4imprint, LLC

5 min read

Nearly half of recipients keep promo products for more than five years—and the number one reason is because the items are useful. Event swag can be transformed from mere memorabilia to must-have items when style and function come together. Here are five fun, cool and useful swag ideas for events (and ways to use them).

Two people sitting across a desk from each other. Several promotional items are pictured.

1. Show team appreciation with useful promos

Research shows 71-79% of Canadians feel like valued members of their team. Whether welcoming new employees or honouring staff anniversaries, you can improve your team’s sense of camaraderie by helping them look the part. Matching heathered adidas® polo shirts give a professional team appearance.

Hosting a corporate retreat or seminar for team members? Greet attendees with an event welcome package that will boost creativity and productivity. A mouse pad, fun desk pen, cute tape dispenser and bottles with push pins or binder clips are perfect accoutrements to adorn workspaces. If you have remote attendees, these items work well as virtual event swag too. Send to participants’ homes or offices ahead of time to drum up excitement for the big day.

Hosting a team-building or appreciation event? Surprise and delight employees by placing a sleek wireless charger or elegant clock at each seat. Or imprint blossom kits with a message of appreciation, and randomly select winners throughout the day to take one home.

2. Embrace offline moments with tangible swag ideas for events

Digital well-being is increasingly pivotal. Taking time away from screens can help boost moods and make people feel more connected to others.

An adult and child tossing a flyer outdoors.

 

Hosting a wellness initiative or retreat for your team? Offer a digital detox kit that encourages people to put down the electronics and rekindle the joy of offline activities. Push-pop toys exploded in popularity after being featured on social media and still resonate with audiences. A push-pop flyer is an excellent giveaway to help participants relax and stay focused.

Help your organization stand out at the next conference you attend by giving away fashionable yet functional hardcover journals and rollerball pens. These classic items are perfect for taking notes during the event and can also be easily mailed as virtual event swag to prep participants for webinars and online seminars.

Promote relaxation with gifts that not only look good, but make users feel good too. Before you part ways with a client at a trade show, offer an attractive Woodwick® candle and super soft blanket. These are perfect ways to create that “I’ve got you” vibe. Or raffle off a gift that never goes out of style—a gift basket that includes everything they need to destress. Include an eye mask, lotion and massage ball.

3. Champion reusable event swag

Canadians care about reducing waste. Ninety-seven percent bring reusable bags to the grocery store, and 85% always or often use their own water bottles.

Person carrying a reusable bag and water bottle while walking in an outdoor market.

 

Follow suit by focusing on reusability at your next event. A stylish glass water bottle paired with a trendy crossbody bag looks good and provides a convenient, reusable way to carry snacks and a drink. Bonus—these items are sure to tote your logo all over town.

Surprise out-of-town event goers by having useful event swag waiting for when they check into their hotel. A large-capacity tumbler is a major crowd pleaser. Plus, it eliminates the need for single-use cups and is sure to come in handy both during their stay and after. And reusable food storage bags are a great way to carry leftovers, travel-size toiletries and more.

4. Elevate travel experiences with promo items

The latest research on domestic business travel reveals Canadians take more than 18 million business trips per year. Make travelling easier with a pack that brings chic convenience to their adventures. A vintage-style luggage tag paired with a packing cube set (influencers made packing cubes famous) is the perfect gift for VIP attendees.

A pair of hands packing items into an open suitcase.

 

Noise-cancelling headphones can transform their journey home into a serene escape. For those long flights or layovers, include a memory foam neck pillow imprinted with a fashionable colour or design—like pastel or tropical. A navy or gray travel blanket blends perfectly with any decor, creating the perfect travel accessory or sofa throw.

5. Encourage adventures with outdoor swag

Spending time in nature is relaxing, refreshing and refueling. In fact, 90% of Canadians agree outdoor time is great for mental and physical health.

Take an outdoor retreat up a notch by gifting a chic cooler backpack to each attendee. Include a stylish striped picnic blanket for spontaneous outdoor dining and rests. Or provide a sophisticated picnic basket for two that recipients can use to enjoy an al fresco meal.

Blend stylish with practical

Join fashion and function with swag ideas for events—recipients will want to hang onto these promo products for years to come. From corporate events to team outings, your brand will make a lasting impression.

 

Trademarks:

adidas is a registered trademark of ADIDAS AG ADI-DASSLER-STRASSE 1 HERZOGENAURACH GERMANY 91074

Woodwick is a registered trademark of Smith Mountain Industries, Inc. 1000 Dillard Drive Forest, VIRGINIA UNITED STATES 24551