Do not join the bandwagon. Set yourself apart. If you did your research right, you should have the slightest idea of what tactic the competition is employing. Use that to your benefit. Opt for something different from what they're offering.

A small amount of creativity reaps numerous promotional gains. While not all of us may get the perfect item we've always wanted for our marketing campaign, we can clearly make up for what they lack in impact with a little imagination.

A cheap giveaway should not translate to less impact. A clever catchphrase can spell a huge difference. If you can find a way to relate the product with a benefit, then you should be able to make the most out of every penny spent on that marketing item. A simple umbrella or bottle opener may be worthless to someone with less imagination. However, a tagline that says ?we've got you covered? on an umbrella and ?opening new opportunities? on a bottle opener might just do the trick.

Package it right. You know the promotional gift was not worth that much, but the customer doesn't know that. More often than not, all it requires is notable packaging to draw the client's interest. Here's where an attractive gift box or bag would come in handy.

A touch of personalization will step it up a notch. Sometimes, a little push is all it takes to spell a world of difference. If you can't offer something fancy, at least give it some flare. For instance, you could put together a food basket of their most wanted goodies. Then, top it off with a handwritten thank you card and you've got a winner.

Do not hand it out to everyone. Given the fact that you do not have much of a budget to work with, there's no question that you have to single out those regulars. Set a limit to the number of people you'll be giving it to. Personally deliver them to make a lasting impression.