The Best Swag Items Aren’t What You Think They Are

Rethinking Branded Gear for Real Impact in 2025

Let’s be honest—swag has come a long way since the days of cheap pens and scratchy T-shirts. These days, everyone from startups to Fortune 500s is using branded gear to welcome new hires, impress clients, and hype up teams. But here's the twist: most companies are still giving out the same generic stuff.

At Merchloop, we believe the best swag items do more than just show off your logo. They tell a story. They create a connection. And most importantly, they actually get used.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the best swag items for 2025—the ones that make people say “whoa” instead of “meh.” Whether you’re building a company store or planning a one-off gift drop, this list is your new go-to.

What Makes a Swag Item the Best?

Let’s define “best” here, because it’s not just about popularity. The best swag items are:

• Useful – No desk-clutter here. People want stuff they’ll actually use.

• On-brand – It’s more than a logo; it’s a vibe.

• Feel-good – A little delight goes a long way.

• Versatile – Works for remote teams, events, clients, or internal campaigns.

• Sustainable – Bonus points if it’s eco-friendly and ethical.

We’ve shipped branded swag to thousands of teams across the country—so we’ve seen what people love, and what ends up in the junk drawer.

Let’s get into it.

1. Branded Drinkware That Goes Everywhere

We’re not talking about throwaway plastic bottles. We’re talking sleek, high-end drinkware people want to carry around. Think Corkcicle, Yeti, or S’well—durable, double-walled, and undeniably cool.

Why it rocks:

• Shows off your logo everywhere from coffee runs to hikes

• Looks like a premium gift (because it is)

• Works for employees, clients, or giveaways

Merchloop pick: Branded Corkcicle tumblers—made to order and shipped directly, no bulk ordering required.

2. Tech Swag for the Hybrid Life

Welcome to the world of power banks, wireless chargers, and USB-C adapters—all branded, all useful, and all ready to go wherever work happens.

Swag ideas that crush:

• Bluetooth trackers for keys and bags

• Multi-device charging docks

• Laptop stands or webcam covers

• Cord organizers and tech pouches

Why it works:

• Solves real-life problems

• Small but mighty—easy to ship anywhere

• Makes your brand look modern and tech-savvy

Use Merchloop’s custom pack builder to group these together into a slick remote team kit.

3. Apparel People Actually Want to Wear

Let’s face it—nobody’s reaching for that boxy, scratchy tee from five years ago. But branded retail-style apparel? Now we’re talking.

Top picks include:

• TravisMathew quarter-zips

• Marine Layer tees

• The North Face puffers

• Nike polos and pullovers

Why it works:

• Stylish enough for everyday wear

• People feel appreciated when they receive it

• Shows your brand is investing in quality

And the best part? With Merchloop, you can offer these top-tier brands without ever worrying about sizes or leftover inventory. Everything’s made to order, one at a time.

4. Desk Swag That Doesn’t Collect Dust

Forget sticky notes and stress balls. Today’s best desk swag is sleek, smart, and fits perfectly into modern workspaces.

Creative ideas:

• Wireless charging stands

• Desk organizers

• Soft-touch journals with custom branding

• Mood-setting ring lights or mini desk lamps

Why it hits:
It’s both practical and stylish, and it works just as well for remote workers as it does in-office pros.

Want to make it pop? Add a custom message or personalized note with each item.

5. Surprise Swag That Gets People Talking

Want to really stand out? Toss in something unexpected. These are the swag items that spark conversations—and often end up on social media.

Fun favorites:

• Branded puzzles or mini-games

• Custom socks with team slogans

• Build-your-own cookie kits

• Branded candles with custom scents

• Desk plants in personalized pots

Why it works:

• Memorable = more impact

• Great for team-building, milestones, or holidays

• Adds some fun to the usual merch game

Want to go all-in? Launch a themed swag drop—like “Wellness Wednesday” or “Holiday Survival Kit”—using Merchloop’s on-demand tools.

6. Eco-Friendly Swag with a Message

Sustainability matters—and your swag should reflect that. Choose items that support your brand values while staying stylish and useful.

Green-friendly favorites:

• Recycled tote bags with bold prints

• Bamboo utensil or lunch kits

• Organic cotton T-shirts

• Refillable notebooks and reusable pens

Why it works:

• Tells the world your brand walks the walk

• Appeals to younger, values-driven audiences

• Often surprisingly affordable

Need help curating? Merchloop has a dedicated collection of sustainable swag ready to go.

7. Culture-Driven Swag That Builds Identity

The best swag items don’t just represent your brand—they bring people together. Swag becomes more than just stuff when it reinforces identity and creates shared experiences.

Here’s how to do it:

• Create limited-edition gear for each department or project

• Add inside jokes, quotes, or team nicknames

• Celebrate milestones like work anniversaries or promotions

• Launch internal drops with surprise merch every quarter

Why it’s magic:

• Makes people feel like part of something special

• Strengthens team culture and loyalty

• Adds personality and fun to your swag strategy

And with Merchloop’s employee merch stores, you can automate the whole thing. Just pick your items, set up the store, and let your team grab what they love—no spreadsheets required.

Don’t Forget: Delivery Is Everything

Even the best swag can flop if it shows up late, damaged, or with the wrong name. That’s where Merchloop really shines. Our platform handles:

• On-demand production (no need to buy in bulk)

• Warehousing and fulfillment

• Custom-branded packaging

• Global shipping

Want to send a Marine Layer hoodie to a new hire in New York and a Corkcicle mug to a client in London? Easy. Merchloop makes swag delivery seamless, scalable, and surprisingly stress-free.

Final Thoughts

The best swag items of 2025 aren’t just trendy—they’re thoughtful. They’re curated with care, aligned with brand values, and designed to make an impact. Whether you’re hyping up your team, onboarding new hires, or sending out client gifts, smart swag makes your brand unforgettable.

At Merchloop, we help companies move beyond basic merch and create branded experiences people actually love. From premium apparel to custom kits, we’ve got the tools—and the creativity—to bring your swag vision to life.

Want to build your dream swag lineup?
Let’s make something awesome together. Explore Merchloop’s curated collections or get in touch to start designing your perfect swag experience—on demand, no minimums, no headaches.