Cool Employee Swag That Actually Works

The Ultimate Guide to Standout Swag That Builds Culture, Boosts Retention, and Wows Your Team

Let’s be real: when you hear “employee swag,” you probably picture a drawstring bag, a basic pen, or maybe a t-shirt you wear to paint the garage. But cool employee swag? That’s a whole different vibe—and if you’re working with Merchloop, it’s an easy win.

This isn’t about giving out random trinkets. This is about giving your team something they’ll actually be excited to show off—on Zoom calls, at the gym, or even on vacation. Cool swag has gone from a nice-to-have to a must-have, especially if you’re looking to stand out as an employer.

So buckle up—this is your full-access guide to the new era of employee swag. One that’s cool, thoughtful, on-demand, and absolutely worth the hype.

Why Cool Swag Matters More Than Ever

Today’s employees are savvier than ever. They care about the companies they work for, how they’re treated, and yes—even what kind of swag they get. The bar is high, and “meh” just won’t cut it.

Here’s what cool employee swag brings to the table:

• Instant Culture Boost: Branded gear helps employees feel like part of something bigger.

• Retention Fuel: When people feel seen and celebrated, they stick around longer.

• Brand Power: The right swag turns your team into walking ambassadors (without forcing it).

And with Merchloop’s on-demand model, you don’t have to deal with boxes of outdated merch collecting dust. Just set it, forget it, and let your team pick what they love.

What Counts as “Cool” Swag?

It’s more than just a hoodie. Cool swag hits the sweet spot between stylish, useful, and memorable. Here’s what separates the good from the great:

1. It’s Functional and Fashionable

Swag should make life easier and look good. We’re talking gear your employees will actually want to wear or use every day—not just on company picnics.

2. The Branding Is Classy

Cool swag reps your company without turning people into walking billboards. Think subtle logos, clean embroidery, or smart product placement.

3. The Brands Are Recognizable

Nobody gets excited about generic gym bags. But throw your logo on a North Face fleece or a Nike backpack? Now we’re talking.

4. It Feels Personal

The best swag feels made for someone, not just handed to them. Whether it’s personalized with a name or offered as a “choose-your-own” gift, the little touches go a long way.

12 Swag Ideas That Are Actually Cool

Let’s dive into some of the top employee favorites—each one available through Merchloop’s on-demand swag magic.

1. Nike Apparel

From performance tees to ultra-soft hoodies, Nike is a home-run for every kind of team. And because it’s on-demand, there’s no worrying about sizes or inventory.

Why it rocks: Recognizable, comfortable, and always in style.

2. The North Face Layers

This isn’t just swag—it’s gear your team will take on hikes, trips, and weekend adventures. Think fleeces, jackets, and insulated vests that say, “Yeah, my company’s awesome.”

Why it rocks: Premium quality and all-season appeal.

3. TravisMathew Staples

Want to impress your sales team, execs, or anyone who loves a polished look? TravisMathew gear is sleek, modern, and versatile—ideal for office-casual and client dinners alike.

Why it rocks: West Coast cool with country club flair.

4. Marine Layer Loungewear

Softer than soft, these sustainable pieces are perfect for remote teams or casual Fridays. Sweatpants, crewnecks, joggers—yes, please.

Why it rocks: Comfort with a conscience.

5. Hydro Flask Bottles

These aren’t just water bottles. They’re sleek, insulated hydration stations with just the right amount of branding. Plus, they’re perfect for eco-conscious teams.

Why it rocks: Function meets status symbol.

6. Curated Swag Packs

Put together themed kits like:

• New Hire Kickoff – Hoodie, notebook, tumbler

• WFH Vibes – Cozy pants, webcam cover, slippers

• Milestone Moments – Let employees pick a high-value item from a curated collection

Why it rocks: Swag with purpose and personality.

7. Apple AirTags (Branded Right)

These tiny tech tools are sleek, useful, and subtly branded. Great for travel-savvy employees or frequent commuters.

Why it rocks: Practical, modern, and surprisingly fun.

8. Sustainable Office Kits

Think bamboo utensils, recycled notebooks, and solar-powered chargers. You’ll hit your sustainability goals and impress your team.

Why it rocks: Green gear = good vibes.

9. Custom Socks With a Twist

Yep, socks. But not the basic kind. We’re talking high-quality cotton, bold designs, and fun packaging. Perfect for internal giveaways or holiday packs.

Why it rocks: Quirky and crowd-pleasing.

10. Wireless Charging Pads

Desk-friendly, super sleek, and incredibly useful. A logo here doesn’t feel pushy—it feels practical.

Why it rocks: Everyday utility with a polished finish.

11. Branded Travel Bags

Backpacks, duffels, or tech totes from brands like Timbuk2 or Herschel make excellent swag—especially for hybrid teams and road warriors.

Why it rocks: Durable and always on the move.

12. Swag Subscriptions

Why stop at one? Merchloop makes it easy to set up quarterly swag drops. Celebrate birthdays, workiversaries, or surprise drops just because.

Why it rocks: Consistent touchpoints that build loyalty.

When to Break Out the Cool Swag

Swag isn’t just for onboarding anymore. Use it strategically and you’ll start seeing bigger cultural returns:

What Makes Merchloop Different

You’ve got options when it comes to swag vendors—but Merchloop doesn’t just play the game. It changes it.

On-Demand Everything

No bulk orders, no cluttered storage closets. Each item is ordered and fulfilled individually. Your team gets what they want, when they want it.

Premium Brands, No Premium Prices

Nike, TravisMathew, Marine Layer, The North Face—at MSRP or less. No upcharges, no middleman fees, no drama.

Totally Custom Stores

Create branded stores for departments, regions, or events. Your employees browse and order like it’s their favorite ecomm shop.

Fully Integrated = Faster and Cheaper

Merchloop does it all in-house—store setup, design, decoration, fulfillment. That means quicker turnaround, better quality control, and a whole lot less stress.

Real Employee Reactions to Cool Swag

Still wondering if swag really makes a difference? Here’s what employees say when the gear is actually cool:

“This isn’t promo merch—it’s stuff I’d buy myself.”
“I got a Marine Layer crewneck and it’s honestly the comfiest thing I own.”
“I’ve never felt more welcomed to a company. The swag made a huge first impression.”

Quick Tips for a Winning Swag Strategy

Ready to roll out your own cool employee swag? Here are a few quick wins to make sure it lands:

Let People Choose

Whether it’s the item, color, or size, giving your employees options creates excitement and eliminates waste.

Keep It Classy

Subtle branding goes a long way. A small logo on a premium item feels thoughtful, not corporate.

Celebrate the Unexpected

Don’t just save swag for the holidays. Random gifts throughout the year create buzz and build momentum.

Connect It to Culture

Swag shouldn’t live in a vacuum. Tie it to values, goals, or internal campaigns and it becomes even more meaningful.

Track What Works

Pay attention to what gets shared, talked about, or reordered. Use that data to evolve your future swag drops.

Wrapping It Up: Cool Swag = Happy Teams

Cool employee swag isn’t fluff—it’s fuel. It builds culture, reinforces values, and gives people a reason to feel proud of where they work. And when it’s done through Merchloop’s on-demand platform, it’s not just easier—it’s smarter.

So if you’re ready to upgrade from forgettable merch to unforgettable experiences, it’s time to rethink your swag game.

Start your on-demand swag journey with Merchloop—your team will thank you.