14 Company Swag Ideas Your Employees Will Love

Find the perfect branded company merchandise to show appreciation, boost employee engagement, and promote your company's values.

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In today's competitive business environment, fostering a positive company culture is crucial for employee satisfaction and brand loyalty. One effective strategy to achieve this is through thoughtful company swag. These items not only serve as tokens of appreciation but also help build a sense of belonging among employees. 

Here, we present a comprehensive guide to 15 innovative company swag ideas that your employees will love and actually use, inspired by top-ranking articles in the industry.

Why Company Swag Matters

Company swag is more than just freebies; it's a strategic investment in your brand's visibility and employee satisfaction. Effective swag serves multiple purposes:

  • Strengthens company culture by creating a sense of belonging and team unity.
  • Increases brand visibility when employees use branded items in public.
  • Shows appreciation for employee contributions in a tangible way.
  • Creates positive associations with your company among both staff and potential recruits.

The key to successful swag is selecting items that employees will actually use rather than toss in a drawer or donate.

1. Eco-Friendly Tote Bags

Sustainability is a growing concern, and eco-friendly tote bags are a perfect way to align your brand with environmentally conscious values. These reusable bags are practical for everyday use and serve as a constant reminder of your company’s commitment to the planet.

2. Custom Water Bottles

Hydration is key to productivity, and custom water bottles are a great way to encourage this healthy habit. Opt for high-quality, BPA-free bottles that employees can use at work, the gym, or on the go. Personalize them with your company logo for added brand visibility.

3. Branded Apparel

From cozy hoodies to stylish t-shirts, branded apparel is a classic swag item that never goes out of style. Choose comfortable, high-quality materials that employees will be proud to wear both in and out of the office. This not only boosts team spirit but also turns your employees into walking brand ambassadors.

4. Tech Gadgets

In our digital age, tech gadgets are always a hit. Consider items like wireless chargers, Bluetooth speakers, or portable power banks. These practical gifts are sure to be appreciated and used frequently, keeping your brand top of mind.

5. Desk Plants

Bring a touch of nature into the workplace with desk plants. Not only do they enhance the aesthetic of any workspace, but they also improve air quality and boost mood. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or air plants for easy care.

6. Customized Notebooks

Encourage creativity and organization with customized notebooks. Whether for jotting down ideas or keeping track of tasks, a personalized notebook is a useful tool for any employee. Add your company logo and a motivational quote for a personal touch.

7. Gourmet Snack Boxes

Who doesn’t love a tasty treat? Gourmet snack boxes filled with healthy and delicious options are a great way to show appreciation. Consider partnering with local vendors to offer unique, high-quality snacks that employees can enjoy during their breaks.

8. Quality Backpacks

A durable, stylish backpack is a practical gift that employees can use for work, travel, or leisure. Look for options with multiple compartments and ergonomic designs to ensure comfort and functionality.

9. Personalized Mugs

A personalized mug is a simple yet effective way to make employees feel valued. Whether they’re coffee enthusiasts or tea lovers, a custom mug with their name or a fun design will brighten their day.

10. Fitness Gear

Promote a healthy lifestyle with fitness gear like yoga mats, resistance bands, or branded gym bags. These items encourage employees to stay active and prioritize their well-being, reflecting positively on your company’s culture.

11. Virtual Event Kits

With remote work becoming more prevalent, virtual event kits are a thoughtful way to engage employees. Include items like branded headphones, snacks, and a fun game or activity to make virtual meetings more enjoyable.

12. Travel Accessories

For employees who travel frequently, consider travel accessories like luggage tags, travel pillows, or passport holders. These items are not only practical but also show that you care about their comfort and convenience.

13. Home Office Essentials

As remote work continues to be a norm, home office essentials like ergonomic mouse pads, desk organizers, or webcam covers are highly appreciated. These items help create a productive and comfortable work-from-home environment.

14. Subscription Services

Offer a subscription service as a unique and ongoing gift. Whether it’s a monthly coffee delivery, a streaming service, or an online learning platform, subscriptions provide continuous value and enjoyment.

Brand It

Investing in company swag is more than just giving gifts; it’s about building a strong company culture and enhancing employee satisfaction. By choosing thoughtful, high-quality items that align with your brand values, you can create a positive and lasting impression on your team. Remember, the best swag is not only useful but also meaningful, reflecting your company’s commitment to its employees and the environment.

FAQs

What Makes a Good Company Swag Item?

A good company swag item is practical, high-quality, and aligns with your brand values. Employees appreciate items they can use regularly, such as eco-friendly products, personalized gifts, or tech gadgets. The best swag creates a positive brand experience and fosters a sense of connection with the company.

