Custom Sunglasses vs Custom Sunscreens: Which Outdoor Giveaway Gets Used?

For most outdoor events, custom sunscreen wins for “I need this right now” usefulness, while custom sunglasses win for instant visibility and wear-on-site branding.

Shop both options:

• Custom Sunglasses
• Custom Sunscreens

Want the full outdoor-ready mix? Start here: Outdoors & Fitness

Quick comparison (what changes the winner)

Choose custom sunglasses if…

• You need high visibility on-site (photos, crowds, staff, volunteers) and want people wearing the branding during the event.
• Your event is bright/sunny and attendees are likely to put them on immediately (common at outdoor activations).
• You can accept that the imprint area is usually small, so your design must be a simple logo/wordmark.
• You want a fun, “wear it now” item that pairs well with game/energy giveaways like Custom Beach Balls or Custom Frisbees.

Go to: Custom Sunglasses

Choose custom sunscreens if…

• Your event involves 1+ hour outdoors in conditions where sun exposure is a real concern (walks, runs, beach, parks).
• You want the giveaway to feel like a problem-solver (“you saved my day” utility).
• You can keep branding minimal and readable on small label space (logo + short line, not detailed art).
• You’re prepared to manage product dating and storage (sunscreen products have expiration dates and should not be stored in extreme heat).

Go to: Custom Sunscreens

Decision variables that matter (use these to avoid the wrong pick)

1. Sun intensity / seasonality: bright conditions push sunglasses; sustained exposure pushes sunscreen.
2. Time outdoors: brief outdoor transitions vs extended time in sun.
3. Audience behavior: are people likely to wear sunglasses right away, or just pocket them?
4. Branding goal: “seen in photos” vs “felt as a helpful essential.”
5. Imprint constraints: both tend to need simple, high-contrast marks due to limited print space.
6. Compliance risk tolerance: sunscreen labeling requirements are stricter than sunglasses.
7. Storage and handling: sunscreen needs more attention to heat and expiration-date rotation.
8. Distribution method: hand-to-hand “put it on” vs table “take one” vs kit packing.
9. Age mix: youth/family events often favor broad practicality (sunscreen), but visibility can still favor sunglasses.
10. Bundle logic: whether you’re building a “sun kit” or an “event look.”

Best use cases (where the winner flips)

Sunscreen wins:

• Beach days, summer park activations, outdoor festivals
• Charity walks/runs where people are outside for extended periods
• Family/community events where “usefulness” beats “style”
• Outdoor staff/volunteer tables (practical essentials people appreciate)

Sunglasses win:

• Brand activations where you want attendees wearing your branding in photos
• Sports tournaments and sideline viewing (high visibility while worn)
• Staff uniforms/booth teams to create a consistent “event look”
• Giveaways paired with playful outdoor items like Custom Frisbees

Branding & imprint considerations (what to print so it stays readable)

Sunglasses:

• Treat it like a signature imprint: one clean logo or short wordmark.
• Avoid small taglines; the print zone is typically limited, so simplicity wins.

Sunscreen:

• Keep branding minimal so it stays readable on a small label.
• Do not design in a way that conflicts with required product labeling (leave room for necessary info).

Universal rule: If the imprint zone is small, choose high-contrast, low-detail artwork.

Operational factors (heat, staffing, distribution)

Sunscreen operations:

• Plan storage so products aren’t sitting in extreme heat for long periods.
• Build a simple system for expiry-date rotation if you’re ordering for multiple events.

Sunglasses operations:

• Great for fast distribution: easy grab, high “wear-now” potential.
• Consider a display method that reduces handling chaos (small trays/bins at the booth).

Smart bundle tip: Pair either item with hydration so it feels complete:

• Custom Sports Bottles
• Or upgrade kits with Promotional Travel Tumblers

FAQs

Q1) If I can only choose one for a sunny outdoor event, which is safer?

A: Custom sunscreen is usually the safer choice because it solves a direct outdoor need see Custom Sunscreens.

Q2) Which one gets my logo seen more during the event?

A: Custom sunglasses typically deliver higher on-body visibility while worn see Custom Sunglasses.

Q3) What kind of design works best on both?

A: A bold logo or wordmark with high contrast. Skip fine details and long lines of text.

Q4) Is sunscreen harder from a compliance standpoint?

A: Yes sunscreen labeling is more sensitive than sunglasses. Keep your branding simple and avoid interfering with required product information.

Q5) Are sunglasses still useful if people already brought their own?

A: Sometimes. They can still work as a “fun extra,” but if your crowd already has eyewear, sunscreen often has higher immediate usefulness.

Q6) What’s the best companion product for either choice?

A: Hydration is the easiest match: Custom Sports Bottles or Promotional Travel Tumblers.

Q7) What if my event is beach/summer themed?

A: Sunscreen usually wins, then add sunglasses for visibility if budget allows: Custom Sunscreens, Custom Sunglasses.

Q8) Where do I start if I’m unsure?

A: Use the selection framework in the hub guide: Outdoor Fitness Buyer’s Guide: Sizes, Printing, Materials, and Best Use Cases