Creating the Perfect Trade Show Swag Bag

Trade shows, 5K runs, movie premieres, fundraisers, award ceremonies, and many other events are all perfect occasions to give away swag bags filled with small gifts. The swag bag is a marketing tool that can leave a lasting impression on your audience. The key to creating the perfect swag bag is to offer a ton of freebies and branded items that are lightweight, trendy, and relevant to your audience.

What is a Swag Bag?

A swag bag is a bag that’s filled with small gifts and handed out for free at events. The bags are either passed out as a “welcome” to the attendees at the beginning of the event or they are carried home at the end as favors. Swag bags come in all shapes and sizes from plastic bags to tote bags, baskets, bowls, and even crates! The point is to offer a ton of freebies and branded items at one time!

Why Give Out Swag Bags?

Everyone loves receiving free gifts! The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) found that 85% of people remember the advertiser when they receive their promotional products. Swag bags are an excellent way to increase brand recognition and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

What Goes in a Swag Bag?

When it comes to putting together the perfect swag bag, the key is to balance cost-effectiveness with creativity. You want to provide your attendees with items that are useful, relevant, and trendy, but you also need to keep your budget in mind. Here are some great promotional giveaway items that you can include in your swag bags:

• Pens – Pens are one of the most popular and affordable items to include in a swag bag. They’re useful and they’re something that people will hold onto, which means that your brand will be remembered long after the event.
• Hand Sanitizer – In today’s world, hand sanitizer is a must-have item. By including branded hand sanitizer in your swag bag, you’re providing your attendees with something that’s both useful and relevant.
• Cheap Sunglasses – Sunglasses are always a popular giveaway item, especially if your event is held outdoors. While you don’t need to spend a lot of money on sunglasses, make sure that they’re of decent quality and that they’re branded with your logo.
• USB Flash Drives – Flash drives are another useful item that people will hold onto. You can pre-load the flash drives with information about your company, upcoming events, or special promotions.
• Socks or Other Offbeat Gifts – Everyone loves a surprise! Including offbeat gifts like socks, stress balls, or other quirky items is a great way to add some personality to your swag bags.
• Mini Notebooks – Mini notebooks are a useful item that people will hold onto. You can brand the notebooks with your logo or a message that’s relevant to your event.
• Candy – Candy is always a popular giveaway item. Just make sure that the candy is individually wrapped and that it won’t melt in the heat.
• Stickers – Stickers are a fun and affordable way to promote your brand. You can include branded stickers in your swag bags or you can have some custom-made.
• Phone Wallets – Phone wallets are a useful item that people will hold onto. You can brand the phone wallets with your logo or a message that’s relevant to your event.