Disappointed conference attendee giving a thumbs down while wishing they received a better alternative gift

Conference T-Shirt Alternatives

Last Updated on March 24, 2023 by Rachel Leone

Disappointed conference attendee giving a thumbs down while wishing they received a better alternative gift

It's time to ditch boring conference t-shirts and try these giveaways!

Instead of defaulting to t-shirts again this year, why not consider one of the alternatives I have compiled for you? Not only are these promotional products potentially cheaper, but they are also useful and memorable.

Why do conference organizers choose these t-shirt alternatives?

  • Cost: Alternative conference giveaways such as custom tote bags, water bottles, or pens can cost less than t-shirts, making them a budget-friendly choice for event organizers.
  • Usefulness: Rather than receiving yet another t-shirt, attendees can benefit from a useful promotional product like a portable phone charger, travel mug, or reusable grocery bag.
  • Uniqueness: Choosing a unique or memorable giveaway can help your conference stand out from others. Consider items like branded sunglasses, custom socks, or phone grips that attendees will want to keep and use long after the event.
  • Portability: T-shirts can be heavy and bulky to transport, but smaller items like branded keychains, USB drives, or lip balm are easy to pack and distribute, making them a convenient choice for event organizers.
  • One-size-fits-most: Instead of guessing attendee t-shirt sizes and risking over-ordering or having too many leftovers, consider promotional products that are one-size-fits-most, such as custom hats, scarves, or socks. This eliminates the need for size selection and ensures everyone can use and enjoy the giveaway.

Below are a handful of products to inspire you. Choose a single giveaway or create a branded gift box/basket attendees will love!

Keep your attendees healthy and happy with custom-branded antibacterial hand sanitizer. Perfect for conferences where attendees will be shaking hands and touching surfaces.
Minimum 200 quantity, < $2 each!

Add a pop of color to attendees' wardrobes with custom-branded conference dress socks. These fun and stylish socks make a great conversation starter and are a unique way to stand out in a sea of boring conference attire.
Min. 25 quantity, <$10 each.

Protect your attendees' furniture post-conference while subtly keeping your brand top of mind. These stylish cork-backed coasters feature a glossy finish and accept a full-color imprint.
Minimum 150 quantity, <$4 each. 

Personalized umbrellas are perfect for unexpected rain or too much sun. This long-lasting gift will keep conference VIPS dry and comfortable while showing off your branding.
Minimum 36 quantity, <$22 each. 

Perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea, these practical and stylish ceramic mugs come in 9 colors and will keep your brand top-of-mind long after the conference is over.
Minimum 96 quantity, <$4 each. Rush Service Available.

Help your attendees take notes and stay organized with a customized spiral notebook made from recycled materials. These practical and stylish giveaways include 144 pages of ruled paper and comes in 9 popular colors!
Minimum 120 quantity, <$9 each. 

Add fun and functionality to attendee phones with custom PopSockets. These practical and trendy accessories are perfect for holding phones, taking selfies, and showing off your brand.
Minimum 25 quantity, <$7 each. 

Available in 7 bright colors, these practical and stylish aluminum water bottles will keep attendees hydrated throughout your conference and long after it has ended.
Minimum 36 quantity, <$10 each. 

A classic affordable choice, these Alamo vivid pens come in 7 bright colors to match your conference and feature three styles of XL clips that can prominently display your logo in full color!
Minimum 250 quantity, <$1 each. 

At less than $2 each, branded webcam covers are an affordable giveaway and a great way to help protect the privacy of conference attendees. Fits most smartphones, pcs, and tablets.
Minimum 150 quantity, <$2 each. 

Made to reduce our reliance on single-use plastic bags, these reusable tote bags are a great, cheap, eco-friendly conference giveaway. Choose from 7 popular colors and imprint with your logo and messaging.
Minimum 150 quantity, <$2 each. Rush Service Available.

Perfect for outdoor events or as a keepsake for annual conferences, these affordable foam trucker hats feature a large imprint area and an adjustable one-size-fits-all strap.
Minimum 48 quantity, <$5 each. 

Another excellent pack-in for attendee gift bags is SPF15 lip balm. Each tube can be wrapped in a full-color label. Made with Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, these custom chapstick will keep attendees' lips moisturized and healthy long after the conference is over.
Minimum 150 quantity, <$1 each. 

Made from soft and durable polyester fleece, scarves are a great one-size-fits-all alternative to conference t-shirts. Choose from 5 colors and embroider your conference or brand logo to create a memorable gift that's perfect for fall or winter conferences.
Minimum 48 quantity, <$8 each.