Eco-Friendly Promotional Gift Ideas

Sustainable marketing is a marketing tactic that consumers can get behind. Individuals want to feel like they’re making a difference. They’re being more mindful about the products they choose to invest in and what they bring into their home. That’s why sustainable promotional products are a popular choice for brands that are looking to make a lasting impression. These items not only speak to the wants of the customers, but they also reflect on your brand’s priorities.

When investing in employee or customer gifts, you can’t go wrong with the value sustainable promotional products can provide your brand. They deliver a high ROI and effectively showcase your commitment to environmental responsibility.

Eco-conscious marketing is the best for customer or company gifts, and we’re here to show you why.

Let's dive in:

What Makes a Promotional Product Sustainable?

Sustainable products are designed with the environment in mind. When you think of sustainability, you most likely think of promotional products made with natural materials, recycled fabrics, or reusable resources. However, those aren’t the only kinds of items that fall under the sustainable umbrella.

Here’s what to look out for:

All-natural Materials

Certain materials are considered to be sustainable because they’re biodegradable, all-natural, or don’t cause any harm to the planet. These include bamboo, hemp, jute, wheat straw, and organic cotton.

Recycled Materials

Recycled PET and recycled cotton are eco-friendly fabrics used for totes and bags. PET fabric is made out of recycled plastic bottles and turns into a polyester material.

Sustainably Made

Some companies that make the products can also be sustainable. For example, if the company is considered a B Corp certified business, that means they meet the highest standard of environmental and social performance.

Items That Give Back

Giveback items are items that give back to sustainable causes and charities. These items are great for tying back to your brand's initiatives and showing your support for these causes.

Reusable Products

Any item that eliminates the need for single-use plastics is considered sustainable. These items include but aren’t limited to water bottles, straws, and totes. To ensure you're actually being sustainable, you’ll want to aim for a higher quality item to ensure it’s built to last and stay with your customers for years to come.

Sustainable Company Gifts

When shopping for eco-friendly promotional products , always look at the description. Since eco-friendly could mean different things, you’ll want to ensure that product is what you’re looking for.

From there, you’ll want to consider your goals for the green gift ideas. Ask yourself:

• Are these gifts for your employees or your clients?
• What is the gift for?
• What are you hoping to get out of these gifts?
• What types of items would leave a favorable impression?
• How can I showcase my commitment to sustainability?

Then you can narrow down your search and start considering sustainable company gift ideas that effectively align with your goals and upcoming marketing initiatives.

Here are a few of our top choices:

Eco-friendly Jute Totes

Jute is a natural vegetable fiber. The material is tough and durable, so you can rest assured that the bag is built to last and stay with your customers. They can use a jute tote for groceries, carrying their lunch to work, or books to school.

No matter how they choose to use it, they’ll be impressed with the quality and won’t need to worry about investing in a new tote anytime. (which is another reason it’s one of the best green gift ideas!) Jute totes also have a higher perceived value, which can leave a lasting impression on your consumers.

Reusable Straws

Reusable straws are a must-have in today’s day and age. As the world around us continues to phase out single-use plastics in restaurants, your customers will need a trusted solution for their drinks and beverages.

Fanny packs are back in style and make for great sustainable company gifts! Most recycled fanny packs are made with recycled PET fabrics, so you can show your customers that your brand enjoys doing their part for the environment in style. You can choose to give all of your employees a recycled fanny pack with your logo for a work retreat, company outing, or an appreciation gift.

Recycled Journals

Everyone could use an extra journal. They’re great to have at your desk to take notes, leave in the kitchen for your grocery list, or at the office. They appeal to a large audience and are useful tools that are sure to be used. There’s a wide range of eco-friendly recycled chipboard , paper , and cardboard journal options . Some feature recycled paper, and others have recycled journal covers and backs. Always look at the product description to see what part of the journal is recycled.

Cotton Canvas Backpacks

Backpacks have a high perceived value and great branding opportunities. Everywhere that customer goes, the backpack will be with them for everyone they connect with to see. Natural cotton backpacks are an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional bags and will make sure a great sustainable company gift. You can hand these out to your loyal customers, as a thank you for doing business with you!

Reusable Water Bottles

Giving out reusable water bottles is a great way to eliminate the need for single-use plastics and help your consumers live a sustainable lifestyle. As one of our favorite eco-friendly gift ideas, we recommend investing in a high-quality aluminum or stainless steel bottle , so it’s sure to last and leave a positive impression on your brand. If you’re sending your employees off to a tradeshow or conference, you can gift them a reusable water bottle so they’ll never go thirsty and be able to flaunt your brand!

Reusable Food Containers

Single-use plastic and styrofoam food containers build up in landfills and create more harm than good. With reusable silicone or nylon food containers , your customers or employees will always have something to carry with their lunch while they’re on the go. These items are used on a daily or weekly basis and provide your company with brand visibility. These make for great “welcome to the team” gifts for new hires.

Shop Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas with Bagmasters

Small changes can leave a big impact. If you’re ready to trade in your everyday promotional products for eco-friendly gift options, you’ve come to the right place. At Bagmasters, we have a wide range of sustainable solutions your brand and customers can benefit from. Whether you’re looking for sustainable company gifts to give to clients or employees, we have you covered.