Swag bags, goodie bags, gift bags—no matter what you want to call them, everyone loves them.
Why?
Because they make employees and clients feel special and valued.
Plus, who doesn’t like freebies? Especially when they are both practical and fun.
Still, choosing what promotional items to include in your gift bags is not always easy.
So, we’ve decided to give you a helping hand.
Based on our clients’ selections, we’ve compiled a list of original swag bag ideas that will wow your employees and clients.
Let’s take a look.
Table of Contents
Wellness Items for Thoughtful Gift Bags
Swag Bag Ideas for Different Types of Employees
What Are Some Inexpensive Swag Bag Ideas?
What Are Some VIP Swag Bag Ideas?
What Are Some Event Swag Bag Ideas?
How Do You Put a Swag Bag Together?
Clothing Swag Bag Ideas
Personalized clothing items and accessories make very good promotional products because whenever people wear them, they help increase brand recognition.
And the more visible your brand is to consumers, the more likely they are to engage with your company.
Plus, promotional socks, T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and custom hats are all very practical, so people will appreciate and wear them.
Now, take a look at our selection of adored clothing swag that you should consider for your gift bags.
T-shirts
T-shirts are some of the most popular promo items because they are versatile and affordable and people wearing them spread your message.
After all, they’re not called a ‘walking billboard’ for nothing!
However, if you want your team members to wear them, you should choose high-quality materials.
Our clients’ top choices include the Bodie short-sleeve tee and the Canyon SS Tee because they are ultrasoft and comfortable.
Plus, they come in a variety of colors for both men and women, so you can match them to your brand’s image, personalize them with your company logo, and create the perfect office uniform.
And if you’re worried about sizes, here at SwagDrop, you can let employees choose their T-shirt sizes.
Pricing: $11–$20
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Start-ups and other small businesses that want to increase brand awareness.
Ballcaps
Baseball caps are a great swag bag item idea because they are cost-efficient and don’t require sizing, unlike other apparel.
And, since they protect your head from sun and rain, these custom hats are a practical corporate gift that anyone can use.
Our Transcend ballcap is unisex and comes in 12 different colors, making it a perfect gift bag idea.
Its low profile and unstructured crown make it a versatile option for both men and women.
On top of that, its wicking finish and UV protection make it very comfortable.
Pricing: $9.50–$13
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Company event attendees, trade shows and promotional giveaways, and in-person employees to help increase brand recognition.
Polo shirts
There’s only one way to describe the polo shirt: smart.
It instantly makes anyone look more professional, so if you want to impress, you should include it in your gift bag.
However, note that they are a bit more pricey than regular T-shirts.
Our clients love the Otis polo shirt because of its high-quality comfortable material.
More precisely, it’s made out of a breathable, matte-finish fabric with moisture-wicking properties.
In addition, it offers UV protection and comes in nine stylish colors.
Pricing: $26–$36
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Office uniforms for employees that promote a sense of community, pride, and belonging.
Hoodies
While T-shirts and polo shirts are great promotional items for the warmer months, custom hoodies will keep your team members warm during cold weather.
Of course, hoodies come in lots of different styles, but we suggest opting for a classic that everyone will love.
Here are two of our clients’ favorites:
- The Cypress fleece zip hoody offers a relaxed look, while also being soft and warm. It also has a practical interior phone pocket and a headphone cord port for listening to music.
- The Tentree space dye classic hoodie is made out of a supersoft and sustainable blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester. So, it’s not just comfy, but also eco-friendly.
Once you make your pick, personalize it with your company logo or motto, or think of a nice design that represents your brand.
Pricing: $39–$95
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Showing your appreciation to in-person and remote employees.
Vests
People love vests because they are lightweight and provide comfort and warmth.
Plus, a custom vest decorated with your company logo adds style to your corporate portfolio and increases brand awareness with each use.
Your employees will adore this Mercer insulated vest because it will protect them from cold, wind, and rain, so they can use it even while jogging.
It has 100% polyester faux down insulation, an interior storm flap with chin guard, and a water-repellent finish.
Plus, the women’s style features a dropped back hem with shaped seams and a tapered waist for a more stylish sporty look.
Pricing: $69–$95
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Employee recognition programs or celebrating employee of the month.
Packable jackets
Imagine leaving for the office while it’s sunny but, as the hours pass, it gets colder with each gray cloud.
And you’re only in a T-shirt!
Why not give colleagues and clients caught in that trap an extra layer of protection by offering a personalized packable jacket to have at hand?
Our Toba packable jacket has a water-repellent finish and a roll-away hood that will protect your employees from rain and cold.
