Whether you’re hosting a vibrant company event or a charming wedding, you can’t let your guests walk away empty-handed. Goodie bags and swag packs are an excellent way to end the evening on an exceptional note. Plus, they make for the perfect “thank you” gift for employees and clients.
Our top five ideas for swag bag items
Everyone loves the free stuff that comes with complimentary swag bags. But it can be a turn-off if you hand out items that people can’t use or don’t want. That’s why it’s so important to curate swag bags that are both trendy and practical.
Keep reading, and we’ll share with you the ultimate guide to creating swag bags in 2024.
See Related: How To Make And Sell Custom Merch In 2024
What is a swag bag?
The term “swag bag” initially referred to the bundle of branded gifts and promotional products that were handed out to attendees of events, trade shows, or conferences. Starting in the 1980s, swag bags were even handed out to celebrities attending the Oscars.
However, its meaning has evolved over the years – now, “swag” can safely be used to describe any item or collection of items that is customized with a company logo or message.
And in 2024, swag bags are used for much more than just company even parting gifts. They’re used to increase brand visibility and promote stronger brand recognition.
They’re the cornerstone of a successful business!
What does “swag” stand for in swag bag?
Swag is an acronym standing for “stuff we all get.”
But giving out swag items isn’t just about free gifts. It’s about spreading your message through an innovative form of marketing. And it’s not just forward-thinking businesses that hand out branded apparel and cool custom caps.
Schools and charities often use swag items to raise money or awareness for their cause. Event organizers also curate customized swag packs for attendees and clients. Even virtual event planners can ship gift boxes to their remote guests!
So, if you fall into one of these categories, you could likely benefit from the power of swag.
What is usually in a swag bag?
The great part about specially curated swag packs is that you can make them exactly how you want them. And that’s the best way to form a connection with your target audience.
Though it’s important to supply your guests and clients with practical and fun items, it’s also important to use this opportunity to showcase your brand’s amazing potential.
The key to crafting the perfect goodie bag is to keep your audience in mind. It’s a good idea to include versatile items that anyone and everyone can use. Only after you cover the basics can you throw in some unique products, like power banks or eco-friendly lip balm.
So, let’s go over a few key items that should always be in any corporate goodie bags or event swag bags.
Keep reading!
#1. Customized snapback hats
The best swag items are easily customizable. And branded hats are an excellent way to organically market your business.
In today’s modern world, more often than not, people are wearing hats. From cold-weather beanies to casual baseball caps, there are endless options out there for trendy headwear.
There’s a never-ending amount of ways that custom hats can help grow your brand.
Anyone from neighborhood dads to fashion bloggers can get on board with a stylish cap. So once your event attendees or business clientele go home, they’ll continue to use your swag and give your brand a free boost.
Unlike T-shirts, you don’t need to worry about figuring out sizes beforehand. Any quality snapback hat will have an adjustable back, so it can easily be altered to fit the size of someone’s head.
But, most importantly, the front panel of a hat makes for the perfect canvas for your company’s logo or custom design!
Be sure to buy branded hats in bulk before your upcoming event.
It’s easier than ever to buy branded hats in bulk, whether it be for an event swag bag or for your store’s merch corner. And when you buy from Double Portion Supply, we give you high-quality headwear that will elevate your brand’s presence.
Your design can be expertly embroidered onto the hat of your choice with exceptional precision, just like we’ve done for thousands of other clients since 2001. From muted low-profile dad hats to vibrant foam trucker hats, we have hundreds of styles of fits to match your creative vision.
#2. Branded T-shirts
The next obvious choice to add to your corporate goodie bag is a branded T-shirt. It’s hard to cover the best fun swag bag ideas without mentioning this timeless staple. Though T-shirts are no match for customized caps, they will ensure that your swag bag has all the essentials.
T-shirts are versatile, common, and cost-effective. And everyone loves a free T-shirt! There’s no way you can go wrong with this one.
Forget the overused designs and slogans – get your T-shirts printed with your modern design.
T-shirts are by far one of the most popular choices for promotional items. But you don’t want to give people boring shirts that will end up lying forgotten in their closet.
That’s why it’s important to find a company that can screen-print your custom shirts with a vibrant and trendy design. Here at Double Portion Supply, we know how important it is to curate a unique swag pack full of useable and stylish items. And that’s why we make our branded apparel and T-shirts unique to you and your mission.
#3. Stickers
The best way to enhance your gift bags and swag packs is by incorporating plenty of little treats. Though candies and ready-to-eat snacks are always a hit, it’s a good idea to give something that’s a bit more long-lasting.
You should load up your swag bags with plenty of custom stickers and decals. Your guests, clients, and customers will be able to plaster them on anything from their cars to their laptops, effortlessly giving your brand extra visibility and hearty boost.
We can help you realize your creative inspirations.