How Can Company Swag Improve Employee Engagement?

Company swag can boost employee engagement by making employees feel valued and connected to the company culture. Personalized swag reinforces appreciation, strengthens team identity, and encourages brand advocacy. It also creates a sense of belonging, especially in hybrid or remote work environments.

What Are Some Budget-Friendly Company Swag Ideas?

Affordable swag options include branded stickers, reusable water bottles, digital gift cards, and customized notebooks. Bulk ordering and choosing items with high perceived value—like wellness kits or virtual team-building gifts—can help maximize impact without overspending.

How Can I Make My Company Swag More Sustainable?

To make company swag more sustainable, choose eco-friendly materials like bamboo, recycled fabric, or biodegradable packaging. Offer digital swag, such as e-books or online subscriptions, to reduce waste. Partnering with sustainable brands ensures that your company’s values align with environmentally conscious initiatives.

Browse our Free Employee Recognition Guide

Get the foundational knowledge on creating an employee recognition program that boosts employee engagement and helps them feel valued.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Assembly SOC 2 compliant?

Yes, at Assembly, security is a top priority. Each quarter, we have ongoing security work that is everyone’s responsibility. While we maintain a strong security posture, it was important for us to prove to our customers that we do everything we claim to do. This led us to pursue a SOC 2 Type II report that would provide evidence of our compliance with industry gold-standard security practice.

What's the ROI for employee recognition?

There is study after study showing that employee recognition leads to increased engagement. This in return creates an environment where employees are happier and more motivated which increase productivity and reduces voluntary turnover significantly. In order to filled critical roles, companies tend to spend nearly twice the value of an annual salary. Assembly is an investment in your employees that supports your bottom line.

Does Assembly offer longer-term contracts?

Yes, we will offer contracts for companies with longer-term agreements to help larger customers have more certainty around future costs.

The minimum agreement term is a 12-month subscription.

Does Assembly offer onboarding support?

We do and for FREE! Any new customer needing further support to get started with Assembly to ensure you're set up for success can request custom onboarding support. Improving your employee experience is about much more than just using our amazing software; it’s about transforming your business to create a workplace that people love. That’s much easier to do with the personal support and advice from our passionate people experts.

How much do rewards cost?

At the time of redemption (when your employees exchange their points for a paid reward) you'll pay face value. If a reward is a $10 Amazon gift card, your cost will be $10. All paid rewards are billed for on a monthly basis.

The good news is that you don't have to pay for rewards upfront because we only charge you when points are redeemed, not when they're earned.

Does Assembly offer discounts?

We offer discounts or educational or charitable organizations. In order to secure a discount, you'll first need to book a demo with a customer support specialist.

For all other organizations, we are willing to consider longer-term agreements in exchange for discounts. To set up annual plans or longer, you will need to book a demo with a customer support specialist.

How do I cancel my plan if needed?

If you're on a month to month plan, you can go here and cancel anytime. If you're having concerns or need help setting up your account for success, you can always book a demo with a customer support specialist.

If you're on a longer-term custom plan, you'll need to reach out to your customer support specialist to cancel your account or email us at support@joinassembly.com.

What customizations are available?

Great question! You can customize your core values to match your organization's to boost and track alignment. You can change your currency from the 🏆 emoji (our default) to any emoji of your choice. You can swap our logo for your own. You can also set up company culture rewards such as, "Lunch with the CEO," "Buy a book on us," and so much more!

Who can give or receive recognition?

While we recommend a peer to peer set up where anyone in your organization can give or receive recognition, you can set up Assembly however you want. If you need to limit the people who can give or receive recognition, that's perfectly fine and can be done from your Admin, here.

What integrations are available?

Assembly connects to the tools your employees use every day to offer an easy, seamless experience with minimal change management.  

Assembly has integrations with HCM/HRIS systems like ADP, Google, Office 365, and Slack. We also integrate with communication tools like Slack and Teams so you and your employees can access Assembly wherever they work now.

What's your average adoption rate?

That depends on the company's permissions set up. That said, over 90% of the employees on Assembly's platform are recognized on a monthly basis. That means nearly every employee across all of our customers are receiving regular recognition from their peers, managers, or leadership. We're extremely proud of this.

Must rewards be set up to use Assembly?

They are not required. You can use Assembly without having rewards set up. However, we don't recommend it if you intend to have a high adoption and usage rate. You can always keep the costs down by offering internal culture rewards that are fulfilled by you internally.

Are points required to use Assembly?

No, you can remove allowances from anyone or everyone. It's up to you but we do recommend using points whether they're worth a real dollar value or not. Companies that use points have a much higher engagement rate even if those points don't exchange for real dollars.

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