It also has articulated elbows and ergonomic sleeves that offer mobility while you play sports.
But the best part is that you can pack it away into its lower left pocket, so it can easily fit in a bag or backpack.
Pricing: $34–$47
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: In-person employees as part of the office uniform, as well as employees, clients, or prospects who enjoy the outdoors, so they can carry a piece of your brand everywhere they go.
Knit cap and mittens combo
Are you looking for new ways to promote your business during the winter?
Well, prepare for trouble and make it double!
This knit cap and mittens combo is the perfect swag bag idea for chilly winter days.
They’ll keep everyone’s hands and heads warm and protected from the harsh wind and snow.
The cap includes a soft interior fleece band, while the mittens feature a cozy heather knit.
Plus, they’ll help promote your brand through fashionable and elegant embroidery of your company’s logo.
Pricing: $52–$58 (for the combo!)
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Virtual event gifts, corporate Christmas gifts, and winter corporate events.
Gadget and Tech Goodie Bags
Branded tech swag balances practicality with that “wow” factor you should aim for when creating your swag bag.
After all, who wouldn’t want to get their hands on the latest gadgets?
Still, if you opt for state-of-the-art tech goodies, you should know they don’t come cheap.
So, if your budget is tight, we suggest leaving them for very special occasions and big clients.
Instead, take a look at our selection of swag bag items that are small, useful, fun, and, most importantly, not that expensive.
Wireless earbuds
Regardless of the genre, everyone loves music.
While at work, music can help you focus on the task at hand by tuning out all the office noise and talk and boosting morale.
Then, the moment you leave work, music helps you unwind and have some fun.
Thus, a pair of wireless earbuds is the perfect addition to any swag bag.
Our Skullcandy wireless earbuds offer up to 24 hours of playback time, so your employees and clients can listen to their favorite tunes all day long.
At the same time, they withstand any splashes of water or sweat, so people can use them even while playing sports.
Plus, the built-in touch sensors also allow people to answer calls while on the move, so they will never miss any important work-related calls.
Pricing: $70–$88
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Celebrating important employee milestones and nurturing client relationships.
Bluetooth headphones
Similar to earbuds, headphones are another product that’ll fit nicely into your tech goodie bag.
However, since they are bigger, if you personalize them with a design that stands out, people will successfully spread your brand’s message when commuting, exercising, or just taking a break.
These Light Up wireless headphones are our favorites due to their extra soft ear cups that make them super comfy for all-day use.
Also, they allow you to answer or reject calls and control the volume and music with just a push of a button, so they are very practical.
As an added bonus, they fold in half, which means they won’t take up too much space in a bag or backpack.
Pricing: $30–$38
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Avid music lovers, whether employees or clients, as well as commuters.
Bluetooth speakers
A Bluetooth speaker + a wireless charger = happy recipients.
People will be impressed with your commitment to high-quality swag and will be reminded of your company when they listen to their favorite tunes.
This compact Bluetooth speaker produces crystal clear sound and keeps the music playing for over six hours.
Thus, it will lighten up any party and create a more energetic work environment.
But the best part is that it lets you charge any compatible devices while listening to your favorite songs, without the need for phone chargers.
Pricing: $40–$50
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Conference swag for in-person and virtual events, remote employee appreciation gifts.
Power banks
With our hectic schedules, it’s no wonder that we often forget to charge our phones and other gadgets when we need them the most.
Not to mention that we sometimes forget our phone chargers altogether.
That’s why having a power bank with you at all times is extremely useful.
Our clients love this Jolt 2,200 mAh power bank that charges at the same rate as most wall chargers.
Besides being very practical, it comes in 3 different colors, including this bright blue that makes it a fun accessory.
As an added bonus, it’s also budget-friendly, so we consider it one of the best swag bag tech items for any company, big or small.
Pricing: $10–$12
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Onboarding kits to make new hires feel welcome, corporate gift boxes for long-term clients, or event giveaways.
RFID phone wallets
Make sure your recipients keep their personal data secure with a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) phone wallet.
This tech accessory is a very thoughtful corporate gift as it prevents any nearby reader from stealing the information on your credit cards and other RFID-enabled identification.
Our SwagDrop RFID phone wallet features 2 large pockets where you can place your credit cards and ID.
Plus, you can attach it to the back of your phone to keep all your essentials together.
You’ll no longer have to fumble around in your bag looking for them and attract the unwanted attention of thieves.
And if you want to make this tech swag more fun and stylish, you don’t have to stick with black, you can also buy it in red or light gray.
