Every year I run a coloring competition for my children’s picture book, Rumble’s First Scare. After choosing the picture for the competition, I have to decide on what the prize will be that accompanies a free copy of the book. In past year’s I have given hand-made Rumble puppets, a Rumble bag filled with squishy toy ‘pets’ just like Rumble’s own and this year I have T-shirts as well as hand-made hats. Both of these last items can be offered for sale at any time of course, but I like to meet the winners of the coloring competition, when possible, so have the prizes available at the annual Words in the Park event in Sherwood Park, Alberta. http://words.sclibrary.ab.ca/
I was excited to find a crafter, who volunteered her services to make these marvelous Rumble hats (see below) and production is under way. If you can’t wait until October, send me a PM and I can reserve you one. They are fantastic unique gifts for Halloween too.
This year’s T-shirts are unique as well – the front says ‘I love Rumble and his bag of pets’ and the back says ‘Grab your Rumble at http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca
I have ideas for my new children’s chapter book, Ockleberries to the Rescue, as well, which will be launched in October. As the story follows two magical woodland sprites, I want to fashion T-shirt designs but also some sort of toy, for younger children. I already have a couple of animal figurine and glitter filled light-up globes (which you might be able to make
out here – one is a rabbit and the other a squirrel) 
What promotional items have you used for your books?
How successful have your promotional items been for you?
I found this link, which is helpful:
http://writersrelief.com/blog/2014/05/make-promotional-items-stand-out-boost-sales/
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 