Branded swag ideas

By Samantha O'Rourke

The best promotional swag leaves a lasting, positive impression with recipients. When providing company swag for employees, the return on your investment is increased engagement and retention. For your audience, promotional items can create a strong connection that results in more sales. In this guide, we dive into the exciting world of branded swag options, including which items are best for different circumstances.

What is considered company swag?

Company swag—also referred to as promotional items—are physical products branded with your organization’s logo and messaging. Classic examples of company swag include branded T-shirts and pens—timeless and highly effective promotional tools. However, your options don't stop there. Innovative tech gadgets like power banks and USB drives, and lifestyle items like reusable straws and bamboo utensil sets offer promotional opportunities that are both innovative and practical.

Benefits of company swag

It’s a noisy world out there and it can feel challenging to get your message heard. In fact, The University of Southern California opens in new window reports that the average person saw 5,000 ads per day in 2023. Compare that number to just 500 per day in the 1970s and it explains why marketers often feel connections aren’t being made. Fortunately, promotional items offer a way to cut through the noise.

The primary advantage of company swag is that it serves as a practical item while also promoting your brand. While people are likely to ignore most of the ads they encounter in a day, they’ll be excited to use the stress ball, water bottle or sunglasses that your company gave them. When they need the services your organization provides, they’ll think of you first.

Promotional items are great for building relationships with clients and employees. Company swag is a great way to welcome new team members and show appreciation for exemplary performance. Company swag can also increase employee retention, which saves a significant amount of resources in the long run. According to the Society for Human Resource Management opens in new window (SHRM), it costs an average of $4,700 to hire a new employee. However, the total costs of replacing an employee can be far greater, exceeding three times that employee’s salary when including factors such as lost productivity. Company swag can lower these costs by encouraging high-performing employees to stay on the team longer.

Whether your goal is to engage your audience, employees or both, 4imprint has exciting branded swag ideas. Explore your options for apparel, stationery, drinkware, technology and so much more!

What swag is trending?

Trending company swag items are those with lasting, practical use for recipients. In other words, clients and employees don’t want more clutter—they prefer items that add value to their lives. Consider options that will get used repeatedly, such as:

• Drinkware, like bottle coolers and stadium cups
• Technology accessories, like charging devices and USB flash drives
• Apparel, like hats and caps and quarter zip pullovers

In addition to being practical, promotional items should resonate with your brand’s narrative. According to Forbes opens in new window, organizations are encouraged to lean into promotional items that connect to their story. Here are a few examples:

• Auto repair shop: Distribute vehicle accessories like branded ice scrapers to customers as part of a special promotion
• Outdoor adventure company: Celebrate new hires with campfire mugs or bags, which also boost brand visibility
• Business-to-business IT company: Provide clients with personalized technology accessories, like incredibly useful power banks

When choosing promotional items, the best swag is both relevant to the recipients and aligned with your brand’s story.

What kind of swag do millennials like?

Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, tend to connect more with brands that have a clear sense of purpose. To resonate with this audience, organizations should opt for promotional items that not only display their message but also invite users to participate in their mission.

For example, branded apparel, like sweatshirts, can help clients and employees identify with your brand. Hoodies that feature your logo and message are not only comfortable but also effective in spreading brand awareness.

Reusable tote bags are another great option, allowing recipients to showcase your brand while supporting sustainability—a cause widely valued by millennials. When clients and employees use your bags, they actively participate in your brand’s story and contribute to a larger, meaningful narrative.

What kind of swag does Gen Z like?

Similar to millennials, Gen Z is driven by purpose and identity and also places high value on practicality. To garner their attention, focus on swag that serves a long-term, practical purpose. Gen Z also appreciates sustainability, so opting for our Better Choices^® brand can be a great way to connect with a younger audience.

Browse our selection of promotional items to get inspired for your next marketing or employee appreciation campaign. Not sure where to start? Our team is ready to guide you through the entire process, from creative design to choosing the right company swag. Reach out to get started!

