What is a Swag Bag & What Should You Include in One?

Swag bags are an invaluable marketing tool that allows businesses to leave a long-lasting impression on their target audience. Whether it’s an event, a client meeting, or an appreciation gift for your employees: we’re here to walk you through the perks of building swag bags and our go-to swag bag gift ideas.

Here’s everything you need to know:

What is a swag bag?

The swag bag meaning is “stuff we all get.” These are promotional bags filled with promotional items, goodies, and giveaways that are branded with your logo. They are commonly used as a thank you or a welcome gift for events, new hires, and big client meetings. Swag bags are a great tool that will help you market your brand and strengthen your connection with a specific group of people.

The best part? With swag bags, you can get as creative as you, please! You can have fun with your branding and get playful with the products you choose to feature in the bag. Whether you have a theme you need to stick with or use the swag bags for general outreach at an upcoming event - the possibilities are endless. This bag of freebies is an invaluable tool that will unlock your potential and help you maximize your outreach.

How to build a swag bag

Before you start ordering a ton of freebies to include in your bag, you’ll want to take a step back and consider the event, your goals, and the ROI of the swag bag.

Here’s how to get started:

Consider the event

Every event is different. Whether it's an outdoor beach event or a charity dinner: pairing your freebies with the type of event or the theme will help you determine what items you include in the bag. For example, if you’re putting together swag bags as gifts for 5K runners, you may want to add outdoor items they would like, such as a water bottle, silicone bracelet, and a fanny pack.

Think about your audience

Who is attending the event? What type of clients do you have? If you don’t know what type of people are attending the event, you’ll want to consider versatile items that appeal to a large audience. This will ensure the items you choose will be used and appreciated.

Have a budget

Most freebies you’ll want to include are low-cost. However, a budget will help you effectively plan the items to add to your bag. Depending on the event, you’ll want to keep your goodie bag to around $5 to $30 a bag. If you’re putting swag bags together for high-paying customers or donors, you may want to spend a little more on each bag.

Choose the bag

A swag bag isn't a bag without a bag! All the freebies you choose need to be placed into a bag so recipients can easily carry them and take them home. You can consider making the bag one of the freebies or go with a low-cost disposable option.

Get creative

Swag bags are fun! Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and get creative with the items you pick to include. The more creative you get, the more likely the recipients will remember your brand at the end of the day.

What to include inside your swag bag

Now the real fun begins. The freebies you choose are the items that will stick with the recipients, so you’ll want to be strategic in your choices and mindful of the products to include.

Here’s a few of our favorite choices to help you brainstorm new ideas:

1. Pens

Pens are a great low-cost swag bag filler that appeals to a larger audience. With a branded pen, you can ensure your company will receive authentic exposure in the office, at school, or in your client’s home. There are different colors and styles to choose from that are sure to complement your branding.

• Choose from over five different colors
• Features a rubber grip for extra comfort and control
• High-quality freebie for less than $0.50 a unit
• Perfect add-in that is sure to be used by your target audience

• Stylish, premium metal pen
• Choose from over six different colors
• Option to engrave your logo or company name on the side
• Great for high-end swag bags for events or holiday gifts

2. Journals

Journals are a useful promotional product perfect for the busy working professional or student. You can choose from eco-friendly options, jotters, and leather journals. Journals also have a variety of decoration capabilities that will expertly complement your branding.

• A low-cost swag bag item that is useful, versatile, and functional
• Available in five different colors
• Includes over 80 lined pages
• Perfect for events, employees, and new hire swag bags

• Higher perceived value perfect for donor gifts and client meetings
• Comes in nine different colors
• 80 sheets of lined paper
• Option to emboss your logo on the front for a high-end professional feel

3. Water Bottles

Water bottles are an eco-friendly solution that everyone can benefit from. Whether it’s a university event, a conference, or a charity 5K run: The bottles you brand can be used and appreciated. When building out your swag bag, you can choose from several different styles, colors, and materials.

• Option to choose from over six different colors
• Can engrave or silk screen your logo
• Keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for over 24
• FDA-compliant and BPA free

• Features a 1 7/8" aluminum carabiner
• A low-cost freebie that will leave a big impact
• Comes in over eight different colors
• Large 3"w x 4"h imprint size

4. Tech Items

Tech giveaways have a high-perceived value and appeal to a large audience. Whether it’s a charging cable, a power bank, or a phone case: You can feel confident that your target audience will use these items on a daily basis.

• Phone lanyard great for events and outdoor activities
• Choose from either blue, black, or red
• This lanyard can hold up to two different cards
• Features a 16” detachable lanyard

• Choose from black, grey, or blue
• A padded compartment that can hold a 15” laptop
• TSA-Friendly
• Great for a high-end annual swag bag for your team members or high-paying customers

Build your Swag Bag Gift Ideas With Bagmasters

Swag bags for events, clients, and employees are an invaluable tool that will elevate your marketing initiatives and get you the recognition your brand deserves. At Bagmasters, we have everything you need to bring your swag bag ideas to life. We’re here to help you find items your target audience will love and enjoy.

Start shopping today, or reach out to our team to learn more.