Virtual events and remote working are gradually becoming the norm after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, you must find new ways to engage clients and employees and build connections with them.
Luckily, virtual swag can help you achieve all that if you plan and choose wisely.
Based on our clients’ feedback and suggestions, we’ve rounded up 25 fabulous virtual event swag ideas with a proven track record.
You’ll also be glad to know that these digital gifts fit various budgets, so you won’t have to break the bank.
Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
What Are the Benefits of a Virtual Swag Bag?
25 Virtual Swag Ideas to Send Your Virtual Event Guests
How to Quickly and Easily Send Virtual Swag Bags to Event Attendees
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Virtual Swag?
Virtual swag is a digital or physical gift that a brand offers to remote event attendees, customers, prospects, and employees.
A digital gift can include e-gift cards, food delivery vouchers, access to exclusive content like whitepapers and webinars, or virtual fitness class subscriptions.
However, you can also mail physical promotional products to your remote target audience.
Of course, a virtual swag bag full of digital and physical goodies will have an even greater impact.
This brand marketing strategy works well on various occasions, such as:
- Virtual conferences and online courses
- Online trade shows and expos
- Virtual brand anniversaries and holiday celebrations
- Hybrid events
- Customer loyalty programs
- Remote employee recognition programs
Now, let’s explore some incredible benefits of offering virtual event swag.
What Are the Benefits of a Virtual Swag Bag?
A virtual swag bag is as effective as a physical swag bag offered at an in-person event.
Here are the main benefits of investing in an online event goodie bag.
Enhanced engagement
Virtual gift bags add a touch of excitement to online events, making your target audience more eager to attend.
Likewise, you can use event swag to actively incentivize your attendees to participate during the event.
This heightened engagement will make the entire event experience more interactive and enjoyable.
Stronger connections
Offering company swag items to remote attendees provides a tangible reminder of the event experience and your brand.
In fact, a 2020 ASI report found that 85% of people given a promotional gift will remember the marketer who gave it to them.
Moreover, a positive experience and a thoughtful corporate gift will help you create a strong bond with the event attendees and build brand loyalty.
According to a Sendoso survey, 83% of customers who received a corporate gift said it made them feel closer to the company.
Increased employee satisfaction and retention
An insightful Nectar survey found that 71% of employees would be less likely to leave their organization if recognized more frequently.
At the same time, according to a BR Printers report, when given a promo item, 25.8% of employees feel appreciated by their employer, and 24.3% of employees feel included in the team.
Hence, a promotional gift can increase job satisfaction and employee retention.
Of course, offering employee appreciation gifts is more important than ever, especially to remote workers who often feel unseen and unvalued.
So, make sure you recognize and celebrate your remote team’s accomplishments in your Zoom meetings and mail them goodie bags.
More brand exposure
Receiving high-quality, unique giveaways inspires virtual event attendees to share their excitement with friends and family.
According to a Vistaprint survey, 43% of consumers are more likely to make brand referrals to others after receiving promotional products from a brand.
Moreover, your recipients will likely rave about your event swag bags on social media, where even more people will see them.
Overall, this type of word-of-mouth marketing will draw attention to your brand, increasing its visibility and attracting new potential customers.
Next, we’ll share some of the best virtual swag bag ideas.
25 Virtual Swag Ideas to Send Your Virtual Event Guests
While digital swag bags are highly effective, our clients recommend sending your attendees physical items as well for a bigger impact.
After all, a Vistaprint survey found that 54% of consumers regularly use promo products in their day-to-day lives.
Therefore, your branded products will constantly be seen by others, enhancing reach and awareness, while your recipients will be continuously reminded of your brand.
Now, let’s get inspired by our 25 fabulous and cost-effective virtual event swag ideas.
Idea #1: Blackwater Outdoor Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
The Blackwater Bluetooth speaker lets you listen to your favorite tunes or entertain friends from 10 meters (33 feet) away.
However, the product’s best feature is the IPX6 waterproof rating, which makes it ideal for outdoor use.
