All posts by Susan Bigan

Why Rubber Ducks Are Taking Over Trade Shows (And Why Your Booth Needs Them)

Rubber Ducks

Walk into any major trade show lately and you’ll spot a weird trend: grown professionals carrying around rubber ducks.

Not kidding.

Exhibitors figured out that nobody cares about another branded pen. Attendees have drawers full of those already. But a promotional rubber duck? That gets attention.

A tech company tried this last year. Their booth traffic jumped compared to previous events. People stopped, laughed, grabbed a duck, and snapped photos. Some posted to Instagram before they even left the booth. Free marketing that actually works.

Trade shows are expensive. You’re paying for floor space, booth design, travel, and staff time. Then you hand out forgettable swag that ends up in airport trash cans. Rubber ducks don’t get thrown away. People take them home. Kids play with them. They sit on desks. Your logo gets seen for months, maybe years.

The social media thing surprises people. One company tracked their duck giveaway during a conference. Posts kept popping up all week. Friends of attendees saw the photos. The reach extended way past the convention center, and it didn’t cost extra beyond the initial duck order.

You’re not stuck with plain yellow ducks either. Construction companies order ones wearing hard hats. Banks get ducks in tiny suits. Healthcare picks nurse ducks. Industry-specific designs stick in people’s minds better than generic items.

There’s a conversation thing you can’t ignore. An HR consultant said the ducks broke the ice better than any pitch. People would grab one, smile, and actually ask questions about her services. Other freebies? Attendees just took them and kept walking.

Shipping is easier than you’d think. Ducks pack efficiently and survive transport. You won’t deal with crushed boxes or broken items. Bulk pricing keeps costs reasonable, especially when you think about how long they last.

Major conventions caught on. Some added rubber duck-themed photo stations. What started as a quirky experiment became standard strategy for smart exhibitors.

Your next trade show is coming up. You could order more pens. Or you could stand out with something people actually want to take home.

Pretty obvious choice if you ask me.

New Report: Quirky Power of Custom Rubber Ducks

When it comes to promotional products, standing out can feel like an uphill battle. Pens, notepads, and tote bags are everywhere — but what if you could hand out something that’s fun, memorable, and truly unique? Enter the custom rubber duck.

These little yellow icons aren’t just bath toys anymore. They’ve evolved into powerful marketing tools that bring personality and playfulness to your brand like no other swag can. Whether you’re attending a trade show, hosting a client event, or running a direct mail campaign, custom rubber ducks grab attention and spark conversations.

What makes them so effective? For starters, their bright color and quirky shape make them impossible to ignore. When you add your logo or a personalized design, they become mini mascots that stick around on desks and shelves, offering ongoing brand exposure long after the event ends.

Plus, buying bulk rubber ducks is surprisingly affordable, letting you reach a wide audience without breaking the bank. And with a variety of styles — from classic yellow to glow-in-the-dark or holiday-themed — you can tailor your ducks to fit your brand’s personality perfectly.

If you want to make a splash with your next campaign, it’s time to consider custom rubber ducks. They’re playful, practical, and packed with potential to turn casual recipients into loyal fans.

Ready to learn more? Check out our full report on why custom rubber ducks are the promotional product you didn’t know you needed.

Creative Campaign Ideas Using Custom Rubber Ducks

Custom promotional rubber ducks with logo – fun branded giveaways for trade shows, hospitals, and events

Getting creative with your promotional ducks is the key to making a real impact. These simple toys open up a world of possibilities beyond just handing them out. Here are some fun, effective ways to use custom rubber ducks in your marketing:

1. Tie Giveaways to Holidays or Special Events

Make your ducks part of the seasonal buzz. A Halloween-themed duck with your logo can steal the show at October events, while a festive Christmas duck makes a charming holiday gift. Limited-time designs create excitement and encourage people to engage with your brand during key moments.

2. Run Social Media Contests

Invite your audience to share photos of their personalized rubber ducks in creative or funny settings using a branded hashtag. Offer prizes for the most imaginative posts. This kind of user-generated content spreads your brand message organically and gets people talking.

3. Partner with Charities

Create a special edition duck tied to a cause and donate part of the proceeds to charity. For example, a company could promote clean water awareness with a themed duck. This approach adds meaning to your campaign and shows your brand cares about more than just sales.

4. Launch Limited Edition Collectibles

Design a series of collectible custom rubber ducks that fans can look forward to collecting over time. This strategy builds anticipation, encourages repeat engagement, and turns your ducks into mini mascots for your brand.

