70 Cheap Swag Ideas And Promotional Items For Businesses

70 Cheap Swag Ideas And Promotional Items For Businesses

Get creative with 70 low-cost swag ideas and business promotional items. Discover budget-friendly ways to enhance your brand and engage customers.

Tim Kuo

Tim Kuo

Nov 21st 202418 min read

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Corporate swag can take many forms, from expensive promotional items to low-cost giveaways. But when working with a tight budget, can the cheap swag ideas help you achieve your goals without breaking the bank and looking for affordable promotional products and giveaways to amplify your next marketing campaign? You've come to the right place. This article will offer valuable insights and tips to help you navigate the world of inexpensive corporate swag.

One great way to get started is by checking out Giftpack's selection of company branded swag. These customizable products offer a cost-effective solution to help you achieve your objectives, like finding affordable promotional products and giveaways.


What Is Company Swag?

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Swag refers to promotional items or gifts companies distribute to:

• Employees

• Clients

• Prospects

Coined by American advertising executive David Ogilvy in 1946, the term encompasses a variety of items meant to boost brand visibility and foster positive associations.

Swag included practical items like pens and mugs, but trends have shifted towards more thoughtful and desirable products. Companies often choose items that are not only useful but also appealing, such as stylish tote bags and reusable ceramic mugs.

The Popularity and Effectiveness of Promotional Products in U.S. Advertising

54% of U.S. consumers report regularly using promotional products, reflecting their popularity. According to ASI's Ad Impressions Study, promotional products are Americans' preferred form of advertising, highlighting their effectiveness and the growing emphasis on creating high-quality, memorable swag.

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Company Swag IdeasPromotional MarketingConference SwagBest Promotional ProductsEvent Marketing StrategiesGiveaway Ideas For Events


Why Give Your Employees And Customers Company Swag

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Company swag acts like a mini billboard for your brand. Items like mugs or pens with your logo keep your company’s name visible daily, reinforcing brand presence and keeping it at the forefront of people’s minds. Effective swag can help build trust and enhance the brand recall is critical for converting leads into loyal customers.

Build Employee Morale with Thoughtful Swag Gifts

A thoughtful gift from an employer, such as a branded T-shirt or water bottle, boosts employee morale. Swag shows appreciation and makes employees feel valued, fostering a sense of belonging and satisfaction within the team.

Swag Makes Clients Feel Appreciated

Sending swag to clients demonstrates your appreciation for their business. A well-chosen gift can:

• Strengthen relationships

• Show gratitude

• Encourage long-term loyalty

Use Swag As Business Incentives

Swag can be used as a reward system to recognize achievements and milestones. Offering branded items as incentives motivate employees and clients, rewarding them for their efforts and encouraging continued engagement.

Encourage Repeat Business with Useful Swag

When clients receive useful and liked swag, they’re more likely to remember your company and return for future needs. Items like branded notebooks or USB drives plant seeds of goodwill and keep your brand top of mind.

Improve Onboarding with Corporate Swag

New employees appreciate a warm welcome, and company swag helps create a positive first impression. Including thoughtful and enjoyable items in their welcome package can set the tone for their experience and make them feel valued.

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Why Company Swag Doesn't Need To Be Expensive

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Company swag doesn’t have to break the bank to be effective or appreciated. It’s all about creativity and thoughtfulness rather than just throwing money at the problem. Here’s why you can get great company swag without spending a fortune:

The best swag is something practical that people will use. Think about branded:

• Reusable water bottles

• Notepads

• Tote bags

These don’t have to be expensive, but they offer real value to your recipients. A well-chosen practical item can often be more appreciated than a high-priced, flashy gift that ends up gathering dust.

Customization Makes Cheap Swag Ideas Special

Customizing budget-friendly items can make them feel special. Adding your company’s logo to a simple, affordable item can make it a memorable keepsake. It’s less about the cost and more about the thought and effort you put into making it personal and relevant.

Bulk Ordering Cheapens Company Swag

When you order in bulk, you can get significant discounts. This means you can get quality items for less money per piece. It’s a great way to stretch your budget further without compromising on the quality or impact of your swag.

DIY Compan Swag

If you’re up for DIY, you can create unique and cost-effective swag. Customizing items yourself or with a small team can be fun and budget-friendly. Consider simple crafts or assembling kits with thoughtful items that align with your brand.

