Your employees are your biggest assets.
Without them, it would be impossible for your business to grow and thrive.
That’s why you should always look for ways to motivate and retain your top employees.
And what better way to do this than by celebrating their milestones and showing your appreciation through unique corporate gifts?
Even if you own a small business and your budget is tight, you can always find high-quality, affordable corporate swag for your employees.
Here at SwagDrop, we understand that it’s not always easy to come up with unique and innovative corporate gift ideas; so we want to help.
Based on our experience and client feedback, we’ve created a list of creative company swag ideas to impress your team.
So, keep reading and get inspired.
Table of Contents
Idea #2: Desk Accessories & Office Supplies
Idea #4: Cozy & Self-Care Swag
Idea #7: Health & Fitness Swag
What Is Company Swag?
Company swag is any promotional item personalized with your company logo or name that you hand out to promote your business.
You can offer such corporate gifts to prospects, old and new clients, suppliers, and, of course, your employees.
After all, who doesn’t like freebies?
Still, it’s important to note that company swag is not just a valuable marketing resource for boosting brand awareness.
It’s also a great way to improve employee satisfaction and retention.
But more on that later.
For now, let’s look at our list of company swag ideas for employees that we’ve curated based on our clients’ top picks.
Idea #1: Tech Swag
Tech swag has become one of the most popular corporate gift ideas for both employees and clients.
Why?
Because gadgets are both practical and fun.
Plus, tech swag can boost employee morale and increase work productivity, which makes it good for any business.
The only problem here is that many high-quality gadgets can be quite pricey.
Most of them will be best for large companies with big budgets, rather than small companies.
However, any company can consider them for employee recognition awards for outstanding results, as they come in different price ranges.
Our favorites:
Bluetooth speaker with Wireless charging pad – This is one of our clients’ top picks when it comes to the best company swag ideas.
Why?
Because everyone enjoys listening to music!
Plus, this Bluetooth speaker can also be used as a wireless charger, which makes it very practical.
Also, the smooth wooden exterior gives it a classy look that can fit in any decor.
Bluetooth headphones – While a speaker is great company swag, you can’t use it in public spaces or crowded offices, of course. So, a pair of Bluetooth headphones might be a better choice.
Our SwagDrop Bluetooth headphones allow your employees to control the music and answer or reject calls with a push of a button.
They also feature soft ear cups that make them very comfy for all-day use.
Plus, they fold in half, so they can easily fit in a bag or backpack.
Power bank – Your employees use their phones all day for professional and personal reasons.
However, if they are running around town to meet clients and forget to charge their phones, it can be bad for business.
So, a power bank is a very useful company swag item.
Plus, our SwagDrop power bank comes in different colors, including this bright blue, which makes it more fun.
Idea #2: Desk Accessories & Office Supplies
Desk accessories and office supplies make great corporate swag for both in-person and remote employees.
They are very practical in the work environment and help increase brand recognition outside the workspace.
They are also a great choice when it comes to new employees.
And the best part is that they are cost-effective, so even small businesses can afford them.
Our favorites:
Mouse Pad – Tech accessories such as mouse pads are useful and can make your employees’ jobs easier.
Our SwagDrop mouse pad is unique due to its top-layer coating being made from polyester, which features an antimicrobial additive.
So, your team won’t have to worry about germs growing on it.
And, of course, its minimalist look will go well on any desk.
Personalized pen – Personalized pens are company swag items that will never go out of style.
Even if your team works mainly on computers, they still have to jot things down.
This black metal branded pen is a very stylish choice due to the polished chrome accents.
And it also has a rubberized barrel that offers a soft and comfortable grip.
Personalized notebook – If you’re looking for truly practical employee swag, you should combine the personalized pen with a personalized notebook.
This is particularly useful for new hires who need to take notes.
Our Stone Bound Notebook is very special due to its water-resistant hard cover and pages, ribbon page marker, and back document pocket. It also has a very soft texture that makes writing a pleasure.
Wireless charging journal – If you want to go all the way to impress team members, a wireless charging journal is the way to go.
This model has a built-in 5000 mAh power bank that will allow your employees to charge their phones anytime, anywhere.
