Participating in a parade creates community awareness of your business. It has become traditional for parade participants to throw beads, bracelets or other light objects to those watching the parade, such as during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. You can increase the exposure of your business with parade giveaways, and with a little creativity, you don't have to stick with beads. Keep your business name on the giveaway, no matter which one you choose.

Seasonal

Use the seasons as inspiration for your giveaways. Spring could be baseball caps because that's when the season starts. Paper pleated fans are cheap when bought in bulk, and they bring to mind lazy days of summer. Autumn days could be silk flowers such as marigolds or chrysanthemums. Warm up winter parade viewers by tossing out knit gloves, mittens or hats.

Holiday

If you put your mind to it, you could come up with a holiday and giveaway for every month of the year. January is the beginning of the New Year, so consider calendars. February is Valentine's Day, of course, but it's also Presidents Day and Groundhog Day: Use hearts for valentines, a mini flag or a top hat. March brings to mind St. Patrick's Day. Plastic tree ornaments work for December.

Candy and Snacks

Wrapped candy is a classic for parade giveaways. Put your company's logo on the wrapper. The candy should be small enough so it won't hurt if it hits someone when thrown. Instead of throwing the candy from the parade float, have helpers hand it out to parade-goers standing nearby. Snack packages of pretzels, peanuts or potato chips from a private label manufacturer is an idea for groceries, drug stores or restaurants -- especially if you print a voucher on the package that people can bring in for a free sample, drink or dessert.

Toys

If your company has a mascot, have it created as a small stuffed toy. This idea works for sports team mascots as well. Imprint your business logo on a squeeze ball, flying disk or other toy that fits in with your company. For example, a rubber wrench is appropriate for a plumbing business; if your business is a car wash, a sponge works.

Coupons

Coupons bring in customers to your business. It is difficult to throw paper coupons from a parade float, so have employees walk beside the float and hand them out. You also can roll the coupons into a cylinder and wrap them with ribbon or a rubber band.