If you’re looking for custom bookmark ideas that actually work, you’re not alone. While many people see bookmarks as simple reading tools, businesses and creatives are using custom bookmarks for marketing, promotions, and unique gifts. With the right design, bookmarks can help you attract customers, promote events, and create memorable brand experiences—all at a low cost.
Even if you’re a die-hard fan of all things digital and staunch supporter of going paperless, you might not want to dismiss bookmarks so fast. With a little out-of-the-box thinking, bookmarks can actually be more useful than simply saving your page in the latest best-selling thriller.
Aside from paperback novels, custom designed bookmarks can also serve as a marketing piece or novel gift idea for retailers, marketers and as personal gifts.
Why Custom Bookmarks Still Work
Custom bookmarks are:
- Affordable and easy to distribute
- Practical (people actually keep them)
- Perfect for branding and promotions
- Great for events, gifts, and community outreach
Unlike digital ads, bookmarks stay in people’s hands longer—making them a powerful, underrated marketing tool.
What Are Bookmarks Used For?
Most people think bookmarks are only used to save a page in a book, but they serve many other purposes.
Custom bookmarks are commonly used for:
- Reading and educational programs
- Business promotions
- Customer loyalty programs
- Event invitations
- Fundraising campaigns
- Product inserts
- Gift tags
- Classroom rewards
- Church outreach materials
- Tourism and souvenir merchandise
Because bookmarks are useful and easy to keep, they often stay visible much longer than flyers or brochures.
Follow this simple 5-step guide to creating functional bookmarks:
- Step 1: Start by downloading a customizable online bookmark template, like on OvernightPrints.com. These free templates are pre-formatted for printing to make things easier.
- Step 2: Customize your design. Be sure to follow the template guides for the safe zone and bleed. Once your design is complete, place your order.
- Step 3: Get decorative rope or ribbon from a local craft store.
- Step 4: Using a one-hole punch, create a single hole at the top of your bookmark.
- Step 5: Thread the ribbon into a square knot (both ends through the hole, then through the loop). Beautiful!
Bookmarks as creative gifts
Get personal with custom bookmark gifts for major holidays and occasions.
- Gift tags: Use bookmarks as themed gift tags for special occasion gift-giving, such as birthdays, weddings, holidays and special ceremonies.
- Save-the-date: Remind guests about upcoming parties, weddings and other events by designing customized save-the-date bookmarks.
- Souvenirs: Custom bookmarks with scenic panoramic photos of famous landmarks, stunning nature scenes and local attractions are the perfect pocket-size gift.
- Holiday favors: Design bookmarks around upcoming holiday and give as gifts to avid readers, potential clients, relatives and school teachers.
- Birth announcement: Create personalized keepsakes to announce baby’s arrival. Include the newborn’s name, date of birth and birth information to share with family and friends.
- Personalized gifts: Make special gifts for friends and clients with a favorite quote, song lyric, memorable photo or your company tag line.
- Recipe cards: Great for foodies, share food recipes and cherished family dishes to be a hit in the kitchen.
Creative Things to Use as Bookmarks
While professionally printed bookmarks create the best impression, people have used countless creative alternatives over the years.
Popular bookmark ideas include:
- Printed photos
- Ticket stubs
- Greeting cards
- Postcards
- Laminated quotes
- Recipe cards
- Art prints
- Business cards
- Mini calendars
- Custom-designed bookmarks
For businesses, custom bookmarks provide the same functionality while also promoting a brand, event, or special offer.
Bookmarks as money-makers
Grow revenue with marketing bookmarks that attract business.
- Sellable art: Print paintings and drawings on bookmarks to raise money at arts & craft fairs or for fundraisers.
- Jewelry holder: Repurpose bookmarks as jewelry holders for earrings and bracelets to sell in store.
- Loyalty punch cards: Create customer loyalty or punch cards to encourage repeat business. Customers can also pass along the bookmark to share referral discounts.