5. Upgrade Event Swag

Instead of the usual pens and tote bags, hand out trade show rubber ducks customized with event and brand logos. They’re unexpected, memorable, and perfect conversation starters that keep your brand top of mind.

Custom Power Banks for Apple & Samsung — Tech Giveaways

Custom Chargers & Adapters

In a world that never stops moving, a dead phone battery can bring your day to a halt. Whether you’re team Apple or Samsung, having a dependable power bank on hand means staying connected no matter where life takes you. Garrett Specialties offers a range of custom power banks and chargers designed to keep your devices charged and your brand visible—making them ideal promotional gifts with real impact.

When battery life runs low, power banks become essential. Garrett Specialties provides options ranging from compact 2000mAh models perfect for quick boosts to larger 10,000mAh power banks capable of multiple full charges. This variety allows businesses to select the ideal power bank based on budget and the value they want to deliver.

What sets these power banks apart is their compatibility with Apple and Samsung devices. Many come equipped with USB-C, Lightning, and Micro USB connectors or detachable cables tailored for these brands. This ensures users can charge iPhones, iPads, Samsung phones, and tablets without needing extra adapters. Fast charging support means devices power up quickly and efficiently, saving valuable time.

Adding your logo or message transforms these power banks from simple tech accessories into memorable marketing tools. Whether handed out at trade shows, corporate events, or as client gifts, branded power banks keep your company top of mind every time they’re used.

Beyond power banks, Garrett Specialties also offers a variety of chargers and adapters—including car chargers and wireless charging pads—all customizable to fit your branding needs. This wide selection ensures you find the perfect charging solution for your audience.

Ready to keep your clients and employees powered up? Explore the full range of Apple- and Samsung-compatible power banks and chargers here: Chargers & Adapters.

Empower your brand with gifts that combine usefulness and style—always ready when your audience needs them most.

Save on Custom Promo Items with Garrett Specialties’ No Setup Fee Offer

Free Setup Promotional Products

When ordering custom promotional products, setup fees can add unexpected costs to your budget. Garrett Specialties helps businesses stretch their marketing dollars with a wide selection of high-quality items that come with no setup fees—meaning you pay only for the products and imprinting, not the equipment preparation.

A setup fee covers the time and labor needed to prepare machines for printing your logo or artwork on promotional items. These fees vary depending on the product and imprint method, and they can quickly increase the total cost of your order. Garrett Specialties removes this barrier by offering many popular products like pens, tote bags, drawstring backpacks, T-shirts, and office tools with free setup.

This no-setup fee option is ideal for businesses looking to maximize their budget without compromising on quality. Whether you’re ordering custom event giveaways, corporate holiday gifts, or personalized promotional goods, you can save money upfront while still receiving premium name-brand products.

Garrett Specialties continuously updates their collection to include the latest trends and best-sellers, all while maintaining budget-friendly pricing. Plus, their complimentary art and graphics services mean you get expert help creating the perfect proof without extra charges.

By choosing no-setup-fee promotional items, your marketing funds go further—letting you order more items or invest in higher-quality products. It’s a smart way to boost brand visibility and connect with customers through practical, eye-catching giveaways.

Explore Garrett Specialties’ full range of no setup fee products today and start saving: No Setup Fee Promotional Products.

Make your brand stand out without overspending!

Get Your Promotional Products Fast with Garrett Specialties’ Rush Service

24 Hour Promotional Items and 24 Hour Swag

When deadlines are tight and you need promotional products quickly, Garrett Specialties offers a dependable solution: their 24-hour Rush Service. This service helps businesses meet last-minute event and marketing deadlines without compromising quality.

Here’s how it works: place your order before 1:00 PM Central Time on a business day, and approve your art proof by 3:00 PM Eastern Time the same day. For a flat $35 fee, your order gets priority in production—no hidden costs or shortcuts. Orders placed after the cutoff or on weekends will ship the next business day, so planning ahead is still important.

Garrett Specialties’ Rush Service applies to many popular promotional products including apparel, pens, lanyards, water bottles, and more. Some items like ceramics, umbrellas, plush toys, and laser-engraved products have quantity limits, but overall it’s a flexible option for urgent needs.

This fast service is ideal for events like conferences, holiday parties, grand openings, and milestone celebrations where timing matters. Plus, you still get Garrett Specialties’ 360° Guarantee®, ensuring quality imprinting and customer satisfaction.

