The Promo Items Big Brands Know About (But Most Aussie SMEs Don’t)

If you run a small or medium Australian business, here’s a little secret: Big brands don’t just pick better merchandise, they pick smarter merchandise. Companies like eBay, KPMG and Australian banks know precisely how to stretch a merchandise budget—because they understand one thing most SMEs don’t: There are entire categories of promotional products you’ve never considered and they’re not actually expensive.

Today, we’re lifting the curtain. Below is the kind of merch big brands use all the time—yet SMEs rarely know what is available, affordable, or ridiculously effective. Ready? Let’s play corporate detective.

1. Apparel Add-Ons SMEs Rarely Think About

Most SMEs stop at tees and polos. Big brands? They go for details that elevate the entire brand experience.

Scarves (yes, branded scarves!)

Soft, stylish and surprisingly affordable in bulk. Perfect for onboarding, corporate events or winter campaigns. We offer ladies’ silk office scarves (and matching men’s ties, which I will discuss shortly). As well, we offer sports scarves. (Shop the range of scarves here)

Bandanas

Think hospitality, gyms, events, festivals, and pet-friendly venues. (Shop the range of bandanas here)

Big brands utilise these to add personality to uniforms or to foster a culture—not just clothing.

Comparison: Big Brand “Uniform Extensions” vs SME Basics

2. Corporate Picnic & Lifestyle Gear

The big brands worked this out ages ago: If your branded merch becomes part of someone’s weekend, that brand stays alive in their life forever.

Cheeseboards (the sleeper hit)

Cheeseboards are elite-level merch—high perceived value, long lifespan, and perfect for corporate gifting. (Shop Personalised Cheeseboards here)

Branded Picnic Mats 

Used at parks, beaches, concerts, and school events — massive visibility. (Shop our range of picnic mats here)

Cooler Bags

Used throughout the year, especially in Australian summers. (Shop our range of cooler bags here)

Sunglasses

Cheap. Fun. Practical. A brand exposure machine every summer. (Shop our range of sunglasses here)

3. Beach & Fun Merch (Big Brands Love This)

Large brands know “fun” creates memorability. (Read fun promotional items blog here)

Beach Balls 

Conference giveaways, summer festivals, and outdoor activations. (Shop our range of beach balls here)

Beach Towels

A high-impact item SMEs often overlook because they seem premium — but in bulk, they’re incredibly cost-effective. (Shop our range of beach towels here)

Kids Items (Huge indirectly)

Putty, slime, card decks — perfect for family days, client gift packs, community events.

SMEs rarely buy these; big brands always do.

• Shop Putty & Slime here
• Shop Card Decks here

Why they work: Kids = instant attention. Parents = lasting brand appreciation.

4. Tech Accessories SMEs Don’t Realise Are Affordable

This one shock small businesses the most. They think tech merch is expensive, but it’s not — especially in bulk.

Charging Cables 

These are used DAILY and kept for YEARS. (Shop charging cables here)

Microfibre Cloths

Cheap, thin, small, and used constantly on phones, glasses, monitors, and laptops. (Shop microfibre cloths here)

Big brands love tech because it’s:

✔ high utility
✔ high retention
✔ high impression
✔ evergreen

And SMEs still default to pens. 

Comparison: SME Tech Choices vs Big Brand Tech Choices

5. The “Advanced” Merch Tactic Big Brands Use: Bundles

Big organisations rarely give items individually. They give packs. Why?

Because bundling:

• increases perceived value
• increases retention
• increases usage
• increases brand recall

Here are the kinds of bundles big brands create, but SMEs rarely consider:

 Picnic Set Bundle

• Cooler bag
• Cheeseboard
• Picnic rug

 Summer Activation Kit

• Sunglasses
• Beach towel
• Beach ball

Tech Starter Kit

• Charging cable
• Power bank
• Microfibre cleaner

Welcome Pack

• Hoodie
• Scarf or bandana
• Notebook
• Cable set

This is what LinkedIn and EY do over and over again — and it works because it feels curated and “premium,” even when the total cost per pack is still within SME budgets.

6. Hidden Benefit SMEs Don’t Realise: Bulk Pricing Changes EVERYTHING

Here’s a quick comparison:

However, big brands often simply adhere to bulk rules.

7. So, What Should SMEs Do with This Information?

Instead of ordering the same pen-notebook-bottle combo every year, here’s what you can do:

✔ Add one lifestyle product – Like towels, sunglasses, or picnic mats.
✔ Add one premium-feeling gift – Like a cheeseboard.
✔ Add one tech item – A cable or microfibre cloth.
✔ Introduce one accessory – Bandanas or scarves instantly elevate onboarding kits.
✔ Consider bundles – Even a simple 2-item pair feels more polished.
AND — the most brilliant move?
✔ Don’t be afraid of items that look premium

In bulk, they’re far more affordable than SMEs expect.

Big Brands Don’t Have Secret Merch… They Just Have Better Strategy

And now, so do you. The items above are NOT exclusive to enterprise clients. They’re available to every SME in Australia — you just need to know where to look (hint: you’re already here). If you want merchandise ideas that look and feel premium, and last longer than the typical giveaway, try picking options like the big brands do. You’ll be surprised how far your budget actually goes.