When investing in branded products, one question matters more than any other: Will people actually use it day to day?

Branded merchandise works best when it becomes part of someone’s everyday routine, not when it’s forgotten in a drawer or discarded after an event. This guide focuses on why usefulness drives better value, longer product life and stronger brand recall, rather than chasing trends or novelty.

In our video above, Managing Director James Biggin explains why usefulness is the first factor we consider when recommending branded products, and why everyday items consistently deliver the strongest return.

Why “Useful” Products Perform Better

Products that work hardest for your brand tend to:

  • Be used repeatedly
  • Be kept for longer
  • Appear in multiple environments
  • Be associated with positive, practical moments

A product that’s used daily can generate hundreds – sometimes thousands of brand impressions over its lifetime.

Everyday Product Areas That Consistently Work

Rather than starting with trends, we often begin with product areas that naturally fit into people’s working and personal lives. For example: drinkware, notebooks/stationery and everyday technology and gadgets. These types of promotional products aren’t the only options and of course, it depends on your merchandise goals, where you are handing them out and your target market; but everyday, useful items are often a strong foundation, before narrowing down further.

1. Drinkware

Reusable bottles, mugs and cups are among the most effective branded products available.

Why drinkware works:

  • Used in multiple locations – at the office, gym, commuting and at home.
  • Reusable, with a long lifespan.
  • Strong association with wellbeing and sustainability.
  • Large branding areas available.

A well-made bottle can stay in use for years, delivering ongoing brand visibility every time it is used.

See all our drinkware here.

2. Notebooks

Despite advances in technology and the fact that nearly everyone has a smart phone, notebooks remain a constant in meetings and day-to-day work. People still enjoy putting pen to paper!

Why notebooks work:

  • Used regularly for planning, to-do-lists, taking meeting notes.
  • Portable and practical. They won’t run out of battery!
  • Suitable for a wide range of audiences and budgets.
  • Feel personal to the recipient.
  • You can get creative with notebooks – personalising not just the cover but the inner pages, adding ribbons, pen loops and pockets.
  • Sustainable – there are more and more innovations when it comes to recycled and sustainable materials used to manufacture notebook covers.

Notebooks often become a “comfort item” – kept close and reused rather than discarded.

See all our notebooks here.

3. Everyday Tech Accessories

Small tech items solve real, everyday problems, which is exactly why they’re valued.

When your phone battery is running low, a power bank can be a genuine lifesaver. When you need to transfer data or photos to your desktop, a multi-cable or adapter suddenly becomes essential.

From charging cables and wireless chargers to adapters and desk tech, there’s now a wide range of technology items that can be branded – all offering practical, everyday usefulness for the recipient.

Why tech accessories work:

  • Address everyday frustrations.
  • Handy to have on person and used across multiple locations.
  • High perceived usefulness.
  • Easy to distribute.

See all our tech gadgets here.

How Usefulness Improves ROI

Focusing on practical products helps you:

  • Increase the likelihood items are kept,
  • Extend the lifespan of your branding,
  • Reduce waste from unwanted giveaways,
  • Strengthen positive brand association and can even create brand advocates.

A useful product doesn’t just promote your brand – it supports someone’s working day.

Make sure you also consider a products quality – as an item that is repeatedly used needs to be durable. Read our blog Why Quality Matters in Branded Merchandise for more information.

How We Help Clients Choose Useful Products

When recommending products, we start with how they’ll be used, not just how they look.

We consider:

  • Who will receive the item.
  • How often it will realistically be used.
  • Where it fits into daily routines.
  • Budget and quantities.
  • Lead times and availability.
  • Branding durability.

From there, we narrow down options that genuinely make sense for the campaign and your brand.

Person writing on notebook

Quick Buyer Checklist

Before choosing a branded product, ask:

  • Would I use this myself?
  • Will it be useful beyond the first day?
  • Does it fit naturally into everyday work or life?
  • Is it durable enough to last?

If yes – you’re on the right track!

FAQs

What branded products are most likely to be used every day?
Branded drinkware, notebooks and everyday tech accessories consistently perform well due to frequent use and longevity.

Are useful products more expensive?
Useful promotional products aren’t necessarily more expensive. Many practical items sit at mid-range budgets but deliver stronger value over time.

Do practical products still work for events?
Yes practical products work for events, especially when you want brand exposure beyond the event itself.

Conclusion

Branded products don’t need to be complicated to be effective.

By focusing on usefulness, you give your brand a better chance of being seen, remembered and appreciated long after the product is handed over.

Explore more branded merchandise guidance in our Branded Products Minute series: