updated: September 21, 2023

Promotional products are a great way to market to every generation including Baby Boomers and The Greatest Generation. According to a recent study by ASI*, these logo imprinted giveaway items are the most highly regarded form of advertising. And why shouldn’t they be? Promo items are free gifts! Below we’ll take a closer look at the advantages of senior swag as well as which items older Americans like best.

Marketing to Senior Citizens by the Numbers

• 45% of Baby Boomers who own promo products have kept them for more than 10 years.
• Nearly two thirds (65%) of Baby Boomers who own promo products have kept them for more than 5 years. The longer an item is kept and used, the more impressions your brand message receives!
• American households own an average of 30 promo products, but Baby Boomers have fewer than Millennials or Generation X. Fixing that stat represents a huge opportunity for advertisers.

Which Promotional Products Do Baby Boomers Like Best?

Health & Wellness Items

• Fitness and physical activity are important for the mind and body at any age. Here are some healthy corporate gift ideas for seniors:
• Yoga Equipment – mats, towel
• Fitness Bands
• Walking/Running/Hiking Accessories – Safety lights, whistles and reflective wristbands. Pedometers, waist packs and water bottles.
• Hot/cold packs

Eco-Friendly Gifts

• 53% of consumers age 55+ have a more favorable opinion of the advertiser if the promo product they received was environmentally friendly—higher than Generation X or Millennials!
• A notebook and pen set made of recycled materials is both handy and responsible.
• Coffee mugs made of wheat straw plastic re-use a byproduct of manufacturing.
• Recycled paper photo frames are great for special pictures of pets, family, and friends.
• Reusable grocery totes reduce the use of plastic bags.

Tech Giveaways

• These days, retirement can just mean ditching the 9 to 5, and going into business for yourself. That requires the latest technology. Treat retirees to branded tech accessories that enable everything from entrepreneurship, talking to friends and family over social media, and jamming to their favorite tunes with headphones.
• Phone and Tablet stands
• Stylus pens
• Webcam covers and privacy gadgets
• Laptop cases and sleeves
• Pro Tip: 61% of consumers age 55+ would choose a USB drive over a power bank. 

USA Made Swag

• 70% of Baby Boomer consumers are more favorable to advertisers if the promo product was Made in the USA , which is far more than Generation X or millennials.
• Across all product categories, Crestline has a variety of items Made in the USA that will be sure to fit your promotional marketing idea and budget.

Travel Accessories

• Today’s seniors have more time and resources than ever before, and energy to boot! Help them enjoy their adventures with handy items for travel and vacation.
• Sun protection essentials
  
  

  
• Beach towels and boat bags
  
  

  
• Luggage tags and travel bags with anti-theft features
  
  

  
• Auto accessories – cargo hauler
  
  
• Camping stuff – rolling cooler for easy transporting
  

Hobby Items

• Seniors hobbies go far beyond the stereotypes of bingo and reading the morning newspaper – they enjoy a variety of pursuits that provide exercise, adventure, and stimulation.
• Gardening – Seeds, rain gauge, wind chime
  

  

  
• Games & Puzzles - Playing Cards
  

  

  
• Golf – umbrella, cooler, towel
  

  

  
• Artistic Endeavors – adult coloring books colored pencils
  

  
• Reading & Learning – bookmarks, book reading light , farmer’s almanac
  

  

  
• Cooking & Baking – measuring cups, cutting board
  

  
• Birdwatching - Bird Feeder, Binoculars
  

  
• Pets
  

  

Tailor Your Imprint

• Choose simple fonts and larger typefaces. To accommodate larger print, select items that have a large imprint space.
  
  
• Choose a print color that contrasts with the color of the product you are printing on to make sure your logo or company name stands out.