26 Company Swag Ideas Employees Will Actually LikeTable of ContentsIntroductionWhat is Company Swag?How to Order SwagBest Company Swag IdeasAlign Your Company Swag with Your Company CultureFAQsConclusionIntroductionHave you ever received a company gift that you just couldn’t stand to use or quickly shoved in the back of a drawer? Unfortunately, this is a common experience. While 61% of survey respondents agree that promotional products help build brand awareness, only 58% actually love getting swag. So, how can businesses make sure their swag isn’t just another dust collector?The right swag can work wonders for engagement, brand awareness, and employee morale. From fostering a strong team spirit to keeping your brand top-of-mind with clients, there are numerous reasons to invest in great swag. Whether you're gearing up for a major conference or looking to surprise new hires, this comprehensive guide delves into the nitty-gritty of choosing the most impactful items. By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with fresh, creative company swag ideas alongside best practices for ordering them.Let's get started by understanding what exactly company swag is and then explore some of the best swag ideas that your employees will genuinely appreciate.What is Company Swag?Broadly speaking, “swag” refers to various branded items given away by companies, aiming to enhance engagement and foster brand loyalty. These items could range from small trinkets to high-end gadgets and serve different objectives, such as marketing, employee engagement, or client appreciation.Sales Tool: Companies often use swag as a way to leave a lasting impression on potential customers at events and conferences. Branded items like pens or notebooks serve as a constant reminder of the company.Employee Engagement: Swag isn’t just for external stakeholders. Internally, company swag acts as a tangible token of appreciation, whether it’s to welcome new hires, celebrate holidays, or commemorate milestone anniversaries.Now that we know what company swag is, let’s explore the steps to order it.How to Order SwagBudgetStarting with a clearly defined budget is crucial. You need to know the financial limits before diving into design and ordering. Companies often have predetermined budgets for swag based on monthly or annual schedules. However, in startups or new initiatives, this budget might be uncertain. Benchmarking against other budget items, doing online research, and seeking advice from colleagues can help establish a reasonable budget. It’s essential to get explicit approval for the allocated amount to prevent any unforeseen financial issues.QuantityDetermining the quantity of swag needed is the next step. This decision is closely tied to the intended use of the swag. For example, if the swag is meant for internal team members, count the number of recipients and add some extras for potential new hires or replacements.Always consider the timing. Ordering enough swag to cover several events or new-hire cycles can save time and sometimes costs. It’s better to have a little extra than to run out at a crucial moment.VendorsChoosing the right vendor can make or break your swag experience. With countless vendors offering a variety of products and quality levels, the selection can be overwhelming. Starting with a quick online search and reaching out to trusted sources for recommendations can narrow down your options. Some vendors might offer referral deals or discounts, so don't hesitate to ask for advice from colleagues.Lead TimeThe lead time is a critical factor, especially if there are specific deadlines like an upcoming conference or a company event. Most vendors require a lead time of at least 5-10 business days. It’s wise to plan early and include buffer time for any possible delays, ensuring you receive the swag well before the needed date.Best Company Swag IdeasNow, let’s dive into some of the best company swag ideas, classified into categories like apparel, productivity, travel, wellness, and tech. These ideas are curated to appeal to different needs and preferences, aiming to ensure that your swag is both useful and appreciated.ApparelHatsHats are universally liked and fairly low-cost apparel options. Depending on your location and climate, you can choose between baseball caps for sunny climates or beanies for colder regions.T-ShirtsBranded T-shirts are a classic and popular choice. They offer plenty of room for creative designs and can include more than just your logo, like a catchy slogan or custom art.HoodiesA bit more expensive but highly appreciated, hoodies are perfect for colder environments or workplaces with aggressive air conditioning. A cozy hoodie can become a staple in your employees' wardrobes.SocksSocks might seem like an unusual choice, but they are both fun and practical. With endless customization options, you can choose styles from fuzzy to extra-long, making sure everyone finds them delightful.JacketsQuality jackets can serve as long-lasting promotional items. Given