Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in May 2018 and has since been updated to incorporate ASI’s 2020 Global Ad Impressions Study.
Branded tote bags are a promotional staple, and with good reason. According to a 2020 study by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) (PDF), a single bag generates 3,300 impressions.
That’s a lot of eyes on your brand.
The term “tote bag” may mean different things to different people—like an inexpensive way to carry groceries or a sturdy bag you take to the beach—but in reality, there are an infinite number of variations on the classic tote.
Whether you need a budget-priced swag bag, a premium tote for a special client or employee, or something both price-conscious and unique for a special event, we’ll help you pick the best promotional bag for your brand and price range.
Best promotional bags on a budget
If you’re looking to show off your brand on a budget, consider this. A branded tote bag that costs just $5 will have a cost per impression of 2/10 of a cent.
That makes tote bags an excellent way to stretch your dollar, especially when you need a large number of promotional items. Even with limited resources, it’s still possible to offer a quality, useful promo that recipients will want to continue to use.
The Value Grocery Tote has all the best qualities of the classic tote bag, including double-reinforced handles and a board bottom to provide stability. If you want something with a natural flair, try the Cotton Sheeting Natural Economy Tote. It’s simple but useful.
For an entirely different type of tote that’s still incredibly budget-friendly, consider the Lunch Sack Tote. Almost everyone can use a durable lunch bag. It is perfect for a school function or company picnic.
Mid-level and specialized tote bags
If you have a larger marketing budget, a smaller group of recipients or a special event that requires a unique giveaway, mid-level bags can be useful and memorable while still being price-conscious.
If you’re holding an open house for employee families, or just want to encourage your customers to show off their artistic side, the Color-Me Activity Tote with Crayons is sure to delight. It’s the bag they get to color themselves!
If your business is hosting a sporting event or sponsoring a local youth sports league, there are bags for sports fans of all ages. The Clear Game Tote is designed to comply with NFL® regulations, making it the perfect bag to carry on game day. There are also specially designed bags for just about everyone who likes to throw, catch or kick a ball, including the Baseball Tote, Basketball Tote, Soccer Tote and Football Tote.
If you’re looking for a bag with natural fibers, look no further than the Milan Jute Tote, with cotton rope handles and a button loop closure. It looks great at the beach or the office. For a bag they’ll carry every day, try the Boardwalk Convention Tote or Fun Tote. Both look great and feature a mesh water bottle pocket and an extra pocket for pens, a phone and other items. Shoppers will surely appreciate the Therm O Tote Insulated Grocery Bag. It’s a grocery tote with insulation, allowing them to keep hot items hot or cool items cool.
Premium totes for special occasions – and special people
According to the Advertising Specialty Institute, the top three reasons people keep promotional bags are if the bags are quality, useful and attractive (PDF).
Our wide variety of premium bags can easily be all three.
New employees will appreciate the Daily Commuter Laptop Tote. It will help keep them organized and looking sharp.
If you want to offer a client a thank-you gift for their business or congratulate an employee on a work anniversary, the Champion® Core Laptop Tote Bag or Cutter & Buck® Legacy Cotton Boat Tote combine popular brands and your logo into one beautiful bag.
The best promotional bags are the ones that show off your brand
There are probably as many reasons to offer branded tote bags as there are variations to choose from. But whether you’re giving away hundreds of totes to raise awareness for a nonprofit or offering a high-end bag to congratulate an employee on a work anniversary, the best promotional bags will always be the ones that fit your message, your budget and your brand. For more helpful content about branded totes, check out our blog post featuring innovative custom promotional bags for any budget.