Our team has been around the block when it comes to events by now. We have both given and received abundant swag throughout our careers. And perhaps, you’re in the same boat. Eventually, you reach a point where new, fresh ideas can be hard, and you end up in a funk.
What’s with the funk?
Here’s the deal: Junk equals funk. Taylor Brands points out that “plastics are a cheaper material and ideal for small businesses who want promotional products on a tight budget. However, these products contribute to America’s growing waste problem.”
Most of the items companies hand out end up in junk drawers or, even worse, the garbage. While there are environmentally friendly and sustainable options, they’re not as common. Let’s change that and help get out of the event swag funk!
What’s the Purpose of Swag?
Swag, a.k.a. “Stuff We All Get,” is a longstanding event tradition. It’s a gesture to show you care and value the people you work with or want to work with. It’s something you give to be remembered by. Attendees at events these days almost expect it.
Everyone loves gifts—but it can feel wasteful when you’re not getting meaningful gifts that you know won’t end up in the trash just a few weeks later. So how do we find this balance? Here are just a few ideas of how to give meaningful gifts.
Environmental Impact
Every year, there are over 450 million tons of plastic waste being produced—the last thing we want to do in the event industry is add to it unnecessarily. So when you’re considering swag gifts, ditch the plastic. Glass cups, journals, cotton clothes, and more may all be better options than cheap plastic merch that will only contribute to environmental harm.
Personalized to the Experience
People love a gift that shows that you know them. While that can be hard to do with a large group of people at an event, there are still ways to personalize your swag. If it’s a health and fitness event, have the swag be a gym bag or a yoga mat. A leadership conference may enjoy a journal or even a good book! Get to know your audience, and let the gift ideas flow from there.
Think Outside the Box
While t-shirts and mugs are easy go-tos, try to find ideas that may be a unique piece of swag for the attendees. Many people already have far too many versions of the same type of swag gift. What if one year you gave out branded plant pots or Bluetooth speakers? Even a local coffee bean bag will feel a lot more meaningful than another branded pen!
Our Favorite Swag Ideas for Events
Over the years, we’ve found our list of favorite go-to event swag. While this list may not be for everyone, it can help you have a starting point for your next event!
- Socks: While it may not be everyone’s favorite, a good pair of logo socks can go a long way. Practical and subtle, this is a great clothing option that goes beyond your standard hat or t-shirt.
- Art: If it fits your aesthetic, art makes a fantastic gift. In fact, we once received a piece of art from an event that we still cherish today. It is a California watercolor called MomentMaps by Amy Logston. We’ve also received a stunning gemstone globe several years ago, which someone on our team later saw in an antique store for $500! It’s made of gemstones native to each country, and it’s beautiful. Swag that becomes more valuable with time—now there’s an idea.
- Alcohol: Sorry, but it’s true. Who doesn’t love being gifted a nice bottle to share with friends and family later? Even better if you can find a local winery or brewery to sponsor your swag!
- Giant Highlighter: We have no excuse for this one other than we think it’s fun. It’s our only plastic item on the list, and we think it’s useful, memorable, and fun. For the right crowd, this might just do the trick!
- Food: Just a taste, preferably something local. Think cookie boxes or popcorn buckets—we recommend making the container something that can be used again after the food is gone.
- Sustainable Items: If it’s good for Mother Nature, count us in. Metal straws and branded Turkish towels are unique gifts that feel good to receive and protect the environment!
What to Look for in an Event Swag Partner
The right event swag partner can help you find the perfect gift for your event. You’ll want to find a partner that has the following characteristics:
- Responsiveness and willingness to communicate clearly and frequently
- Quick turnaround with reliable delivery deadlines
- Exceptional customer service (many events require specific shipping times and instructions)
Looking for some recommendations? Here are some of the swaggers we love to work with: Blue Sky Marketing, Golder Associates, Inc., 4Imprint, and Swag.com.
Plan a Meaningful Event with Us
Whether you’re just starting the event planning process or you need help figuring out the details like swag gifts, our team is happy to help! We’ve been helping people create events that are remembered and talked about for years to come, and we can do the same for you. From the first promotion to the final swag gift, we ensure a seamless experience that is personalized to the audience and your goals. Reach out to us today to begin planning your next event!