- Hang tag: Design as a hang tag for clothing to list the price or description, and provide care instructions on the backside.
- Coupon: Use double-sided bookmarks as business cards to advertise your products or services with a promotional offer or special pricing.
- Social card: Drive traffic to your website with social cards listing all your social media platforms and handles.
- Marketing tool: Attract business with photographs of your business and products on marketing bookmarks.
- Event tickets: Bookmarks are an affordable alternative to custom ticket printing, and customers will walk away with a keepsake after the affair.
- Gate-fold Business Cards: Need eye-catching business cards for networking? Create your own gate-fold business cards using bookmarks.
- Download a template and design your bookmarks as if they were greeting cards.
- Split the template into two equal design spaces. Be sure to check for proper bi-fold orientation specs before finalizing your design.
- Fold the bookmark down the center to make a custom gate-fold business card.
Bookmarks to promote community events
Schools and libraries can use bookmarks to encourage reading, or inspire church attendance and participation in community events.
- Schools or libraries: Encourage kids to read by giving away colorfully designed bookmarks that feature favorite children’s authors or characters.
- Churches: Promote your organization with specialty bookmarks. Include bible verses, service times or inspiring quotes.
- Local organizations: Design bookmarks that showcase the unique aspects of the town or city. Incorporate photos of community events, restaurants and popular attractions.
Creative Bookmark Design Ideas
The most effective bookmarks combine functionality with creativity.
Ideas include:
Die-Cut Shapes
Design bookmarks in the shape of products, mascots, landmarks, or logos.
Interactive Bookmarks
Add QR codes that link to discounts, websites, videos, or event registrations.
Educational Bookmarks
Include reading tips, vocabulary words, study guides, or reference information.
Artistic Bookmarks
Feature illustrations, photography, paintings, or custom artwork that users want to keep.
Seasonal Bookmarks
Create designs for holidays, school events, book fairs, and community celebrations.
The more useful or visually appealing a bookmark is, the longer it tends to stay in circulation.
Common Mistakes When Designing Bookmarks
- Too much text → hard to read
- Weak design → gets ignored
- No clear purpose (gift vs marketing)
- Low-quality printing
Fix: Keep it clean, useful, and visually appealing.
Simple Bookmark Formula That Works
Use this structure:
- Front: Visual + message
- Back: CTA (website, offer, social)
Examples:
- “10% off your next visit”
- “Follow us for more”
- “Visit our store today”
Test it:
If someone keeps it → it’s working.
Short Quotes That Work Well on Bookmarks
Adding a quote can make a bookmark more memorable and increase the likelihood that people keep it.
Examples include:
- “A reader lives a thousand lives.”
- “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”
- “Books open doors.”
- “Never stop learning.”
- “Adventure begins on the next page.”
- “Every story starts with a single page.”
For branded bookmarks, pair a short quote with your logo and contact information to create a useful keepsake that customers will revisit.
FAQ
What are custom bookmarks used for?
Custom bookmarks are used for reading, marketing, promotions, events, fundraising campaigns, customer loyalty programs, and branded giveaways.
Are bookmarks effective for marketing?
Yes. Because bookmarks are practical and often kept for months or years, they can provide long-term brand exposure at a low cost.
What should I put on a custom bookmark?
Include a strong visual, a short message, your logo, and a call-to-action such as a website, QR code, social media handle, or promotional offer.
Can bookmarks be used as business cards?
Yes. Many businesses use bookmarks as oversized business cards because they provide more space for branding, services, and promotional messages.
What size should a bookmark be?
Most bookmarks range from 2″ × 6″ to 2″ × 8″, making them easy to fit inside books, planners, and notebooks.
Are bookmarks good promotional giveaways?
Absolutely. They’re affordable, lightweight, useful, and easy to distribute at trade shows, schools, libraries, bookstores, and community events.
Visit OvernightPrints.com to create custom bookmarks.
