Got a box (or three) of leftover promotional products taking up space in the office? You’re not alone. Whether it’s from a trade show that never happened, an old logo refresh, or an overestimated order, extra promo items tend to pile up fast. But don’t toss them just yet — there are plenty of creative and practical ways to give that swag a second life.

Ideas to repurpose leftover promo inventory

  1. Gift them to employees or new starters: Handing out leftover items like tote bags, notebooks, or water bottles to your team helps build morale and makes new hires feel welcome.
  2. Give them to customers as a gift with purchase: Include a small promo item with each purchase or online order to thank shoppers and encourage repeat business.
  3. Surprise walk-ins with a giveaway: Set up a “Freebie Friday” basket near the entrance. A pen, notebook, or reusable mug giveaway can brighten someone’s day and spark conversations about your brand.
  4. Thank your couriers and delivery drivers: Handing them a branded travel mug or cap is a thoughtful way to show appreciation — and put your logo on the road every day.
  5. Reuse them at your next event: Save your extras for future trade shows, conferences, or community events. It’s smart, sustainable, and saves you from another bulk order.
  6. Add them to gift baskets or raffle prizes: Mix your leftover swag into prize bundles or raffle baskets for fundraisers or office parties.
  7. Use them as prizes for competitions or social media: Boost engagement online with a fun giveaway or internal challenges at work.
Gift box containing branded merchandise for Bluebird Reality, including a custom branded journal and pen set, a white coffee mug, and tote bag.

Donate what you don’t need

If you’ve exhausted all the in-house ideas, donating is another great option. Plenty of local organizations will gladly take your extras off your hands:

  • Schools – Teachers always appreciate extra stationery or reusable supplies
  • Local charities or shelters – Items like water bottles, tote bags, and clothing are often in demand
  • Community sports teams – Think caps, drink bottles, or towels
  • Secondhand or thrift stores – Perfect for branded apparel or accessories
  • Local artists – They might repurpose items into creative projects
  • Online listings – Try Gumtree, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace to find someone who can use them

Recycle or upcycle what’s left

Still have leftovers that aren’t donation-ready? Get crafty.

  • Turn items into art pieces for the office or local exhibits
  • Repurpose drink bottles into planters or desk organizers
  • Use old t-shirts or totes as rags for painting or cleaning
  • Compost biodegradable items if they’re made from natural materials

A little creativity goes a long way in keeping your promo items out of the landfill.

Time to refresh your promo inventory

Once you’ve cleared out the old, it’s the perfect moment to restock with fresh, on-brand gear. Whether you’re looking for custom pens, apparel, drinkware, or other trending promotional products, Amsterdam Printing is here to help you find the perfect fit for your next campaign.

Keeping your promotional lineup current doesn’t just look good — it keeps your brand top of mind and ready to impress at every opportunity.