Upgrade Your Swag Game – Shop Employee Favourites Today

Why Your Company Swag Might Be Sitting in Desk Drawers

Awesome company swag is merchandise employees actually want to use—not the basic branded mugs and t-shirts that end up forgotten in desk drawers. Here's what makes swag truly awesome:

Top Categories of Awesome Company Swag:

• Tech essentials: Wireless chargers, blue-light glasses, 3-in-1 cables
• Wellness items: Premium water bottles, fitness gear, aromatherapy diffusers
• Work-from-home upgrades: Bamboo desk accessories, laptop bags, cozy blankets
• Eco-friendly options: Recycled materials, organic cotton, carbon-offset products
• Personalised touches: Custom designs that reflect company values and employee preferences

Company swag has been a corporate tradition for over a hundred years, but employee expectations have evolved far beyond basic branded items. The promotional products industry generated $25.8 billion in 2022, proving that businesses recognise the value of thoughtful merchandise.

Research shows that 92% of employees report feeling more connected to their team when they receive company swag. But here's the catch—most of that swag needs to be something people actually want to use.

The best company swag creates genuine appreciation whilst subtly reinforcing your brand values. It's about finding that sweet spot between practicality and personality, quality and sustainability.

I'm Ben Read, co-founder of Mercha, and I've spent years helping businesses move beyond generic promotional products to create awesome company swag that employees genuinely love. Through our sustainable e-commerce platform, we've seen how the right merchandise can transform company culture and employee engagement.

Why Invest in Swag People Actually Use?

Let's be honest—we've all received that branded pen that stops working after a week or the scratchy t-shirt that becomes a cleaning rag. But when companies invest in awesome company swag that people genuinely want to use, something magical happens.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Research shows that 92% of employees feel more connected to their workplace when they receive quality company merchandise. That's not just a nice-to-have statistic—it's a game-changer for employee engagement and team culture.

The promotional products industry has grown into a massive $25.8 billion market because smart businesses recognise the incredible return on investment. Think about it: every time someone uses your branded water bottle at the gym or carries your company tote to the shops, you're getting free, organic brand visibility that traditional advertising simply can't match.

What makes this approach so powerful is its low-cost, high-impact nature. A thoughtfully chosen piece of swag can work harder for your brand than expensive ad campaigns. It's employer branding in action—subtly communicating your company values whether that's sustainability, innovation, or employee wellness.

Company swag has been a tradition for over 100 years, but today's employees expect more than a logo slapped onto generic items. They want merchandise that reflects their values and actually improves their daily lives. When you nail this balance, you're not just giving away products—you're creating brand ambassadors who feel genuinely proud to represent your company.

The best part? Quality swag helps new hires feel included from day one and keeps remote teams connected even when they're working from different continents. It's that tangible reminder that they're part of something bigger.

Top Employee-Approved Company Swag Ideas That Work

The magic happens when you choose swag that's genuinely practical, beautifully made, and designed with your team's real needs in mind. Think about what would actually make someone's day better—not just what looks good with your logo on it.

The best awesome company swag strikes that perfect balance between usefulness and thoughtfulness. It's about quality over quantity, giving people personal choice when possible, and increasingly, making sustainability a priority.

Awesome Company Swag for the Desk Drawer

Let's start with the workspace essentials that make every day feel a little more organised and polished. These are the items that become part of your team's daily routine.

Eco-friendly notebooks made from bamboo or recycled paper are absolute gold for anyone who loves to jot down ideas, make lists, or sketch out their next big project. There's something satisfying about writing on quality paper that makes even mundane notes feel important.

Bamboo or recycled pens might seem simple, but a smooth-writing pen with subtle branding becomes the one everyone reaches for first. They're the kind of swag that gets borrowed around the office—and hopefully returned!

Stone coasters solve the eternal problem of coffee rings on important documents whilst adding a touch of sophistication to any desk setup. The key is keeping the branding tasteful and classy.

Sticky-note books with custom covers add personality to workspaces whilst being endlessly useful. They're one of those items that disappear quickly because people actually use them.

Awesome Company Swag for Life Outside Work

The best swag travels beyond the office, turning your team into natural brand ambassadors wherever they go. These items need to earn their place in people's everyday lives.

40 oz tumblers have become the must-have accessory for staying hydrated throughout the day. Whether it's iced coffee for the morning commute or water for the gym, these substantial bottles keep drinks at the perfect temperature whilst your logo gets spotted everywhere.

Durable backpacks with thoughtful compartments never go out of style. Choose designs made from recycled fabrics to show your environmental commitment whilst giving your team something they'll genuinely use for years.

Puffer laptop totes combine on-trend aesthetics with practical protection. They're perfect for the hybrid worker who needs to look professional whilst keeping their tech safe.

Bucket hats have made a serious comeback and they're brilliantly practical for outdoor events, summer days, or anyone who's finally taking sun protection seriously.

Picnic or outdoor blankets that roll up neatly are perfect for impromptu park lunches, beach days, or family outings. Your logo gets exposure whilst your team creates memories.

