Over the past two decades, consumer behaviour has seen major changes. More people now prefer to see, touch, and feel before they believe. They now want real-life experiences, unplanned interactions, and authenticity.
That’s what experiential marketing is all about. It’s a process for brands to connect with consumers through experiences. These experiences are personal to the consumers and create memorable moments that connect them to the brand.
In this post, we’ll discuss interactive branded toys as a powerful tool for creating unique experiences that connect your brand to customers in a way that traditional items often cannot.
What Exactly Are Interactive Branded Toys?
Interactive branded toys are promotional items that invite engagement. You see them, you become curious, and you want to participate.
Perfect examples of these toys include pop-up games tied to a campaign, buildable puzzles, and light-up toys that react to touch and motion.
Now imagine these toys bearing your brand’s identity. Yes, that’s an interactive branded toy.
These toys not only expose your brand but also provide your customers with unforgettable experiences that deeply connect them to your brand.
Why They’re Changing the Game for Branded Merchandise
Let’s say you’re at a trade show. You walk from booth to booth, but they all look the same. Branded water bottles here, printed notebooks there. Then, you see a crowd gathering. When you check to see what’s going on, it turns out one brand is giving out toy robots that respond to voice commands. Now, which brands will you remember?
That’s the power of interactive brand merchandise.
It brings people closer to your brand, engaging them and also entertaining them. So when you give your customers something that does all these things, what do you think will happen? They’ll remember your brand and connect with it. And there’s no better way to stand out.
Why Interactive Toys Are the Smart Choice for Branded Merchandise
Here’s why leading brands are betting on interactive toys:
- Memorability: A toy that lights up, speaks, or moves stands out from the typical branded items.
- Educational and meaningful: Toys can teach valuable lessons or reinforce important messages. For example, if you’re in the health industry targeting families with children, you can offer interactive toothbrushes that encourage two-minute brushing. This sets you apart and gets you free publicity.
- Emotional value: Play makes people happy. And that happiness is what makes them want to associate with your brand.
- Extended use: A child may play with a branded toy for weeks, which keeps your brand in the limelight repeatedly.
Why Brands Should Jump In Now
Curiosity, emotion, and engagement are three key factors that drive marketing effectiveness. And using branded interactive toys helps you tap into all three. This is why experiential marketing is no longer optional. You need branded merchandise that interacts and entertains.
However, you need to be strategic. This is where UCT (Asia) comes in. Let us help you source and manufacture interactive merchandise that fits your vision and budget. Reach out to us today to learn more!