But that’s not all, the zip-closure folio features a phone pocket, built-in phone stand, elastic pen loop, and a bound notebook.
So, it’s perfect for team members who are constantly on the move.
Idea #3: Apparel
Apparel is a great source of startup swag items because it helps increase brand visibility.
While your employees will be happy to receive free branded T-shirts, for example, your marketing department will be ecstatic that those people will be promoting the company whenever and wherever they wear them.
However, once your business starts to grow, you should consider investing in more high-quality apparel to show your employees that you truly value them.
Our favorites:
Personalized polo – T-shirts are probably the most common branded items used as company swag.
So, if you want to make your swag gift more special, our clients recommend opting for a polo instead.
Our SwagDrop Otis SS polo is made out of moisture-wicking fabric and offers UV protection. Thus, it’s very comfortable during hot summer days.
Plus, you can choose from a variety of colors and personalize it with your logo to make this gift stand out.
Personalized hoodie – While T-shirts and polos are great promotional gift ideas for the warm season, hoodies are better for the cold season.
This fleece zip hoodie will keep your employees warm and comfy, while also being very practical.
Namely, it includes an interior phone pocket and a headphone cord port.
And the best part is that you can add your logo inside the back yoke and tearaway main label to make this a custom gift.
Personalized beanie – You can show your team you care about their comfort by choosing outdoor apparel swag as well.
For instance, this unisex beanie has a chunky cable knit crown and a chunky rib knit cuff that make it extra cozy and stylish.
Plus it comes in four different colors and can be personalized with your company logo.
Personalized jacket – Are you ready to go all the way to make a lasting impression?
This Silverton Packable insulated jacket is the type of swag you’re looking for.
While it’s a bit more pricey than other apparel swag, it’s worth it.
The ECHOHEAT lining and water-repellent finish make it perfect for helping your team stay warm during cold, damp days.
Plus, they can take it everywhere because it occupies very little space. They can pack it in a stuff sack built into the left pocket.
Idea #4: Cozy & Self-Care Swag
We all live very busy and stressful lives. So, it’s important to make time to unwind.
Thus, cozy and self-care swag are great employee appreciation gifts because they show you care for your team’s well-being.
Here, you have many affordable options, so you can find great gifts even if you own a small business.
Our favorites:
Blanket – What better way to unwind at the end of a stressful day than by snuggling under a cozy blanket?
This SwagDrop fleece blanket is soft and comfy and it can fit two people for the perfect night in.
What’s more, it’s made of 100% recycled material, which makes it eco-friendly as well.
Spa gift set – Another great self-care swag idea is a spa gift set with your company’s branding.
This jute spa swag kit includes a loofah, a pumice stone, and a sponge, perfect for a relaxing bath that promotes wellness.
Plus, these items come in a stylish pouch that you can personalize with your company logo.
Wellness Gift Set – When it comes to self-care swag, you should think about your employees’ well-being outside the comfort of their homes as well.
A good example here is this small wellness gift set that you can easily fit into any bag.
It contains 5 pen spray bottles of hand sanitizer, sunscreen, afterburn, insect repellent, and after-bite spray.
So, it’s the perfect swag kit for everyday use and travel.
Office wellness set – If you want your company culture to promote wellness, you should consider gifting your team office wellness sets.
Our Glow & Grow Live Well gift set is a great choice. It includes a candle and a planter with seeds and a full grow kit.
If you didn’t know this by now, plants purify indoor air and increase productivity.
Thus, they are a great gift for both in-person and remote employees.
At the same time, a lit candle can have a calming effect even on the most stressful days. So, your team members will highly appreciate this set.
Idea #5: Eco-Friendly Swag
Given the growing concerns for the environment, both clients and employees place greater trust in eco-conscious companies.
And what better way to show that your company values and wants to protect the environment than by opting for eco-friendly promotional products?
The good news is that you’ve got endless possibilities of eco-friendly swag to choose from, suitable for any budget.
So, any company, big or small, can impress its team members with these great gifts.
Our favorites:
Eco-friendly tote bag – The days of plastic shopping bags are long gone.
Nowadays, people are looking for eco-friendly solutions, like reusable bags.
On top of that, if you want to show your company’s support for the environment you should look for swag bag ideas made from eco-friendly materials.
