories that synergize with and enhance technology more than the actual tech itself, there isn’t a ton in the way of specific specs to look for when selecting these items. The biggest thing to look for is universal compatibility when choosing things like styluses or earbud holsters.
Features- The most appealing aspect of tech accessories are how affordable they are, making them a great compromise when you’d like a tech gift without the tech price point. If you find yourself working within a tight budget, rather than opting for tech items your guests may already have a superior version of, consider choosing a tech accessory instead. Sometimes these accessories aren’t always listed alongside tech depending on your supplier, so be sure to ask for recommendations to ensure you’re getting the most modern and practical accessory!
Value Adds
Whether it's improving accessibility, improving functionality, seamlessly integrating with existing tech, or simply boasting a cool, sustainable design, a wide range of features are available on tech items to make your gift as stylish as it is sensible.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances. In short, it’s a way for us to connect multiple devices together to have them communicate and work together.
Why we love it: Whether connecting a phone to a Bluetooth speaker for some on-the-go music or connecting a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to a tablet for a smoother workday, Bluetooth technology is a great way to integrate a gift into existing hardware. The craziest part? Bluetooth can be found in just about everything nowadays! From listening to the morning news right from your Bluetooth coffee mug to getting important emails and texts right on your watch. Bluetooth capabilities allow you to get a little more creative when selecting the perfect tech gift.
When shopping: As we mentioned before, Bluetooth is an easy way to inject tech into another gift. If you’re looking for a speaker as a gift, but don’t necessarily have the budget for a large, standalone speaker, consider looking for another item with the speaker built in. When shopping for non-speaker-related tech gifts, Bluetooth is a great way to ditch the wires. When you're looking for something that traditionally uses cords to function (computer mice, keyboards, chargers, etc.), try to sort by Bluetooth capabilities. Your recipient will thank you when they aren’t having to untangle a mess of knots every time they want to use their gift!
Waterproof: We all know that water and electronics don’t mix well. Using an interior strong and shielding epoxy and usually encased in soft silicone, electronics can actually become waterproof for use in places they aren’t typically seen!
Why we love it: Whether it’s jamming out in the shower with a waterproof Bluetooth speaker or getting a little extra piece of mind out on the lake or by the pool with a waterproof phone case, we love being able to enjoy our electronics whenever and wherever we want.
When shopping: When it comes to waterproofing, the metric to look for is Ingress Protection Marking (or IP). This is a classification system for how well your device can resist both dust and water. In an IP code, the second number identifies the level of protection that the enclosure provides against the water, with 0 being the lowest all the way to 9, meaning the device can withstand powerful, high-temperature water jets. While not always listed with a product's specs, your supplier should more than likely be able to provide you with this metric if asked. The waterproof feature is a great add-on to any tech gift, not only for the security it adds but the extra functionality it affords (which ultimately means more face time for your branding). Consider looking for waterproof versions of your favorite tech gifts for a great and easy way to add value without totally rethinking your gift!
Name Brands: You’d be surprised at the number of big names you can brand when it comes to tech gifts. Companies like Skullcandy, Sony, Bose, High Sierra, and Mophie, are well-known brands synonymous with quality. Adding your company logo on one of these products is a perfect way to align your company’s value with that of the brand (as well as make for a quality gift).
Why we love it: When it comes to tech, name-brand products are made with superior hardware, which usually yields superior functionality. When packing for their next business trip, your recipient will likely reach for their Skullcandy earbuds with your name on them because they love how those particular earbuds sound. What you may not realize is that they’re also subconsciously associating your company with not only the quality of the Skullcandy brand but with the relaxation and decompression the earbuds afford them as they listen to their favorite band on their flight.
When shopping: Not all models are available for branding, but if you have a particular model in mind, speak to your supplier to see if there is a similar product from the same name brand available. As with shopping for any name-brand product, ensure your products come from a licensed vendor and come with the proper documentation.
Integration/Ease of Use Accessories: From accessories that help a gift integrate with existing hardware to some that just make use a little more convenient, there are a few hardware options you can make to add value to your gift, without adding to the cost!
Why we love it: From a charging station that doubles as a phone stand so your recipient can watch their favorite show or check emails while their phone charges to power banks with integrated cables to prevent the panic we’ve all felt when we realized we left the right power cord at home, these small design choices can make a big difference. Usually, the more convenient an item is to use, the more likely it is to be used. So by providing your recipient with unique and convenient options like phone stands and integrated cables, you're increasing the likelihood of your gift seeing long-term use and setting your gift apart from similar products they may have received in the past.
When shopping: Features like these aren’t always a huge selling point for tech items, so they may not explicitly be listed in a product's name. Be sure to use filter menus or read descriptions thoroughly when looking for these integration options and when in doubt, ask your supplier!
Sustainable Materials: While there isn’t too much distinction between materials in tech items compared to other promotional materials, it doesn’t mean there isn’t room for sustainability here. Many tech items now offer renewable or sustainable materials such as rPET and bamboo as outer shells. While not entirely recyclable or biodegradable due to the hardware inside, it still saves some plastic from ending up in a landfill at the item's end of life!
Why we love it: In a recent survey, event planners ranked sustainability as one of their top priorities going into the new year. With evolving event demographics and expectations, building a more sustainable future for the industry means looking for green options at every level of the event. So as your recipient charges their phone on their bamboo desk clock charger or keeps their earbuds powered up with an rPET power bank, they’ll know that aside from a unique-looking gift, your company is doing its part to do right by the planet.
When shopping: Just because the product itself isn’t available in a sustainable material doesn’t mean you have to forgo it entirely. Ask about sustainable packaging, as many suppliers will offer FSC-certified packaging for their tech products. Paying attention to small details like this can go a long way with eco-minded recipients, and they'll appreciate your efforts to go green!
Let's Shop!
Tech gifts are a great way to show off your company’s modern sensibilities while giving your attendees something they’ll actually enjoy using. With the diverse range of options available, it's easy to second-guess whether you've made the right decision when selecting your branded giveaways. The biggest question you can ask to streamline your tech search is, “What do I want to help my attendees accomplish with this gift?” Tech is designed to simplify our lives, so whether you’re looking to streamline business or relaxation, chances are there’s a tech gift out there that can help you accomplish both. If you’re looking for some help getting started or for some of the freshest trends in tech, contact us and let us “plug” you into some great product ideas!
