Unusual Promotional Products That Really Work in Australia

There’s a common problem with event giveaways. Most giveaways are forgettable, not very useful, or picked just because they’re easy—not because they actually engage people. Unusual promotional products can stand out, but only if they make sense for the event. At Australian conferences, trade shows, and community events, the best items aren’t just odd—they’re surprisingly useful, hands-on, or spark conversations.

This guide explains which unusual promotional items actually work at events, based on how people move, browse, carry things, and interact at real Australian events.

Why “Unusual” works at event? (when done properly)

At events, people’s attention is split. Attendees are moving around, looking at things, and managing bags, phones, coffee, and conversations. Anything that makes them stop for a moment is already halfway to success. Novelty alone doesn’t work if there’s no real purpose.

Unusual promotional items work when they:

• Solve a small, immediate problem.
• Trigger curiosity without embarrassment.
• Create a reason to engage with staff.
• Survive the trip home.

Quick Guide: what makes an unusual promo item effective at events?

Factor	Why It Matters at Events
Immediate usefulness	Reduces friction in the moment
Physical interaction	Encourages booth dwell time
Pocket or bag friendly	Actually leaves the venue
Low explanation required	Staff can focus on conversations
Safe branding surface	Doesn’t overpower the item

1. Light-up lanyards, keyrings, and safety lights

These are effective because they mix movement, light, and usefulness, especially at expos, evening events, festivals, and big conferences. They catch people’s eye without needing a conversation. People take them because they’re useful. Once attached to a bag or worn, they help your brand get noticed as people move around. Shop Promotional Keyrings here.

Where they work best:

• Trade shows with low ambient lighting.
• Multi-day conferences
• Outdoor or evening activations

2. Microfibre Cloths (the quiet overperformer)

They might seem plain at first, but in practice, they’re some of the most used event giveaways. At events, people are always cleaning their phone screens—whether it’s fingerprints, sunscreen, dust, or coffee spills. A branded microfibre cloth fixes this right away and leaves a positive impression of your brand. Shop Microfibre Clothes here.

Why they’re unusual: They might not look exciting, but people keep and reuse them more than flashier items.

3. Card-shaped USBs: flat, familiar, unexpected

Card-style USBs work because they feel familiar, like a business card, but also offer something useful. Browse our range of Card Sized Promotional USB Flash drives here.

They’re especially effective when preloaded with:

• Product catalogues
• Event-only offers
• Training materials
• Post-event follow-up content

Event advantage: They fit wallets, badge holders, and satchels without adding bulk.

4. Dry bags: unexpected, practical, memorable

Dry bags are unusual in indoor event settings, which is exactly why they get attention. They start conversations because attendees don’t expect them, and once you explain their use, the value is clear. They’re great for outdoor expos, coastal councils, infrastructure events, and sustainability-focused activities. Shop Promotional Dry Bags here.

Key strength: They’re tough enough to be used for a long time, so people see them as valuable, but not as a formal gift.

5. Straw Hats: context is everything

Straw hats are a great choice, but only in the right setting. They work best at outdoor events, regional shows, agricultural expos, summer activities, and community days. They stand out because most brands just use caps. A straw hat feels thoughtful and tailored to the event, which makes the organiser look good. Shop Promotional Straw Hats here.

Important: Keep branding subtle. Big, bold logos make people less likely to wear them.

6. Lip Balms: small, personal, surprisingly effective

Lip balms are effective at events because it fixes a personal comfort issue that people notice, even if they don’t mention it. Air conditioning, sun, wind, and dehydration all cause dry lips. People grab a small tube, use it right away, and usually keep it. Shop Promotional Lip Balms here.

Why it’s unusual: It’s personal but still appropriate, which is a balance most promo items don’t achieve.

7. Keychain Flashlights: utility beats novelty

These are classic examples of being quietly useful. They don’t demand attention, but people almost never throw them out. Attendees attach them to their keys or bags during the event, so your brand stays visible with no extra effort. Shop Keychain Flashlights here.

Best use-case: Infrastructure, safety, logistics, councils, and technical exhibitions.

8. Bath Ducks: disarming, not silly (when used correctly)

Bath ducks only make sense when there’s a clear reason, like family events, education, health campaigns, or child-friendly community activities. When used in the right context, they help break the ice, start conversations, and make booths feel more welcoming. Shop Promotional Bath Ducks here.

Rule: If you find yourself having to explain why you’re using them, they’re probably not the right fit for your event.

9. Shaped Sticky Notes: functional but visually different

Shaped sticky notes are familiar, so they feel safe, but they’re also different enough to catch people’s attention. They get people interacting during the event, not just afterwards. Shop Custom Made Sticky Notes in Shapes here.

They work well for:

• Workshops
• Training sessions
• Strategy events
• Conferences with breakout rooms

10. Thongs: bold, but effective in the right setting

Branded thongs are proudly unusual, and that’s what makes them effective. They spark conversations, photos, and social media sharing when used in the right setting. Shop our range of Thongs here.

They’re highly effective at:

• Beachside events
• Summer festivals
• Surf, tourism, and lifestyle activations

11. Lighters: compliance first, impact second

Lighters are a niche item, but they’re very effective in the right industries, like hospitality, outdoor events, or trade shows with smoking areas (where allowed). They’re useful, small enough to fit in a pocket, and get used often, which helps your brand stay visible for longer. Shop Promotional lighters in bulk here.

Important: Always consider venue rules and distribution controls.

What’s growing vs what’s fading at Australian events?

Unusual should feel intentional, not risky

The best unusual promotional products don’t make brands look odd; they make them seem thoughtful. When you pick items that fit the event, suit the audience, and are actually useful, they get noticed naturally. That’s how real engagement starts.

Cubic Promote helps Australian organisations pick promotional products that stand out for the right reasons—not because they’re odd, but because they’re effective.