China Sourcing International (CSI) can help you with promotional products sourcing in China, Hong Kong, and Asia.

We are here to provide companies like yours with exceptional promotional products sourcing and manufacturing services in China and other overseas markets.

CSI helps all sorts of businesses, including those that make promotional gifts, produce a wide array of goods in China. Our importing processes are comprehensive and complete. They involve thorough inspection, quality control, consolidating and warehousing, and so much more.

We offer exceptional cost and terms negotiations to ensure that our promotional gifts clients get the highest quality products at the most competitive rates. Never compromise quality, cost, or turnaround times; instead, turn to China Sourcing International for promotional products sourcing in China and Hong Kong.

Understanding Promotional Gifts 

The promotional products industry is a unique subset of consumer products that serves several purposes. This multi-billion-dollar industry is made up of businesses operating as either suppliers or distributors.

Businesses usually give promotional gifts to potential customers or passersby during conventions, meetings, road shows, and other events. They tend to give out promotional products, sometimes referred to as “freebies” or “swag,” to boost their reputation, give customers a visual with which they can associate a company or brand, and act as corporate marketing.

Internally, promotional gifts can also be used as rewards for companies of a certain business. The benefits are twofold;

• Employees receive free products.
• And the company gets free advertising each time its employees use or wear the products in public. 

Popular Types of Promotional Gifts We Can Source

• Branded hoodies
• PopSockets 
• Custom PPE face masks and face coverings (featuring printed company logos)
• Branded backpacks
• Branded tumblers
• Bamboo lunchbox sets
• Calendars and planners 
• USB drives
• Powerbank chargers
• Desk humidifiers
• Notepads
• Branded tote bags
• Branded t-shirts featuring company logos
• Pens
• Hats
• Sunglasses 
• Headphones
• Bluelight glasses
• Mousepads
• Umbrellas
• Custom stickers
• …and much more!

Benefits of Manufacturing and Sourcing Promotional Gifts from China

China is home to billions of consumer goods that are in constant demand by both the consumer and commercial markets. Companies that choose to source promotional gifts directly from China buy right from the manufacturing factory, which offers significant cost savings without compromising on quality and craftsmanship.

Just some of the benefits of sourcing and manufacturing promotional gifts from China include: 

• Access to a wider range of high-quality promotional gift products from suppliers that may not be listed on English-speaking websites.
• Major cost savings due to the low cost of living and low labor costs in China.
• Access to a larger workforce.
• Companies work with top-rate factories in China with the latest technology and machinery.
• Expedient turnaround times.
• Accurate deliverables.
• …and so many others!

How CSI Works with Sourcing Promotional Gifts

China Sourcing International partners with companies to deliver promotional gifts to businesses all over. Just some of the services we offer include: 

• Logistics
• Terms & Cost Negotiations
• Consolidation & Warehousing
• CAD Drawing & 3D Modeling
• Sourcing and Manufacturing promotional gift items
• Inspection and Quality Control
• Product Engineering Recommendations
• Product Molding & Tooling for new promotional gifts
• Factory audits
• IP Protection
• Crowdfunding Consultations
• Product Photography & Videography
• Prototyping & Sampling
• Research & Development 
• OEM and ODM
• Project Management and Consulting
• Trading and Purchasing

Why Choose CSI to Source & Manufacture Promotional Gifts in China?

Companies all around the world, and especially in the US, are in constant need of new, innovative ways to promote their presence. There will always be a use for pens, mugs, and t-shirts, but these days, companies are thinking broader.

The promotional gifts industry is becoming more innovative. This means promotional gift companies need a reliable sourcing and manufacturing partner in China that can meet the demands.

China Sourcing International is made up of a team of professionals, all of whom have at least 10 years of experience in our space. We offer a diverse skillset unlike most other sourcing agencies in that we don’t just source and manufacture; we also offer on-the-ground project management, stringent factory inspection and auditing, logistics and shipping organization, and so much more.

Our goal is to help you expand your business, scale production, and offer more to your clients. Our team members are multilingual and fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin to further facilitate easy communication and prevent costly mistakes due to language barriers.

To learn more about sourcing, manufacturing, or importing promotional gifts from China or Hong Kong, please contact us today or call us at 1-888-915-1060.

Be sure to visit our Sourcing FAQ page for additional insight or our Tips & Insights page.

Promotional Gifts FAQs
for China & Hong Kong

Promotional gift sourcing is primarily about your marketing goals, branding impact, cost-efficiency, turnaround time, and logistical flexibility. Here are some promotional gifts FAQs that focus specifically on manufacturing promotional products in China and Hong Kong.

