What is a swag bag?

What’s a swag bag? (Your secret to branding success)

A swag bag is a collection of promotional products that you give for free to customers, prospects, employees, business contacts, or anyone important to your business. Free branded merchandise positively promotes your brand and creates a lasting impression on recipients.

Let’s look at what goes into a swag bag, when you should use them, and how they create marketing opportunities for your brand.

What items should go in a swag bag?

You should offer a great selection of usable items, but try not to break the bank. You can provide a luxurious or high-end swag bag if the occasion calls for it, but swag bags generally consist of basic, cost-effective everyday life items.

When deciding how to fill your swag bags, you should:

1. Prioritize practicality: Choose items recipients need or use often (e.g., office supplies, reusable bags, tech accessories). Avoid niche products.
2. Invest in durability: Poor-quality items (e.g., leaky pens, flimsy bags) reflect badly on your brand. Make sure the items are functional and long-lasting to maintain trust.

Here are some of the best types of swag to include:

Tech gadgets

Everybody appreciates phone and tech accessories. Phone chargers, for example, are universally useful. Portable chargers (such as car chargers), power banks, and wireless chargers are also great standard swag items, as they offer a dependable backup for charging devices on the go.

Tech enthusiasts also enjoy swag bag items such as USB drives, cable organizers, Bluetooth speakers, mini printers, and blue light glasses.

Seasonal items

You can diversify your swag based on the time of the year, occasion, or season. This can increase the likelihood of your swag being used by the recipient and make it more applicable.

Seasonal items include winter scarves, beach towels, flip flops, and neck pillows. When it comes to seasonal promotional items, recipients are never going to have too many, especially if the items are travel-friendly.

Hats

Branded headwear is one of the most effective and high-impact items you can include in a swag bag. Unlike smaller giveaways that get lost or forgotten, well-designed baseball caps or custom beanies become walking billboards for your brand. 

Whether it’s a sleek dad cap, a cozy beanie, or a performance-driven snapback, headwear offers long-term visibility — every time it’s worn, your logo gets seen by new audiences.

For the best results, align the hat style with your brand identity. Pair headwear with other complementary swag (like custom tees or drinkware) to create a cohesive unboxing experience that amplifies memorability.

Water bottles

Most people use water bottles, whether on the go, at home, or at work. High-quality water bottles get reused and kept for years.

You can customize your water bottles through construction and extra features to align them with your brand. For example, choose bottles made of stainless steel, glass, or recycled plastic to appeal to eco-friendly recipients.

For an even bigger impact, include custom reusable straws and other drinkware accessories in your swag bag.

Other everyday items

Anything that people might use daily can go in a swag bag. Think custom apparel, like promotional socks or fanny packs, or little promotional items, like lip balm or keychains. We can help you pick a collection of items that represent your company ethos or event. 

See our complete list of promotional items.

What events should you bring swag bags to?

Trade shows

Trade shows attract targeted audiences eager to engage with brands. Attendees often visit multiple booths, and you can stand out with memorable swag bags. 

For example, a tech company might include branded power banks, USB drives, or sleek phone accessories. Wellness swag packs could offer reusable water bottles, stress balls, or mini sanitizers. 

These items not only address attendees’ immediate needs (e.g., staying hydrated or charged) but also keep your brand visible long after the event. Pro tip: Add a QR code or discount card in the bag to drive post-event engagement.

Conferences and seminars

At conferences, attendees focus on learning and networking, and gift bags can enhance their experience. Include functional items such as branded notebooks, pens, or tablet styluses for note-taking. For longer events, portable snacks, coffee vouchers, or reusable tumblers can boost energy and goodwill. 

A financial services firm might add a branded calculator or financial planning booklet, while a creative agency could include a sketchpad or color-coded sticky notes. Tailor items to the industry to reinforce your expertise and leave a lasting impact.

Product launches

Swag bags at product launches create excitement and reinforce your new offering. A skincare brand launching a serum could include sample-sized products, a branded mirror, or a luxury face cloth. A tech company debuting a gadget might bundle screen cleaners, branded wireless earbuds, or a themed T‑shirt. These items should align with the product’s aesthetic and purpose, which creates an opportunity to turn customers into brand ambassadors.

