Best Cannabis Event Giveaway Ideas That Attendees Actually Want

Events are golden opportunities for cannabis brands to make lasting impressions. Whether you're exhibiting at a major trade show, hosting a dispensary grand opening, or sponsoring a cannabis festival, the right giveaway items can turn casual attendees into loyal customers.

But not all giveaways are created equal. This guide covers the most effective promotional items that people actually keep and use, maximizing your brand exposure long after the event ends.

What Makes a Great Event Giveaway?

Before diving into specific products, understand what separates forgettable swag from items that create real brand impact.

The KEEP Formula

K - Keepable Will people take it home or toss it in the nearest trash can? Quality matters. Flimsy items get discarded immediately.

E - Everyday Use Items used daily create repeated brand impressions. A quality tote bag used for grocery shopping provides weekly exposure.

E - Eye-Catching Your design should be memorable without being obnoxious. Subtle branding often outperforms loud logos.

P - Purposeful Functional items that solve real problems get kept. Cannabis-specific utility is even better—items your audience actually needs.

Budget Considerations

Match your giveaway investment to the event type:

| Event Type | Per-Item Budget | Quantity Focus | |------------|-----------------|----------------| | Trade shows | $3-15 | Quality over quantity | | Grand openings | $1-5 | Moderate reach | | Festivals | $0.50-2 | Maximum distribution | | VIP events | $15-50 | Premium impression |

Tier 1: High-Impact Giveaways ($5-15)

These items create strong impressions and have high keep rates. Best for trade shows and professional events.

Custom Tote Bags

Tote bags are event giveaway gold. They serve an immediate purpose (carrying other swag) and continue serving for years.

Why they work:

• Attendees need them at the event itself
• Visible every time they're used
• Eco-friendly image aligns with many consumers
• Large branding canvas

Pro tips:

• Choose durable canvas over flimsy non-woven
• Use quality printing that won't crack or fade
• Include reinforced handles for longevity
• Consider inside pockets for added utility

Explore bags and cases options for your next event.

Branded Apparel

Quality apparel items get worn repeatedly, creating ongoing impressions.

Best event apparel:

• Beanies/caps: Universal sizing, year-round use
• T-shirts: Classic choice with broad appeal
• Socks: Surprisingly popular, fun designs work well

Sizing strategy: For giveaways, stock more medium and large. Or choose one-size accessories to avoid the sizing challenge entirely.

Quality Lighters

Lighters have obvious utility for cannabis consumers and get used constantly.

Why they work:

• Direct category relevance
• Multiple daily uses
• Often shared, expanding reach
• Long lifespan with quality options

Quality matters: Skip the cheapest options. A lighter that dies after a week creates negative impressions. Invest in reliable mechanisms.

Tier 2: Value Giveaways ($2-5)

Perfect for moderate distribution while maintaining quality perception.

Smell-Proof Pouches

Functional items your audience genuinely needs. These solve a real problem while showcasing your brand.

Why they work:

• Genuine utility for cannabis consumers
• Used regularly for storage/transport
• Category-specific relevance
• Higher perceived value than cost

Branded Rolling Papers

Custom rolling papers are highly relevant giveaways that get used and appreciated.

Why they work:

• Direct product relevance
• Consumable ensures repeat exposure when restocking
• Shareable with friends
• Compact for easy distribution

Custom Lanyards

Perfect for trade shows where badges are required anyway.

Why they work:

• Visible throughout the event
• Often kept as keepsakes
• Practical for keys and badges post-event
• Low cost with solid impression

Phone Accessories

Pop sockets and phone wallets get daily use and constant visibility.

Why they work:

• Multiple daily touchpoints
• Visible when using phone in public
• Functional value beyond branding
• Tech-forward image

Tier 3: High-Volume Giveaways ($0.25-2)

Maximize reach when budget or event type calls for quantity over quality.

Stickers

The ultimate low-cost, high-impact giveaway. Quality stickers end up on laptops, water bottles, and cars for years.