Pricing: $3
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Small businesses in need of cost-effective company swag to show employee and customer appreciation and increase brand awareness.
Office Swag Bag Items
Nowadays, people spend a lot of time in front of a desk looking at the same objects daily.
So, whether they come in to work every day or work remotely from their home office, cool office supplies can inspire them and make them more productive.
Thus, we’ve created a list of original in-person and home office ideas that will fit perfectly in your swag pack.
Notebooks and pens
What better way to take notes or brainstorm ideas than with a neat, branded notebook and pen?
Even if you spend all day working on a computer, you still need to jot things down to process information and remember it.
At the same time, these office supplies come in handy when people attend conferences and other corporate events.
So, don’t worry, this company swag will never go out of style.
While notebooks come in a variety of sizes and designs, our clients’ favorite is this Wheat Straw notebook.
Why?
First, it promotes environmental sustainability due to its 51% wheat straw hard cover and 70 sheets of recycled paper.
Second, its cream cover and pages, together with the matching pen, give it a vintage look, making it a unique promotional product.
Pricing: $4.50–$7
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: In-person and remote employees who spend a lot of time in front of a desk, as well as trade show and conference attendees.
Water bottles
Staying hydrated throughout the day is extremely important.
Because not drinking enough water negatively impacts our health, causing tiredness, headaches, and more.
However, when you have a very hectic schedule, you can easily forget to hydrate properly.
Thus, a reusable water bottle is a very thoughtful corporate gift that shows people you care about their well-being.
This Welly water bottle is a great choice for your office swag bag because it will keep your team members’ favorite beverages hot for 12 hours and cold for 48 hours.
It can do that due to its durable, double-wall stainless steel vacuum structure with copper insulation. This feature also makes it a great travel promotional item.
But besides its functionality, our clients also love its sleek design with a natural bamboo wrap in the lower part.
Pricing: $55.50
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Clients and employees who travel a lot for work or enjoy spending time in nature.
Coffee mugs
According to the National Coffee Association, 7 in 10 Americans drink coffee every week and 62% drink coffee every day.
And even if some people don’t drink coffee, they usually drink tea.
So, you can never go wrong with custom mugs.
If you want to create an original gift bag, we suggest choosing a coffee mug with a unique design that makes it stand out.
Our Santos ceramic mug is a good example here, due to its glossy body combined with a nature baked bottom.
It’s also microwave-safe, which makes it practical at the office.
Pricing: $4–$5
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Coffee and tea lovers, as well as onboarding gift bags.
Mouse pads
Mouse pads are a quick and easy strategy for making your employees’ desks more visually interesting and creating a consistent aesthetic throughout the workspace.
And since mouse pads are practical and versatile items, the customization options are endless!
The SwagDrop mouse pad with coating is an excellent option for office gift bags due to its minimalist design that matches any office decor.
At the same time, it’s made from polyester that features an antimicrobial additive that inhibits bacteria growth.
If you want to leave a lasting impression, personalize it with your company logo, add a fun print, or go crazy with the color scheme.
Pricing: $6–$7.50
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: In-person employees who work all day on a computer.
Coasters
One, coasters pair up splendidly with any drinkware promotional product.
Two, they suit any office or home space and are perfect for coffee tables, nightstands, or desks.
Three, they’re cheap!
What else is there to say?
Coasters are an excellent way to raise your company’s profile since employees and clients will see your logo or message every time they pick up their mug to sip on their favorite beverage.
Still, our clients suggest that you choose high-quality coasters to make your corporate gift one-of-a-kind. For example, our 4-piece bamboo and marble coaster set will do the trick.
Pricing: $19–$24
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Trade show and corporate event attendees, as well as new hires.
Desk organizers
A cluttered desk can easily distract a person from their work and reduce their productivity.
Therefore, desk organizers are very practical gift bag swag ideas.
This MagClick desk organizer offers everything you need to keep your desk clutter-free.
More precisely, it includes a clipboard, three magnetic docks, a foldable accessory holder, a card holder, a pen clip, a cable clip, and a foldable phone stand.
And the best part is that it features a wireless charging area for your phone in case you forget your phone charger.
Pricing: $62–$82
Where to get: Contact us and we’ll get it for you from our trusted supplier.
Best for: Team members who come to the office every day and need to maintain their focus in a busy environment.
Wellness Items for Thoughtful Gift Bags
Wellness items show people that you truly care about their well-being.
That, in turn, will boost employee engagement and loyalty and increase brand trust for clients.
Some of the most common wellness gifts include home and office accessories that promote relaxation, promotional fitness products, and healthy snack gift boxes.
