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I have a confession to make: 99.9% of the sales letters I receive end up finding a new home in the shred pile almost immediately. And believe me, between the correctly-addressed envelopes in my mailbox and the ones seeking out “Current Resident,” I have plenty to toss in the bin each day!

What does that have to do with you and your next direct mail campaign? I’d like to share a secret with you that’ll decrease your direct mail’s likelihood of ending up in said shred pile. Ready to hear it?

Mail an inexpensive promotional product with your sales letter.

Even though I destroy any solicitations that I’m not interested in, I’d be dramatically less likely to toss an envelope with a free gift in it! And not only will I avoid throwing it away, but I’ll probably remember your logo and company name, too. It’s a win-win.

Here are 9 compact promotional items that would be shoe-ins for your envelopes:

Plastic Letter Opener

Plastic Letter Opener:

You can’t go wrong with letter slitters, at least not in my book! When you get mail that matters, this little guy should be the first thing you reach for, and that’s why it would be silly to throw it away. These plastic openers are sturdy, they hardly weigh anything at all, and their dimensions allow for effortless insertion into your direct mail piece. Really. It hardly requires any additional thought!

Promotional Ruler

Promotional Ruler:

Don’t say that rulers are kid stuff unless you want to make me feel bad for having this exact item in my top desk drawer. This brightly-colored ruler comes in handy for measuring small spaces and for keeping my decorations level. And you know what? I could always use another one! Send me a pretty office item like this and I’ll commit your brand name to memory for sure.

Circle Stick Up Calendar

Circle Stick-Up Calendar:

Adhesive mini calendars never go out of style, and I’m not just saying that to be nice. They’re everywhere! I’ve seen stick-up calendars on computer monitors, on cubicle walls, and even in cars. People compulsively snatch these when they’re offered for free at local banks or businesses, so why wouldn’t they be delighted to receive a free one in the mail? Enough said.

Folding Can Cooler Sleeve

Folding Can Cooler Sleeve:

Can koozies aren’t as flat as magnets, stickers, or calendars, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to mail. Folding koozies lie flat when not in use and they provide enough padding to raise a red flag in recipients’ heads. Wouldn’t you open an envelope with something intriguingly squeezable inside of it? I would. Normally I’d tell you to avoid fluff in your marketing, but definitely not in this case.

Original Mood Meters Magnet (Digitally Printed)

Mood Meters Magnet:

Magnets are classic direct mail pieces already, so it almost seems unfair to add a fun twist to them like this. Mood Meters Magnets allow you to place the square over the mood that you’re experiencing; I can attest that house guests will be infinitely interested in playing with these. Your logo and contact information are printed in that space at the bottom, guaranteeing a bit of brand recognition over time!

5" x 3" Static Cling Custom Window Sticker

Static Cling Custom Window Sticker:

Do you have a clever slogan and/or beloved company mascot? Static cling stickers give you the opportunity to share that with the entire world without asking people to damage their cars with regular bumper stickers. Although you may normally see these affixed to windshields as parking permits or oil change reminders, that’s not all they’re good for. Get out there and start a trend with your mailings!

Adhesive Sticky Note Pads - 25 Sheets

Sticky Note Pads:

Adhesive notes are on the classic side of direct mailings, but they’ve still got what customers want. Their staying power indicates that people still need them and want them. Whether you go with the ever-popular square shape or design your own custom shape, it’s unlikely that these freebies will go unappreciated inside of envelopes.

Anodized Carabiner

Carabiner Keychain:

These carabiners are made from metal but they’re surprisingly lightweight. Plus, just like the koozies I mentioned, their size and shape is a dead giveaway that something more than a letter awaits customers when they open the mail piece.

Seasonal Items: Sunblock Packets or Ice Scraper with Visor Clip (not pictured)

Yes, I know that there are ten products featured here instead of the nine I promised, but I decided to combine the ice scraper and the sunblock packets into one category: seasonal items. Give your customers a gift they’ll be able to use by targeting your giveaway to their climate. Are you sending mail to Chicago customers in January? Go with an ice scraper. Or maybe you’re trying to reach Miami customers in July…sunblock packets would be a hit!

Regardless of the mailable giveaways you choose, remember these handy tips:

• Avoid products with sharp edges that could poke holes through envelopes.
• Specify somewhere on your envelopes that there’s a gift enclosed, otherwise people may throw it away anyway.
• Check with your local post office for rates. Sometimes bulky or heavier items require additional postage.

What are your favorite direct mail giveaways? Would you be more likely to open a piece of mail if you knew there was a promo item inside?

Article by Jill Tooley

Jill has been obsessed with words since her fingers could turn the pages of a book. She’s a hopeless bibliophile who recently purchased a Kindle after almost 6 years of radical opposition, and she loves stumbling upon new music on Pandora. Random interests include (but are not limited to) bookstores, movie memorabilia, comic book conventions, and adorable rodents. In addition to managing the QLP blog, Jill also manages the content development team, assists with the company’s social media accounts, and writes like a fiend whenever given the chance. You can connect with Jill on Google+.