Whether you want custom-printed stickers or vinyl cut decals, you can turn to us to fulfill your gift bag ideas. Take your pick of colors and finishes, from glossy baby blue to matte hot pink. Whatever you can imagine, we can do.
#4. Ceramic coffee mugs
But first… coffee!
A ceramic coffee mug is a gift bag item that will make people happy. From the caffeine fanatics to the espresso connoisseur, everyone in the crowd is sure to be pleased with this high-end swag bag idea.
Unlike many clothing items, a handy mug can be used regularly in everyday life. Each morning, your swag bag recipients will be able to enjoy a steaming cup of joe with their brand-new, tastefully designed mug.
And there’s nothing more energizing than some mugs embodying the aloha spirit!
Top off your swag bags with some practical and artsy aloha mugs.
These ANXD mugs from Double Portion Supply are more than just the perfect vessel for your morning coffee. From our Crenshaloha Mug to our Maui Heat Mug, each Hawaii-inspired cup can be the centerpiece of each swag bag you hand out.
#5. Sunglasses
Now that each person will have a custom cap and a stylish T-shirt, it’s time to finish off the ensemble with a pair of sunglasses. Some cool shades will be the perfect addition to a well-rounded swag pack!
What’s the difference between a goodie bag and a swag bag?
Though the terms “goodie bag”, “swag bag”, and “swag pack” can all be used interchangeably (for the most part), there are a few minor differences that should be noted.
Simply put, a swag bag is the adult version of a goodie pack. While “goodie bags” might frequent kid birthday parties and bachelorette parties, “swag bags” aim to put a more sophisticated and appealing spin on the whole idea.
Either way, goodie packs and swag bags have the same goal. They’re used to make people show up and stay engaged. They create the feeling of exclusivity. But one key difference lies in what swag bags can do for your company.
A well-curated swag bag can help propel your brand forward
Most companies seek to fill their swag bags with promotional products and branded merch. From personalized notebooks to portable tech gadgets to flip flops to water bottles, there’s no shortage of things to plaster a company logo on.
And there’s no shortage of things that you can put in your perfect swag bag.
What can I put in my goodie bag?
It’s always a good idea to pick the contents of your swag bag based on the event you’ll be hosting or the audience you’ll be catering to. While customized snapbacks and branded T-shirts will always be an exceptional choice, you should put in a few more items to turn up the excitement a tad more.
For employee care packages
Whether you’re planning to send swag bags virtually or set them up in the break room, each employee on your team deserves a thoughtfully crafted care package. And the highlight of it should be some high-quality branded swag!
Fill your employee’s gift bags with things like;
- Pens and pencils
- Water bottles and other drinkware
- Baseball hats
- Personalized notebooks
- Power bank
- Phone chargers
For customers and clients
A gift bag is a great way to give a heartfelt thank-you to your most loyal client or to entice returning customers. Not many business owners understand the importance of a swag bag. But it can be the best way to set your company apart from the rest!
Hand out items like;
- Custom travel tumblers
- Bluetooth speakers
- Logo T-shirts or polo shirts
- Travel neck pillows
- Water bottles
For students
There are plenty of events that happen on campus. And it’s a good idea to make sure any student attendees don’t walk away empty-handed. Give out things like;
- Reusable tote bags
- Blue light-blocking glasses
- Branded notebook
- Wireless earbuds
- Water bottles
- Phone charger
- Waterproof Bluetooth speakers
For everyone
Though it is important to curate gift bags and swag packs with your target audience in mind, there are a few general items that anyone would love to get.
- Custom snapback hats
- Socks
- Reusable metal straw
- Yoga mat
- Screen cleaner
- Hand sanitizer
- Gourmet snacks
- Custom exercise accessories
- Snacks
- Other branded items
Why is it important to give out event swag bags and goodie bags?
Though we briefly touched on it, it’s a good idea to review the reasons why it’s necessary to hand out swag bags to your event attendees, employees, or customers. At the heart of any swag bag are branded merch and promotional items that have your logo or design on them.
These items are a great marketing tool that you should be taking advantage of in 2024. Swag bags help you engage with customers, increase brand recognition, and build a connection between you and your clientele.
It’s truly the best way to raise awareness of your brand in a positive and meaningful way.
Bonus: 9 Easy And Aesthetic Wall Hat Display Ideas You’ll Love
Final thoughts
Coming up with your own swag bag ideas can be hard. Simply start with the basics, and then add in a few personalized items, and your attendees and guests will be able to enjoy some practical and fun items while promoting your brand.
Keep Reading: Hats Vs. Caps: What’s The Difference?
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Double Portion Supply is the largest snapback superstore in Hawaii. Since 2001, we’ve helped clients across the United States make their creative vision a reality. From wholesale hats to ANXD brand apparel, we carry everything you need to keep your own brand stocked. Plus, our custom services extend to T-shirt printing, so you stay fresh from head to toe. Get all the latest information by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