Wellness & Fitness Boosters

Wellness swag sends a clear message that you care about your people as whole humans, not just their productivity. It's also smart business—scientific research shows that regular exercise can boost workplace performance by up to 15%.

Resistance bands are compact enough to fit in any drawer but versatile enough for a full workout. They're perfect for quick stretches between meetings or serious fitness sessions at home.

Branded water bottles encourage healthy hydration habits whilst reducing single-use plastic waste. Choose designs that keep drinks cold for hours and you've got a winner.

Mini massage guns might sound luxurious, but they're incredibly practical for anyone who spends long hours at a desk or stays active. They're compact enough for travel but powerful enough to make a real difference.

Aromatherapy diffusers or air purifiers help create healthier, more pleasant work environments whether your team is in the office or working from home. Fresh air and calming scents can transform any workspace.

Tech & Remote-Work Essentials

Give your team the tools they need to thrive in our increasingly digital world. These are the problem-solvers that make remote and hybrid work actually work.

3-in-1 travel chargers eliminate the frantic cable searches at airports, in cars, or at coffee shops. They're the kind of practical gift that people genuinely appreciate every time they use them.

Wireless earbuds have become essential for video calls, podcasts, or simply creating focus in noisy environments. Quality matters here—cheap earbuds that cut out during important calls reflect poorly on your brand.

Blue-light glasses help protect eyes during those inevitable back-to-back video call marathons. They're stylish enough to wear all day and functional enough to make a real difference.

Portable soundbars or desk plants might seem like small touches, but they can transform any workspace. A little music or greenery goes a long way in creating an environment where people actually want to spend time.

Eco-Friendly Swag That Gives Back

Modern awesome company swag isn't just about looking good—it's about doing good. Eco-friendly choices demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and resonate strongly with today's environmentally conscious workforce.

Recycled trucker caps combine on-trend style with environmental responsibility. Made from recycled plastic, they're sun-smart and sustainability-focused.

Organic cotton totes help your team ditch plastic bags for good. They're always in demand, from grocery shopping to beach trips, and they last for years with proper care.

Fill-it-Forward bottles take sustainability a step further by being trackable—each refill supports global clean water projects through 1% for the Planet initiatives.

Carbon-offset merchandise allows you to choose items where the environmental footprint is balanced through verified programmes. It's swag you can feel genuinely good about giving and receiving.

Featured Mercha Products

Ready to transform your swag programme from ordinary to awesome company swag? Here are three standout products that showcase exactly what makes merchandise memorable—and how simple it can be to get them customised and delivered.

Promo Brands Polychroma A5 Notebook

Bright, bold, and built for everyday use, the Polychroma A5 Notebook is the perfect branded gift for clients, prospects, or your internal team. With vibrant colours and practical features, it’s a crowd-pleaser that keeps your brand front and centre—day after day.

Add your logo and make it truly yours!

Why it Works:

• 80 lined (7mm) pages – ideal for notes, to-do lists, or journaling
• Elastic closure band and ribbon bookmark for convenience
• Premium PU cover with sleek feel
• Lightweight at just 330g – great for on-the-go use
• Generous decoration area to showcase your branding

Product Specs:

• Size: 140mm W x 212mm H
• Material: PU & paper
• Weight: 330g

Branding Options:

• Screen Print – 100mm W x 180mm H (max 2 colours)
• Digital Print – 100mm W x 150mm H

ICON Fily Bottle 750ml

Looking for a premium promotional drink bottle that delivers on style and function? The Icon Fily Bottle 750ml is a standout choice for company giveaways, client gifts, event merch, or team swag. With double-wall stainless steel insulation, it keeps drinks icy cold for hours—perfect for work, travel, or everyday use.

Available in a bold range of colours and finished with a smooth rubber coating, the Fily Bottle looks as good as it performs. Add your logo and turn this high-quality bottle into a walking billboard for your brand.

Why Choose the Fily Bottle?

• 750ml capacity – ideal for staying hydrated on the go
• Double-wall stainless steel keeps drinks cold for longer
• Sleek matte rubber coating for a premium, grippy feel
• Compact and lightweight – fits easily in bags or cup holders
• Eye-catching colour range to suit your brand style
• Custom branding available – make it your own

Product Specifications:

• Material: Double-walled stainless steel with rubber coating
• Capacity: 750ml
• Dimensions: 7.8cm W x 26cm H

'Tech Traveller' Custom Merch Pack

Created mid-flight and designed for those always on the move, the Tech Traveller Custom Merch Pack is the ultimate gift for clients, partners, and team members who live life on the go.

Featuring a premium selection of travel-ready essentials—including the sleek Bellroy Tech Kit, a powerful 5,000mAh Zap Pack Power Bank, and the timeless Moleskine Cahier Notebook—this curated pack delivers functionality, style, and serious brand impact.

