What is a swag bag?

Displaying your logo, motto or mascot, swag bags are free promotional gift packs that you can use to improve the visibility of your business’s brand identity. You can fill swag bags with multiple promo items and give them to employees, current and prospective clients, contest winners and walk-in customers.

These gifts play a key role in company branding by showcasing a company’s identity and values through carefully selected items. In addition to bags, you can also pack and wrap swag in a box to hand out during the holiday season.

Including the company’s logo on swag items may significantly increase brand visibility, ensuring your brand is seen in everyday settings. For example, if a gift bag contains a coffee cup with a unique company logo, the recipient will remember that business every time they get a refill. 

When putting together gifts to promote your business through targeted marketing, a common best practice is to choose items that complement one another, essentially creating a theme for each bag. You can include items that feature your company logo, along with additional items to complete the theme. Here are some popular swag bag ideas to consider:

1. Wellness swag bag

A wellness-themed gift bag shows employees and clients that you care about their health and well-being. Wellness giveaways can also support employee wellness initiatives by encouraging healthy habits and participation in wellness programs. Some helpful items to pack into a wellness-themed bag or swag box include:

• Logo-branded face masks
• Custom-labeled hand sanitizer
• Packaged hand wipes
• Hand lotion with a neutral scent
• Assorted herbal teas

2. Fitness swag bag

Fitness studios can give swag bags to clients to promote their services. Businesses can also use these generally to boost employee morale by encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle while demonstrating appreciation. Here are some items to consider including in a fitness swag bag:

• Logo-branded gym towel
• Logo-branded reusable water bottles
• Gym gift certificates
• Yoga/exercise mat
• Logo-branded sweatshirt

3. Healthy snack swag bag

Company-branded healthy snacks encourage people to associate you with health-conscious lifestyle choices. To demonstrate inclusivity, consider providing snacks that accommodate employee dietary requirements and allergies, such as gluten, nut, dairy or sugar-free options. Think about using some of the following items in your healthy snack swag bag:

• Logo-branded energy or protein bars
• Logo-branded water bottles
• Packaged dried fruit
• Packaged trail mix
• Bottled tea or other healthy beverages

4. Office supply swag bag

Show appreciation for your team’s hard work with office supply swag bags. These practical items can make daily tasks a bit easier, helping employees work more efficiently and comfortably. Here are some office supply gift ideas:

• Mini desktop fans
• Logo-branded laptop cases
• Logo-branded tape dispensers
• Customized business cards
• Logo-branded plastic document holders

Free functional office supplies are just one way you can boost engagement and morale. Employees might also enjoy team-building office games, company outings and employee appreciation days.

5. Tech branded swag bag

Tech businesses can benefit from giving out tech goodies at client events or company holiday parties, since they can help expand and promote brand presence.

Branded tech accessories and products are often highly practical and benefit both your business and your gift recipients. The following tech items can help leave a lasting impression:

• Portable web camera
• E-reader
• Tablet
• Headphones or earbuds
• Logo-printed tote bag
• USB drive
• Power bank
• Bluetooth speaker

Many tech accessories, such as wireless chargers and power banks, offer customization options like logo printing or laser engraving, allowing you to create unique branded gifts tailored to your company’s style.

6. Wine swag bag

Wine swag bags make great gifts for recipients aged 18 and over. You can also offer non-alcoholic options of this swag theme for those who either don’t drink alcohol or are under the legal age limit. In addition to wine and other bubbly beverages, you can complete this themed bag by adding in snack pairings and accessories. 

A wine gift package could include a custom-labeled bottle of wine, branded wine glasses and a corkscrew. These can be memorable and impressive gifts since they show your company’s effort in sourcing and choosing the wine. Consider the following wine swag bag ideas:

• Logo-branded wine bottle
• Logo-branded non-alcoholic cocktail
• Logo-branded wine glasses
• Corkscrew
• Wine toppers
• Gourmet candy
• Gourmet nuts
• Breadsticks
• Rice crackers

7. Sweet treat swag bag

Sweet treats are always appreciated, especially when received as gifts. When crafting a sweet treat bag, the possibilities are almost endless. Here are some tasty ideas to consider when filling up the ultimate sweet treat swag bag:

• Logo-branded cookie canister
• Custom-labeled jelly bean bag
• Custom-labeled hot chocolate