How do I choose the right promotional gift for my target audience?

Start with your customer persona. Ask what your audience finds useful or memorable. Do they attend trade shows, work remotely, or care about sustainability? Match your gift to their lifestyle, and your brand will stay in their hands longer.

What types of promotional gifts can I manufacture in China or Hong Kong?

You can manufacture a wide range of promotional items in China, including branded apparel (hoodies, t-shirts, hats), tech accessories (USB drives, power banks, headphones), office supplies (notepads, pens, mousepads), eco-friendly products (bamboo lunchboxes, tote bags), and seasonal items (umbrellas, calendars, planners, Christmas decorations).

What trends are driving demand for promotional items in 2025?

Sustainability tops the list, reusable drinkware, bamboo tech, and biodegradable packaging dominate. Tech-enabled gifts like wireless chargers and branded earbuds are rising fast, while personalization (names, QR codes, etc.) gives your gift a long-term impact.

Can I manufacture limited-edition or seasonal promotional items in small batches?

Yes. Many manufacturers in China and Hong Kong offer flexible production for seasonal campaigns or event-driven branding. You can produce smaller batches with custom packaging and fast turnarounds if you plan early.

How do I create branded merchandise that doesn’t feel cheap?

To create quality branded promotional gifts, focus on perceived value. Choose materials with tactile appeal (e.g., metal over plastic), prioritize functionality, and avoid cluttered logos. A high-end look, even on a budget, comes from quality design and thoughtful presentation.

Are there minimum order quantities (MOQs) for promotional gifts?

Most manufacturers have MOQ requirements due to economies of scale. Depending on the promotional items and customization complexity, MOQs typically range from 500 to 1,000 units. However, some suppliers may be flexible, especially if they have stock available or are willing to negotiate.

What lead time should I expect when ordering promotional gifts from China and Hong Kong?

For custom promotional items, expect 3–6 weeks for production plus shipping time. Rush orders are possible but may cost more. Always factor in time for product sampling, revisions, and holiday shutdowns (especially around Chinese New Year).

How do I ensure the quality of my promotional products during manufacturing?

It’s best to work with an experienced sourcing agent like China Sourcing International. CSI can help implement a comprehensive quality control process that includes pre-production samples, in-process inspections and factory audits, and final product evaluations. This is the best way to maintain consistent quality standards and address any issues promptly.  Request a Quote.

Is it possible to mix product types in a single promotional gift order?

Yes. Many factories in China allow “mixed SKU” orders for bundled gift sets or product kits, like combining a notebook, pen, and USB drive in a branded box. This is ideal for corporate gifting or campaign launches.

What packaging options are available for promotional gifts?

You can choose from custom-printed boxes, reusable pouches, eco-friendly wraps, or minimalist kraft paper. Packaging matters as it’s often the first thing recipients see. Work with a China sourcing agent like CSI, and we can help with recyclable or premium finishing options like foil stamping or magnetic closures. Call us at 1-888-915-1060.

How do I ensure color consistency across a batch of promotional items?

Provide Pantone (PMS) color codes, not just visual references. Good Chinese manufacturers use color-matching systems and pre-production samples to lock in accuracy before full production.

What are the benefits of sourcing promotional gifts from China or Hong Kong?

Sourcing promotional products from China offers cost savings due to lower labor costs, access to a wide range of high-quality products, and the ability to work with manufacturers equipped with advanced technology and machinery.

What are the potential challenges when sourcing promotional gifts from China or Hong Kong?

Challenges may include language and cultural barriers, quality control issues, and navigating import regulations. To mitigate these risks, our multi-lingual sourcing agents establish clear communication with suppliers and conduct regular inspections and factory audits. Call us at 1-888-915-1060 or Request a Quote

Can I ship promotional gifts directly to events or distribution centers?

Absolutely. Our sourcing agents can help with drop-shipping or third-party logistics (3PL) services. We can route products straight to trade shows, retail partners, or fulfillment warehouses, saving time and handling costs.

What are the common mistakes companies make when sourcing promotional gifts from China and Hong Kong?

The biggest sourcing mistakes include not using an experienced sourcing agent and choosing based on price alone plus skipping sample approval, and neglecting to check customs classifications. Work with CSI and benefit from multi-lingual sourcing agents that are highly experienced in international trade and understand both product manufacturing and compliance.

To learn more about manufacturing promotional products in China, call us at 1-888-915-1060 or Request a Quote.