Of course, if you want to go all the way for a VIP client, you might want to consider a spa gift card.
But for the rest of your clients and staff, here are some of our clients’ top wellness swag picks.
Candles and plants
While plants purify indoor air, which is very important for our overall health, lit candles have a very soothing effect that promotes relaxation.
Thus, a candle and plant combo is a perfect wellness gift.
If you want to help your employees and clients relax at home or at work, we suggest including this Modern Sprout gift set in your wellness goodie bag.
The set includes a soy candle, a candle holder, a planter with seeds, and a full grow kit.
And don’t worry; the receiver doesn’t need gardening skills to grow this plant.
Pricing: $46–$69
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Employees and clients in management positions that have a lot on their plate and need to unwind.
Blankets
Custom blankets are a great way to remind people that no matter how much stress they are under, they should always find ways to relax.
And what better way to unwind after a stressful day than by snuggling under a blanket on the sofa and reading a book or watching a movie?
Our SwagDrop fleece blanket is extremely soft, warm, and cozy, and it fits two people comfortably, so your recipients will adore it.
But the best part is that it’s made out of recycled PET, so it’s 100% eco-friendly.
You can also embroider your logo on it so that people will be reminded of your company’s care for them whenever they use it.
Pricing: $27–$34
Where to get: SwagDrop
Best for: Care packages for employees who are out sick and employees and clients with many work responsibilities who need a bit of relaxation.
Fitness and yoga mats
By including fitness and yoga swag in your gift bag, you encourage people to exercise and relax.
Plus, by branding the mat, people will freely advertise your business on their way to and at the gym or yoga facility.
This Coral fitness and yoga mat has a very attractive diamond design and a non-slip surface that ensures your safety.
Also, it comes with a carrying pouch with a cinching drawstring closure and an adjustable shoulder strap.
Pricing: $13–$20
Where to get: Contact us and we’ll get it for you from our trusted supplier.
Best for: Sedentary employees and clients, to encourage them to exercise.
Tea blends
Offering tea blends in a swag bag is a meaningful way to connect with people and nurture relationships because it shows that you care about them.
Plus, with so many blends available, you can mix and match different flavors to enchant your recipients’ palates.
For your original swag bag, we suggest you pick one of our custom mugs and then look for a tea blend set that offers lots of tasty flavors.
Pricing: Depends on how many flavors you want to include.
Where to get: Contact us and we’ll help you find the perfect tea blend.
Best for: Thank you gifts for employees and clients, especially during the cold season, and Christmas gift baskets.
Swag Bag Ideas for Different Types of Employees
Given that your employees are your greatest assets, you should go the extra mile for them and add a personal touch to your gift bags.
What we mean by this is that if you want to leave a lasting impression, you should try to tailor the contents of your swag bag to their preferences or the type of employee.
If you’re looking for inspiration, take a look at our gift bag ideas.
New employee onboarding swag bag
When welcoming new employees, it’s important to create a positive first impression.
Since most people are anxious during their first week at a new job, an onboarding kit makes them feel welcomed and introduces them to the company culture.
Based on our experience, this swag bag should contain items a new hire needs and appreciates in the first months at a company, such as:
- Notebooks or notepads
- Promotional pens
- Desk organizers
- Coffee mugs or water bottles
- Badge holders or lanyards
- Branded apparel (e.g., T-shirts, baseball caps, hoodies)
Digital nomad swag bag
The digital nomad swag bag is a great choice for remote employees or those who travel a lot for work.
A gift bag like this makes them feel valued and more like real employees and members of the team rather than random people working for the company.
Our clients suggest that the digital nomad bag should include items like:
- Laptop sleeve
- Power bank
- Wireless charger
- Bluetooth headphones
- Drawstring bags or tote bags
- Tumblers
- Neck pillows
- Eye masks
- Self-care swag (e.g., lip balm, hand sanitizer, sunscreen)
Coffee enthusiast swag bag
As big coffee lovers ourselves, we can guarantee that this swag bag will make the day of any coffee enthusiast.
Here are some of the essentials we like to include:
- Coffee mugs or tumblers
- Branded coasters
- Thermal mugs
- Coffee beans
- Coffee grinders
- French press
- Coffee canisters
- Promotional candy
Swag bag for foodies
Based on our clients’ feedback, you can never go wrong with food!
After all, we all enjoy yummy snacks, candies, and gourmet food items both at home and at work.
But apart from those tasty goodies, your foodies’ bag can also include some food accessories like:
- Lunch boxes
- Branded cheese boards
- Silverware
- Cookbooks
Eco-friendly swag bag
Last but not least is the eco-friendly swag bag, a chic item that’s perfect for companies that want to promote environmental protection.