Why we recommend it: Due to its compact size, your recipients can take this speaker with them on all their adventures and have some fun.
Idea #2: Vault RFID Security Computer Backpack
This spacious computer backpack has a zippered main compartment, a padded compartment, and two side pockets, which will hold all your belongings.
Moreover, our backpack features an RFID-blocking pocket that will protect wallets, passports, and credit cards from data theft.
Why we recommend it: Branded backpacks are popular promo items because virtual event guests can use them daily to carry their work essentials, gym wear, or groceries.
Idea #3: iLive 5K Power Bank
Whether we like it or not, we rely heavily on our phones and gadgets daily.
So, running out of battery can be a nightmare.
That’s why power banks make practical and thoughtful promotional gifts.
With a 5000mAh capacity, the iLive power bank will keep all your recipient’s primary devices fully charged, no matter where they are.
Why we recommend it: According to a 2023 ASI report, 40% of Americans who receive a power bank are more likely to do business with the advertiser who gave it to them.
Idea #4: Modern Sprout Tiny Terracotta Grow Kit Thank You Daisies
The Modern Sprout DIY kit offers everything you need to grow your daisies.
The terracotta planter features a wicking system that brings water and nutrients to the plant’s roots.
Thus, the daisies will grow and thrive even if you forget to water or overwater them.
Why we recommend it: This small business promotional item will put a smile on the recipient’s face every time they look at it.
Idea #5: Hush Active Noise Cancellation Bluetooth Headphone
Noise-cancellation headphones promote client and employee mental health by blocking out all surrounding disruptions.
Our headphones deliver premium stereo sound for up to 15 hours so that you can listen to good music all day long.
Why we recommend it: Research shows that employees who listen to music while working perform better than those who work without music.
Idea #6: Sona 22oz RPET Reusable Bottle
Reusable water bottles encourage your virtual event guests to switch from disposable plastic bottles, promoting sustainability.
Moreover, this eco-friendly promotional product is made from 100% recycled PET, and 1% of each sale is donated to environmental-protection nonprofits.
Why we recommend it: According to the 2023 ASI report, 46% of US consumers would have a better opinion about an advertiser if they gave them an eco-friendly promotional item.
Idea #7: Pop Culture Gourmet Gift Set
To generate excitement around your online event, forget the traditional swag and do something unique instead.
And the Pop Culture Gourmet gift set fits the bill perfectly.
Inside the gift box, you’ll find a reusable popcorn bowl, premium popcorn, peanut crunch, Twizzlers, and gummy bears.
Why we recommend it: This virtual event bag promotes corporate wellness by encouraging recipients to enjoy a fun and relaxing movie night at home.
Idea #8: Recycled 5oz Cotton Twill Grocery Tote
Did you know it takes up to 1,000 years for a plastic bag to decompose?
Our clients recommend replacing plastic event swag bags with reusable tote bags.
Our eco-friendly tote bag is manufactured from pre-consumer waste generated by factories during the fabric-cutting process.
Why we recommend it: This swag item shows that your brand supports environmental sustainability, leaving a lasting impression on your event attendees.
Idea #9: 100% Recycled PET Fleece Blanket with RPET Pouch
This blanket is the perfect addition to a work-at-home kit for remote employees.
Recipients can wrap themselves in this cozy blanket to stay warm on chilly days while they work.
Our clients love that this product is made from 100% recycled PET while maintaining the soft feel of polyester micro plush.
Why we recommend it: This custom blanket shows your online event guests that you care about their well-being and comfort.
Idea #10: Calm Meadow 2.7oz Mini Tin Candle
Scented candles are well-suited for client or employee care packages, especially if your event theme is corporate wellness.
This soy wax candle has a unique scent that combines lavender, white sage, and mint with hints of sea salt and green apple.
Why we recommend it: A candle’s flickering light has a soothing effect on people, allowing them to relax and even meditate.
