Normally, I tend to steer my customers away from gimmicky promotional gifts as they have limited marketing potential. That said, there are several gimmicky gifts that can be used quite successfully. This is especially true if you are intending on exhibiting at a trade show or conference. I still recommend finding gifts that are useful such as promotional pens, note pads and promotional mugs, but if you want to have a little fun you could give away gifts that also happen to be conversation starters. Here I would like to introduce five of my favourite kinds of novelty gifts.

Promotional Light Pens: You may have seen these pens around. Some are pretty poor quality but those we feature here at CompuGift are great quality and quite attractive. When a button is clicked, the light turns on making the pen illuminate, highlighting your printed advertisement. If time allows, we would be happy to send you samples of these popular promotional pens. If time is not on your side, you can order knowing that you are getting the best product for the money as we have tested them for you. These nifty promotional pens are real conversation starters and  a great addition to your exhibition stand.

USB People: These are USB memory sticks in the shape of people. There are quite a few different characters to choose from of you can have a character made to order. The USB People could be wearing your company uniform, for example. As with all USB memory sticks, these are a bit pricy but they are a great gift to give away to qualified visitors to your stand who you would like impress.

Novelty Keyrings: It seems there are so many gimmicky keyrings on the market. It would be difficult to list them all here. Some you should look out for are stress ball keyrings, torch keyrings and bottle opener keyrings. Almost everyone needs a good keyring. These novelty versions offer you two useful products in one.

Magic Heat Change Mugs: Almost everyone takes a coffee or tea break daily. These novelty mugs are fun because the only reveal your advertisement when they have hot fluid in them. If you have never seen a heat changing mug, you should ask your supplier to see a sample before deciding on any other gift.

Water Powered Eco Gifts: Eco friendly gifts were hugely popular in 2009 and will be even more so in 2010. Water powered clocks and calculators are real conversation starters. Your customers will love returning to their office showing off their electronic gift that is completely powered by water.