Perfect for:

• Corporate travel gifts
• Onboarding packs for remote teams
• VIP client gifting
• Branded merchandise with purpose

What's Included:

• Bellroy Company Branded Tech Kit
• Promo Brands Zap Pack 5,000mAh Power Bank
• Moleskine Cahier A5 Journal Notebook
• Large Custom SWAG Mailer Box – Single-Sided Print

Put your brand in the hands of high-flyers—literally.

Best Practices for Rolling Out Your Swag Programme

The most impressive swag in the world is wasted if it's not well-executed. Rolling out awesome company swag that actually gets used requires a bit of strategy and a lot of heart.

Start by asking your employees what they actually want. Run a quick survey or poll before placing any orders. The best ideas often come straight from your team—they know what they'd use daily versus what would sit in a drawer. You might be surprised by their preferences.

Give people choice wherever possible. When you offer a selection of sizes, colours, or even let staff pick from a catalogue, they're far more likely to use what they receive. Choice creates ownership, and ownership creates genuine appreciation.

Keep your branding tasteful and subtle. Stylish, understated logos get worn more often than huge, bright prints. Think "proud to wear out" not "only in the garden." Your team should feel excited to show off their swag, not embarrassed by it.

Prioritise sustainability in every decision. Use recycled materials, organic fabrics, and offset the carbon impact where possible. Today's employees notice these choices—and genuinely care about working for companies that share their values.

Always choose quality over quantity. A single great hoodie or premium water bottle creates more lasting impact than a box of throwaway trinkets. Your team will remember and appreciate items that last.

Measure your results to prove ROI. Track usage, gather feedback, and check for brand mentions on social media. This helps you demonstrate value to leadership and fine-tune future orders based on what actually works.

Consider your global teams carefully. Choose items that ship easily and work across different climates and cultures. Look for suppliers who handle international delivery and customs smoothly—nobody wants their swag stuck in transit for weeks.

Enjoy fast turnaround times. With Mercha, you can order, customise, and ship in just three easy steps—so no one's waiting months for their swag to arrive.

For more inspiration on what's working for other businesses, check out our most popular collections.

Frequently Asked Questions about Awesome Company Swag

How do I choose swag employees will actually keep?

The secret to awesome company swag that doesn't end up in the bin? Start by asking your team what they'd genuinely use. A quick survey or casual chat can reveal whether your remote workers need better desk accessories, your fitness enthusiasts want wellness gear, or your eco-conscious team prefers sustainable options.

Focus on practical, high-quality items that align with your company values. Think work-from-home essentials like bamboo notebooks and wireless chargers, or lifestyle pieces like premium water bottles and organic cotton totes. The key is choosing items that feel like a thoughtful gift rather than just another branded trinket.

Here's a pro tip: let people choose. Offering colour options, sizes, or even letting staff pick from a small catalogue dramatically increases the chances they'll actually use what you give them. When someone chooses their own navy hoodie over the standard black, they're already more invested in wearing it.

What budget should I set for a new-hire swag pack?

Most companies find their sweet spot between $50 and $150 per employee for onboarding packs, but the magic isn't in the dollar amount—it's in how you spend it. A single high-quality item that someone uses daily is worth more than a box full of forgotten freebies.

Consider focusing on three to five meaningful pieces rather than cramming everything possible into a welcome kit. A premium stainless steel bottle, a sustainable notebook, and a comfortable branded tee can create a lasting impression without breaking the budget. These items work together to make new hires feel valued from day one.

Quality swag delivers far greater ROI than quantity. That $80 spent on a few items someone genuinely loves will generate more brand visibility and employee goodwill than $80 worth of throwaway promotional products.

Can eco-friendly swag still look premium?

Absolutely—and this might be the best-kept secret in corporate merchandise. Modern sustainable swag often looks and feels more sophisticated than traditional promotional products. Think sleek bamboo notebooks with leather-like closures, stainless steel bottles with premium finishes, or organic cotton totes with contemporary designs.

The sustainability aspect actually adds to the premium feel rather than detracting from it. When employees know their water bottle is made from recycled materials or their notebook comes from responsibly sourced bamboo, it creates a sense of pride and alignment with modern values.

Plus, choosing eco-friendly options shows your company cares about both the planet and your people—a message that resonates strongly with today's workforce. It's swag that looks good, feels good, and does good all at once.

Merch That Speaks for Your Brand

Creating awesome company swag shouldn't be complicated. That's why Mercha's three-step online platform makes it effortless to customise high-quality, sustainable merchandise that your team will genuinely love to use.

Whether you're putting together onboarding kits for new hires, choosing eco-friendly drinkware for the office, or creating branded apparel that people actually want to wear outside work, we've got you covered. Our focus on sustainability means you can feel good about every order, whilst our fast turnaround times ensure you're never left waiting when you need swag quickly.

The best part? You don't need to be a design expert or steer complicated ordering processes. Simply browse our most-popular collections, choose your items, upload your logo, and we'll handle the rest. From bamboo notebooks to stainless steel bottles, every product is selected for quality and designed to make your brand look good.

Ready to create awesome company swag that's actually used, proudly displayed, and good for the planet? Let's get started—your team (and the environment) will thank you for it.