How do you create company swag that properly represents your brand and is exciting enough that those who get it will actually want to use it?
Coming up with great company swag ideas can be challenging. You have to consider your budget, the design itself, and the potential appeal to your employees. If you’re looking to up your swag game, check out these tips for creating the best swag, plus several company swag ideas to get you started.
Why should you create company swag?
- Build employee morale
- Spread brand awareness
- Showcase brand identity
- Project a unified image
- Offer branded giveaways
Swag, or “stuff we all get,” includes any item a company has branded to promote itself. Companies typically give swag to their employees, but they might also distribute it to partners, clients, or prospects. Here are some reasons brands create company swag:
Build employee morale
Gifting your employees company swag is a great way to boost their pride in the company. You can use free stuff as a reward when employees hit milestones and anniversaries, or give swag to new employees as a welcome gesture. This can be particularly meaningful to your remote employees who may feel disconnected at times from the in-person team.
Spread brand awareness
Swag can work like free advertising. For a fraction of the cost of a billboard, you can gift your team or business partners t-shirts, tote bags, travel mugs, and other highly visible company swag. It’s an easy way to increase brand recognition and spark conversations about your business.
Showcase brand identity
Custom swag can let you showcase your company identity in creative ways and give outsiders a sense of how your company chooses to represent itself. For example, if your company prioritizes sustainability, one swag idea might be a branded reusable tote. Company swag can also convey brand identity through written copy, such as a message printed on the back of a jacket.
Project a unified image
When your in-house or remote employees wear swag apparel at external events, they’re easily recognizable and appear unified. Like a sports team uniform, a strong swag game can help separate your staff from others at a crowded corporate event and will give them a professional, cohesive look.
Offer branded giveaways
With branded merchandise, your company can organize online giveaways or participate in event giveaways, which can also increase your brand recognition and boost social media engagement. For example, at an industry event or conference, swag giveaways can encourage event attendees to seek out your brand.
5 factors that determine the best swag for your company
Here are five factors to take into consideration when trying to determine the best swag for your company:
1. Your product or service
Before you place orders for customized swag, evaluate what products do and don’t make sense for your business. For example, if your company sells health and wellness products, you might consider adding a jump rope or yoga mat to your swag bag over a wine opener or cocktail kit.
2. Your brand identity
Your brand identity differentiates you from competitors and can leave a lasting impression on your target audience. It consists of your company’s goals, mission, and visuals. Let these elements guide you when trying to decide on swag products and the messaging that should appear on them.
3. Your budget
Some swag products simply cost more than others. Creating personalized swag items at a higher price might be a realistic option if you have a small company and only plan to distribute swag internally. For example, clothing items, which necessitate different sizes, might be more challenging to afford and organize versus reusable water bottles that come in one standard size.
4. Function
Ideally, you want your employees to be excited about their swag gifts, so select items they will want to use. If one of your goals is to spread brand awareness, choose company swag items that the employees are likely to wear or use outside of their homes or office environments—think ballcaps rather than socks.
You may want to consider different kinds of swag for different purposes, such as bright-colored clothing so employees can stand out at an event, personal products like notebooks and mugs to make them feel part of the team, and useful products to distribute at external events.
5. Design
No one wants to use a gift that doesn’t work properly or that they think is ugly. When choosing swag bag products and customizing them with your company’s colors, logo, or name, ask for employee input. If your budget allows, you might even seek an external designer versus having the products designed in-house to better ensure they’re as attractive as they are functional.
Company swag ideas
Do you need help deciding which company swag items to order? Here are some of the best company swag ideas in different categories:
Clothing
Apparel has always been a common custom swag item to gift to employees and distribute at conferences and trade shows. Whenever your staff members throw on branded hats or t-shirts, they become a walking billboard for the company. Clothing is also a great option because you can use it as a uniform at work-related events. Create swag items such as:
- T-shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Hats
- Jackets
- Vests
Tech accessories
In this digital age, employees will likely appreciate technology accessories they can use during business hours and on their own time. These can be practical options that are generic enough for most people to use. Company swag ideas include:
- Mouse pads
- Portable chargers
- Phone cases
- Earphone cases
- Laptop bags
Drinkware
Your employees might step into the elevator with a coffee mug or sit at their desk with a water bottle. Drinkware swag is an option nearly everyone can use and, in many cases, carry around where others will see it. It also doesn’t need to be size-specific, though you can personalize drinkware with your employees’ names for special occasions. Drinkware swag options include:
- Tumblers
- Mugs
- Water bottles
- Glasses
- Thermoses
Everyday accessories
Swag gifts don’t have to be fancy if they’re functional. Everyday items can be great company swag because they are likely to see regular use and make for great brand exposure. For example, employees might bring their branded tote bags on weekly grocery trips or with them to the beach, a picnic, or the airport. Here are some other accessories to consider:
- Lens cloth cleaners
- Umbrellas
- Backpacks
- Wallets
- Keychains
- Beach towels
- Blankets
Office Supplies
Your swag gift bag can include office supplies. They might not be the flashiest of items, but they are simple to procure and people often use more than one at a time. The best company swag ideas in the office supplies category include:
- Pens
- Notepads
- USB drives
- Mouse pads
Eco-friendly items
If sustainability is one of your company values, what better way to showcase that than through an eco-friendly swag giveaway? Promote reusable items or products made from sustainable or recycled materials, such as those made with bamboo instead of plastic. Examples of eco-friendly items include:
- Reusable straws
- Reusable travel utensils
- Hemp tote bags
- Reusable water bottles
- Solar flashlight keychains
Company swag ideas FAQ
What is an example of company swag?
Corporate swag can include any item branded with the company’s name or logo, such as t-shirts, tote bags, and pens.
Where can I source company swag?
There are plenty of online print-on-demand companies that specialize in producing customized merchandise. Whatever swag idea you pursue, keep in mind your brand identity, your budget, the item’s use, and its design.
What company swag do employees actually want?
Employees want functional and stylish company swag. Items they need but might not buy for themselves are usually a good idea, such as portable phone chargers for travel days or reusable straws for environmentally friendly sipping.