Quality Over Quantity for Company Swag

Focusing on a few high-quality items rather than a large quantity of cheaper ones can be more impactful. People appreciate well-made items they can use regularly, often resulting in better brand recall and engagement.

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70 Cheap Swag Ideas And Promotional Items For Businesses

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1. Branded Pens

Pens are a universal necessity, and customizing them with your logo makes them a practical promotional tool. Your brand is constantly in view, whether used at the:

• Office

• Home

• During meetings

Pens are cost-effective and have a high perceived value, ensuring that your branding gets plenty of exposure.

2. Custom Notepads

Notepads are essential for jotting down quick notes or reminders. Adding your logo to the top or bottom transforms a simple office supply into a powerful branding tool. They’re perfect for daily use and provide ample space for your logo, keeping your brand in sight.

3. Reusable Water Bottles

With a growing focus on sustainability, reusable water bottles are a great way to promote your brand while being eco-friendly. These bottles are practical for daily hydration, whether at work, the gym, or on the go. Customizing them with your logo promotes your brand and aligns it with environmental responsibility.

4. Logo Stickers

Stickers are versatile and fun, offering a low-cost way to spread your brand. People can stick them on their:

• Laptops

• Water bottles

• Notebooks

• Any surface they choose

They’re easy to distribute and constantly remind you of your brand wherever they go.

5. Keychains

Keychains are small, practical, and always in use. Customizing keychains with your logo ensures that your brand is constantly visible. They’re useful items that help people keep track of their keys while promoting your brand in a subtle yet effective way.

6. Coffee Mugs

Coffee mugs are a classic choice for promotional items. They’re used daily in homes and offices, providing a large surface for your logo. Custom mugs are ideal for coffee or tea drinkers and offer practical use while keeping your brand in front of customers.

7. Tote Bags

Tote bags are a versatile and eco-friendly branding option. They’re perfect for carrying:

• Groceries

• Books

• Daily essentials.

Custom tote bags provide a large area for your logo and are a great way to promote your brand while offering a practical, reusable item.

8. Mouse Pads

Custom mouse pads are ideal for office settings. They provide a comfortable surface for computer mice and a great space for your logo. Every time someone uses their computer, your brand is right before them, making it a subtle yet consistent reminder of your business.

9. Phone Wallets

Phone wallets attach to the back of smartphones and hold cards, making them a practical item for daily use. Customizing them with your logo ensures that your brand is always in view, and they’re handy for people who want to streamline their essentials.

10. USB Drives

USB drives are handy for storing and transferring files. By customizing them with your logo, you provide a useful tech accessory that people will appreciate. USB drives are practical for work or personal use, making them a valuable swag item that keeps your brand top of mind.

11. Magnets

Fridge magnets are a small but effective way to keep your brand visible. They’re easy to distribute and can be placed on any metal surface, like fridges or filing cabinets. Custom magnets offer a subtle yet constant reminder of your brand.

12. Travel Mugs

Travel mugs are perfect for people who are always on the go. They keep beverages hot or cold and are ideal for commutes or travel. Customizing them with your logo ensures your brand travels with people wherever they go.

13. Sunglasses

Custom sunglasses are a fun and practical promotional item. They’re perfect for outdoor events or sunny days and offer a stylish way to showcase your brand. People appreciate useful swag, and sunglasses are a great way to keep your brand visible in a fashionable manner.

14. Lanyards

Lanyards are useful for holding ID badges, keys, or other small items. Custom lanyards keep your brand visible at events or in office settings. They’re practical and ensure that your logo is always on display.

15. Notebooks

Notebooks are great for:

• Meetings

• Personal notes

• Journaling

They offer a good-sized area for your logo and provide a useful tool that people will appreciate. Custom notebooks help keep your brand in sight during daily activities.

16. Portable Chargers

Portable chargers are essential for keeping devices powered up, especially when traveling. Customizing them with your logo makes them a valuable swag item that ensures your brand is visible when people need a charge.

17. Hand Sanitizers

Small and practical hand sanitizers are thoughtful swag items promoting cleanliness. They’re useful in everyday life and constantly remind you of your brand, making them a practical and appreciated promotional item.

18. Stress Balls

Stress balls are a fun and stress-relieving promotional item. They’re great for reducing tension and provide a quirky way to keep your brand visible. People appreciate a useful and entertaining item like a stress ball.

19. Lip Balms

Compact and practical, lip balms are useful personal care items. They’re small, budget-friendly, and keep your brand within reach. Custom lip balms are a thoughtful swag item that people will use regularly.