If you’ve faced the pressure of last-minute promotional orders, Garrett Specialties’ Rush Service makes it easier. It lets you deliver quality branded products on time—without the usual wait.

Check out the rush options and keep your marketing on track: Garrett Specialties Rush Service.

New Report: Corporate Custom Food Gifts

Custom Food Gifts

Looking to improve your corporate gifting? This report explains why corporate custom food gifts make a bigger impact than generic swag. From rich chocolates and savory snacks to personalized cookie tins and reusable mint containers, edible gifts create lasting connections with employees, clients, and partners.

Learn how thoughtful packaging, well-timed delivery, and smart customization turn simple treats into meaningful brand experiences that build loyalty throughout the year. Whether your budget is limited or you want to impress with premium gifts, this guide has practical advice to help you stand out. Skip the usual pens—choose gifts people truly appreciate!

Custom Mug Stuffers That Turn Simple Gifts Into Something Special

Mug Stuffer Treats

Hand someone a branded mug and they’ll use it occasionally. Fill that mug with useful items and they’ll remember the gesture every time they reach for it. Custom mug stuffers change basic promotional drinkware into gifts people value.

Presentation drives this approach. An empty mug feels like standard swag. Fill it with chocolates, candies, or small gadgets and it becomes a real gift—something chosen with the recipient in mind.

Promotional mug stuffers from Garrett Specialties include options for nearly any audience or budget. Hot chocolate packets pair well with mugs for winter campaigns or holiday gifting. Tea samplers work for wellness programs or office appreciation events. Candy fills like M&Ms, Hershey’s Kisses, or gourmet chocolate truffles grab attention immediately.

Practical stuffers go further than edibles. Lip balm fits perfectly inside most mug sizes and gets used repeatedly. Mini hand sanitizers became workplace essentials and continue earning daily attention. Stress balls, keychains, or small flashlights add functional value beyond the initial unwrapping.

Pairing items produces better results than either alone. A coffee mug with custom coffee packets inside targets caffeine lovers specifically. A tea mug with honey sticks and tea bags shows attention to preference instead of generic gifting.

Corporate events benefit from this doubled-up strategy. Conference attendees leave with mugs they’ll use at their desks, while the stuffers provide immediate satisfaction during travel home. Employee appreciation programs gain extra mileage when mugs arrive filled instead of empty.

A tech company tested this during their new hire onboarding program. They switched from plain branded mugs to mugs stuffed with local chocolates and company swag items. New employees posted photos on social media, creating unexpected brand exposure the company hadn’t anticipated.

Retail and e-commerce businesses also find value here. Gift sets with filled mugs command higher price points than empty drinkware. Perceived value increases considerably with minimal additional cost.

Seasonal campaigns fit this format naturally. Halloween mugs filled with candy corn and chocolate. Valentine’s mugs with conversation hearts and truffles. Holiday mugs with peppermint bark and cocoa mix. The pairing feels planned instead of haphazard.

Custom mug stuffers work because they multiply the impact of standard promotional items. Recipients get immediate enjoyment from the contents plus ongoing utility from the mug itself.

Browse candy, snacks, and practical stuffer options designed to fit standard promotional mugs: Custom Mug Stuffers.

Fill a mug and double its impact.

Garrett Specialties In the News: Corporate Gift Wrap Kits Streamline Holiday Prep

Garrett Specialties was recently featured in a widely distributed press release titled “Corporate Gift Wrap Kits Reducing Holiday Preparation Time for Businesses,” published across a network of leading news sites. The release highlights how businesses are turning to custom coordinated gift wrap kits to simplify their corporate gifting programs and maintain brand consistency during the busy holiday season.

As promotional product specialists, we’ve seen firsthand how traditional corporate gifting can become time-consuming and disorganized—especially when coordinating materials from multiple vendors. Our custom gift wrap kits solve this challenge by providing everything businesses need in one cohesive package, from branded wrapping paper to matching ribbons, bows, and tags.

The press release emphasizes that coordinated wrapping systems not only save time but also elevate brand presentation. Companies benefit from a professional, unified look across every package, reinforcing brand recognition and creating a memorable impression for clients and employees alike.

Retailers, e-commerce stores, and HR departments have found particular value in these solutions, using them to enhance customer experiences and streamline internal appreciation programs. The efficiency, consistency, and quality of these kits make them a smart investment for any organization aiming to deliver thoughtful, polished gifts this holiday season.

To read the full press release, visit Google News Results.