In today’s dynamic business landscape, company swag does more than just fill the shelves and drawers of employees and clients. It serves as a tangible extension of a company’s brand and culture, playing a critical role in building brand loyalty and boosting employee morale. Whether it’s a small startup or a large corporation, the thoughtful selection of swag can deeply influence how a brand is perceived both internally and externally.
Moreover, in an era where the line between remote and physical workplaces continues to blur, swag becomes a bridge, connecting and engaging a distributed workforce. It’s not just about giving away free items; it’s about making each employee feel like an integral part of the team, regardless of their physical location. This sense of inclusion can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and retention, making swag a strategic tool in a company’s arsenal.
As we explore innovative swag ideas, we aim to reveal how these items can not only delight and engage but also reinforce your corporate values and identity, making a tangible difference in your corporate culture and brand perception. Let’s dive into some of the most effective swag ideas that have proven to resonate with employees and strengthen the ties that bind a company’s most valuable asset—its people.
20 Great Swag Ideas for Your Employees
1. Custom Mouse Pad
In both home and office settings, a mouse pad is a staple on desks. Custom mouse pads can be designed with vibrant colors, motivational quotes, or subtle branding, turning an everyday office item into a constant reminder of the company’s culture and creativity. They are especially appreciated in settings where employees use computers extensively, providing both functional and aesthetic value. This swag idea is not only cost-effective but also offers prolonged visibility of your brand right where decisions are made—by the workstation.
2. Water Bottles
Custom water bottles are an excellent swag idea for promoting both sustainability and health. They can be used daily, both inside and outside the workplace, from the office to the gym, making them a highly visible brand carrier. Offering reusable water bottles reduces the use of disposable plastic, echoing a commitment to environmental sustainability, a value that resonates well with modern employees and clients alike. Water bottles can be customized with the company logo, catchy slogans, or unique designs that align with the company’s identity, making them a practical and stylish choice for swag.
3. Hats
Hats are a stylish and functional piece of swag that can be used year-round. Custom hats, whether they are baseball caps, beanies, or sun hats, offer excellent visibility for your brand when worn in public. They serve not only as a protection against the elements but also as a fashion statement that can appeal to a wide range of personal styles. By embroidering them with your company logo or a unique design, hats become a walking billboard, showcasing your brand at events, in the community, or even just during a casual day out. Additionally, hats are inclusive swag items that can be enjoyed by all employees regardless of age or gender, making them a universally welcome gift.
4. Bags/Backpacks
Bags and backpacks are among the most practical swag items a company can offer. They meet a real need for employees who commute, travel, or simply need a way to organize and carry their essentials. Customized bags also provide an excellent opportunity for companies to display their logos in a variety of places, from public transportation and airports to cafes and parks. Backpacks and tote bags used for grocery shopping or gym visits extend your brand’s reach into various aspects of employees’ lives. For added value, consider high-quality materials and unique designs that reflect your corporate identity and ensure that the bags are both durable and stylish.
5. Notebooks
In an increasingly digital world, the tactile experience of writing in a notebook can still be incredibly satisfying and effective for capturing ideas, making lists, or planning projects. Custom notebooks can be a thoughtful swag item, especially when they are designed with unique covers that reflect the company’s brand or ethos. They are perfect for distribution in meetings, conferences, or as part of a new employee’s welcome kit. Notebooks encourage organization and creativity, offering a personal space for employees to jot down thoughts and reminders. With your company’s logo on the cover, it serves as a subtle reminder of your brand’s presence in their professional lives, enhancing loyalty and engagement.
6. Throw Blanket
Throw blankets are a cozy and comforting swag item that can enhance the home or office environment, making them a perfect gift for both remote and on-site employees. They can be draped over a chair for a touch of office decor or used at home for snuggling up while watching TV or reading a book. Custom throw blankets can feature company colors, logos, or other branding elements woven into the design, which not only makes them functional but also a stylish accessory. By providing warmth and comfort, a throw blanket symbolizes the company’s care for its employees’ well-being, making it a deeply appreciated piece of swag during colder months or in air-conditioned office settings.
