Swag bags are an invaluable marketing tool that helps businesses 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 about promotional swag bags and what you should include in them:
What Is a Swag Bag?
The swag in swag bag is actually an acronym meaning “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 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, a 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 types of people will attend the event, you’ll want to consider versatile items that appeal to a wide 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. 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.
Not sure what to put in a swag bag? Here are our five top picks:
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.
Custom Printed Solana Softy Stylus Pen
- Available in six vibrant colors
- Features a soft-touch rubberized barrel with a matching grip
- Available for a low minimum quantity of 250
- Available in five different colors
- Features a stylish wooden design barrel with plunger action
- Option to silkscreen or laser engrave your logo on the barrel
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.
Custom Printed Portland Recycled Journal
- Recycled cotton-covered journal with 80 pages of lined paper
- 5" W x 7" H notebook, perfect for traveling or commuting to work and school
- Available in three different heathered colors: Black, Blue, and Grey
- Classic memo notebook, perfect for university swag bags and corporate gifts
- Spiral-bound with 80 lined sheets
- Bright translucent color cover, available in nine different colors
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 branded bottles can be used and appreciated. When building out your swag bag, you can choose from several different styles, colors, and materials.
Custom Printed Bamboo 22oz Frosted Glass Bottle
- BPA-free and designed with high-quality glass
- Stylish bamboo-look flat top lid
- Pricing includes a one-color, one-location silkscreen imprint on the front of the bottle
Custom Izzy 40oz. Stainless Steel Travel Mug
- Available in nine stylish colors
- Stainless steel exterior with a plastic-lined interior
- Option to silkscreen or laser engrave your imprint on the front or the back of the bottle
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.
Custom UL Listed 2,200 Mah Charge-It-Up Power Bank 2.0
- Available in six different colors: Black, blue, white, grey, and light blue
- Powerful 2200 mAh lithium-ion Grade A battery
- Lightweight and portable, perfect for traveling
Woodgrain Wireless Charging Pad And Speaker
- Provides up to three hours of playtime on one charge
- Small, compact, and portable, perfect for trips to the beach or park
- A phone charging pad is located on top of the speaker
5. T-Shirts
If you're putting together an event swag bag or looking for creative company swag bag ideas, you can't go wrong with a branded t-shirt. T-shirts have a high perceived value and more longevity than the average promotional pen or journal. You can also get as creative as you please with the design, turning an everyday t-shirt into a must-have swag bag item.
Port & Company 100% Cotton T-Shirt
- Available in over 54 different colors
- Choose from sizes XS to XL
- High-quality 5.4-ounce, 100% cotton material
Gildan Adult Heavy Cotton T-Shirt
- Available in over 67 different colors
- Made of a Preshrunk 100% Cotton Jersey (Blended Cotton/Polyester)
- Comes in a range of sizes between S and 5XL
Build Your Swag Bag 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.
