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February 13, 2025

30 Best Swag Ideas For Events

The best corporate events leave a lasting impression, and nothing helps attendees remember the experience quite like well-thought-out swag. Whether you're hosting a conference, trade show, or company retreat, the right giveaways not only reinforce your brand but also add a touch of creativity and practicality.

Ready to create unforgettable swag ideas for events that will elevate your brand? Get inspired with our list of 30 favorite products. Whether you’re looking for a professional aesthetic or one that has a little more flare, there’s something for every taste, style, and budget! Then, reach out to your Gemnote rep to see how you can create your own best swag for conferences. They can even help you with all of your packaging needs as well!

Your Corporate Event Has A Professional Aesthetic

When your event leans toward sleek, polished, and refined branding, these swag ideas exude professionalism while remaining useful, stylish, and memorable. 

1. Coin Pouch 

Looking for the best giveaways for events? A compact and stylish coin pouch is ideal for storing loose change, earbuds, or small essentials. Plus, it’s great for personalizing! 

Photo courtesy of OnlyNY; Shown: Only NY x Manhattan Portage Coin Pouch

2. Custom Tumblers

Insulated tumblers keep beverages hot or cold for hours, making them a practical and sophisticated swag item that attendees will use long after your event ends. Check out our LookBook to see buzz-worthy drinkware including Stanley,  perfect for customizing. 

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters; Shown: Stanley IceFlow 22 oz Flip Straw Tumbler

3. Custom Dad Hat 

A timeless and versatile accessory, custom dad hats bring a casual yet professional edge to your event branding. They’re perfect for everyday wear and powerful brand exposure.

Photo courtesy of Mad Happy; Shown: Classic Dad Hat

4. Custom Permanent Marker 

For inexpensive swag items for events, permanent markers have staying power! Plus, your recipients can use them for name tags at the event. 

Photo courtesy of Aimé Leon Dore; Shown: Custom Aimé Leon Dore Sharpies

5. Reusable Tote Bags

Eco-friendly and stylish, a custom-branded tote bag makes the list of best conference gifts and is a staple at many professional events. Plus, attendees will appreciate the practicality during and after the event. 

Photo courtesy of Bon Appetit; Shown: The Tinned Fish Tote

6. Corporate Stickers

Branded stickers add personality to laptops, notebooks, and water bottles. They’re an easy way to spread brand awareness while adding a fun, customizable element to your event. Plus, these conference swag ideas won’t break your budget. 

Photo courtesy of Only NY and A24 Films; Shown: Custom Stickers 

7. Enamel Pin 

A small but stylish accessory, enamel pins offer a subtle yet fashionable way for attendees to represent your brand.

Shown: Poketo Enamel Pin

8. Custom Enamel Keychain 

Keychains are timeless swag items, and a well-designed enamel version adds a sleek, polished touch that aligns with your professional branding.

Photo courtesy of A24 Films and the Land of Salt; Shown:  MW® Perfectly Safe Keychain and Embrace The Journey Enamel Keychain

9. ‍Custom Washbag 

A quality washbag is both practical and fun, making it a great swag item for corporate travelers and event attendees alike.

Shown: Custom Accessory Bag 

10. Duffel 

Spacious and functional, duffel bags are ideal for professionals on the go. For best swag for conferences that attendees will use frequently, they’re perfect for branding and come in a variety of styles. 

Photo courtesy of A24 Films; Shown: Online Ceramics x X Pearl Duffel

11. Personalized Pouches‍

Perfect for holding office supplies, makeup, or travel essentials, personalized pouches are another practical idea and make some of the best giveaways for events. 

Photo courtesy of Aimé Leon Dore and Anthropologie; Shown: Crest Contrast Stationary Pouch and Canvas Pencil Pouch

12. Custom Duck Bag 

Forget boring. A structured and durable alternative to traditional totes, duck bags are stylish and ideal for carrying documents, laptops, or daily essentials.

Photo courtesy of Are.na and Baggu; Shown: Baggu Duck Bags

13. Classic Camp Mug 

A must-have for coffee lovers, a custom-branded camp mug adds a rugged yet professional touch to your swag lineup.

Photo courtesy of REI Co-op Graphic Camp Mug, Parks Project, and Only New York; Shown: Custom Camp Mugs

14. Custom Logo Tee 

A well-designed logo tee is always a crowd-pleaser, offering a comfortable and stylish way to represent your brand.

Photo courtesy of Mad Happy; Shown: Winter Outdoors Tee 

15. ‍Custom Socks

Soft, cozy, and perfect for everyday wear, custom socks add a fun yet sophisticated element to your swag collection.

Photo courtesy of A24 Films; Shown: A24 Films Grey Sport Socks

Your Corporate Event Has A Creative Aesthetic

For events that embrace bold ideas, artistic expression, and unconventional branding, the swag should reflect that creativity. These unique items stand out and ensure attendees remember your event.

