Artist Alley vendors at conventions often seek ways to attract families and younger attendees by offering freebies and selling kid-friendly products. Based on vendor experiences at major events like San Diego Comic Con, Phoenix Comic Fest, and Tucson Comic Con, a significant portion of sales—up to 40% in some cases—comes from customers under 16 years old. Parents appreciate free items that are fun, practical, and safe for children, while vendors look for low-cost, creative options to enhance their tables. This article outlines practical ideas for freebies and products, drawing directly from vendor discussions and supply recommendations.
Freebie Ideas for Kids
Vendors report that freebies can draw attention to tables and create positive interactions with families. The key is selecting items that are inexpensive to produce or source, easy to distribute, and appealing to children without being overly simplistic. Based on vendor experiences, here are some effective approaches:
Custom Art Yo-Yos: One vendor successfully sold yo-yos featuring chibi versions of their artwork, which sold out quickly. While these were sold rather than given away, the concept highlights the appeal of interactive toys with personalized designs. For freebies, smaller versions like spin tops or mini yo-yos with artist stickers could be considered. The vendor noted that the yo-yos were popular at large conventions, suggesting that tactile, play-oriented items resonate with kids. However, sourcing may require finding a reliable supplier, as the original vendor's manufacturer went out of business.
Themed Activity Sheets: A vendor created science-themed word searches to promote a comic and distributed them for free. These did moderately well but were less engaging than expected, possibly because word searches are associated with schoolwork. To improve on this, vendors could adapt the idea into more playful formats, such as coloring pages with artist illustrations, simple mazes, or sticker sheets. These are low-cost to print and allow for thematic ties to the vendor's artwork. The vendor's experience indicates that while educational elements can work, they should be fun and not feel like assignments.
Stickers and Temporary Tattoos: Although not explicitly mentioned in the sources, vendor discussions on supply strategies suggest that small, colorful stickers are a staple freebie. They are easy to produce in bulk via suppliers like Vograce and can feature artist designs. Temporary tattoos with kid-friendly motifs (e.g., animals or cartoon characters) are another low-cost option, as they are lightweight and portable for distribution.
When choosing freebies, vendors should consider the front cost—typically out-of-pocket for small runs—and ensure items are age-appropriate (e.g., no small parts for very young children). At conventions with high child attendance, like Phoenix Comic Fest, freebies can lead to increased parent engagement and potential sales of related products.
Kid-Friendly Products for Sale
Vendors have found success offering products tailored to families, blending geek culture with practicality. These items should be affordable, durable, and visually appealing to stand out in a busy Artist Alley. Insights from vendor experiences and supplier recommendations highlight the following:
Plushies and Soft Toys: A plushie vendor at Tucson Comic Con sold handmade geeky plushies, which are inherently kid-friendly due to their softness and collectibility. Vendors can create or source small plushies based on original characters or pop culture themes. The vendor's success suggests that unique, artist-designed plushies attract both kids and collectors, with sales potential even without freebies.
Baby and Toddler Items: The same Tucson vendor offered baby bibs and other handmade geeky baby items, which were praised for creativity. These products address a niche for parents attending conventions with infants or toddlers. Ideas include bibs with humorous or themed prints, soft baby blankets with artist motifs, or teething toys. Sourcing from suppliers like those mentioned in the sources (e.g., Vograce for custom items) can keep costs down while allowing personalization.
Interactive Toys and Trinkets: Building on the yo-yo example, other kid-friendly sales items could include fidget spinners, mini puzzles, or keychains with interactive elements. Vendors should balance variety with quantity, as advised in stock strategies: start with 10-20 pieces per design to test demand. Products like these are lightweight for shipping and easy to display using foldable hooks or booth panels, as recommended by suppliers like ArtistBooths.
Art Prints and Stickers for Kids: While not kid-specific, affordable prints or sticker packs featuring cute, non-violent designs can appeal to young fans. Vendors can bundle these into "kid packs" at a discount. The sources emphasize starting with a curated selection to avoid overwhelming the table, which aligns with family-oriented sales where parents may look for budget-friendly souvenirs.
Vendors are encouraged to test products at smaller events first. For instance, the word search freebie's mixed results show that not all ideas translate equally, so feedback from parents can guide iterations.
Sourcing and Display Tips for Family-Focused Tables
To support freebies and kid products, reliable suppliers and effective displays are essential. The sources provide guidance on sourcing and setup:
Suppliers: For custom items like yo-yos, stickers, or baby bibs, vendors recommend checking reviews and starting with small samples. Vograce is mentioned as a supplier for artist alley packs, offering customizable options. ArtistBooths provides booth panels and foldable hooks for self-serve displays, allowing kids to browse safely while parents shop. A 15% discount on ArtistBooths setups was noted for events like SMASH Chibi, making it accessible for beginners.
Display Strategies: Make tables kid-height friendly with low shelves or bins for easy access. Use signage to highlight freebies and prices—sticky notes from Dollar Tree are a budget option for labeling, or a whiteboard for broader info like "Free for kids under 10." Avoid clutter to keep the space safe and inviting. For bump-in, safety gear like hi-vis vests and enclosed shoes is required at many venues.
Budget Considerations: Freebies should cost under $0.50 per item to be sustainable. For products, aim for items under $10 to encourage impulse buys from families. The $30 Dollar Tree haul mentioned in the sources shows how low-cost basics (e.g., signage, display elements) can elevate a table without breaking the bank.
Vendor stories underscore that positive experiences—like a child's excitement over a free sticker—can boost word-of-mouth and repeat visits.
Conclusion
Artist Alley vendors targeting families can succeed by offering thoughtful freebies like custom stickers or activity sheets and selling kid-friendly products such as plushies and baby bibs. These strategies, informed by real convention experiences, emphasize creativity, affordability, and parent appeal. Starting small, sourcing wisely, and focusing on interactive elements will help vendors build a welcoming table that drives both goodwill and sales.