For instance, this SwagDrop grocery tote bag is made of 70%–80% recycled cotton and 20%–30% recycled PET.
Plus, 1% of sales go to environmental protection nonprofits.
Eco-friendly notebook – We’ve already mentioned that notebooks make great swag items.
So why not make them eco-friendly as well?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
This SwagDrop notebook has a 51% wheat straw hardcover and 70 sheets of recycled lined paper.
But besides being eco-friendly, it also has a very appealing vintage design and a wheat straw color matching pen.
Reusable straws – Reusable straws make perfect eco-friendly swag.
They are easy to use and can easily fit into even a small bag.
Still, to make this a more thoughtful gift, we recommend choosing a set.
For instance, this one contains 2 stainless steel straws with black silicone tips, a straw brush for easy cleaning, and a soft, velvet pouch to protect them from dirt.
Eco-friendly compact mirror and brush – If you’re looking for unique eco-friendly swag for women, this 100% bamboo compact mirror and brush is your best bet.
It’s very practical and eco-friendly, it looks good and you can personalize it with your company logo.
Idea #6: Virtual Event Swag
Just because the global pandemic forced many companies to move their businesses online, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still wow your team with company swag.
So, whether your employees are participating in virtual team-building, conferences, or trade shows, virtual swag is a great way to show your appreciation and motivate them.
When it comes to virtual event swag you should choose promotional items that are useful and fun.
Note that you can select items from all the other swag categories we listed in this piece.
Our favorites:
Bluetooth earbuds – It can be hard for remote employees to stay focused while working from home, especially if they also have kids running around the house.
Thus, they can use these Bluetooth earbuds to shut out all the outside noise and listen to some good music that helps them stay focused.
Plus, these earbuds have built-in touch sensors that allow employees to answer calls. So, they won’t miss any important work calls.
Personalized umbrella – Just because your employees attend various company events virtually, doesn’t mean they never go outside.
Thus, personalized umbrellas are thoughtful giveaways that show your team you care about their comfort at all times.
In addition, this SwagDrop umbrella has a unique design.
Namely, it opens and closes “inside-out” making it easier to use, while keeping the water contained and outer surfaces dry.
Game set – Being stuck at home for long periods can affect your employees’ mood and performance.
So, it’s important to remind them to have a bit of fun and unwind every once in a while.
To do this, you can opt for an enticing game set.
For instance, with this 7-in-1 set, you can play checkers, chess, backgammon, dominoes, and more.
Plus, the design of the wooden case gives it a very classy look.
Idea #7: Health & Fitness Swag
No matter the industry you operate in, making sure your employees stay healthy and fit is very important.
Why?
Because this will make them more productive at work and keep them in good spirits.
As such, we highly recommend giving them healthcare promotional items.
Our favorites:
Smart fitness tracker – One of the easiest ways to monitor health and fitness is by using a smart fitness tracker.
This SwagDrop tracker is a great choice as it allows your employees to monitor their heart rate, blood pressure, steps, calories, and even sleep patterns.
As an added bonus, it is waterproof, so your team members can use it during various workouts, including swimming, running, or cycling.
Yoga set – Yoga has lots of benefits for an employee’s well-being.
Namely, it can reduce stress, improve posture, and increase concentration and productivity.
Thus, a yoga swag set makes a very thoughtful corporate gift.
This beginner’s set includes all the essentials: a yoga mat, a yoga block, a recycled PET cooling towel, and a recycled PET bag.
Personalized water bottle – Staying hydrated throughout the day can do wonders for your team’s health.
Whether they are at home, at work, or doing workouts, having a water bottle on hand promotes good hydration.
Our clients often opt for this shatter-, stain-, and odor-resistant water bottle that comes in a variety of colors, making it a fun gift.
Also, it has a screw-on lid with a spill-proof bite valve and a one-finger carry handle, which make it easy to use during workouts.
Idea #8: Food & Drinks Swag
Any employee will appreciate delicious goodies and practical drinkware.
After all, we all enjoy starting our day with a hot cup of coffee or tea and having a tasty snack between meals.
Plus, if you opt for healthy snacks, this also shows your team that you value their health.
