We love a good awards show, be it the Oscars or the Grammys, we're going to tune in and have a great time absorbing the glamour and glitz. One of the other great joys with awards ceremonies are the swag bags given to attendees. From the boring to the outrageous, they always seem to contain something worth looking at. There have been some great additions to the VMA (MTV Video Music Awards) gift bags this year, and we're bringing you along for the ride.

1. Emphasise practicality and usability.
2. Personalise and customise the items.
3. Include unexpected, luxurious surprises.

Personalised Swag Bags For VMA

MTV's Video Music Awards are one of the biggest awards ceremonies of the year, and as such, they attract a huge bevvy of celebrities. What do you give to celebrities who attend your events? An awesome gift bag full of delightful swag, that's what! In 2017 the VMAs have included a rather practical assortment of gifts, rather than the more outrageous goodies showcased at the Oscars for example (remember when they had $300 maple syrup??). No, with the VMAs usability seems to be key and as such, a lot of the gifts in this year's bag resemble the kinds of gifts you'd get in a regular trade show or expo bag.

Take for example the above premium Cross pen - it's a stunning stylus model perfect for taking notes or carrying in your handbag. The difference with this pen is that it's 24-carat gold plated! Similarly, the promotional mesh caps from MCM might look like your usual trade show gift, but they've got the bonus of a full leather front element.

Timbaland is offering fully customised shoes, which means the VMA 2017 celebs will be able to log on and have a unique shoe made to suit their requirements. Meanwhile, 1More are stepping up the game with some slick customised ear buds (definitely the kind of item you want to promote at a music video awards show!). Again, these seem quite practical and the type of products we might all enjoy using as part of our everyday lives.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the VMA goodies and standard promotional goodies comes in the form of the Caribbean holiday that they celebs will receive as part of their prize package. That's not something we provide standard to our clients, but we can see why the stars would appreciate it! So next event, don't be concerned about not seeming "premium" enough -- if simple things are dominating Hollywood's swag bags, they're bound to be popular at your function too!

Australia's VMA-Inspired Giveaways

If you're seeking inspiration for your next Aussie company promotional products, you need not look far. The VMA swag bags provide ample inspiration for products that are not just relevant, but also elevate your brand. Drawing a cue from these goodies:

• Practicality Over Opulence: The VMA swag included practical items like the premium gold-plated Cross pen and the MCM mesh caps. These are items that can be used in daily life, increasing brand visibility.
• Customisation: Personalised items including the Timbaland shoes and the 1More earbuds highlight the brand's attention to details, ensuring that the recipient feels valued.
• Lux but Relevant Swag: The earbuds from 1More are a prime example of a luxurious giveaway that is both practical and in-theme for a music awards show.
• Inclusion of Premium Prizes: While not practical for everyday giveaways, inclusion of an ultra-premium prize like the Caribbean holiday adds an element of surprise and excitement.

Bringing Hollywood to The Down Under

Australian companies can pick up more than one trick from the Hollywood swag bag playbook. Here are pointers for integrating a touch of glitz into your promotional products, all while focusing on the brand and its message.

• Keep it Relevant: Whether it's a music awards show or a tech expo, the promotional items should reflect your brand and industry.
• Quality Over Quantity: A single well-made, premium, and practical item (like custom Cross pens or MCM caps) can have a powerful impact that many ordinary items combined can't.
• Bespoke Promotion: Nothing speaks louder than a giveaway customised for that recipient. Be it in the form of merch (like the Timbaland shoes) or exclusive experiences (like the Caribbean holiday), bespoke promotions go a long way.
• Unexpected Surprises: Including an indulgent surprise (like a holiday) could make your promotional campaign memorable and stand out amongst competitors.

Takeaway

To conclude, the VMA promotional campaign offers a treasure trove of ideas for Australian companies planning their next promotional activities. The key lies in offering quality, relevant, and customised items, with a touch of unexpected glitz to leave a lasting impression.

Goodies first spotted here: http://www.businessinsider.com/mtv-vma-gift-bag-2017-8?IR=T