Leave a BIG Impression: Why Hotels and Resorts Should Hand Out the Giant Pencil
- Florida Custom Merch
- 3d
- 4 min read
When it comes to guest experiences at hotels and resorts, the smallest details often create the most lasting impressions. A welcoming smile at check-in, a thoughtful amenity in the room, a memorable gift at departure — these are the touches that transform a simple stay into a story worth sharing.
But here’s the truth: many of the standard giveaways hotels hand out are quickly forgotten. A pen? Tossed in a bag. A keychain? Lost in a drawer. A stress ball? Forgotten before the plane even takes off.
That’s why the giant 14-inch pencil is such a game-changer. It’s bold. It’s oversized. It’s fun. And most importantly — it’s unforgettable.
The Power of the Unforgettable Giveaway
The first thing guests do when they see the giant pencil is laugh. It’s playful, it’s surprising, and it instantly breaks the routine of a typical check-in experience. That reaction alone is worth the investment, because laughter is memorable — and memory drives brand loyalty.
Beyond the humor, the giant pencil offers something every hotel and resort needs: a massive print area for branding. Unlike a small pen or keycard holder, your hotel’s name and logo are impossible to miss. Guests take it with them, they show it off, and every time it gets noticed, your brand earns another moment in the spotlight.
Turning a Giveaway into Social Media Gold
Here’s where the real opportunity lies. The giant pencil isn’t just a quirky souvenir — it’s a social media moment waiting to happen.
Imagine this:
A family checks in, and the front desk hands their kids a giant pencil. Phones come out instantly. Pictures are snapped.
A business traveler gets one and can’t resist posting a selfie with it, captioned: “This hotel knows how to make an impression!”
Guests tag your property, share the post, and suddenly your hotel’s brand is being broadcast to their entire network of followers.
But here’s the key: don’t leave it to chance. Hotels can proactively turn the pencil into instant social media content.
At the front desk, your staff can be prepared. When a guest receives the pencil, that’s the perfect time to say:
“Want to snap a fun picture with it? Let’s get it on your Instagram/TikTok right now — we’ll even help tag our hotel!”
By having the hotel’s social media page open on a tablet or phone nearby, staff can guide guests to tag the property correctly and make posting easy. The pencil becomes more than a gift — it becomes a built-in marketing tool that generates free exposure every single time it’s handed out.
Why This Works for Hotels and Resorts
Memorability: Guests will remember the hotel that gave them something unique and oversized. It sets your brand apart from every competitor who’s still handing out pens and notepads.
Visibility: With its sheer size, the pencil gets noticed in airports, conference rooms, and even when displayed at home. Every glance is an extra impression for your brand.
Engagement: The novelty factor practically demands to be photographed. It creates authentic guest-generated content that’s far more impactful than another polished advertisement.
Shareability: Social media thrives on unusual, playful content. A giant pencil is tailor-made for stories, reels, and TikToks.
Making the Most of the Big Pencil
To maximize the impact, hotels should consider a few simple strategies:
Create a branded hashtag. Something fun like #BigImpression or #HotelWithTheBigPencil makes it easy to track posts.
Design a photo spot. A small branded backdrop at check-in or in the lobby encourages guests to snap and share immediately.
Train the staff. Equip front desk teams with the simple script: “Here’s your giant pencil — it makes a great photo!” That little nudge turns a novelty into a marketing campaign.
Reward sharing. Offer a small perk (like a free coffee or drink voucher) for guests who show staff their social media post tagging the hotel.
The Bottom Line
In a crowded hospitality market, differentiation is everything. Guests may forget the pen you gave them, but they’ll never forget the giant pencil. More importantly, they’ll show it off, talk about it, and post it — turning a simple branded item into a viral marketing tool.
So if your hotel or resort is looking for a way to stand out, build buzz, and generate real-time social media engagement, the solution might just be this simple:
Hand them the big pencil — and watch your brand grow bigger right along with it.
With so many options available, choosing the right branded promotional item can be overwhelming. Since 2016, we, at Florida Custom Merch, have helped numerous businesses achieve success through the use of custom branded promotional merchandise. Hiring an expert can help you select the perfect item, save time and money, and, most importantly, maximize your results.
Thank you for reading! We hope you found this article helpful!
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