Career fair giveaway ideas for students

Students live fast-paced, exciting lives – they expect to be wowed. Chances are, that boring tote bag? Not going to do it for them. They have a drawer full already, and yours likely isn’t the only tote at the fair. Give them something that won’t get lost in the cupboard.

College fair giveaways are a great way to connect with students, they’re a captive audience and it’s often their first encounter with your brand.

It’s important to be intentional – these events can quickly become promotion overload.  Get it right and it could be the first touchpoint on the way to a lasting connection. 

Know your audience. 67% of college students are under 24 – a group heavily influenced by social media, and a more personal approach. It’s not enough to slap on a logo: Gen Z expects brands to understand them on a deeper level.

So, what do Students in 2025 actually want? 

Read on for some epic career fair giveaway ideas.

1. They’re planet savers. 

This report found that 65% of Gen Z’s are worried about the environment, so they prefer freebies that fulfill a purpose – think practical.

While there’ll be plenty of tote bags on offer, there may not be so many backpacks, side satchels, or fanny packs. These are all useful for nights out, a full day at college and everything in between. 

And what about a blanket for their bed or cap to wear around campus? Or a water bottle they can reuse? These have become an unexpected hit amongst college students in recent years.

Why it works: 

They’re fun, functional, and most importantly, great for the environment, so they’ll make an impression that will last long after the fair.

Useful can be creative too – like a mug that changes colors as it heats or a key chain with a mini mascot plushie attached.  

MOO it up:

Our Custom MOO Water Bottles are great for this. Brand them how you like using either a 360-wrap print, a one-sided hero, or laser engraving.

2. They care about authenticity and want to stand out online

We live in an increasingly digital world, so it’s no surprise that Gen Z values human connection and authentically showing up. This study found that a whopping 92% of Gen Zers said it’s very important to them. 

So why not offer a photobooth where students can take headshots for their LinkedIn? 

Why it works:

 It takes seconds to make an impression, and a headshot is a great way to show who you are online. It’s something students really need and will actually use. 

Or perhaps try a pop-up resume clinic, where students can get advice on their CV, or offer mini discussion sessions on how to apply for jobs and what to look for. 

MOO it up:

Take the job search offline and print their headshots on Business Cards – a personal touch they can take with them to make their mark.

Or print out tips and tricks on our Postcards for them to pin up in their dorm. 

3. They like to be entertained

Gen Z loves games, with 70% of under 25’s preferring gaming over TV and other media, and 65% of Gen Z gaming for more than 3 hours a day.

The trend, ‘gamification’, is all about adding video game elements to create engaging and interactive experiences. 

Gamify your giveaway by creating leaderboards, rewards and incentives, and other game-like elements. Keep it simple with a prize-winning raffle, or try something that will build students’ confidence, like point-scoring interview practice rounds. Pair it with free pizza, and you have a mini college party.

Why it works: 

The spirit of competition keeps Gen Z engaged with you for longer, and it’s more likely to make for a memorable experience.

MOO it up: 

Try funky printed Postcards for raffle tickets. Use Stickers as souvenir prizes – a sophisticated ‘gold star’ if you will.

Keep them plugged in and entertained beyond the fair, with a power bank or discounted subscriptions to Spotify and Amazon Prime – a huge draw for students. Or think outside the box…fidget-toys to combat study fatigue? The more fun you make it, the more engaged they’ll be.

4. They care about quality

This survey found that 64% of Gen Z invest more in quality purchases that will last. Students are moving away from cheap products that don’t survive the semester. 

Think pens, highlighters, folders, clipboards and more. They want high-quality stationery they’ll love taking notes with and on. Enter our luxurious Custom Notebooks in both soft and hardcover with sophisticated bindings that make a statement.

Or our custom Perpetual Planners which come with a flexible format meaning they’re never outdated. Students can reuse them for years to come.

Why it works: 

These timeless stationery pieces will stay with students through the semester and beyond, while saving them a much-needed pretty penny. 

Got a career fair for students? Get in touch to find out how MOO Business Services can help you prepare. Complete the form below and a friendly account executive will be in touch to help you get started.