Talks about Dominating Your Next Event for Under $5 

You don’t need a big budget for great conference giveaways. In this episode of The Merch Shortlist, we shared our favourite options under $5. They’re affordable, easy to hand out, and perfect for giving away in large numbers. Here’s what we talked about.

1. Notepads

   • Range: Hundreds of different sizes and shapes available
   • Customisation: Logo and colour options across the whole range
   • Best for: A practical, everyday giveaway

   Feature	Detail
   Sizes/shapes	Hundreds of options
   Branding	Fully customisable logo and colour

   

2. Stress Balls

   These are a team favourite. There’s a shape and firmness for everyone, whether you like a gentle squeeze or need something for those high-energy, high-stress moments.

   • Shapes: Balls, dice, footballs, basketballs — pretty much any shape
   • Colours: Fully customisable
   • Branding: Logos printed anywhere on the ball
   • Bonus: Doubles as office entertainment (throwing across the room optional)

   Feature	Detail
   Shapes	Balls, dice, footballs, basketballs, custom shapes
   Colours	Fully customisable
   Distribution	Great for bulk orders

3. Stubby Holders

   Stubby holders are an Australian essential. We enjoy a cold beer, especially since it’s hot for much of the year.

   • Colours: Wide range available
   • Branding: Logo placement anywhere on the holder
   • Portability: Folds flat for easy, economical packing

   Feature	Detail
   Colours	Fully customisable
   Foldable	Yes — cheaper to pack and ship
   Best for	Aussie audiences, outdoor events

   

4. Keep Cups

   Keep cups are practical, popular, and truly reusable. They could easily be included in any eco-friendly lineup as well.

   • Practicality: Everyone uses them, everyone likes them
   • Branding: Logos across the top and sides
   • Sizing: Large, small, and medium options
   • Colours: Multiple options available

   Feature	Detail
   Sizes	Large, medium, small
   Branding	Top and side logo placement
   Reusable	Yes

5. Pens

   Pens are the gold standard for conference giveaways. Everyone uses a pen several times a day, so your brand gets seen again and again.

   • Styles: Hundreds of style options
   • Feel: Different weights and finishes available.
   • Colours: Full customisation

   Feature	Detail
   Styles	Hundreds available
   Weight/feel	Multiple options
   Why it works	Daily, repeated use

   

6. Bottle Openers

   Bottle openers are lightweight and practical. They’re often paired with a key ring, making them easy to carry every day.

   • Extras: Available with a key ring/key chain attachment
   • Weight: Super lightweight
   • Branding: Logo on the front or back
   • Colours: Customisable

   Feature	Detail
   Add-on	Key ring option
   Branding	Front or back logo
   Weight	Lightweight

7. Confectionery

   Confectionery is a personal favourite. A little sugar is always welcome in a meeting or conference room.

   • Formats: Reusable containers (minties, Smarties, lollies of any kind) or low-cost plastic bags
   • Options: Jelly beans and other brightly coloured lollies
   • Branding: Logo on front and back of packaging
   • Dietary: Sugar-free confectionery available

   Feature	Detail
   Formats	Reusable containers or plastic bags
   Branding	Front/back of packaging
   Dietary options	Sugar-free available
   Best for	Meeting rooms, conference rooms

8. Tote Bags

   Tote bags are fashionable, lightweight, and reusable. They’re a real crowd favourite and have an eco-friendly appeal too.

   • Style: Fashionable and lightweight
   • Reuse: Great for shopping and everyday use
   • Branding: Logos pop against the thick, single-colour material
   • Colours: Multiple colour options
   • Eco option: Available in 100% cotton

   Feature	Detail
   Material	Thick cotton-style fabric
   Eco option	100% cotton available
   Branding	High-contrast logo placement

9. Frisbees & Toys

   Frisbees and toys are fun, eye-catching, and great for spreading your brand, especially at events for kids and families.

   • Appeal: Fun for kids, strong brand visibility
   • Colours: Bright, easy-to-spot colours
   • Branding: Easy to custom-brand
   • Practicality: Needs to be visible when flying at you

   Feature	Detail
   Colours	Bright, high-visibility
   Branding	Easy custom logo
   Best for	Family-friendly events, brand recall

Quick Comparison

The Takeaway

You don’t need a big budget to stand out at your next event. Every item listed here costs less than $5 and is designed for bulk giveaways. Contact Cubic Promo if you want to order these for your next conference or expo.

Ready To Buy?

Notepads

Pens

Stubby Holders

Bottle Openers

Stressballs

Frisbees