7. Apparel
Custom apparel is a swag staple due to its versatility and wide appeal. Items like t-shirts, polo shirts, jackets, and hoodies are wearable in various settings, from casual office days to public corporate events and team-building retreats. Apparel offers continuous brand exposure whenever worn and serves as a team unifier, especially during company-wide events. When designing apparel swag, choosing high-quality fabrics and considering inclusive sizing and contemporary styles will encourage employees to wear them regularly, thus maximizing your brand’s visibility. Additionally, well-designed pieces can become favorites that employees wear outside of work, further extending brand reach.
8. Headphones
In a world where remote work and digital communication are prevalent, headphones have become an essential work tool. Offering custom headphones as swag can significantly enhance an employee’s day-to-day experience by improving their ability to participate in virtual meetings, listen to music without disturbing others, and even block out distractions in noisy environments. Customizing headphones with your company logo or in your corporate colors can subtly boost brand identity while providing a genuinely useful item. High-quality headphones ensure clear audio for both work and leisure, making them a highly valued item that employees are likely to use daily and keep for a long time.
9. Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers are a superb choice for swag, especially in workplaces that prioritize health and wellness. These devices help employees monitor their physical activities, such as steps taken, calories burned, and heart rate, encouraging a healthier lifestyle. By customizing fitness trackers with your company logo or colors, you can integrate your brand into the daily lives of your employees in a meaningful way. These gadgets can also foster a sense of community and friendly competition among team members through fitness challenges and goals, enhancing teamwork and morale. Offering fitness trackers as swag can demonstrate a company’s commitment to supporting its employees’ well-being, aligning with corporate wellness programs.
10. Stress Relief Toys
Stress relief toys, such as fidget spinners, stress balls, or desktop puzzles, serve as excellent tools for mental relaxation and focus. These items can be used during work to help manage stress, improve concentration, or simply provide a short mental break, which can boost overall productivity and mental well-being. Customizing these toys with playful designs and your company’s branding makes them fun and interesting, while also serving as a constant reminder of your organization’s dedication to its employees’ mental health. Stress relief toys are perfect for both office and remote work settings, fitting easily on desks or in work areas where employees can access them throughout the day.
11. Yoga Mats
Custom yoga mats are a thoughtful piece of swag that caters to employees interested in fitness, meditation, or yoga. They can be used in the office, at home, or even in a studio. Offering branded yoga mats can encourage employees to participate in wellness activities, which can reduce stress and improve physical health. These mats can feature the company logo or motivational quotes that resonate with the company’s values, making them a symbol of the organization’s support for a balanced lifestyle. Providing yoga mats can also complement corporate wellness programs, encouraging a culture of health and well-being. Yoga mats are practical for group wellness events and personal use, making them versatile additions to any swag collection.
12. Lanyards
Lanyards are a functional swag item commonly used in both office and event settings. They are perfect for holding employee badges, keys, or other identification cards, keeping these essentials accessible and secure. Custom lanyards can be designed with your company’s logo, colors, and branding, making them a visible part of your employees’ daily attire, especially in environments where security and identification are priorities. At conferences or industry events, lanyards serve as an excellent networking tool, displaying brand identity prominently and fostering brand recognition among peers. Additionally, they are lightweight and cost-effective, making them easy to distribute in large quantities for widespread brand exposure.
13. Coffee Mugs
Coffee mugs are a perennial favorite in the realm of corporate swag due to their universal appeal and practicality. A well-designed coffee mug can become a staple of an employee’s daily routine, used during morning coffee breaks or for afternoon teas. Customizing mugs with the company logo, an inspiring quote, or unique artwork can turn an ordinary item into a cherished keepsake that reinforces company culture. Coffee mugs also serve as passive marketing tools in both the workplace and at home, potentially reaching a wider audience when used during video calls or when guests visit an employee’s home or office. Offering durable and stylish mugs can enhance the user’s experience, making them a highly appreciated gift.
14. Business Cards
While not traditional swag, customized business cards can play a crucial role in personal branding and networking for your employees. Providing high-quality business cards with a unique design and company branding not only equips your team to represent the business effectively but also boosts their professional confidence in meetings, trade shows, and networking events. Business cards can be crafted to reflect the company’s identity and values, ensuring a consistent and professional appearance. They also encourage connectivity, providing essential contact information in a tangible form that can be easily exchanged, making them a fundamental tool for building and maintaining professional relationships.
