Swag Gifts for Employees They’ll Actually Want to Keep

Creative ideas and smarter strategies to make your team feel valued (without the clutter), brought to you by Merchloop

Let’s be real—most company swag ends up stuffed in a drawer or left on the breakroom table. Why? Because it’s generic, cheap, and not something anyone actually wants.

But when done right, swag gifts for employees they’ll actually want to keep can become one of your most powerful tools for building culture, boosting morale, and showing appreciation.

At Merchloop, we help companies ditch the forgettable freebies and deliver swag experiences that employees love—and actually use. Here’s your guide to why great swag matters, how to pick it, and what to give to make sure it sticks around (in a good way).

Why Employee Swag Still Matters

Even in a world full of perks and remote work flexibility, employees crave a sense of belonging. Great swag does more than just look good—it sends a message that says:

“You’re part of this team. And you matter.”

When your swag is thoughtfully chosen, it:

• Sparks pride and engagement, even for remote employees.

• Reinforces your company culture and brand identity.

• Shows appreciation and boosts retention.

• Gets shared on social media, helping with recruiting and employer branding.

The trick is giving your team items they’ll actually want to use.

How to Pick Swag Employees Want to Keep

What separates swag they cherish from swag they ditch? It comes down to a few key qualities:

Practical – If it solves a real-life problem or makes their day better, it’s a winner.
Premium – Skip the flimsy giveaways and go for quality.
On-Brand – Your swag should reflect your company vibe—whether that’s sleek and modern or bold and playful.
Personalized – Choices and customization make gifts feel special.
Sustainable – Eco-conscious options go a long way with today’s workforce.

15 Swag Gifts Employees Will Actually Keep

Here are some of our favorite, tried-and-true ideas that have employees saying, “Wow, I love this!” instead of, “Eh, maybe I’ll grab one later.”

1. On-Demand Branded Apparel

No more boxy, one-size-fits-none tees. Give employees the choice to pick high-quality branded apparel from names they know—like Nike or The North Face—with your company logo tastefully added. Merchloop lets you order them on demand, so no guessing sizes or overstock.

2. Stylish Drinkware

Think insulated tumblers, sleek water bottles, or even collapsible bottles that fit in any bag.

3. Desk Plants

Bring some life to their workspace with a low-maintenance plant they’ll actually enjoy looking at every day.

4. Wellness Kits

Curate cozy, self-care kits with candles, tea, eye masks, or even a weighted blanket for at-home relaxation.

5. Tech Essentials

Everyone appreciates a wireless charger, laptop sleeve, or portable power bank they can actually rely on.

6. Branded Backpacks or Totes

A high-quality bag that works for commutes, travel, or weekend adventures will never go unused.

7. New Hire Welcome Kits

Make day one feel special with a box of thoughtfully chosen branded items.

8. Premium Notebooks & Pens

For those who still love to jot notes by hand, nothing beats a leather-bound journal paired with a smooth pen.

9. Gourmet Snacks or Coffee Kits

You can never go wrong with something delicious—whether it’s artisanal snacks or a pour-over coffee set.

10. Outdoor Fun Gear

Think yoga mats, picnic blankets, frisbees, or branded coolers—great for team outings or weekend use.

11. Eco-Friendly Swag

Reusable shopping bags, bamboo utensils, and recycled materials make employees feel good about your values.

12. Wearable Tech

For big milestones, step it up with a fitness tracker or noise-canceling headphones.

13. Blankets & Cozy Comforts

A soft fleece throw or sherpa blanket with your logo? Instant keeper.

14. Seasonal Surprises

Match the moment—cocoa kits in winter, sunglasses and towels in summer.

15. Choice Through a Swag Store

This is the ultimate way to make sure employees love what they get. Let them choose from a curated selection in your own branded online store. (Pro tip: Merchloop makes this easy.)

Why Giving Choice Is Key

Even the coolest swag won’t land if it’s not their style. That’s why giving employees the power to pick their own gifts through a branded company store has become the gold standard.

Merchloop helps you set up a fully branded online shop where employees can log in, browse your pre-selected options, and choose what they really want. It’s personal, easy, and makes everyone happy.

How Merchloop Helps You Nail It

We know what you’re thinking: “This all sounds great, but who has time to figure it all out?”

That’s where Merchloop comes in.

On-Demand Everything

No more bulk orders or wasted inventory. We print and ship on demand, one at a time.

Premium Brands at Great Prices

We work directly with big names like Nike and Marine Layer to bring you the best without overpaying.

Branded Experience

We design your online store to match your company’s look and feel.

All In-House

We handle the decoration, fulfillment, and shipping ourselves—saving you time and keeping it seamless.

Scales With You

Whether you’ve got 10 employees or 10,000, we’ve got you covered.

Getting Started Is Simple

Launching your employee swag program with Merchloop is easier than you think:

1. Connect with our team to chat about your goals.

2. Design your branded store with a curated swag selection.

3. Let employees shop for what they love.

4. We handle everything else.

You get the credit. We do the work.

Swag That Delivers Results

The right swag does more than look good—it delivers real business benefits:

• Higher retention because employees feel valued.

• Better engagement because they feel connected.

• Stronger culture because they’re proud to rep your brand.

• Increased referrals because happy employees tell others about you.

Pro Tips for a Winning Swag Strategy

• Ask employees what they actually want.

• Keep it fresh by adding seasonal or milestone-themed items.

• Stay consistent with your brand style.

• Choose quality over quantity—it shows you care.

• Add personalization wherever you can.

Success Stories We Love

One client launched a company store through Merchloop filled with premium hoodies, wellness kits, and drinkware. Within months, employee engagement scores shot up, and team members were posting their swag all over social media.

Another client wowed new hires by delivering custom swag boxes to their doors on day one—helping them feel connected to the team right from the start.

Ready to Give Your Team Swag They’ll Actually Keep?

Your employees deserve more than forgettable trinkets. They deserve swag gifts that make them feel appreciated, connected, and proud to be part of your team.

With Merchloop, you can make it happen—without the hassle.

Reach out today to see how easy it is to create a swag experience your team will love.

Final Word

Swag gifts for employees they’ll actually want to keep don’t just happen. They’re the result of thoughtful planning, premium choices, and a partner who makes it all simple.

That’s where Merchloop shines.

Stop handing out throwaways. Start giving something worth keeping.