20. Shopping Bags

Reusable shopping bags are practical and eco-friendly. They offer a large branding area and are used repeatedly, making them a great way to promote your brand. Custom shopping bags are ideal for everyday use and help reduce plastic waste.

21. Coasters

Custom coasters protect surfaces from drink stains and are useful in home and office settings. They offer practical use while keeping your brand visible during meals or coffee breaks. Coasters provide a subtle yet effective way to promote your brand.

22. Mini Flashlights

Mini flashlights are practical promotional items handy for emergencies or low-light situations. They ensure that your brand is visible when people need a light source, making them useful and appreciated swag items.

23. Bookmarks

Ideal for avid readers, custom bookmarks help keep their place in books while promoting your brand. They’re a thoughtful swag item that’s both practical and appreciated by book lovers.

24. Calendars

Custom calendars are useful for staying organized throughout the year. They offer a year-round reminder of your brand and are prominently displayed in offices or homes, ensuring continuous visibility.

25. Button Badges

Button badges are easy to wear and showcase your brand in a fun way. They’re great for events or everyday wear, making them a visible part of people’s attire and helping promote your brand.

26. Face Masks

Custom face masks are practical and on-trend. They promote safety while keeping your brand visible. They’re a relevant swag item today and provide a useful way to showcase your brand.

27. Key Covers

Fun and practical, key covers help keep track of keys and offer a unique way to promote your brand. They add a personal touch to a commonly used item and make your brand visible.

28. Fridge Magnets

Small but effective fridge magnets are a great way to keep your brand visible in a frequently visited spot. They’re practical and provide constant exposure for your brand.

29. Notebook Covers

Notebook covers are stylish and practical. They protect notebooks and add a branded touch. They offer a sophisticated way to promote your brand while keeping notebooks in good condition.

30. Pocket Mirrors

Pocket mirrors are handy for quick checks and a small but useful swag item. They keep your brand in view while providing a practical tool for personal grooming.

31. Phone Stands

Phone stands are great for hands-free viewing and practical for everyday use. They help users keep their phones in view while showcasing your brand in a useful and functional way.

32. Earbuds

Custom earbuds are a tech-friendly swag item that music lovers appreciate. They keep your brand connected to their favorite tunes and provide a useful accessory for daily life.

33. Bottled Water

Custom labels on bottled water offer a refreshing way to promote your brand. They’re ideal for events or daily use, keeping your logo in sight while people stay hydrated.

34. Koozies

Perfect for keeping drinks cool, koozies are a fun and practical swag item for parties or outdoor events. They ensure your brand is visible while people enjoy their beverages.

35. Wall Clocks

Wall clocks are useful and visible in any office or home and provide continuous brand exposure. They’re a practical swag item that keeps your brand front and center in any space.

36. Travel Accessories

Luggage Tags or Passport Holders: Custom luggage tags and passport holders are perfect for frequent travelers. They help keep bags and passports identifiable and secure. By branding these items, your company’s logo travels with your clients wherever they go, making it a functional and stylish promotional tool.

37. Bandanas

Bandanas are versatile and can be worn in various ways—around the neck, wrist, or even as a headband. Customizing them with your logo makes them a fun, practical accessory that can be used daily or during outdoor activities, keeping your brand visible in casual and sporty settings.

38. Umbrellas

Umbrellas are essential during rainy days, making them a practical and appreciated swag item. Customizing umbrellas with your company’s logo ensures that your brand is seen by a wide audience, even on gloomy days, providing a large surface for effective branding.

39. Sweatbands

Ideal for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, custom sweatbands are practical for workouts and sports activities. They help absorb sweat and keep the user comfortable, all while promoting your brand during physical activities.

40. Cooling Towels

Cooling towels are perfect for hot weather and outdoor events. They are designed to provide relief from heat. Customizing these with your logo offers a refreshing and practical swag item that helps people stay cool while keeping your brand in mind.

41. PopSockets

PopSockets enhance the grip and functionality of smartphones. They serve as a stand for hands-free viewing and can be customized with your company’s logo, making them a practical and trendy promotional item that users will appreciate.

42. Hand Warmers

Hand warmers are useful for colder climates. They provide instant warmth during chilly weather. Custom hand warmers are thoughtful swag items that can keep your brand visible while offering comfort in cold conditions.

43. Book Bags

Custom book bags are perfect for students or professionals carrying books, laptops, or other essentials. They’re practical, durable, and offer ample space for your branding, making them useful for daily use.