16. Wide Mouth Bottle

Perfect for staying hydrated, wide-mouth bottles accommodate ice cubes and easy sipping, making them a stylish and functional giveaway. Plus, they’re considered the best event swag since they will help reduce your plastic waste as well. 

Photo courtesy of The New Yorker; Shown: Cari Vander Yacht’s Dept. of Hydration Water Bottle by The New Yorker

17. Custom Tote Bags

A blank canvas for bold graphics and creative branding, custom totes are both eco-friendly and a statement piece.

Photo Courtesy of Viva La Bonita And Urban Outfitters; Shown: Bonita Dice Canvas Tote Bag And Parks Project Catskills Tote Bag

18. Bucket Hat 

When it comes to swag items for events, bucket hats add a playful and fashion-forward element that’s ideal for boasting your brand. Plus, with so many ways to customize, it’s no wonder hardware remains one of the best conference gifts for corporate events. 

Shown: Baggu Bucket Hat

19. Custom Match Box 

A unique and unexpected giveaway, branded matchboxes make for a creative keepsake that attendees will appreciate.

Shown: Ritual Matches

20.  Custom Duffels 

Designed for those with an on-the-go lifestyle, custom duffels merge practicality with eye-catching aesthetics.

Photo courtesy of Bournestar™ and Alo; Shown: Large Custom Duffels

21.  Custom Floaty Pens

These nostalgic and interactive pens add a touch of whimsy to any swag bag, making them a conversation starter.

Photo courtesy of Modern Artifacts Act (black) and Less Bitter More Glitter (pink); Shown: Kapow Black Pens and Pink Floaty Pen Noodle

22. Custom Stickers

Bright, creative, and expressive, custom stickers make for inexpensive conference swag ideas that allow attendees to showcase your brand in a playful way.

Photo courtesy of Behance; Shown: Custom Food Packaging and Stickers

23. Custom Accessories

From scrunchies to wristbands and everything in between, these small branded accessories add flair and function to any attendee swag bag. 

Photo courtesy of Glossier; Shown: Scrunchie Duo

24. Custom Cup 

A creatively designed custom cup is both practical and a fun way to keep your brand in attendees’ hands. Plus it allows recipients to refill their drink without the need for one-and-done plastic bottles. 

Photo courtesy of Behance and Under Consideration; Shown: Custom Design Cup Ideas

25. Fanny Pack

Functional, trendy, and highly portable, custom fanny packs offer a stylish way to keep essentials close during conferences and can be used on repeat after your event is through. 

Photo Courtesy of Urban Outfitters (cooler) and Why I Love Where I Live (hip pack); Shown: Igloo Fanny Pack Cooler and Adventure Fanny Pack

26. Soft Coolers 

Ideal for outdoor or summer events, soft coolers offer a creative way to promote your brand while keeping drinks chilled.

Baggu Puffy Cooler Bag and Bagmasters Custom Large Even Cooler Bag in Red

27. Custom Keychain‍

A small but impactful giveaway, custom keychains can showcase your brand’s creativity while being useful at any time.

  

Custom Hotel Keychain

28. Enamel Pins 

With endless customization options, enamel pins are perfect for showcasing quirky and artistic event branding. Plus, they are fun to add to pouches, backpacks, apparel, and more! Your Gemnote rep can also help with creative packaging ideas as well!

Photo courtesy of  Urban Outfitter (Zodiac) and World Market (plants); Shown: Enamel Zodiac Pin and Plant-Powered Enamel Pins 3 Pack

29. Branded Bottles

Considered the best swag for conferences, sleek and stylish travel bottles are easy to brand and offer longevity. Perfect for companies looking for sustainable swag ideas for events. 

Photo courtesy of Francescas; Shown Magical and Loved Tumblers

30. Custom Logo tee 

A must-have for any event, a uniquely designed logo tee is a wearable keepsake that attendees will love. Plus, they offer mega space and endless ideas to show off your creative branding. 

Photo courtesy of A24 Films and Only New York; Shown: Embroidered Logo Party Tee and Traveler Tee

The right event swag goes beyond simple giveaways—it reinforces your brand identity and enhances the attendee experience. Whether your event has a polished professional aesthetic or a bold, creative vibe, these 30 swag ideas offer inspiration to help you select the perfect items. Make your next event one to remember by choosing swag that resonates with your audience and aligns with your brand’s image.

Check out our Lookbook for more brands, products, and ideas, or reach out to the experts at Gemnote to see how you can get a curated collection of items to match your brand and budget. From design and production to storage and worldwide shipping, they offer end-to-end branded solutions to create lasting impressions for your brand in the real world, no matter your audience or scope. 

Start creating magical merch today.