Mints and Mint Tins

Why Mints Are the Smartest Promotional Giveaway You're Not Using Yet

Ever been to a trade show and walked away with a bag full of random junk? Stress balls that end up as dog toys. Pens that mysteriously vanish the moment you actually need one. USB sticks you'll never trust with anything important.

Now, think about the things you actually keep. The stuff that sticks around. Odds are, it's small, useful, and effortlessly fits into your daily life.

This is why a sleek, pocket-sized tin of fresh mints is one of the most underrated marketing power moves out there.Unlike most corporate swag, it's not just seen - it's used. Every. Single. Day. Before meetings. Before networking. Before that unexpected chat with the CEO in the lift.

And let's talk longevity. A well-made company branded mint tin doesn't just last weeks - it lives in people's pockets for months. Even after the mints are gone, it becomes a go-to stash for gum, painkillers, or whatever tiny essentials people like to hoard.

Seth Godin would call this a "purple cow" in marketing - a simple yet brilliant twist on a common item that makes it stand out. And in a world drowning in branded tote bags, mints are a rare giveaway that actually delivers on brand recall.

What Makes a Small Tin of Mints a Big Deal?

People Actually Open It (And Then Pass It Around)

Some giveaways are like those sad, unopened emails in your inbox - seen but ignored. A personalised tin of mints? It's the exact opposite.

Ever notice how offering someone a mint is basically a universal social ritual? No awkwardness. No hesitation. Just an immediate "yes, please."

Picture this: You're at a Marketing Week Live event in London. Someone pulls out a mint tin, flips it open, and offers one around. Your logo is suddenly being held, seen, and appreciated by multiple people at once. That's more brand exposure in 10 seconds than a branded tote bag gets in a year.

It's Small, But It Sticks Around

Giveaways that are too bulky (water bottles) or too niche (phone rings? Really?) often get left behind. Corporate mints are different - they live in pockets, desk drawers, car consoles, and laptop bags. They fit effortlessly into daily life.

And here's something to chew on: Most people go through 2-5 mints per day. Multiply that by weeks - if not months - of usage, and you've got hundreds of brand interactions per person.

Ever seen someone keep a branded leaflet for six months? No? Exactly.

How to Ensure Your Tins Don't End Up in the Bin

Make It Feel Like Something Worth Keeping

A good custom tin should feel like a high-quality watch strap - not a flimsy plastic giveaway from a petrol station.

• Weight matters: Anything under 20 grams feels cheap. 40 grams? Now we're talking premium.
• Finish makes a difference: Glossy tins look great at first but scratch easily. Brushed metal or powder-coated finishes? They stay sharp.
• Hinges should snap shut with confidence. A loose, rattly hinge screams low budget.

Steve Jobs obsessed over the "click" of the first iPod's scroll wheel. Think about that when choosing a tin.

Your Logo Should Last As Long As the Tin

A promotional mint tin that looks great on day one but ends up with a faded, scratched-off logo after a few weeks? That's a branding nightmare.

The Print Hierarchy (From "Lasts Forever" to "Oops, It's Gone")

1. Laser Engraving: Basically indestructible. Classy.
2. UV Printing: Vibrant and long-lasting.
3. Embossing/Debossing: Adds a tactile, high-end feel.
4. Pad Printing: Fine for budget jobs but won't survive daily use.

The Mints Inside Matter More Than You Think

People Remember Bad Tasting Mints (For the Wrong Reasons)

Imagine unwrapping a high-end bottle of wine - only to find out it tastes like vinegar. That's what happens when you put cheap, chalky mints inside a premium tin.

Mints That People Actually Like

• Sugar-Free Peppermint or Spearmint: Clean, fresh, universally loved.
• Xylitol-Based Mints: Dentist-approved and gives that "extra premium" touch.
• Menthol-Infused Mints: Adds a cool, refreshing hit. Perfect before big meetings.

Think of mints like coffee - bad ones ruin the experience, but good ones create instant satisfaction.

Customisation Options That Actually Matter

If you're investing in custom tins, don't half-ass the branding. This is going to sit on desks, in cars, and in pockets - you want it to look good.

Shape & Size: What's Best for Your Brand?

• Classic round tins - Compact, pocket-friendly. (45mm diameter, 15mm depth)
• Sleek rectangular tins - More branding space, modern aesthetic. (80mm x 50mm x 15mm)
• Slide-top tins - Slim and unique, perfect for a minimalist look. (65mm x 40mm x 12mm)

Make Your Tin Instantly Recognisable

• Print inside the lid - A hidden message or QR code adds a fun surprise.
• Embossing/Debossing - A tactile, premium detail.
• Pantone colour-matching - If your brand blue is Pantone 294C, don't settle for "random navy."

The Right Tin Does More Than Hold Mints - It Holds Attention

At the end of the day, this isn't about slapping a logo on something and calling it a day. It's about getting your brand into people's hands, pockets, and daily routines.

Imagine if every time someone prepped for a big meeting, reached for fresh breath, or shared a mint, your branding was right there. That's what a great promotional product does - it effortlessly integrates into people's lives.

Because when something actually gets used, it stops being "just another giveaway" and starts becoming a part of someone's everyday experience.

And that? That's the kind of marketing that sticks.

Get a Quote Today

Steel City Marketing is a well-trusted and long-established branded merchandise supplier based in the UK. Contact us today for a quote, or visit the products you’re interested in above.

You can browse other branded food and drink here, exhibition products here, branded chocolates, and branded Christmas chocolates.

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HIGHLIGHTED TEAM MEMBER

Jennifer Burton | Marketing Executive

With over a decade of design and marketing experience, Jennifer possesses a broad range of marketing expertise covering everything from event planning to digital marketing. Joining Steel City in 2015, Jennifer manages all areas of the company’s marketing, from writing creative content about promotional merchandise, managing social media activity to organising events and direct mail campaigns. Outside of work, Jennifer loves to try new recipes, keeping fit and spending time with her family.

Linkedin | Email: [email protected]

You can meet the rest of the team here.