Job fair giveaways are free swag items that can help you attract top talent and leave a lasting impression.
However, with countless recruiters attending career fairs, choosing the right branded products is typically challenging.
To stand out, it’s important to curate promo items that spark curiosity, ignite conversations, and keep your company top of mind long after the event ends.
That’s why we created this list of 16 memorable giveaways, covering practical office essentials, cool gadgets, and trendy eco-friendly products.
You’ll also discover how to streamline the entire process with our swag-on-demand shops.
Let’s kick things off!
Table of Contents
Why Are Job Fair Giveaways Important?
What Are 16 Great Branded Gift Ideas for Memorable Job Fair Giveaways?
How to Choose the Best Job Fair Giveaways?
How Can SwagDrop’s Swag-On-Demand Shops Enhance Your Job Fair Giveaways?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are Job Fair Giveaways?
Job fair giveaways are branded promotional items employers and recruiters give to career fair attendees.
These promotional products can include everything from stickers and lanyards to thoughtful stress relievers and high-end tech accessories.
The only requirement is to ensure swag items are customized with your company logo or name for brand recall.
Of course, the more unique your freebies are, the more attention they’ll attract.
Discover the benefits of investing in exceptional corporate gifts next.
Why Are Job Fair Giveaways Important?
Handing out thoughtful career fair giveaways can deliver these impressive results.
1. Set your business apart
Numerous employers and recruiters are competing for the attention of job fair attendees.
As such, you have to do more than offer basic flyers and business cards to pique the interest of potential candidates.
To help your company stand out, you need one-of-a-kind, high-quality corporate gifts to make a good first impression and give attendees a reason to follow up.
2. Increase engagement
Eye-catching giveaways draw people to your booth, allowing you to engage in conversations and build connections with potential candidates.
In fact, company swag items can act as an icebreaker, encouraging attendees to ask questions and learn more about your company.
To truly engage the audience, you should stay clear of dull promo products like sticky notes, mouse pads, and wristbands.
Instead, go for awesome outdoor swag and wellness gifts that will generate buzz around your company.
3. Boost brand recognition
When job seekers receive a branded product, they take a piece of your company with them.
These products are constant reminders of your brand, keeping you on their mind long after the event ends.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be overly expensive. Small business promotional items like customized styluses, keychains, mints, and lip balms can do the trick.
4. Leave a lasting impression
Candidates are more likely to remember and consider employers who provide high-quality, practical promotional materials that fit their needs and interests.
For instance, if you want to entice Gen Z job seekers, you can opt for modern tech accessories, such as RFID phone wallets, popsockets, phone stands, and webcam covers.
Carefully selected job fair swag items show attention to detail, reinforcing your company’s professionalism and appeal.
Now, let us show you some of our top-performing giveaways.
What Are 16 Great Branded Gift Ideas for Memorable Job Fair Giveaways?
With over 30 years of experience in promotional products and drawing insights from clients, we’ve curated 16 highly effective career fair giveaways.
Get inspired by our best sellers and win over top talent.
1. Wheat Straw Notebook With Pen
Branded notebooks and notepads still remain a popular giveaway idea because of their daily usefulness at home, at the office, and on the move.
Inspire job seekers to reduce waste and protect the environment by recycling paper with our eco-friendly notebook.
Why we recommend it: This notebook features a 51% wheat straw hard cover and 70 sheets of recycled paper, demonstrating your company’s commitment to sustainability.
2. Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
High-end tech swag, such as a pair of Skullcandy earbuds, is bound to catch the eye of job fair attendees.
Our compact Bluetooth earbuds allow recipients to listen to their favorite music and answer calls for up to 24 hours.
Why we recommend it: According to a 2023 research study, listening to music while working can increase productivity, making earbuds a thoughtful gift.
3. TOBA Packable Jacket
Branded apparel, including t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets, are universally appreciated gifts that increase brand awareness and reach with every wear.
The TOBA branded jacket is lightweight, has a water-repellent finish, and can be packed into its left pocket so recipients can conveniently carry it everywhere.
Why we recommend it: A 2023 ASI report found that outerwear has become the most influential promo product for men and women and can generate more impressions than t-shirts over its lifetime.
4. Courant Classics Catch
The Courant Classic Catch is designed to keep all small essentials such as keys, jewelry, and wallets organized and within easy reach when you’re in a rush.
What we love most about this desk organizer is that it doubles as a wireless charger for your phone or any other compatible device.
Why we recommend it: This versatile catch tray is wrapped in soft Italian leather, adding a sophisticated touch to your giveaway that will blow away job seekers.
5. Recycled Cotton Twill Grocery Tote
Given the growing environmental concerns, opting for eco-friendly promotional products is becoming a necessity rather than a trend.
Our tote bag is made from 70%-80% recycled cotton and 20%-30 % recycled PET, making it the ultimate eco-friendly job fair giveaway.
Why we recommend it: This fashionable tote bag is spacious enough to fit the recipient’s groceries, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bags and promoting sustainability.
6. Speckled Thor Copper Vacuum Insulated Bottle
Reusable water bottles are another sustainable gift choice that reduces plastic waste and attracts eco-conscious career fair attendees.
The Speckled Thor water bottle is made of stainless steel and has copper insulation. It can keep beverages cold for 48 hours and hot for 12 hours.
Why we recommend it: This magnificent drinkware can accompany recipients at the office, at the gym, and on outdoor adventures, keeping your company top of mind.
7. iLive 5K Power Bank
People are becoming more dependent on their phones and gadgets, making power banks highly sought-after giveaways.
This iLive power bank features a 5000 mAh battery capacity, keeping the recipient’s power-hungry devices charged throughout the day.
Why we recommend it: Given their daily practicality, power banks are also well-suited for new hire welcome kits or employee rewards.
8. Hydro Flask All Around Travel Tumbler with Straw
Show potential candidates that your company values corporate wellness with the Hydro Flask tumbler that encourages all-day hydration.
Our custom tumbler offers a comfortable handle, a secure, splash-resistant lid, and a flexible, reusable straw, ideal for sipping beverages on the go.
Why we recommend it: You can pair this tumbler with a beverage to quench attendees’ thirst throughout the event.
Tip: These gift bundles also work well as trade show giveaways or conference swag.
9. Vault RFID Security Computer Backpack
Even if you haven’t reached the new employee onboarding stage, get potential candidates excited with high-quality work essentials like this backpack.
The Vault backpack provides a roomy main compartment that fits a laptop, office supplies, and paperwork, including a padded compartment for tablets.
Why we recommend it: The best feature of this branded backpack is the RFID-blocking pocket that protects recipients from identity theft.
10. Colorized Manual Inversion Umbrella
Keep future employees dry on rainy days with the Colorized manual inversion umbrella.
You should know that this is no ordinary umbrella, as it features an innovative design, allowing you to open and close it on both sides to keep the water contained.
Why we recommend it: Customized umbrellas help increase brand visibility by exposing your company logo and name to the world with every use.
11. Ash Recycled Drawstring Bag
Drawstring bags are lightweight, trendy accessories that people use to carry their belongings while running errands, going to the gym, or taking a stroll.
Our clients can’t get enough of the Ash drawstring bag because it’s fashionable, eco-friendly, and is manufactured from recycled water bottles.
Why we recommend it: You can turn this promo item into a wellness-themed swag bag, including stress balls, hand sanitizers, and scented candles, to show job seekers you care about their well-being.
12. But First…Coffee Gift Set
Let your company be the first thing potential candidates think about early in the morning with a coffee gift set that will put a smile on their faces.
This gift bundle includes a pack of award-winning Minnesota coffee, a yummy granola bar, and a reusable travel mug, all wrapped up in an eco-friendly pouch.
Why we recommend it: Considering 87% of Americans have a strong affinity for coffee, you can rarely go wrong with this gift set.
13. Fabric Clip Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Bluetooth speakers inspire recipients to enjoy good music while relaxing or entertaining guests at home.
However, our speaker takes the fun outside with its IP67 waterproof rating, allowing job seekers to listen to their favorite tunes anywhere—at the beach or in the woods.
Why we recommend it: You can hang up one of these Bluetooth speakers at your career fair booth and play music to attract visitors.
14. Restore Yoga Bag and Mat
A yoga-themed gift helps you make a good impression on potential candidates by proving that you care about employee mental health.
According to the American Osteopathic Association, practicing yoga is an effective stress reliever that increases concentration, muscle strength, and flexibility.
Why we recommend it: This yoga mat can inspire sedentary recipients to start taking fitness classes, improving their physical health.
