Know-How Exchange : Other

Unique and useful gifts. I would think about pens that are easy to hold with arthritic hands, brochures printed in larger fonts for older eyes, new pill holders, and and other things that make an older person's life a little bit easier

Rather than focus on the giveaways, make sure that your booth clearly markets what makes your facility different/better than the others. Train your staff to reinforce this message. Marketing materials (including giveaways) should likewise reflect the message.

As for specific items, contact Michael Bates (https://www.adinfiniteminc.com/ 415.459.1146). His company sells lots of gifts, and he's great at matching up businesses with products that fit the image/budget.

If it's attended by seniors (the general public) anything like pill cases or magnifying "sheets".

If it's to professionals, small bottles of lotion since they're constantly washing their hands. They usually will just refill them with something from home...and have your name still on it. Not tubes....bottles.

Michael

I've done several senior fairs/trade shows.

We have people line up for our jar openers. The rubber circle kind. They are flat (easy to pack, transport, store) cheap, and are actually used. Your logo with website address and phone are always top of mind.

We also used some small hand massagers that were a big hit but are more expensive.

Also, consider getting an item that reinforces your branding. For example, something that repeats a graphical element of your logo... that will help them remember who you are. Even if you get the 'perfect' giveaway, chances are, at a big tradeshow, attendees will get several of them. So reinforcing your branding, and having a conversation with the attendees when handing out the giveaway, will help them remember you.

I agree with dlaizure on the rubber jar openers. They go like crazy when we do senior events.

Other ideas:
Pedometers.
Eye glass cleaners.
I also found a little shoe shine kit once that was inexpensive.

In the expos I have done, I have found that seniors love all the stuff that is free! I would definitely go with something that makes your giveaway stand out from the rest of the "bag" of giveaways they take with them.

My initial thought is to get some custom-imprinted tissue pocket-packs or 7-day pill boxes. (But, if they are in a nursing home, that will not work as all med's are usually administered by the staff).

How about a "stress ball"? - these are great to help prevent arthritis (I'm not sure how often they are used though).

How about some custom-printed hard candy wrappers? -you could bundle a bunch up for them with a baggie & bow. These are usually very inexpensive.

How about putting your logo & phone number on a canvas bag? They would be walking around the expo with your bag in hand (showing off your logo & giveaway item). I know many seniors that use the bags afterwards for their groceries (because plastic bags rip too easily). You can get the canvas bags for around $1 each. I know a supplier if you are interested.

For a more expensive giveaway, how about a custom-printed candy dish or jar? As I know my grandmother always has candies out on her table or close-by for the kids.

You could also go with something that brings back found memories, like items from the 50's and 60's. This associates your facility with the "good old days" and a more pleasant experience. This could also be a book or an Audio CD.