6 Killer Swag Bag Items that Won't Get Thrown Away

One of the best parts about attending events is receiving swag bags because, let's face it, who doesn't love free stuff? However, not all swag bags are made equally, especially if the items aren't useful. With the right items, swag bags are an effective way to market your brand, as well as a thoughtful way to leave a lasting impression on event attendees. The ideas for swag bag gifts are endless, but you'll want to steer away from items that recipients may perceive as cheap because the quality of your swag bag items will ultimately reflect your brand. From a company standpoint, although swag bags can get expensive quickly, they don't necessarily need to break the bank. We'll cover six swag bag items that your attendees will use so that the money you invest into them won't be thrown away.

What is the Purpose of a Swag Bag?

Swag bags are filled with gifts that are handed out to attendees at events such as trade shows, work conferences, fundraisers, seminars, and more. The term, swag, can be thought of as an acronym for, "stuff we all get." These gifts usually have your company's logo branded on each item, making it one of the most practical ways to market your business. Imagine how many people could be exposed to your company if each event attendee carried a tote bag with your logo printed on the front.

What are the Benefits of a Swag Bag?

Ultimately, the primary purpose of swag bags is used for advertising, but there are more benefits than you might think. Here are a few:

• Strengthens client relationships. A great swag bag gift is an easy way to show your clients that you value their business. A thoughtful gift can go a long way.
• Increase booth traffic. Investing in high-quality swag bag items can pique greater interest in your booth at trade shows, which may lead to a higher volume of sales.
• Leaves a good impression. Your swag bag could end up being the talk of the event, which not only leaves a lasting impression on recipients but also gets your company's name on the radar through word of mouth.
• Fundraising. Charities and schools commonly use swag bag items to raise money for their cause and this can be an effective way to encourage people to donate.

In this day and age where virtual events are becoming normalized, you'll want to keep in mind that virtual event attendees still want their swag bags. A surefire way to impress your attendees is to send them some swag ahead of the event.

Six Killer Swag Bag Items

Choosing items to put in your swag bag isn't always easy, so we're going to share our favorite swag bag gift ideas that your attendees will actually want to use.

    1. The Bag Itself

The bag is the first thing that anyone at the event will see, so make sure it's a memorable one. Instead of a plastic bag, consider opting for a jute tote bag, or a high-quality canvas tote bag. There's a cultural shift towards sustainable items, and a great way to incorporate sustainability into your swag bag is to give a reusable bag.

    2. YETI Mugs

Although a branded mug may not be an innovative gift, it's a tried-and-true gift for any attendee. YETI mugs are designed to keep things hotter and cooler for longer than other brands. Moreover, YETI is a reputable company that almost everyone has heard of, so your attendees will surely be impressed with their new mug.

    3. Branded T-shirts

A recent study has found that 85% of individuals remember or recall the advertiser behind a promotional product, particularly a shirt or a hat. So, although a t-shirt may not be the most useful gift, it is one of the most effective gifts to market your company. That being said, if you'd like to increase the chances of your branded shirt being worn by attendees, try getting creative with a vintage-style design that people may want to wear!

    4. Self-care Kit

If the pandemic has taught us anything at all, it's that we all need to invest a little more time in self-care. 69% of Americans planned to do more self-care in 2021 than they did in the previous year. Giving your attendees a branded bag filled with self-care items such as lotion, lip balm, candles, or stress balls is a fantastic way to show them your appreciation. Consider purchasing luxurious brands that most people couldn't justify spending on themselves!

    5. Power Bank

The advancement of technology has led to most people being attached by the hip to their smartphones. Power banks are an extremely useful gift that anyone would be excited to receive. The best part is, you don't need to purchase fancy power banks to impress your guests.

    6. Snacks

Events are often long and although there are usually food options available, it doesn't hurt to throw in some healthy snacks, such as trail mix or a vitamin C drink, to give your guests a much-needed energy booster. For your next event, skip the predictable gifts everyone gives, and opt for higher-quality gifts that your attendees will remember you for.

Final Thoughts

You may feel like investing a lot of money in a swag bag is a waste of time, but if your attendees feel appreciated, your gifts will go a long way in leaving a lasting impression and could attract potential customers. At EMC Meetings & Events, we specialize in events of all sizes and categories and strive to provide an effortless event-planning experience for our customers. Reach out to our team to plan your next event.