5 Tips for Creating Branded Employee Event Swag Your People Will Actually Want

Event swag is practically a workplace ritual at this point—whether it’s an offsite, a company all-hands, or your next employee appreciation day. But here’s the reality: most swag bags are filled with stuff that ends up forgotten, unused, or tossed in the trash.

If you’re investing in branded merchandise, let’s make sure it lands—and lasts. That means skipping the bulk orders of one-size-fits-no-one and opting for pieces your people actually want to keep.

Here are five real-world tips to help you rethink your event swag strategy—and deliver something that’s on-brand, on-mission, and employee-approved.

An eco-conscious curated gift box featuring an 'In Your Honor' card that plants trees

What do your people care about most?

Before you even browse catalogs or pick a color palette, start with this question. The best swag doesn’t just reflect your company—it reflects your values and your people’s passions.

If your team is big on sustainability, choose items made from recycled materials or gifts that help divert waste from landfills. If you’re a Certified B Corp, consider sourcing from fellow B Corps to support ethical production across the board. Want to empower underrepresented communities? Look for goods handcrafted by women artisans or made in support of social enterprises.

At Vibemarketstore, we believe swag can be a vehicle for impact—and your team will notice when it’s more than just a water bottle with a logo.

Recycled waffe-knit beanie customized with the Zoom logo

One thoughtfully chosen item speaks louder than five throwaways.

That $2.5 plastic tumbler might save your budget—but what if it never gets used? When you opt for higher-quality items that are functional, durable, and beautifully designed, you’re showing your team that their experience matters.

Think:

• Premium notebooks with soft-touch covers
• Insulated drinkware made to last
• Sustainably made apparel with a flattering, modern fit

And if you’re creating a swag bag, keep it curated. A small, intentional selection makes a bigger impact than a cluttered assortment.

Google Gift Box featuring a custom water bottle

Branding doesn’t always mean bold logos front and center.

Refer to our guide 'Beyond the Logo: 6 Creative Ways to Brand Your Swag' for inspiration on subtle, elevated branding techniques that your team will actually want to wear or use.

Try custom colors that match your brand palette, incorporate internal language or team mantras, or use minimalist icons that still feel connected to your identity. When your branding feels intentional—not just promotional—your swag becomes something people are proud to show off.

Subaru-branded event swag

Even the best product can fall flat with the wrong branding technique.

If your logo placement feels like an afterthought, or your imprint fades after a few washes, that’s a missed opportunity. The key is to match the product with the right customization method—whether that’s embroidery, screen printing, debossing, or laser etching.

We break it all down in 'A Quick Guide to Custom Swag Decoration Methods', so you can make confident, quality-first decisions that elevate your gifts—not cheapen them.

Snap-branded curated gift box

How your swag is delivered matters just as much as what’s inside.

At an event, consider room drops for attendees or speakers. For in-office moments, have gifts waiting at employee desks—or build a moment around opening them together. The delivery vessel itself can even be part of the gift: a reusable branded tote, a custom-designed gift box, or even a mailer that includes a personalized note.

Thoughtful presentation turns branded merch into a memorable experience—and shows your team it wasn’t just another checkbox.

Let’s make it meaningful. Explore custom branded gifts.