15. Pens
Pens are one of the most classic pieces of swag due to their universal utility and ease of distribution. A high-quality pen branded with your company’s logo can be a subtle yet effective promotional tool, used daily by employees and clients alike. Custom pens can be distributed in the office, included in new hire welcome kits, or given away at conferences and meetings, ensuring that your brand reaches a broad audience. Pens are not only practical for note-taking and administrative tasks but also serve as a reminder of your company every time they are used. Opting for pens that write smoothly and are ergonomically designed can enhance the user’s experience, elevating a simple pen to a favored writing instrument.
16. Custom Jackets
Custom jackets are a valuable swag item that can significantly enhance brand visibility while providing employees with a functional and stylish piece of apparel. Jackets can be customized with your company’s logo and colors, making them excellent for wearing in cooler weather, at corporate events, or in casual settings. They help promote a unified company image and are particularly effective in outdoor or public scenarios where the wearability of the jacket spreads brand awareness broadly. Furthermore, offering jackets as swag can be seen as a thoughtful gesture, showing that the company cares about the comfort of its employees and clients. High-quality jackets tend to be retained and worn for years, providing ongoing advertising and a lasting positive association with your brand.
17. Custom Board Games
Custom board games are a unique and engaging swag idea that not only promotes your brand but also encourages team building and fun among employees. A board game that incorporates elements of your company’s history, products, or culture can be a creative way to increase employee engagement and loyalty. These games can be used during team meetings, office game nights, or as a fun gift to employees’ families, extending the brand’s reach into homes and personal lives. Custom board games also serve as memorable keepsakes that can capture the essence of your company’s brand and values in an entertaining format, making them a distinctive choice among more traditional swag items.
18. Plushies
Custom plushies are a delightful and unique swag item that can add a playful touch to your brand’s promotional efforts. These soft, cuddly characters can be designed to resemble a company mascot, feature the company logo, or embody an aspect of your corporate identity. Plushies are great for creating a warm, friendly image of your brand, and they can be used in a variety of ways, from office decor that adds a bit of cheer to workspaces to thoughtful gifts for employees’ families, enhancing the familial feel of your company culture. Additionally, plushies can be included in charity events or given as part of holiday gifts, showing your company’s softer side and commitment to community engagement.
19. Pop Sockets
Pop sockets are a modern and functional swag item that attaches to the back of a smartphone or tablet to provide a secure grip, which reduces the risk of dropping the device and makes it easier to handle. They can also serve as a stand for the device, facilitating video viewing or video calls. Customizing pop sockets with your company’s logo or a creative design not only turns every employee’s device into a branding tool but also ensures that your brand is seen by a wider audience whenever and wherever the device is used. Pop sockets are especially popular with younger demographics, making them an excellent choice for companies looking to boost their appeal with this target group.
20. Custom Swag Boxes
Custom swag boxes are a premium way to package and present a variety of branded items in a cohesive and exciting way. These boxes can be tailored to different themes such as welcome kits for new hires, appreciation gifts for client milestones, or special occasions like work anniversaries and holidays. Each box can include a curated selection of items that reflect the company’s brand and values, such as apparel, tech gadgets, office supplies, and wellness products, all branded for maximum impact. Custom swag boxes turn the unboxing into an experience, enhancing the perceived value and enjoyment of the swag. They also make distribution easier and more organized, particularly for remote employees or clients, ensuring everyone feels connected and valued no matter their location.
Having the right swag ideas is more than just a matter of selecting items to give away. It’s about strategically using these gifts to strengthen corporate relationships, enhance brand identity, and make every employee feel valued and connected. Whether it’s a plushie that brings a smile to someone’s face, a pop socket that adds convenience and style, or a custom swag box that turns receiving company items into a memorable experience, each piece of swag serves a purpose. It reflects your company’s values, reinforces your brand’s presence in everyday life, and fosters a deeper connection with employees and clients alike.
To see how tailored and impactful swag can transform your corporate gifting and branding efforts, we invite you to schedule a personalized demo. Let us help you make your next swag choice not only a gift but a powerful tool in building lasting relationships.