44. Mouse Cords

Custom mouse cords help keep computer setups organized and prevent tangling. They’re a practical addition to any office and provide a subtle but effective way to showcase your brand.

45. Desk Organizers

Desk organizers help keep workspaces tidy and efficient. Customizing these with your logo offers a useful item that promotes productivity and keeps your brand visible in office settings.

46. Food Containers

Reusable food containers are great for meals and snacks on the go. Custom containers offer practicality and remind you daily of your brand while supporting eco-friendly practices.

47. Reusable Straws

Eco-friendly and trendy, reusable straws reduce waste and are a popular choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Customizing them with your logo provides a practical and sustainable way to promote your brand.

48. Portable Fans

Custom portable fans are ideal for warm weather and outdoor events. They provide a cool breeze and offer a branding opportunity that is appreciated during hot days, helping your brand stay top-of-mind.

49. Cleaning Cloths

Custom cleaning cloths are useful for screens, glasses, and other surfaces. They keep devices clean while prominently displaying your brand, making them a practical and appreciated swag item.

50. Socks

Fun and functional, custom socks are a unique way to showcase your brand. They’re practical for everyday use and can be a quirky, memorable item that keeps your company’s logo visible.

51. Sticky Notes

Custom sticky notes are a practical office item. They’re handy for jotting down quick reminders and are used frequently, ensuring your brand remains visible during daily tasks.

52. Earphone Holders

Custom earphone holders keep cords organized and tangle-free. They’re a practical item for tech enthusiasts and offer a way to keep your brand visible in a tech-savvy environment.

53. Travel Pillows

Comfortable and practical for frequent travelers, custom travel pillows offer support and comfort during journeys. They provide a branding opportunity seen during travel, making them a thoughtful promotional item.

54. Sports Bottles

Durable and reusable, sports bottles are perfect for hydration during workouts or outdoor activities. Customizing them with your logo ensures your brand is visible while people stay hydrated.

55. Puzzles

Custom puzzles are fun and engaging for all ages. They’re a unique swag item that provides a hands-on activity and keeps your brand visible during downtime.

56. Lip Balm Holders

Custom lip balm holders keep lip balm handy and accessible. They’re a practical item for personal care and offer a subtle way to promote your brand.

57. Rulers

Custom rulers are practical for students and professionals. They're useful for measuring and drawing and are functional items that keep your brand visible in educational and office settings.

58. Personalized T-Shirts

Great for team building or casual wear, custom t-shirts showcase your brand in a stylish and wearable way. They’re perfect for events or everyday use and provide a prominent branding opportunity.

59. Notepad Sets

Combining notepads and sticky notes, custom notepad sets offer a versatile and practical swag item. They’re helpful for note-taking and keeping your brand visible in office or home environments.

60. Hand Creams

Custom hand creams are thoughtful swag items that provide daily hand care. They’re practical and help keep your brand visible in personal care routines.

61. Mini Calendars

Small but practical mini calendars help people stay organized while keeping your brand visible throughout the year. They offer a useful way to promote your brand daily.

62. Sunglass Holders

Custom sunglass holders keep sunglasses safe and prevent scratches. They’re a practical item that’s especially useful during sunny weather and provides a branding opportunity.

63. Hot/Cold Packs

Custom hot/cold packs are useful for first aid or comfort and offer relief from injuries or discomfort. They’re a practical swag item that keeps your brand visible while providing a helpful solution.

64. Craft Kits

Fun and engaging, custom craft kits offer a creative activity for all ages. They’re a unique swag item that promotes your brand through hands-on interaction and creativity.

65. Mini Tool Kits

For small repairs, custom mini tool kits provide practical solutions for everyday fixes. They’re useful items that ensure your brand is visible when people need to make minor repairs.

66. Reusable Utensils

Eco-friendly and practical, custom reusable utensils are great for meals on the go. They promote sustainability while providing a practical way to showcase your brand.

67. Bags of Candy

Sweet and memorable custom candy bags offer a fun and tasty way to promote your brand. They’re a delightful swag item that leaves a positive impression and provides a treat.

68. Selfie Sticks

Custom selfie sticks are fun for social media enthusiasts and help people capture great photos. They offer a modern, interactive way to showcase your brand and engage with users.

69. Portable Notebooks

Easy to carry and use, custom portable notebooks are practical for note-taking. They provide a useful tool that keeps your brand visible in various settings.