Networking mixers

Smaller, intimate events such as networking mixers demand high-quality swag that fosters connections. Opt for premium items such as leather-bound journals, engraved pens, or custom cocktail kits for virtual events. A consulting firm might include a sleek business card holder, while a food brand could offer artisanal snacks with a recipe card. The goal is to spark conversations and memorialize your brand in professional circles.

Corporate retreats

During corporate retreats, corporate swag bags can boost morale and team cohesion. Include items that promote comfort and collaboration, such as branded hoodies, insulated mugs, or customized puzzles. A company focused on sustainability might add reusable bamboo utensil sets or eco-friendly tote bags. For brainstorming sessions, include whiteboard markers or sticky-note kits. These corporate gift items not only enhance the retreat experience but also serve as tangible reminders of company culture after the event.

Charity events and galas

At charity galas, swag bags should align with the cause while promoting your brand. For example, a wildlife conservation fundraiser might include reusable totes, seed packets, or animal-themed accessories. A luxury brand sponsoring the event could add a minimalist keychain or scented candle to their luxury swag bags. Pair items with a heartfelt thank-you note explaining how their use supports the cause. This ties your brand to social responsibility in a meaningful way.

How does your business benefit from swag bags

Quality swag bags blend utility with creativity. They drive brand growth while nurturing meaningful connections — all without breaking the bank.

Brand recall

A well-crafted swag bag is a subtle yet powerful marketing strategy. Every time recipients use your branded items, they remember your business, which turns everyday moments into brand impressions and strengthens your brand identity.

Customer loyalty

A thoughtful gift shows you value your audience. Relevant gift bag items foster trust and deepen relationships with customers. This encourages repeat engagement and long-term loyalty.

Cost-effective marketing

Swag bags spread your brand to potential customers without recurring ad costs. Durable items, like hats or tech accessories, act as mini billboards that deliver a return on investment long after they’re distributed.

Enhanced visibility

At events, a useful swag bag elevates the attendee experience and amplifies your reach. Recipients become ambassadors who share your brand organically in public spaces or on social media.

Perceived value

Premium swag elevates your brand’s image. A sleek pen or stylish wallet signals professionalism, so customers associate your business with quality and attention to detail.

Community engagement

Custom swag fosters connection. Share branded items at local events or charity drives to build goodwill and position your business as a community-centric partner.

Why work with Anthem Branding?

We don’t just pack swag. We craft unforgettable brand experiences. Anthem Branding combines strategic insight with creative excellence to design swag bags that amplify your message and leave a lasting impression.

Here’s why you should let us handle your branding:

• Deep customization: Every detail, from materials to messaging, is tailored to reflect your brand identity and campaign goals.
• Premium brand partnerships: We collaborate with top-tier brands to source high-quality, exclusive items that add real value.
• Limitless scalability: We can handle huge bulk orders while maintaining small-scale quality.
• End-to-end execution: From concept to delivery, we handle everything — sourcing, branding, assembly, and seamless distribution.

Ready to make an impact? Contact Anthem today to create swag bags that get noticed.

Swag bag FAQs

What is the difference between a goodie bag and a swag bag?

While both contain promotional items, a goodie bag is associated with casual, fun giveaways such as party favors, sweets, or small gifts, whereas a swag bag is more strategically designed for branding and marketing purposes.

What should I include in outdoor event swag bags?

Outdoor event swag bags should enhance the event experience while prioritizing functionality. Include useful items such as branded sunscreen or lip balm for sun protection, reusable water bottles to promote hydration, cooling towels or hats for comfort, portable phone chargers to keep devices powered, and customized snacks such as energy bars or trail mix. These items create a memorable experience while keeping your brand visible throughout the event.

What are some good swag bag gift ideas for virtual events?

Virtual event swag bags should focus on items that engage attendees beyond the screen while encouraging participation in future events. E‑gift cards for coffee or food delivery services, branded desk accessories such as notebooks and pens, digital wellness products such as blue light glasses or stress balls, subscription boxes or product samples tailored to your audience, and a wide range of other practical office or tech items are best.