Branded Swag, But Make it Chic
Five Tips for Making Branded Gifts Feel Less Corporate
We get it—your gifts double as a marketing expense, and you want people to remember and rep your brand. Totally fair! But if you’re aiming for a gift that actually feels like a gift (and not like a walking billboard), here’s how to do it with style:
Keep it subtle. A small logo in a discreet location goes a long way. No one wants a giant company name across their chest. For polo shirts or bags, consider embroidery in a matching thread color to make it feel elevated and tasteful.
Quality > quantity. Always choose high-quality, well-designed products over cheap fillers. A gift should feel like a gift—not like trade show leftovers. People remember how your gift made them feel, and thoughtful, functional items are the ones that get kept, used, and appreciated.
Brand the packaging, not the product. This is our sweet spot. Add your logo to the gift tag, notecard, belly band or a custom sticker. Use your brand colors in the shredded crinkle, ribbon, liner paper, or box/bag. It's a sleek, intentional way to keep your branding visible without overwhelming the gift itself.
Let the gift tell your story. Choose items that reflect your company’s vibe—maybe something that aligns with your mission, culture, or industry. No logo needed when the gift feels like you.
Don’t overdo the branding. If you’re including branded products in your gift, one or two is plenty. Let the rest of the items enhance your brand through color, tone, or theme—without needing a logo on every piece. It keeps the gift feeling thoughtful and classy.
According to industry surveys, over 50% of people throw away promotional products they don’t find useful or attractive. That’s a wasted opportunity—and a wasted budget.
The goal? A gift that’s memorable, not “meh.” Done right, branded swag can still be chic, intentional, and something people will actually want to keep and use.