Event attendees are coming to
understand what eight-year-olds on the birthday circuit
have known all along: A party is only as much fun as its goody bag.
With giveaways taking center stage, M&C asked New York
City-based supplier Goody Bag Gifts (www.goodybaggifts.com) how the planner with a small
budget can meet attendees’ big expectations.
Solicit sponsors. Before buying anything,
invite local companies to take advantage of a good PR opportunity
by donating coupons or sample-size products.
Bag as billboard. Soften the expense of the bag
itself by offering to brand it with the logo of an underwriting
sponsor.
Make it useful. Mundane products like post-it
pads and pens get a bad rap, but attendees will actually use them.
These items are the most affordable and the least likely to end up
littering the exit. Other (relatively) inexpensive standbys: mints,
lotions and badge holders.
Mix it up. Add an element of chance by saving
pricier trinkets for every 10th bag or so. Be sure to notify
attendees of the lottery-like arrangement, however, lest nine out
of 10 feel swindled.