Love it or hate it, there’s no denying it: company swag is one of the most effective ways to build brand awareness and show off your company culture.
But it’s no secret that sometimes, company swag and other and promotional products can feel a little… blah. Whether it’s an outdated mousepad or a cheap, flimsy pen that barely has any ink, it’s easy to see why “swag” has sometimes gotten a bad rap in the past.
But come on folks, it’s 2024! There are so many ways to take corporate gifting and swag to the next level. And here at Teak & Twine, we’re alllll about making brands look their best! Your company’s swag should be as awesome as the people who work there and the amazing work they do every day.
That’s why we created The Ultimate Guide to Company Swag — get ready to say goodbye to boring and HELLO to swag of the future! In this post, we’re breaking down what swag is and why it’s important! We’re also sharing the best company swag ideas for 2024 — and some of them may surprise you!
What is Company Swag?
Company swag simply refers to promotional products and branded products that almost always feature the company logo, symbol, or slogan. Oh, and get this — swag is actually an acronym that stands for “Stuff We All Get” — who knew!?
In terms of what products specifically constitute as company swag — the limit does not exist! But some typical types of swag include: custom t-shirts, branded hats, branded water bottles, pens, stickers, keychains, branded coffee mugs, custom tote bags… the list goes on!
Company swag is often used as part of the onboarding process for new hires, but can also be given out to all employees as a reward for a job well done, employee appreciation day swag, and even to celebrate a work anniversary or company milestone. The idea behind company swag is to create a sense of pride and belonging among teams and to help reinforce the company culture and values.
When it comes to swag, there are so many options to choose from — in this post, we’re sharing some of the best swag ideas for all kinds of occasions.
Ready to get your swag on? Let’s go!
Company Swag Ideas for New Employees
1. Custom Swag Boxes
Starting a new job is never easy, so it’s important to give a warm welcome to your new hires. And what better way to do that than with custom swag boxes?
A tastefully branded swag box filled with fun and practical items is a great way to make a first impression! Include stylish office essentials like a branded notebook, an insulated coffee mug, and even a cozy candle!
Whether they’re working from home or in the office, this employee gift box is tasteful and useful, and will make them feel a part of the team from day one!
2. Branded Backpacks
There is nothing more useful than a high-quality backpack!
Get your new employees excited for their first day with a custom backpack featuring the company logo (in a subtle and tasteful way, of course!) Not only are logo backpacks super useful for employees commuting to the office, but they’re a great way to make your employees feel like a part of the team right away!
3. Insulated Water Bottles
Hydration is key, folks! And there’s probably nothing more durable and long-lasting than a high-quality water bottle. Your employees will actually keep and use a tastefully branded water bottle for a LONG time!
From Yeti to Stanley, there are TONS of brands to choose from. But no matter what, your employees are sure to appreciate this thoughtful gift!
4. Branded Notebooks
Set your new team members up for success with high-quality office accessories they’re sure to appreciate! Branded notebooks are always helpful for new team members to scribble away as they’re getting the hang of things.
Opt for something sturdy and high-quality — after all, you want to make a good first impression! Notebooks by Appointed are one of the most popular brands we carry; not only are they beautiful, but they’re made of high-quality materials in the USA
5. Branded Tumblers
Give your new hires a boost with branded tumblers! Perfect for commuting to the office with a hot cup of coffee, tumblers are one of the best company swag ideas for employees!
Crafted from premium materials, a high-quality insulated tumbler will keep beverages hot or cold for hours. Plus, with spill-proof lids, your employees can conquer their busy days without worrying about messy accidents. Talk about a win-win!
Employee Swag for Special Events
6. Swag Kits
Planning a special event for your team? Whether it’s a company retreat, an offsite event, or an employee incentive trip — take it to the next level with event swag kits! Surprise employees as they arrive, or send swag ahead of time to create hype around the big event!
Check out this custom swag kit we designed for Legal & General as an example. These bright, beachy swag kits were for an employee incentive trip to Puerto Rico. We included allll the beachy essentials: sunscreen, a branded hat, snacks, and more!
7. Cutting Board with Logo
When it comes to company swag, it’s all about enhancing your employees’ experience. If you’re hosting an interactive cooking class, why not gift your employees something special like a custom cutting board with the company logo?!
Beautiful and memorable, these are sure to be a hit!
8. Branded Speakers
Tech gifts and gadgets are one of the most popular gifting trends for 2024. So it’s no surprise that branded Bluetooth speakers are one of our most popular swag gifts for employees!
Long-lasting, practical, and portable, your team will be sure to appreciate a tastefully branded speaker!
Team Swag for a Company Offsite
9. Custom Tote Bags
Custom tote bags are one of the best swag gifts for employees! After all, there’s no such thing as owning too many tote bags.
Custom totes are a sustainable and smart choice for company offsites and employee retreats. Check out these custom tote bags we curated for Guild Education’s company-wide retreat in the great outdoors. Filled with lots of outdoor essentials, their team was prepped and ready for anything!
10. Branded Luggage
If you’ve got employees who are always on the go, do not sleep on branded luggage and travel accessories! From branded suitcases to custom luggage tags, there are tons of options to choose from.
Not only are these items super practical (and luxurious!), but they’re probably the BEST way to get your company logo in front of tons of new eyeballs as your hardworking employees stroll through airports and train stations all over!
11. Branded T-Shirts
Show off your company culture and have your employees looking their best with cool company swag, like branded t-shirts and custom hoodies!
Your team will love rocking their new swag for the offsite event, but you also want to make sure you’re giving them high-quality pieces so that they can sport them long after the event is over! Opt for apparel from brands like Patagonia, Nike, and more.
Why You Should Be Using Company Swag in 2024
The corporate swag industry generates over $25 billion in annual sales (yep, you read that right!) It’s no surprise, really, when you consider all the benefits of giving company swag:
Enhance company culture: Swag can really set the tone for the overall vibe of the company, both in the office and for remote workers. Giving cool company swag and employee gift boxes can help promote and strengthen a distinct company culture. Never underestimate the power of a well-placed message on branded merch!
Increase employee engagement: Giving high-quality swag to your team is an opportunity to express appreciation and gratitude to your employees. Did you know that 64% of employees reported they would stay at their company longer if leaders showed more appreciation? Just sayin!
Boost camaraderie: The relationships between coworkers are super important for building a strong company culture. Sweet apparel and company merch can boost camaraderie by giving employees something to bond over, get excited about together, and even share on social media! This is especially true when onboarding new hires.
Increase brand awareness: Custom swag is very effective in creating brand awareness. The more swag your team is sporting like custom t-shirts and branded hats, the more likely your company logo will be seen by new eyeballs — making it much more likely to stick in their memories!
And the list goes on! Company swag is one of the best things you can do for your employees AND your company.
Ready to get your swag on? Contact us to get started!
Written by Torrance Hart. Updated February 2024.