Our favorites:
Personalized coffee mug – A personalized coffee mug is a great onboarding swag gift because it makes new hires feel like part of the team.
Our SwagDrop Angus ceramic mug has a unique shape, a minimalist matte design, and a comfortable handle.
Plus, it’s microwave-safe.
Personalized tumbler – Another practical drinkware swag idea that your employees will love is a personalized tumbler.
With a double-wall stainless steel vacuum structure with copper insulation, our SwagDrop tumbler will keep your employee’s coffee hot for 8 hours and their favorite juice cold for 24 hours.
Also, its push-on lid with slide closure allows easy sipping while on the move.
Lunch box – No, kids are not the only ones in need of a lunch box!
If you want to promote a healthy lifestyle, gifting your employees lunch boxes is a great idea.
This will motivate them to bring healthy food to work instead of ordering junk food.
Note that this SwagDrop lunch box also comes with a bamboo cutting board lid that makes it even more practical and eco-friendly.
For a personal touch, you should also include some tasty healthy snacks inside.
Snacks tote bag – When it comes to food swag, you can always opt for the common gourmet gift basket.
However, if you want to make your swag more special, our clients suggest using this snacks tote bag as packaging.
Besides being stylish, it’s also eco-friendly, so it’s a great choice.
Then, fill it with healthy snacks like nuts, peanut butter, greek yogurt, dark chocolate, and kale chips.
Idea #9: Pet Swag
Offering pet swag shows that you promote animal-friendly company values, which both your team members and customers will appreciate.
Plus, for many, their furry companions are actual family members, so it’s important to recognize their importance.
Our favorites:
Personalized pet leash – A personalized pet leash is a great choice for dog owners.
This pet leash has heavy-duty, high-quality, smooth, polyester webbing features, which make it very durable.
Plus, its colorful design makes it a fun and stylish pet accessory.
Personalized pet carrier – While a personalized pet carrier is a bit more costly than other pet swag, it will definitely wow your employees.
This particular model is reinforced with removable fiberglass support rods and a corrugated plastic floorboard.
It also has a breathable mesh top and sides for ventilation that allow pets to travel comfortably and safely.
Idea #10: Custom Swag Boxes
If you want to add a personal touch to your corporate gifts, creating custom swag boxes is the way to go.
This option allows you to make a personalized selection of items based on employee preferences and interests.
Moreover, if you’re celebrating a big milestone for one of your employees and want to truly impress them, you can even choose luxury promotional products for your custom swag box.
Our favorites:
BBQ Gift Set – If an employee enjoys cooking, you can create a custom swag box that includes various kitchenware and cooking ingredients.
For example, if one of your team members loves hosting barbeques in their backyard, they will truly appreciate this BBQ gift set.
It includes an apron, seasonings, rubs, dry glazes, a tote, a bottle opener, a padded oven mitt, and a towel.
And you can add your company’s branding on all these items.
Office custom swag box – If you have new hires that you know little about, an office custom swag box is a practical solution.
This Ambassador Power gift set is a good example as it includes a bound notebook, a square pen, and a power bank, all of which are very useful during onboarding.
Plus, the red color gives them a fun and trendy look.
Benefits of Company Swag
While many companies use company swag to promote their brand, you should also use them as part of your employee recognition programs.
If you’re still not convinced, take a look at some of the benefits they bring:
- Improve the onboarding experience. Even a small promotional product like a personalized phone case or a coffee mug will make new hires feel welcome.
- Enhance employee engagement. Offering quality swag to your team members shows them you value their work and care about their well-being. That, in turn, fosters loyalty, motivates them, and makes them more productive.
- Instill a sense of pride. If an employee receives unique, high-end, company swag, they will feel special and proud to be working for you. Plus, you can be sure they’ll brag about it to their friends, which will increase brand visibility.
- Boosts employee morale. Celebrating important professional and personal employee milestones with company swag will make colleagues feel seen and appreciated, which boosts morale and productivity.
Now, let’s sum this up.
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Need Help With Picking Out Company Swag?
As you can see, company swag comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
But even if you opt for something small and less costly, you can still make a great impression on your employees.
If you’re having trouble picking out the right company swag, we’re here to help.
But if you already found something that you like in our list of creative company swag ideas, you can start building your swag pack now.