Gift with Purchase (GWP) is a popular marketing strategy where customers receive a free gift when they buy a product. At ShopGifts, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-chosen GWP can boost sales and add real perceived value to purchases. 

But not all GWPs succeed. Many campaigns fail because the free gifts feel cheap and customers find it hard to use them in their daily lives.

So, how do you ensure your investment sticks? It comes down to utility and smart design. Drawing on our experience in sourcing thousands of corporate gifts, this post will break down what makes a gift "keepable", and 5 specific gift categories that your customers will actually use.

What Makes a GWP Gift Keepable?

At ShopGifts, we often have to steer clients away from the "goody bag" mentality. It is a common misconception that having more items equals more value. But In reality, the most successful campaigns prioritise Quality over Quantity. It is much better to invest $5 in one well-made freebie which yields a far higher ROI than spending $1 on five cheap throwaways. After all, a cheap gift signals a cheap brand, whereas a quality item signals that you respect your customer's standards.

But even a high-quality item needs the right look to survive the "keepability" test. For instance, if you plaster a giant logo across a tote bag, it simply becomes a grocery bag. But if you use subtle branding stylishly, it becomes a fashion accessory that they would take to brunch. We call this the 'Daily Touchpoint' rule. You want to be on the items people touch every single day. If you can get your brand onto the mug they drink from or the phone stand they use at work, you can start being a helpful part of their life."

The Top 5 GWP Categories

From our catalog to your customers' hands, here are five categories that balance utility, style, and budget.

1. High-quality Umbrella (Premium)

• The Concept: A high-quality collapsible umbrella that supports automatic folding and UV protection.

• Why It Works: Everyone needs an umbrella, but few people buy good ones for themselves. If you provide one that actually survives a storm, it is definitely a keeper for years to come.

• ShopGifts Recommendations:

• Fully Automatic Folding Umbrella

• 115g Superlite Umbrella

• SGUM-02 Anti-UV 30" Umbrella

2. Insulated Drinkware (Premium)

• The Concept: A vacuum-insulated stainless steel tumbler or a ceramic-lined desk mug that keeps coffee hot for hours.

• Why It Works: Everyone wants a drinkware that can keep temperature in check. Give a gift that keeps their beverage hot/cold for a long time. 

• ShopGifts Recommendations:

• Lexus Anti Spill Coffee Tumbler

• Metallic Matte Tumbler

• 300ml SS Cup

3. Lunch Box (Budget-friendly)

• The Concept: An eco-friendly lunch container (often made from wheat straw or stainless steel) with secure locking clips.

• Why It Works: Many office workers have the habit of bringing lunch from home to save money. It’s a functional item that associates your brand with sustainability and practicality.

• ShopGifts Recommendations:

• SGCE-32 Zavier Wheat Lunch Box

• SGCE-21 Senny Steel Lunch Box

• Eco Wheat Lunch Box w Cutlery

4. Coaster (Budget-Friendly)

• The Concept: Not the flimsy cardboard kind from a bar. We are talking about wooden or diatomite material.

• Why It Works: Cork and wood naturally absorb moisture from drinks, preventing water rings and stains on desks. This makes them indispensable for daily coffee breaks in busy offices.

• ShopGifts Recommendations:

• Black Walnut Wooden Coaster

• Diatomite Coasters

• LED Coasters

5. Pouch (Budget-Friendly)

• The Concept: A simple, zippered pouch made from durable material.

• Why It Works: It is the ultimate organiser. Your customers can use it as a pencil case, a makeup bag, or a travel cord organizer. It is a blank canvas that serves many purposes.

• ShopGifts Recommendations:

• Canvas Pouch

• Vowo Toiletries Pouch

• Plush Zipper Pouch

Conclusion

At its heart, a Gift with Purchase is so much more than just a marketing tactic, it’s a way to build real connections with your customers. When you focus on giving gifts that are genuinely useful instead of just generic “free stuff”, you’re not only adding value but also earning a permanent place in your customer’s daily routine. When done right, a thoughtful gift turns a one-time buyer into a loyal fan!

Ready to elevate your next GWP? Check out the bento boxes, premium umbrellas, and desk accessories we mentioned above, or browse our full corporate gifts collection today!