Custom Swag Bag Ideas

Swag bags are one of the best ways to promote your business. Many companies create custom swag bags specifically for marketing events, but others provide them to all customers at their brick-and-mortar locations. 

It’s also common for online merchants to include some kind of free gift with purchases to make customers feel special and entice them to come back.

What Is a Swag Bag?

Swag bags are free gifts that brands give to customers or potential customers as a thank-you for visiting their physical storefront or booth at an event. Most customers love to receive swag bags because they generally contain items that are useful or fun. After all, who doesn’t love free stuff?

When you’re designing your custom swag bag, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is to consider the setting in which your customer will be receiving their custom bag. 

For example, you might want to hand out swag bags at an event featuring many brands where people walk around for long periods. In these situations, your potential customers won’t want to carry something large or heavy. Instead, it would be best to use a bag that is light and portable.

Your second consideration should be how the items in your bag will represent your brand. What you include should make sense for your business and the types of products or services you provide. Additionally, you’ll need to consider what types of items will best feature your logo. 

Embroidery vs. Screen Printing: Which Is Best?

Before you get to the items within your custom swag bag, you’ll have to decide what type of bag you’ll use. The specific material will help you to determine which printing method you should use for your logo. 

One of the best features of swag bags is that everyone who picks one up will be able to subtly advertise your brand to others because your logo is printed on the bag. That’s why it’s important to choose wisely between embroidery and screen printing, two great options for logo and image printing on fabric. 

Screen printing is a viable option for thinner garments, such as lightweight swag bags and certain types of clothing. It clearly displays your logo and any associated images in bright, long-lasting colors. 

Embroidery is better for thicker fabrics, such as those used for backpacks, tech bags, duffle bags, and similar items. Embroidery is also especially long-lasting and displays an elevated aesthetic value. 

When you’re choosing between the two, you’ll have to consider the type of material your custom swag bag will be made of. And you’ll have to determine which type of image application best suits your brand aesthetic. If you’re unsure, you can always send us a message, and we’ll get back to you promptly with our recommendations.    

What Kind of Custom Swag Bag Should I Use?

Now that you understand a bit more about what swag bags can be used for and the types of printing methods you can choose from for your logo, it’s time to determine which type of bag might be best for your business. Let’s take a look at a few great options for custom swag bags that will promote your brand and bring in new customers. 

Tote Bags

Tote bags are one of the most popular types of swag bags — and for good reason. Generally, tote bags are made of durable cotton material, making them a perfect candidate for screen printing. In addition, tote bags are lightweight enough to be carried around easily while still containing plenty of space for all kinds of items. 

 

Grocery Bags

Grocery bags are an easy way to provide your customers with value in multiple ways. You’ll be able to include any promotional materials you’d like in a lightweight and stylish package. And your customers will be able to use them in the future to carry their groceries, keeping your logo and brand name at the top of their minds.

 

Backpacks

Perhaps you’re looking to provide a higher-value item to your customers in the form of a custom swag bag. If so, consider embroidering or screen printing your logo on a durable and useful backpack for school or the office. 

These kinds of bags will get plenty of eyes on your logo, and your customers will be able to use them for a wide variety of purposes. Backpacks also tend to keep their structure and stability longer than lightweight bags.  

Sports Packs

Sports packs are known for their vibrant colors and lightweight fabrics. If you choose sports packs for your custom swag bags, they will clearly display your logo design against a bright background, making it easy for viewers to see and remember. 

What Should I Include in My Custom Swag Bag?

After selecting the right bag type for your custom swag bag, you must pick the right items to include within it when you hand it out to customers. Some obvious choices are business cards or pamphlets, but you can also include items that are just as advertisement-friendly as they are useful.

Notebooks, Pencils, and Pens

It’s easy to screen print your logo onto notebooks, pencils, pens, and other office materials. And if your customer uses these items in your workplace, you’ll get plenty of eyes on your logo. 

T-Shirts, Hats, and Bandanas

T-shirts, hats, bandanas, and other clothing items are some of the best choices for swag. People love free clothes; before you know it, your customers will be displaying your logo to the world on their chest, back, or head. 

Create Your Perfect Custom Swag Bag with Groggy Dog

Swag bags are an effective way to thank customers for their business. They can also entice visitors to your store or booth to consider becoming a customer. Above all, swag bags make people feel valued and well-treated. 

When it comes to creating your custom swag bag, make sure you work with the pros. Learn more about the branded items we offer by visiting us online at Groggy Dog.