8. Coffee and tea swag bag

If you have a fair share of hot beverage enthusiasts on your list of swag bag recipients, coffee and tea gifts are sure to be appreciated. In addition to coffee and tea, you can fill these themed bags with a wide variety of goodies that pair well with these popular beverages. Here are a few coffee and tea-related suggestions:

• Gourmet coffee
• Tea bags
• Logo or motto-branded coffee mugs
• Logo or motto-branded tea set
• Coffee gift cards

9. Beach day swag bag

If you’re planning an event or product launch during the summer months, treat your recipients to a day at the beach with your swag bag. Recipients can take these bags with them to the beach on a hot day, helping them to stay cool and comfortable while enjoying the sun. Here are a few options to choose from:

• Logo-branded beach ball
• Customized beach towel
• Motto-branded T-shirts or tank tops
• Sunglasses
• Logo-branded sun visor

10. Picnic swag bag

A picnic swag bag theme lets you get extra creative with tasty food items and picnic accessories that can be customized with your brand logo or business name. Pack your picnic bags with some of the following items:

• Logo-branded picnic basket
• Plastic cutlery
• Custom-labeled crackers
• Custom-labeled jams

11. Beauty/spa swag bag

If you own a beauty salon or spa, consider giving the gift of pampering at your next event with some beauty swag. Pack your swag bags with some of these popular beauty items:

• Custom-labeled face masks
• Travel-size manicure and pedicure sets
• Custom-labeled lotion
• Logo-branded spa towels
• Travel-size shave kits
• Custom embroidered bathrobes

12. Art swag bag

For businesses that have a creative focus, art-themed swag bags are a great way to showcase your brand and promote your company. Consider filling your swag bags with these artistic items:

• Customized paint brushes
• Logo-engraved watercolor paint sets
• Motto-engraved colored pencils
• Art easels
• Canvas paper
• Wooden frames
• Logo-branded colored markers

13. Movie and television swag bag

Movie nights and television binge-a-thons are a great way to unwind after a busy workday and you can make these pastimes even more enjoyable by giving out movie and television swag bags to your loyal employees and important clients. Pack these items in your swag bags to help elevate movie night to the next level:

• Custom-labeled microwave popcorn
• Movie theater-sized boxes of candy
• DVDs
• Streaming service gift cards
• 3-D glasses
• Logo-embossed throw blankets

14. Travel swag bag

If your business is travel-focused or your employees or clients often travel for work, a travel-themed swag bag is an ideal gift option to show your appreciation and/or promote your products and services. Here are some ideas for creating a jet-setting travel swag bag:

• Neck pillow
• Custom-labeled travel-size hand sanitizer
• Travel-size hygiene kit
• Reading glasses
• E-reader or tablet
• E-book gift card
• Logo-embossed sleep mask

15. Camping and glamping swag bags

If your business caters to clientele who enjoy the great outdoors, consider pairing some promotional items with camping and glamping (glamorous camping) swag. Check out these fun outdoorsy items that are guaranteed to complement any camping adventure:

• Printed or logo-embossed baseball cap
• Portable camping stove
• Foldable canvas tent
• Insect repellent
• S’mores kit
• Cotton T-shirts printed with your business name
• Logo-embossed windbreaker jacket
• Batteries
• Portable radio

Swag bag tips

While swag gifts are given out on many occasions, the ultimate goal of this practice is to promote your company and advertise your products and services. Here are a few tips to help ensure your swag bags lead to success:

• Include your business cards: When packing your company swag bags, always be sure to include at least three business cards. If you just pack one card, it could get lost among all the goodies. Including several gives the recipient the opportunity to pass your information along to friends and colleagues while keeping a card for themselves.
• Include a gift certificate or gift card if applicable: Add gift certificates for your business into each swag bag before you distribute them. For example, if you own a beauty salon, include a free haircut certificate. If you’re a gym business, consider adding a complimentary day pass to a swag bag, as this can help bring in potential long-term clients and customers.
• Choose useful, functional items: When coming up with ideas, consider useful and fun items that are memorable. That could mean avoiding common promotional items, such as frisbees and can cozies. This helps ensure clients and customers have a positive reminder of your business when they use these swag bag goodies. Talking to a brand consultant could help you develop more ideas for great gifts.
• Stay within your budget: Some businesses give out swag bags worth thousands of dollars, but this is not within everyone’s budget. High-dollar items can leave a lasting impression on key clients, but try not to go over budget, especially if you’re just starting your business. Thoughtfully selected budget-friendly items can still leave a lasting impression on your recipients.