Why Buttons Make the Best Promo Giveaway (and Why They’re Trending Again)
If you’re planning event swag or a brand activation and want something people actually keep, buttons are tough to beat. They’re affordable, fast to produce, and feel personal—like tiny wearable endorsements.
Ready to try them? Order custom buttons — we have no minimums and 2–3 business day production.
Why buttons (now)?
- Wearable = visible impressions. A button worn on a bag, jacket, or lanyard turns your message into a mini-billboard that moves through the world.
- Budget-friendly scale. Start small for pilots, scale to thousands for tours and conferences—no minimums required.
- Personal & collectible. People trade them, group them, and keep them—your brand rides along.
- Creative flexibility. From simple logo pins to QR code buttons linking to menus, reviews, or sign-ups.
The comeback: nostalgia + micro-merch
Buttons feel analog in the best way. They fit the current love for retro, DIY, and “micro-merch”—small, expressive items that travel easily and spark conversations. Music scenes, campus clubs, indie brands, and non-profits all use buttons to show identity without the cost of apparel.
Buttons vs other giveaways
| Item | Cost Control | Setup Speed | Carry/Keep | Brand Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buttons | Excellent (no minimums) | Fast (2–3 biz days) | High (collectible) | Wearable, front-and-center |
| Stickers | Good | Fast | Varies (one-time use) | Depends on placement |
| Pens | OK (bulk) | Medium | Medium | Low (pocketed) |
| Shirts | Higher (size runs) | Slower | High (if worn) | High but costly |
Buttons hit a sweet spot: visible, personal, and affordable—without sizing or inventory headaches.
Smart ways to use buttons
- Conferences & trade shows: Staff IDs, conversation starters, and booth rewards. See Conference Buttons.
- Retail & product launches: Logo drops, limited runs, “ask me about…” pins.
- Campus & clubs: Spirit drives, fundraisers, orientation kits. See School Spirit Buttons.
- Pronoun clarity at events: Inclusive and helpful—Pronoun Buttons.
- QR actions: Reviews, donations, menus, sign-ups—QR Code Buttons.
- Name badges: Reusable, friendly—Name Badge Buttons.
Design tips for impact
- Keep it short. Fewer, bigger words are easier to read and remember.
- Use contrast. Dark on light (or vice-versa). Avoid low-contrast palettes.
- Mind the rim. Keep important text inside the live area; the crimped edge can wrap. See our Button Size Guide.
- Pick the right size. 2.25″–3″ is the all-rounder for slogans and QR codes; 1″–1.25″ suits icons/initials.
- Photos? Center faces, add a little brightness/contrast. See How to Design Photo Buttons.
Which sizes are trending?
- 2.25″–3″ round: Classic campaign look; great readability at arm’s length.
- 2″×3″ rectangle: Name + role at conferences and pop-ups.
- 1.25″ round: Mini merch drops; looks great grouped on bags and hats.
Ordering & timelines
We press in-house with typical 2–3 business day production and Canada-wide shipping. Piloting a new line? Start small, then reorder from your approved setup for fast reprints.
Make the most of your next event
Buttons turn attendees into advocates—right on the show floor. If you’d like help picking sizes or tightening artwork, talk to our team. Or jump in: