Festival & Event Season Is Back: What Brands Are Giving Away in 2025

Australia’s festival and event season is officially back, and it’s bigger, louder, and more creative than ever. From summer music festivals and food markets to corporate expos and outdoor community events, 2025 is shaping up to be a massive year for brand activations. And with crowds returning in full force, one thing is clear: people love good giveaways.

But here’s the twist. Audiences today want merchandise that is actually useful. They want something they can take home, use again, and remember. This shift is pushing brands to rethink their giveaway strategies and choose smarter, more meaningful promotional items.

If you’re preparing for a festival, event, conference, or outdoor activation this year, this article will help you understand what’s trending and what attendees genuinely want. Everything is written in simple, human language so you can make quick, confident decisions.

Table of Contents:

• Why Giveaways Matter More Than Ever
• What’s Trending in 2025: Giveaways That Attendees Actually Want
• The Shift Toward Sustainable Giveaways
• How Brands Can Stand Out with Giveaways This Season
• Examples of Smart Brand Giveaways in 2025
• Final Thoughts

Why Giveaways Matter More Than Ever

Giveaways do more than add excitement, they build real connection. When someone receives a useful branded item at an event, they instantly associate your brand with value. That’s why companies of all sizes are prioritizing smart merch in 2025. It’s not just about visibility; it’s about leaving a positive impression.

Festivals attract diverse crowds, which means your merch has the power to travel far. A bottle picked up at a music festival might end up in someone’s gym bag. A cap from a corporate booth might get worn during a hike. These small everyday moments give your brand long-term exposure.

In short, giveaways are still one of the most cost-effective marketing tools available, if you choose the right items.

What’s Trending in 2025: Giveaways That Attendees Actually Want

People in 2025 want giveaways that are practical, stylish, and sustainable. Here are the items dominating festival and event circuits this year:

1. Reusable Drink Bottles & Tumblers

Hydration is a big deal, especially with Australia’s warmer weather. Reusable drinkware remains one of the top promotional products because it checks all the boxes: sustainable, practical, and high visibility.

Why it works:

• People use it all day

• Great branding surface

• Eco-friendly and long-lasting

Ideal for: music festivals, sports events, outdoor expos, and corporate activations.

2. Lightweight Tote Bags & Drawstring Bags

Tote bags are always trending because attendees need something to carry their other freebies. In 2025, brands are choosing eco-friendly materials like cotton, canvas, and RPET (recycled plastic).

Why it works:

• Useful during and after the event

• Sustainable options appeal to younger audiences

• Visibly promotes your logo everywhere

Perfect for: markets, university events, trade shows.

3. Caps & Bucket Hats

Australian sun = endless demand for headwear. Caps and bucket hats are making a huge comeback this year because they combine functionality with style. Attendees love wearing them immediately, which amplifies your brand presence.

Why it works:

• Ideal for outdoor festivals

• High retention rate

• Trendy among all age groups

Suitable for: outdoor concerts, sports events, beach festivals.

4. Cooling Towels

Practical, especially during summer events. Cooling towels help people stay comfortable while providing brands a unique, memorable way to stand out.

Why it works:

• Instant relief from heat

• Compact and easy to distribute

• Highly appreciated during outdoor events

Best for: marathons, community fun runs, open-air festivals.

5. Stickers, Patches & Pins

Aussies love personalizing their bags, bottles, and jackets. Stickers and patches are simple yet surprisingly powerful branding tools.

Why it works:

• Low cost and highly creative

• Perfect for younger audiences

• Easy to design in bold, fun themes

Great for: youth festivals, music events, lifestyle expos.

6. Sunscreen Packs & Self-Care Minis

Health-conscious giveaways are on the rise. Mini sunscreens, lip balms, and wellness packs make people feel cared for, especially at outdoor or multi-day events.

Why it works:

• Practical and appreciated

• Supports a wellness-forward brand message

• Lightweight for attendees to carry

Useful for: corporate activations, beach events, travel expos.

7. Tech Accessories

Tech giveaways are no longer limited to trade shows. Today, they’re popular across all types of events because people rely heavily on their devices.

Most popular tech items:

• Cable organizers

• Phone holders

• Pop sockets

• Screen wipes

• Small power banks (for premium giveaways)

Why it works:

• Fits modern lifestyles

• Increases daily visibility

• Long-term use

Ideal for: conferences, startup events, university activations.

8. Eco-Friendly Stationery

With sustainability becoming a priority, recycled notebooks and bamboo pens are still favorites. They’re simple, budget-friendly, and universally useful.

Why it works:

• Great for workshops and seminars

• Appeals to eco-conscious attendees

• Works for any demographic

Perfect for: conferences, education events, corporate workshops.

The Shift Toward Sustainable Giveaways

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore, it’s a deciding factor. Event attendees notice the materials used, and brands that choose eco-friendly merchandise earn more trust and respect.

In 2025, here’s what’s standing out:

• RPET bottles and bags made from recycled plastics

• Bamboo utensils and pens

• Compostable packaging

• Reusable alternatives to single-use giveaways

Choosing sustainable merch not only reflects good values but also aligns with the expectations of modern Australian audiences.

How Brands Can Stand Out with Giveaways This Season

With events returning in full swing, competition for attention is high. But with the right approach, your brand can stand out effortlessly. Here’s how:

1. Choose Merch That People Will Use Immediately: Giveaways like hats, cooling towels, or tote bags are likely to be used during the event itself.

2. Keep the Design Simple and Aesthetic: Minimalist logos and modern colors make merch feel premium and wearable.

3. Match the Item to the Event Theme: Beach event? Go with sunscreen packs. Music festival? Stickers or caps. Corporate conference? Tech accessories.

4. Offer Two Tiers of Giveaways: Standard items for everyone, premium items for high-value interactions.

5. Focus on Quality Over Quantity: A well-made bottle or hat is better than handing out hundreds of disposable items.

These simple strategies make your merch more memorable and impactful.

Examples of Smart Brand Giveaways in 2025

Here are real trending approaches brands are using this year:

• Fitness brands give cooling towels and shaker bottles.

• Tech companies hand out cable kits and phone stands.

• Retail brands offer stylish tote bags with minimalist prints.

• Food and beverage brands hand out caps and beach-friendly drinkware.

• Universities distribute stationery sets and reusable bottles.

• Corporate exhibitors use wellness kits and compact tech items.

These giveaways work because they align perfectly with the audience’s needs.

Final Thoughts

Festival and event season in 2025 is full of excitement, energy, and opportunities for brands to connect with people in meaningful ways. And while giveaways may seem simple, they have a huge impact when chosen thoughtfully.

Event attendees want merchandise that is useful, sustainable, stylish, and long-lasting. Whether you’re preparing for a massive music festival or a professional conference, your giveaway can help your brand stand out and stay remembered long after the event ends.