Employee Swag Kits: What to include in 2025
In today’s fast-paced business world, it’s more important than ever to create an environment that fosters team spirit, loyalty, and motivation. One highly effective way to do this is through employee swag kits.
These curated packages are filled with branded and personalized items that not only make employees feel valued but also serve as powerful tools for reinforcing your company’s brand identity.
In this article, we’ll delve into why employee swag kits matter, what to include in them, and how to create unique, memorable kits that will leave a lasting impact on your team.
Why Employee Swag Kits Matter
1. Boost Employee Morale and Engagement
Swag kits are an excellent way to show appreciation to your employees, whether they’re new hires, long-term team members, or remote workers. These gifts help create a sense of belonging, which in turn boosts morale. Studies show that when employees feel valued, they are more engaged, productive, and motivated to contribute to the success of the company.
2. Reinforce Company Culture
Employee swag kits can also help reinforce company culture. Branded items like t-shirts, notebooks, and tech accessories remind employees of their role in the organization’s mission. The inclusion of the company logo or tagline on these items subtly reinforces the brand’s identity and culture every time employees use or wear them.
3. Promote Brand Awareness
Branded merchandise doesn’t just stay in the office. When employees wear company-branded apparel or use branded accessories, they become ambassadors for your brand. Whether it’s a custom hoodie, a reusable water bottle, or a laptop sleeve, these items can help spread your brand message wherever your employees go, contributing to organic brand awareness.
What to Include in an Employee Swag Kit
To create an effective swag kit, you need to strike a balance between practicality, personalization, and fun.
Here are some of the best items to consider:
1. Branded Apparel
Apparel is one of the most common and appreciated swag items. Custom t-shirts, hoodies, or even caps with your company logo offer comfort and are practical for both in-office and remote employees. Make sure to select high-quality, durable materials to ensure that your employees will wear them regularly and proudly represent your brand.
2. Reusable Water Bottles
Incorporating eco-friendly items in your swag kit, such as reusable water bottles, sends a positive message about your company’s commitment to sustainability. Reusable drinkware is highly functional, and branding it with your company’s logo or slogan adds a personal touch while promoting environmental consciousness.
3. Tech Accessories
Employees rely heavily on technology, so including tech accessories like wireless chargers, USB drives, or Bluetooth earbuds is always a hit. These items are both practical and appreciated, helping employees stay productive and organized. Including branded tech accessories in the kit allows your company to stay top-of-mind every time they’re used.
4. Stationery and Office Supplies
High-quality notebooks, pens, and desk organizers are classic additions to any swag kit. These office essentials are practical and can be customized with your company’s branding.
5. Comfort Items for Remote Workers
With the rise of remote work, it’s a great idea to include items that support employees working from home. Consider adding cozy blankets, branded coffee mugs, or even desk plants to help create a more comfortable and inviting home office. These thoughtful items not only boost comfort but also enhance the work-from-home experience.
6. Snack Packs
Who doesn’t appreciate a good snack? Including healthy snack packs or gourmet treats in your swag kit can make the experience even more delightful. This is an especially welcome addition during onboarding or team celebrations, providing employees with energy boosts during their workday.
7. Tote Bags and Backpacks
Branded tote bags or backpacks are a great way to package your swag kit. These bags are functional for everyday use, whether employees are commuting to the office, traveling for work, or simply running errands. Opt for sturdy materials and design options that align with your company’s branding for maximum impact.
8. Wellness Products
Including items that promote well-being is another way to show that your company cares about its employees’ health. Think about adding fitness bands, essential oils, or yoga towels to your swag bundle. Wellness-focused products help encourage a healthy work-life balance, contributing to overall employee satisfaction.
Tips for Designing Unique Employee Swag Kits
Creating an impactful swag kit requires more than just throwing together a few branded items.
Here are some tips to ensure your employee swag kits are thoughtful, unique, and memorable.
1. Personalization is Key
Personalization adds a special touch to any swag kit. Consider adding employees’ names to their swag items, or including a personalized welcome note. Small touches like this show that you’ve put thought into the kit, making it feel less like a generic gift and more like a meaningful gesture.
2. Make It Eco-Friendly
Sustainability is increasingly important to today’s workforce, so it’s wise to include eco-friendly items in your swag kits. Consider using recycled materials for packaging or selecting reusable items like bamboo utensils or stainless steel straws. Not only will this resonate with eco-conscious employees, but it also sends a positive message about your company’s values.
3. Align with Your Company’s Culture
When curating items for your swag kit, ensure they align with your company’s culture and values. For example, if your company emphasizes fitness and wellness, include gym bags, fitness trackers, or yoga mats. If your company promotes creativity and innovation, consider including sketchpads or digital tools that foster creative thinking.
4. Focus on Quality
It’s tempting to cut costs by choosing inexpensive swag items, but quality should never be sacrificed. High-quality items, such as premium water bottles, durable tech accessories, or stylish apparel, not only last longer but also reflect well on your company. Investing in quality swag sends a message that your company values its employees.
5. Consider a Themed Approach
If you want to make your swag kits more exciting, consider creating themed packages. For instance, a work-from-home kit could include cozy socks, a wireless charging pad, and a branded mug. A wellness kit might include a fitness tracker, healthy snacks, and a desk plant. Themes can make the kits feel more cohesive and thoughtful.
Best Occasions to Distribute Employee Swag Kits
Swag kits aren’t just for onboarding new hires—they’re versatile and can be distributed during various occasions throughout the year. Here are some prime opportunities to give out employee swag kits:
- New Employee Onboarding: Welcome new hires with a swag kit to make them feel part of the team from day one.
- Work Anniversaries: Celebrate employee milestones with personalized swag kits that recognize their contributions.
- Holiday Gifts: Spread festive cheer by distributing special holiday-themed swag kits.
- Team Building Events: Reinforce team spirit and unity by offering swag kits during company retreats or virtual team-building activities.
Employee swag kits are more than just a collection of branded items
—they are powerful tools for boosting employee morale, reinforcing company culture, and promoting brand awareness. By thoughtfully curating practical, personalized, and high-quality items, you can create swag kits that leave a lasting impression on your team and contribute to a positive work environment.
Contact us to discuss and build your employee swag kits!
