Corporate gifts are the talk of the office, and there’s a good reason for that. Giving away pens with your company’s branding on them might have worked in the ’90s, but now? You need custom company gifts that people talk about around the water cooler—maybe even brag about at lunch.
Let’s be honest: corporate swag isn’t only about branding anymore. Nobody wants another mug that just sits around. When your gear is on someone’s “favorites” shelf, that’s when the actual wins happen. Have you ever had a hoodie that was so soft you wore it every weekend? Bingo. Your logo is now out for a walk at the farmer’s market.
Businesses are throwing tradition out the window. The new way of doing things is all about providing people something they can use, which is a little bit clever, we might say. Imagine wireless chargers that look like donuts or water bottles that keep track of how much water you drink each day. It’s all about making others happy, maybe even making them laugh.
To get things right, you have to get rid of generic trinkets. Go a step farther and add some local treats or eco-friendly choices. People recall the cork laptop sleeve that really did protect their computer on the train. That’s smart, right? It’s hardly rocket science, but it does take some creativity. Have you ever seen socks that are the same color as the brand? Meetings at work are now more fun.
Money matters. You need to find a balance between being creative and keeping costs down, like juggling hot torches without burning your eyebrows. Spend a little more on a few high-end items for special occasions, but don’t be afraid to make bulk orders basic. Mixing little, useful things (like cable organizers or screen cleaners) with one big, eye-catching piece is a brilliant approach. Now you’re playing chess in three dimensions.
It’s also important to show employees that you care. Surveys demonstrate that giving people appreciation, especially in the form of great stuff, makes them feel better. A handwritten note put in a box might make you feel connected right away. That’s the holy grail. Don’t cut corners when it comes to packaging; people evaluate a book by its cover (and a brand by its swag).
Let’s talk about being sustainable. People love things that can be used again. These bamboo kitchenware and recycled totes not only look wonderful, but they also show that you care about more than just making money. Say goodbye to disposable stress balls and hello to tote bags that people will really use to carry groceries.
One last thing: timing is everything. Sending out appropriate goods, like sunglasses in the summer and warm beanies in the winter, is preferable than sending out old leftovers all year round. People will remember the work and talk about it if you time it appropriately. If corporate merch is a language, context lends it a voice.
Pay attention to your team. Try out crazy ideas. Keep an eye complimentary track of what works unfortunately works. Your company swag won’t just sit in someone’s drawer for long. It will be a big part of their daily existence and possibly in a lot of their selfies.