According to the Advertising Specialties Institute (ASI), the average cost-per-impression (CPI) of an advertising specialty item is $.005 -- this is significantly less than nearly any other media. According to their data, the CPI for a national magazine ad is $.045; for a newspaper ad, $.029; for a prime-time TV ad, $.018; and for a spot radio ad, $.058.
According to the same ASI study, 83% in the US say they can identify the company on a promotional item they own; and 41% in the US say their opinion of the advertiser is more favorable after receiving a promotional product.
Promotional items not only bring brand recognition, customer loyalty and promote business/charitable efforts; they are also the most cost-effective method of marketing.