Why they work:

• Extremely low cost allows generous distribution
• Fans actively collect and display them
• Long lifespan on hard surfaces
• Shareable and tradeable

Design tips:

• Die-cut shapes stand out from rectangles
• Vinyl lasts longer than paper
• Size matters: 2-3 inches hits the sweet spot
• Create multiple designs to encourage collecting

Learn more in our sticker marketing guide.

Keychains

Daily carry items with years of potential exposure.

Why they work:

• Everyone uses keys
• Constant companion in pocket or purse
• Visible when keys are used
• Bottle opener versions add utility

Pins and Buttons

Wearable flair that fans collect and display.

Why they work:

• Low cost allows variety
• Collectors actively seek them
• Wearable brand expression
• Great for limited editions

Premium VIP Giveaways ($15-50+)

For special guests, influencers, and VIP events where impression quality trumps quantity.

Custom Apparel Bundles

Curated collections of apparel create significant impact.

Bundle ideas:

• Hoodie + hat + sticker pack
• T-shirt + socks + tote bag
• Full branded outfit

Branded Accessories Kits

Curated collections of custom cannabis accessories in premium packaging.

Kit ideas:

• Smell-proof bag with organizer inserts
• Complete rolling kit with papers, tips, and tray
• Premium lighter with custom case

Exclusive Collaborations

Limited edition items created specifically for the event.

Why they work:

• Exclusivity creates perceived value
• Collectors prize limited items
• Social sharing of unique pieces
• Memorable brand association

Event-Specific Recommendations

Trade Shows (B2B Focus)

Primary giveaways:

• Quality tote bags (everyone needs one)
• Branded notebooks or pens
• Premium sticker packs

VIP gifts:

• Apparel bundles
• Custom accessory kits

Strategy: Quality over quantity. You're building business relationships, not consumer awareness.

Dispensary Grand Openings

Primary giveaways:

• Branded papers or cones
• Quality stickers
• Keychains or lighters

First 100 customers:

• T-shirts or hats
• Tote bags
• Premium accessory bundles

Strategy: Create excitement and reward early adopters while building local awareness.

Cannabis Festivals

Mass distribution:

• Stickers (thousands)
• Lighters
• Simple keychains

Engagement prizes:

• Apparel for contest winners
• Premium bundles for social shares

Strategy: Maximum reach with budget items, quality rewards for engagement.

Private Events and Parties

All attendees:

• Curated swag bags
• Quality apparel
• Premium accessories

Strategy: Everyone gets something great. These events are about impression quality.

Maximizing Giveaway Impact

Pre-Event Promotion

• Tease giveaways on social media
• Create anticipation for limited items
• Announce any exclusive drops

During the Event

• Create engagement requirements (follow, sign up, share)
• Run raffles for premium items
• Document distribution for social content
• Encourage immediate social sharing

Post-Event Follow-Up

• Reshare user-generated content
• Thank attendees who posted with your swag
• Survey recipients about favorite items
• Track which items generate ongoing impressions

Sourcing Quality Giveaways

The key to successful event giveaways is balancing quality with budget. Cheap items reflect poorly on your brand, but overspending limits reach.

MunchMakers specializes in promotional items for cannabis brands with:

• Low minimums for testing new items
• Consistent quality across product lines
• Fast turnaround for event deadlines
• Cannabis industry expertise

Planning Your Event Giveaway Strategy

Timeline

8-12 weeks before:

• Finalize event budget
• Select giveaway items
• Begin design process

6-8 weeks before:

• Request mockups for approval
• Finalize designs and quantities
• Place production orders

2-4 weeks before:

• Receive and inspect inventory
• Plan distribution strategy
• Prepare any signage or displays

Event day:

• Execute distribution plan
• Document for social content
• Gather recipient feedback

Budget Allocation

A balanced approach for most events:

• 50% on primary giveaway item
• 30% on secondary items
• 20% on VIP/premium pieces

Conclusion

The best event giveaways create lasting impressions that extend far beyond the event itself. Focus on items people actually want to keep and use, ensure quality matches your brand standards, and select products relevant to your cannabis audience.

Start planning your next event giveaway strategy by browsing custom cannabis accessories and requesting mockups to see your brand on quality promotional items.