By choosing eco-friendly swag, you make your employees feel better about their carbon footprint while also reducing waste.
And since most of our clients are very eco-conscious, we’ve selected some of their favorite promo items for the eco-friendly swag bag:
- Recycled tote bags
- Recycled paper journals
- Stainless steel water bottles
- Reusable straws
- Bamboo or wooden utensils
- Bamboo lunch boxes
***
Are you worried that you can’t afford these promotional items?
No problem, next we’ll look at some inexpensive options that work just as well.
What Are Some Inexpensive Swag Bag Ideas?
Swag bags can include whatever promotional products you want.
Therefore, there are no budget limitations here. You decide how much you want to spend.
But this doesn’t mean you have to put a dent in your company’s budget. Because even a gift bag containing a few inexpensive items can go a long way.
Here are some of our top swag choices that don’t exceed $10:
- Coffee mugs
- Snacks and candy
- Mints
- Notebooks and pens
- Personalized keychains
- Stickers
- Drawstring bags
- Eye masks
- Hand sanitizer
- Small first aid kit
However, even though these ideas can easily impress your employees, they won’t work with big clients.
So, let’s look at some VIP swag bag ideas as well.
What Are Some VIP Swag Bag Ideas?
When it comes to VIP clients, things get a bit trickier because these people usually have it all.
Still, our clients say that you’ve got two options here. You can either opt for luxury promotional products or a donation at a fundraiser the client supports.
But since we’re currently focusing on swag bags, here are some of our deluxe items that we believe will impress those big clients.
- Luxe hanging bar tool set
- Deluxe wine collectors set
- Bluetooth solar speakers
- Wireless cooler speaker
***
Next, we’ll cover some of the best swag bag ideas for your next event.
Keep reading and get inspired.
What Are Some Event Swag Bag Ideas?
Creating a swag bag for an employee or an old client might be a bit easier because you can learn about their preferences and interests and tailor your bag contents accordingly.
But when you host a corporate event, you’ll probably have lots of people you don’t know in attendance.
So, you should choose swag bag items that everyone will enjoy.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
Here are some of the promo items our clients recommend for your next event:
- Branded drinkware (e.g. coffee mugs, water bottles, tumblers)
- Personalized T-shirts
- Branded notebooks and pens
- Snacks and candy
Still, you should keep these items light, so that your event attendees can easily carry the swag bag around.
For more best practices for putting together a swag bag, take a look at our next section.
How Do You Put a Swag Bag Together?
If you want to put together the best swag bag, you should follow these steps:
- Decide who is going to receive the bag. Just like with any other marketing strategy, you should first establish your target audience.
If the recipient is an employee or client, try to find out as much as possible about that person’s preferences and interests.
That way, you can customize your swag bag with promotional items you know they’ll love.
- Assess your budget. Since swag bags can include anything from inexpensive, small items to very expensive, luxury items, you should set a clear budget before you begin and stick to it.
When you set the budget, you should factor in things like the number of gift bags you want to hand out, who the recipients are, and how important the occasion is.
- Explore different items. As you’ve seen, there is plenty of swag to choose from. However, you should always opt for useful, high-quality items that look good and complement your brand.
- Match your brand’s aesthetic. While the contents of the bag are very important, so is the actual bag. After all, that’s what your recipients will see first and, as we all know, first impressions matter.
So, whether you opt for tote bags or drawstring bags, make sure the color and design match your brand’s aesthetic.
So, there you have it; everything you need to know about creating an original swag bag.
Now, it’s time to create your own.
Tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
Build Your Own Swag Bag
Creating the perfect swag bag is an art that needs to be mastered if you want your gifts to leave a lasting impression.
Just remember to look for items that match your recipients’ preferences and interests or bring uniqueness into their lives.
If you still have doubts, you can always seek our help.
But if our swag bag ideas have inspired you and you feel ready to build your own swag bag, click here to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you have any unanswered questions about swag bags? We’re here to clear your doubts.
How many items should I put in a swag bag?
Generally speaking, swag bags contain 3 to 5 items. However, this is not a rule, so you can put as many items as you want in your swag bag.
Can I send swag bags virtually?
Yes, you can easily send swag bags virtually with SwagDrop. Just provide us with an Excel file with the recipients’ addresses after your order confirmation and we’ll take care of the rest.
How much does a swag bag cost?
A swag bag can cost anywhere from $10 to $200 or more, depending on how much you want to spend and how many items you want to include. So, make sure you set a clear budget before you begin and stick to it.