Idea #11: Tentree Organic Cotton Longsleeve Tee
Stand out from competitors by swapping the traditional branded t-shirt for a high-quality long sleeve.
The comfy Tentree long sleeve is made from 100% organic cotton and is biodegradable.
Moreover, Tentree is a sustainable brand that plants trees in various communities worldwide for every purchased product.
Why we recommend it: Branded apparel turns event attendees into walking billboards that promote your brand with each wear.
Idea #12: Bamboo Fiber Lunch Box with Cutting Board Lid
This reusable lunch box can accompany your customers and employees to work daily, reminding them how much you care about their well-being.
Our clients often choose this promotional product because of its customizable bamboo lid that doubles as a cutting board.
Why we recommend it: This branded merch can encourage your target audience to bring home-cooked meals to work instead of ordering junk food.
Idea #13: Arctic Zone Titan Thermal HP Copper Tumbler
Custom tumblers are a popular event giveaway as they allow recipients to enjoy their coffee on the go.
The Arctic Zone tumbler, with its double-wall, stainless steel, and vacuum construction, will keep beverages hot for up to eight hours.
Why we recommend it: According to Drive Research, nearly three in four Americans drink coffee daily, so you can’t go wrong with this swag item.
Idea #14: Mobile Office Hybrid Padfolio
Help online event attendees keep all their office essentials in one place for easy access with our remarkable padfolio.
This promotional material features an interior multi-function organizer with mesh slash pockets and an elastic organization area.
Why we recommend it: A wearable padfolio is a lifesaver in hybrid work environments where people are constantly moving.
Idea #15: Heritage Supply Traveling Mixologist Tote Kit
A fun gift bag, like this Mixologist tote, will generate more excitement around your event than traditional swag.
Our kit includes all the tools you need to create delicious cocktails wherever you go.
Why we recommend it: The vintage-looking tote bag allows recipients to bring their mixology tools to every backyard party and entertain their friends.
Idea #16: Lark Cookies Welcoming Sweet Treat Gift Bag
If you’re on a tight budget, this sweet treat gift bag is an excellent choice.
These delicious Lark Cookies come in a small pouch that you can personalize with your company name and logo for a memorable gift experience.
Why we recommend it: Thanking your guests for their attendance with a small gift bag is a nice gesture that increases the chances of future participation.
Idea #17: FSC Mix Bound JournalBook Set
Branded notebooks make fantastic giveaways by offering recipients a practical tool they’ll reach for daily.
This notebook has an FSC-certified paper cover and 80 sheets of FSC-certified paper, meaning it’s made of responsibly sourced wood fiber.
Why we recommend it: Our notebook comes in seven fun colors that you can match to your event theme or brand colors.
Idea #18: Cork Fast Wireless Charging Mouse Pad
You know that dreadful moment when you have to leave the office to get to an urgent meeting only to discover that your phone is dead?
Our mouse pad will help your employees and clients avoid this inconvenience by charging their phones while they work.
The best part is that the mouse pad is compatible with iOS and Android operating systems so anyone can use it.
Why we recommend it: The mouse pad’s cork design will elevate the look of any work desk and catch the eye of passersby.
Idea #19: Aft Recycled rPET 12 Can Cooler
Add a modern twist to your virtual event bag and opt for the Aft cooler.
Event attendees can use this stylish cooler to carry their lunch to work daily or enjoy a nice picnic in the park.
Why we recommend it: Apart from its practicality, this promo item is also eco-friendly, as it’s made of recycled PET.
Idea #20: Samsonite Zippered Pouch and Six-Piece Travel Bottle Set
Whether traveling for work or pleasure, this gift set will be useful.
The Samsonite kit includes six refillable containers for all your favorite self-care products and a zippered pouch for other toiletries or makeup.
Why we recommend it: Practical travel promotional items will enhance your recipients’ travel experiences, making them more memorable.
Idea #21: Herschel Recycled Classic Crossbody Tote
Our clients love the Herschel crossbody tote because of its classy design that complements any business look.