their necessity in colder climates, employees are likely to appreciate a well-made, branded jacket.SunglassesFor sunnier locales, custom sunglasses are both practical and stylish. They can feature your brand colors and logo, making them a unique yet functional gift.ProductivitySticky NotesSticky notes are always handy. Ensure they are large enough to be useful and include your branding in a subtle but noticeable way.Pens and PencilsPens and pencils are classic swag items. They are cost-effective and always in demand. Make sure to choose high-quality options so that they are used frequently.ErasersThough less common, erasers offer unique customization options and are universal in their usefulness. They're a small but meaningful addition to any swag bag.Mouse PadsMouse pads provide ample space for branding. They are practical and will see daily use, making them a great promotional item.TravelTote BagsVersatile and reusable, tote bags are perfect for various needs, from grocery shopping to carrying office supplies. Large surface areas also allow for creative designs.Travel Mugs and Water BottlesTravel mugs are ideal for commuters who need their coffee on the go. Ensure you select high-quality mugs to avoid any accidents. Similarly, water bottles are essential for staying hydrated, whether at the desk or the gym.Lunch BoxesThough unconventional, lunch boxes are becoming more popular as swag items. They are versatile and can be used for more than just carrying lunch.Beach TowelsGreat for summer outings, beach towels offer large areas for creative and colorful designs, showcasing your brand in a fun manner.WellnessLip BalmA thoughtful and practical gift, lip balm helps employees stay comfortable, especially in cold, dry environments. Branded balms are small but effective reminders of your brand.Tissue PacksCustomized tissue packs are functional, travel-friendly, and serve as a constant reminder of your brand.Fidget Spinners and Stress BallsThese items have gained popularity for their stress-relieving benefits. Customizing them can make for an interesting and appreciated gift.Hand SanitizerIn the current health-conscious era, hand sanitizers are practical and well-received. Custom bottles with your logo can serve as constant reminders of your company's care for well-being.TechPower BanksPower banks are lifesavers for tech-savvy employees on the go. They ensure that devices never run out of battery and keep your brand front and center.Mini SpeakersFor a higher-end gift, branded mini speakers are a hit among music lovers and tech enthusiasts. They can significantly amplify your brand's appeal.Charging CablesThese indispensable items can be customized with your brand’s colors and logo, providing a practical yet subtle promotion.HeadphonesFrom basic, wired options to sophisticated, noise-canceling headphones, there are various choices to suit different budgets and preferences.USB DrivesUSB drives remain essential for data storage and transfer. Custom-branded USB drives are practical and appreciated by employees who need to manage important files.Align Your Company Swag with Your Company CultureThe best swag reflects your company culture. If your organization prioritizes wellness, wellness-related swag makes sense. Likewise, for a tech-heavy company, tech gadgets would be more appreciated. Understanding the unique culture of your organization helps in selecting the most fitting swag, ensuring maximum appreciation and use by employees.FAQsWhat is the most popular type of company swag?Apparel items like T-shirts and hoodies are generally very popular because they are practical and can be used frequently.How much should I budget for company swag?The budget varies depending on the number of items and the quality you opt for. Benchmarking against other marketing or HR budget items can provide some guidance.How do I choose the right vendor for my company swag?Start with online research and gather recommendations from trusted colleagues. Look for vendors with good reviews and reasonable lead times. Referral discounts can also be a plus.How can I ensure my employees will like the swag?Consider your company culture and employee preferences. Practical and high-quality items aligned with your brand and employee interests are usually well-received.How important is the quality of the swag?Quality is very important. Poor-quality items can reflect negatively on your brand and won’t be used often. Investing in high-quality products ensures they are appreciated and utilized, thereby increasing brand visibility.ConclusionChoosing the right company swag can be a game-changer for employee engagement and brand loyalty. From practical productivity tools and tech gadgets to fun apparel and wellness products, the possibilities are endless. By aligning your swag choices with your brand and company culture, you ensure your gifts are not only appreciated but also put to good use. Remember, the best swag is one that resonates with the recipient and keeps your brand top-of-mind in their daily lives.