What swag do people actually like?

The best branded swag ideas aligns with your audience’s interests and values. Typically, the ideal company swag fits into two broad categories:

• Long-lasting practical items: These items are useful in daily life, so they don’t end up just sitting on a shelf. When recipients use your branded pens, hats, chargers or water bottles day after day, they’ll associate your business with practical solutions.
• Exciting experiences from single-use items: These items create a memorable experience without contributing to clutter. Food and candy gifts, for example, leave a positive impression by offering a moment of joy linked to your brand.

On the hunt for unique swag ideas that connect with your specific audience? See what 4imprint has to offer, with exciting options that range from technology accessories to lawn and garden items to food and candy.

What is the best swag for a sales kickoff?

Sales kickoffs are all about building excitement and smashing through goals. The best free swags item options amplify that excitement and support your sales team in their roles.. Here are some practical swag ideas that are sure to be appreciated:

• Office supplies: Branded notebooks, pens and padfolios ensure your salespeople have the tools they need to succeed.
• Tech gadgets: USB flash drives, device chargers and tech bags help keep your team connected—and swagged out—on the go. Additionally, music and audio gifts, such as headphones and speakers, can help your employees unwind during travel or personal time.
• Sophisticated apparel: Polo shirts, jackets and dress shirts provide a sense of unity and professionalism, getting your brand in front of potential prospects before the conversation even starts. Cozier clothing options, such as quarter zip pullovers and sweatshirts, make travel a breeze.
• Wellness items: Fitness gear, hand sanitizer and personal care supplies help your team stay healthy and feel good too.

Having your brand appear more in business settings will yield benefits as well. Branded promotional items can spark conversations that lead to brand exposure and more business. To find out what kind of swag your employees prefer, consider sending out a survey. Once you have some feedback, fulfill your swag needs with 4imprint!

What to hand out at conferences

The best conference swag items are ones that recipients will use time and time again. The daily brand exposure will help keep your company relevant when recipients make purchasing decisions.

Classic swag items for events, like mugs, pens, reusable totes and chargers, often get the job done well. They may not seem groundbreaking at first, but these are the items that recipients will use frequently.

There are still plenty of creative company swag ideas for clients. With 4imprint, you can hand out adult coloring activities, gourmet meats and cheeses, webcam covers and so much more at your next conference or trade show.

What kind of company swag do employees like?

The best swag items for employees depend on the culture and preferences of your specific workplace. Some of the categories of swag that employees appreciate the most include:

• Hybrid work essentials: Gallup opens in new window reports that 54% of jobs that are capable of being done remotely have a hybrid schedule and an additional 27% of those jobs are exclusively remote. You can show appreciation for your team members—no matter where they work from—with swag that makes their jobs easier, like PopSockets® or wireless chargers.
• Travel gear: For many people, travel is a regular part of life. Whether commuting to the office, going to the grocery store or going on vacation, company swag can make traveling a more pleasant experience for your employees. Consider providing duffle bags, power banks and ear buds for your team.
• Tote bags: Sustainable products are in. According to TheRoundup opens in new window 78% of consumers value sustainability. When giving out company swag, reusable tote bags can be a practical way to connect with your employees’ values.

Remember, the best company swag is something your employees will see value in. Get to know what items will benefit your team and then show your appreciation for all their hard work!

4imprint: Branded swag for any occasion and audience

When preparing company swag for clients or employees, it’s critical to put your best foot forward. With 4imprint, it’s never been easier to leave a stellar first impression. Our team helps set yours up for success by:

• Free samples: Show coworkers, get feedback, check sizes—be certain! Simply click “request a free sample” on any product page or give us a call.
• Personal service and art assistance: Each order is personally cared for by a friendly team of people who will work with you every step of the way.
• 360° Guarantee_®: Y you can be certain your products will be perfectly printed and delivered on time, guaranteed.

Start building stronger connections today through branded swag from 4imprint!