Outdoor Events on a Budget? Affordable Branded Merch That Still Pops

Outdoor events are back in full swing – but not everyone’s working with a massive budget. Whether you're hosting a community fun day, sponsoring a local sports tournament, or popping up at a summer market, you can still create a standout experience with branded merchandise that’s both affordable and impactful. 

Here’s how to make your brand shine without overspending: 

1. Bulk-Friendly Crowd-Pleasers 

Branded sunglasses, promotional drawstring bags, and branded hand fans are event staples for a reason: they’re budget-friendly in large quantities and actually useful at outdoor events. 

Example: 600 pairs of custom-printed sunglasses from EverythingBranded start at around $1.05 per unit – and the more you order, the cheaper it gets. Drawstring bags with a single-color logo can come in at under $1.00 each when bought in bulk. 

Top tip: Always check unit price breakdowns — going from 250 to 500 items can sometimes halve the cost per piece! 

2. T-Shirts: The Walking Billboard 

A custom printed tee is still one of the most effective ways to get eyes on your brand. They're wearable, reusable, and a solid crowd magnet. 

Stat to back it up: According to ASI's Global Ad Impressions Study, branded T-shirts generate over 3,400 impressions throughout their lifetime. 

Example: A lightweight cotton tee with a one-color logo starts at around $4.03 each for 72+ units – making them a surprisingly affordable brand asset. Stick to bold fonts, single-color prints, and your main logo to keep it budget-friendly and visible from a distance. 

3. Small But Mighty: Stickers, Badges & Magnets 

Branded stickers, buttons, and fridge magnets may be small, but they’re seriously effective. Ideal for giveaways, kids' events, or as add-ons in goodie bags. They also encourage interaction, people stick them on water bottles, laptops, or even post on socials. 

These low-cost items work especially well for: 

• Nonprofits & charities 
• Music events & local bands 
• Youth programs or clubs 
• Eco-conscious brands (paper or recycled material options available) 

From EB: A magnet with a full-color design can cost as little as $0.20 per unit in bulk. 

4. Affordable Hydration = Brand Recall 

Branded water bottles are a smart long-term win. They’ll be reused far beyond the event, meaning your logo sticks around for months. 

Example: EverythingBranded offers clear plastic sports bottles starting at just $0.59 per unit for bulk orders, with single-color printing. You can also upgrade to BPA-free or recycled plastic bottles if you want to tick the sustainability box, too. 

According to Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), 83% of people keep promotional drinkware because it's useful — and 53% use it weekly. 

5. Bundle for Maximum Impact 

Here’s a clever trick: group small items together into custom giveaway kits. For example: 

• A branded pen ($0.35) 
• A fan ($0.60) 
• A sticker sheet ($0.30) 
• All packed into a custom drawstring bag ($0.95) 

Total cost? Under $2.50 per kit – and it feels like a premium gift. 

Kits are perfect for sporting events, school fairs, and community outreach where perceived value matters just as much as the price tag. 

6. Design Smarter, Not Pricier 

Your color choices can make a huge visual impact without driving up costs. Stick to your core brand colors, or match the event’s aesthetic for cohesion. 

Keep in mind: each additional print color adds to production costs, so if you're on a tight budget, one-color printing is the way to go. It’s classic, clean, and cost-effective. 

EB's Got Your Back 

EverythingBranded specialises in high-impact merch for all budgets – including tight ones. We offer: 

• Thousands of customizable, budget-friendly products 
• In-house design help to make your merch pop 
• Volume discounts to help you stretch your spend 
• American-made and eco-friendly options 

No matter the scale of your event, our team can help you build a kit that fits your vision and your budget. 

Let’s keep your next event big on branding, small on cost. Chat with our team to create memorable, on-brand giveaways that won’t blow your budget.