As a rule, promotional products are imprinted with a company's name, logo or message. They include both decorative and useful items of merchandise that can be incorporated in marketing and communication campaigns. Items are used to endorse a product, service or company agenda and can include business gifts, and awards, prizes, commemoratives and other decorated or imprinted items.

Promotional products that are imprinted and distributed free are referred to as Advertising Specialties. Imprinted promotional gifts that are given as an inducement for a precise action are known as Premiums. Business gifts, awards and items that commemorate are also known as promotional products.

The importance of promotional products is in their power to carry a message to a targeted audience. The products are both useful to, and appreciated by, the recipients; consequently, they are retained and used.