15. All Wrapped Up Gift Set
If you’re searching for hybrid workers, a fabulous work-at-home kit will catch their eye.
Our set offers everything you need for a comfortable work-from-home experience, including a cozy blanket, a sleek custom mug, and delicious cookies.
Why we recommend it: Candidates can also use this promotional gift to enjoy a relaxing time at home, showing you care about their well-being.
16. Welcome to the Team Gift Set
Offer job fair visitors a warm welcome with this magnificent corporate gift box, showing attention to detail and care.
Inside this gift box, recipients will find a compact lunch cooler, a reusable lunch box with a bamboo cutting board lid, and a ceramic mug.
Why we recommend it: Job seekers can use these swag items to bring home-cooked meals or healthy snacks to work daily to stay in good health.
With that out of the way, let’s show you how to pick the right promotional items.
How to Choose the Best Job Fair Giveaways?
Selecting career fair swag that gets results and leaves a lasting impression is no walk in the park.
In this section, we’ll walk you through factors to consider before making your final selection.
1. Relevance
Think about what job seekers in your industry would appreciate.
For instance, tech candidates will likely enjoy smart gadgets, while potential sales representatives might prefer office-ready computer backpacks.
By aligning giveaways with your target audience’s interests, you leave a lasting impression influencing their perception of your brand.
2. Practicality
The best freebies are promo items that potential candidates will actually use.
Some examples include reusable water bottles, tote bags, and flash drives.
Rest assured that recipients will integrate these swag items into their daily lives, keeping your brand visible after the job fair.
3. Brand alignment
Always choose career fair swag that reflects your company’s image and values.
For example, if sustainability is one of your core values, opt for eco-friendly products.
On the other hand, if you advocate for innovation, gadgets and tech accessories can reinforce your company’s message.
4. Cost-effectiveness
Finding a balance between quality and affordability in your gift choices is a must.
Bulk ordering can help lower the costs, especially if you work with swag suppliers, like SwagDrop, who offer volume discounts.
However, if you want to get the most value for your investment, make sure you always pick high-quality, durable products.
To avoid wasting resources, we recommend using our swag-on-demand shops.
Keep reading to find out more.
How Can SwagDrop’s Swag-On-Demand Shops Enhance Your Job Fair Giveaways?
SwagDrop’s swag-on-demand shops take job fair giveaways to the next level by making the process simpler and more engaging for job seekers.
Instead of carrying countless boxes of promotional products to events, you can now offer customizable swag hassle-free.
Here’s how it works:
- Choose career fair giveaways that reflect your brand’s professionalism and values from our selection of high-quality promotional products.
No need to worry about ordering too many products or storing leftover items since we only print on demand.
- Create your very own career fair virtual gift store, personalized with a welcome message and your company logo.
- Provide potential candidates the link to your online store and let them select their preferred swag.
Job fair attendees can customize their gifts by choosing colors and sizes and adding their names to select products.
- We ship the swag directly to the job seekers for only $9.95 per order across the USA.
Now, it’s your turn to act!
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Over to You!
As you’ve seen, high-quality corporate gifts create a positive impression, spark conversations, and keep your company top of mind.
It can help your company stand out and connect better with potential candidates.
Wondering where to find these items and more?
Browse our SwagDrop shop to discover premium swag that will draw in the best and brightest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some of the best things to give away at a career fair?
Some of the best things to give away at a career fair include:
- Tech swag, as in wireless chargers, power banks, and Bluetooth speakers;
- Eco-friendly products, like tote bags, water bottles, and backpacks made from recycled materials;
- Office essentials, including branded pens, notebooks, desk organizers;
- Wearable swag, such as custom hoodies, jackets, and hats;
- Wellness items in the form of custom blankets, stress balls, and yoga equipment.
How do I get my career fair booth to stand out?
Make your career fair booth to stand out with an eye-catching display of bold branding, banners, and magnificent swag. You can also offer interactive experiences, like games, contests, or live demos to draw people in. Once you attract attendees to your booth, spark friendly conversations with them.
Should I give away branded products at a career fair?
Yes, you should definitely give away branded products at a career fair to boost brand visibility, attract job seekers, and keep your company top of mind. A well-chosen swag item creates a positive impression and increases engagement. Moreover, when attendees use your gifts in their daily lives, they’ll remember your company and will likely follow up.