70. Custom Magnifying Glasses

Custom magnifying glasses are useful for reading or examining details. They offer a practical tool with a unique branding opportunity. They’re a distinctive swag item that provides functionality and visibility for your brand.

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Choosing The Best Company Swag Ideas

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Relevance: Match Your Swag to Their Interests

Choosing cheap swag ideas isn’t only about finding the right price. You’ll also want to consider relevance. Tailor your swag selection to your audience’s interests and preferences. Consider their demographics, lifestyle, and needs to ensure your swag resonates with them and adds value to their lives.

Functionality: Pick Useful Items

Another way to ensure your swag is a hit is to pick functional items. Opt for practical items that offer utility and convenience, whether it’s a:

• Versatile gadget

• Useful tool

• Stylish accessory

Prioritize functionality to ensure your swag becomes a go-to essential for recipients.

Creativity: Think Outside the Box

When choosing company swag, it’s also essential to think outside the box. Get creative with unique designs, bold colors, and innovative customization options to make your swag stand out and leave a memorable impression.

Sustainability: Go Green with Your Swag

Today’s consumers care about sustainability and eco-friendliness. Demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility by selecting eco-friendly swag options:

• Sustainable materials

• Recyclable packaging

• Products

with minimal environmental impact to align with your company’s values and contribute to a greener future.

Vendors: Find the Right Swag Supplier

Once you’ve determined how much you can spend and the rough amount of swag you’ll need, it’s time to start thinking about vendors. There are countless options for swag vendors, all offering different products at different price points and quality levels.

With countless options on the market, Giftpack makes handling company swag super easy and practical. Utilizing our custom AI algorithm, we create highly customized scenario swag box options for you.

Global Reach and Ease of Customization with Our Promotional Product Platform

We deliver globally and have an extremely user-friendly platform. We curate the most fitting gifts from a vast catalog of over 3.5 million products worldwide (which is ever-increasing). This way, you don’t have to worry about:

• Vendors

• Customization

• Logistics

• Choosing meaningful gifts

To the recipient, whether a customer or an employee.

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Build A Meaningful Employee Recognition Program With Ease with Giftpack's Client Gifting Service

Giftpack is an innovative platform that simplifies the corporate gifting process while maximizing the impact of each gift. With a custom AI algorithm, Giftpack creates highly customized scenario swag box options for clients worldwide. This ensures that each gift is tailored to the recipient's preferences, social media activity, and digital footprint.

Giftpack offers a vast catalog of over 3.5 million products, enabling personalized gifting on a large scale. Through global delivery and an easy-to-use platform, Giftpack facilitates meaningful connections across the globe.

Global Delivery and User-Friendly Platform

One key feature that sets Giftpack apart is our ability to offer global delivery, ensuring they can receive a personalized gift from your company no matter where your recipients may be. Our platform is designed to be highly user-friendly, making the gifting process seamless and efficient for our clients. Giftpack has you covered if you're gifting an:

• Employee

• Customer

• VIP client

• Friend

• Family member

Personalized Gifting at Scale

With a vast selection of gifts sourced locally and globally, Giftpack makes personalized gifting accessible and achievable on a large scale.

Our goal is to deliver meaningful connections across the globe, ensuring that each gift has a lasting impact on the recipient. By leveraging data-driven insights and a diverse product catalog, we make it easy for companies to show their appreciation meaningfully and personally.

Try Giftpack's Client Gifting Service for Free Today

To take your corporate gifting strategy to the next level, consider trying Giftpack's client gifting service for free today. Our unique approach to personalized gifting is designed to help you strengthen relationships with your:

• Employees

• Customers

• Clients

See the difference it can make for your business. Try Giftpack's client gifting service for free today.

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Make your gifting efficient and improve employee attrition rates with Giftpack AI

Visit our product page to unlock the power of personalized employee appreciation gifts.

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Tim Kuo

Tim Kuo

Nov 21st 202418 min read

About Giftpack

Giftpack's AI-powered solution simplifies the corporate gifting process and amplifies the impact of personalized gifts. We're crafting memorable touchpoints by sending personalized gifts selected out of a curated pool of 3 million options with just one click. Our AI technology efficiently analyzes each recipient's social media, cultural background, and digital footprint to customize gift options at scale. We take care of generating, ordering, and shipping gifts worldwide. We're transforming the way people build authentic business relationships by sending smarter gifts faster with gifting CRM.

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