Moreover, this tote bag is spacious enough to take all your essentials while keeping your hands free.
Why we recommend it: Clients and employees often use this branded tote while running errands, subtly showcasing your brand’s logo.
Idea #22: Gift Cards
Physical and e-gift cards may not be as personal as the other swag items on our list, but they are still highly effective.
On the one hand, you can offer a gift card to your brand’s online store to encourage prospects to try your products.
On the other hand, you can opt for an Amazon or eBay gift card that gives recipients more gift choices.
Why we recommend it: Gift cards allow event attendees to choose products they need or want.
Idea #23: Virtual Coffee Subscription
Since remote employees don’t leave their homes in the morning to get to work, they can’t stop to grab a coffee from their favorite coffee shop.
The good news is that you can change all that with a virtual coffee subscription.
This one-of-a-kind digital gift will allow recipients to enjoy high-quality coffee without leaving their houses.
Why we recommend it: A virtual coffee subscription shows recipients how much you care about them, making it a perfect employee or customer appreciation gift.
Idea #24: Online Classes
Getting free access to online classes is a gift that keeps giving and is bound to impress.
You can opt for an educational class to help your employees develop new skills.
An online cooking class will do the trick if you want something fun and practical.
Likewise, you can help recipients stay fit and healthy by enrolling them in virtual fitness classes.
Why we recommend it: Regardless of the type of class you choose, your event attendees will get something valuable out of this experience and will thank you for it.
Idea #25: Self-Care Wellness Products
Most people live high-stress lives where 24 hours are often insufficient to complete all their daily tasks.
Therefore, self-care wellness products make meaningful gifts, showing recipients how much you care about their well-being.
Our clients recommend starting with the Home Studio Set, which will encourage event guests to take up yoga to exercise and unwind.
According to the American Osteopathic Association, yoga increases flexibility and muscle strength while reducing stress and promoting mental health.
Why we recommend it: Reminding clients and employees to take care of themselves is an act of kindness that will be much appreciated.
Now, let us show you how to handle the logistics of sending your physical swag bags.
How to Quickly and Easily Send Virtual Swag Bags to Event Attendees
While you can email your event attendees virtual gifts, things get a bit more complicated with physical gifts.
After all, if your event swag bags reach the recipients one month after the event, they won’t have the same impact.
Luckily, we came up with a simple and quick solution to this problem: creating your very own swag-on-demand gift shop.
Here’s how it works…
- We help you create an online gift store, a.k.a. a swag-on-demand gift shop, where you add all the swag items that fit your budget and event.
- Once the shop is all set, you send your virtual event attendees the link and let them choose the promotional products they like.
Don’t worry; you don’t need to stock up on all these promo items because we only print on demand.
- After selecting a gift, recipients can personalize it with their name or a personal message to make it more memorable.
- Finally, your online event guests provide their shipping information and place the order.
- We take care of everything else, including printing, packaging, and shipping.
Yes, it’s that easy!
Tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
Over to You
As you can see, virtual events don’t have to feel distant.
With a bit of creativity, your virtual swag bags can bring real excitement to remote participants, clients, or employees.
If you’re ready to start planning your next online event, browse our SwagDrop shop for more standout gift ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most common questions our clients typically ask.
What are some virtual swag gifts?
Some virtual swag gift ideas include:
- E-gift cards
- Webinar subscriptions
- Online class subscriptions (e.g., fitness, cooking, personal development)
- Food or coffee delivery vouchers
- Access to exclusive content (e.g., white papers)
What goes in a virtual swag bag?
A virtual swag bag can include digital gifts, like e-gift cards, or physical promotional products, like:
- Tumblers
- Notebooks
- Tech swag
- Promotional candy and snacks
- Eco-friendly products (e.g., reusable tote bags, lunch boxes, water bottles)
What’s the difference between virtual swag and traditional swag?
The main difference between virtual and traditional swag is that virtual swag can include both digital gifts and physical items. On the other hand, traditional swag only includes physical promotional materials.
