Why Custom Swag Still Works in 2025

Promotional products, or custom swag, have been a marketing staple for decades, but do they still work in today’s digital-first world? The short answer: yes—better than ever.

A 2023 PPAI Consumer Study shows that 70% of consumers equate the quality of a promotional product with the reputation of the company that gave it to them, an increase of 30% from 2021. Even more impressively, according to an ASI Global Impressions Study, 58% of consumers keep promotional items for one to four years, ensuring long-term brand exposure. Unlike digital ads that get ignored or forgotten, physical swag creates a tangible connection between brands and their audience.

But not all swag is created equal. To make an impact, custom swag should be useful, high-quality, and strategically chosen. This guide will walk you through the best promotional products, industry-specific swag recommendations, and top trends for 2025, ensuring your brand stands out and leaves a lasting impression.

How to Choose Effective Custom Swag

What Makes a Great Custom Promotional Product?

Not all promotional products create the same level of impact. The most effective swag follows these three key principles:

• Usefulness & Longevity – Items that integrate into people’s daily lives (like tote bags, water bottles, and tech accessories) are far more effective than disposable trinkets. These products also live longer and are better for regifting.
• High Brand Visibility – Products that get frequent, public use increase brand awareness. Hats, t-shirts, and tumblers turn recipients into walking advertisements.
• Perceived Value & Brand Alignment – High-quality swag elevates your brand image. If your company sells premium services, cheap plastic giveaways could send the wrong message. A well-designed, custom-embroidered hoodie makes a stronger brand impression than a low-cost pen.

Best Types of Custom Swag for Maximum Impact

Not all swag serves the same purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the best promotional items based on different business goals:

Custom Swag for Events & Trade Shows

Events are high-traffic opportunities for branding. The best event swag is affordable, portable, and highly visible:

🔥 Top Picks from 2024:

• Tote Bags – Practical, reusable, and perfect for holding event materials.
• Branded Water Bottles – Attendees use them on-site and beyond.
• Lanyards & Bag Tags – Keeps your brand front and center at any event.
• Notebooks & Pens – Useful and cost-effective for conferences.

Custom Swag for Employees & Clients

Branded gifts for employees and clients reinforce loyalty and appreciation. The best items are functional, stylish, and high-quality.

🔥 Top Picks from 2024:

• Embroidered Hoodies – A premium piece that people love to wear.
• Custom Tumblers – Keeps your brand visible in offices and on commutes.
• Tech Accessories (Wireless Chargers, USB Hubs) – Useful, modern, and long-lasting.
• Premium Notebooks – Perfect for corporate gifts or employee onboarding.

Custom Swag for Corporate Giveaways & Promotions

If you’re running a giveaway campaign or promotional push, your swag needs to be affordable yet impactful to maximize reach.

🔥 Top Picks from 2024:

• Branded Hats – Custom caps are trendy and highly visible.
• Sunglasses – Seasonal and perfect for outdoor events.
• Stickers & Magnets – Great for younger audiences and brand enthusiasts.
• Stress Balls & Fidget Items – Popular for corporate wellness events.

Two Custom Swag Trends for 2025

The world of promotional products is constantly evolving, shaped by consumer preferences, industry trends, and advancements in customization. As we head into 2025, two standout trends are redefining how businesses approach branded swag—with a stronger focus on sustainability and tech innovation.

1. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Swag 🌱

With a 2024 ASI study showing 46% of consumers preferring eco-conscious brands, sustainability is more than a trend—it’s an expectation. Sustainability has moved beyond being a trend—it's now a necessity for brands that want to stay relevant. Consumers are becoming more conscious of waste and environmental impact, and they expect companies to align with these values.

Takeaway: Promotional products that emphasize sustainability not only appeal to environmentally conscious consumers but also reflect a brand's commitment to responsible business practices.

2. Tech-Integrated Swag 🔋

Tech giveaways have always been a fan favorite, but as we move into 2025, expect to see even smarter, more innovative tech swag that blends convenience with branding. From wearable tech swag and smart water bottes to branded fitness trackers, tech has the potential to be everywhere. As wireless continues to dominate and augmented reality starts to emerge, the future of tech-integrated swag is exciting!

Takeaway: Tech-integrated swag isn’t just useful—it positions your brand as forward-thinking and innovative, which is especially valuable for businesses in the tech, finance, and startup sectors.

How to Choose the Right Custom Swag for Your Brand

Not all promotional products fit every business. The key to maximizing impact and ROI is choosing swag that resonates with your audience, aligns with your brand identity, and provides lasting value. Here’s how to make the best choice:

1. Consider Your Audience

Before selecting swag, think about who will be using it. The best promotional items are those that seamlessly integrate into your audience’s lifestyle.

• Tech professionals? Opt for wireless chargers, premium notebooks, or sleek laptop sleeves.
• Students? Think backpacks, reusable water bottles, or comfy branded hoodies.
• Fitness enthusiasts? Go for custom gym bags, moisture-wicking shirts, or insulated tumblers.

2. Balance Budget & Quality

It’s important to find the sweet spot between affordability and effectiveness.

• For large-scale giveaways, keep it cost-effective but useful—items like pens, tote bags, and keychains work well.
• For corporate gifting or VIP clients, invest in premium-quality swag—think custom-embroidered apparel, branded wireless speakers, or insulated drinkware.

3. Prioritize Longevity

The longer an item stays in use, the more brand impressions it generates.

• High-use items like tumblers, hats, and backpacks ensure ongoing brand exposure.
• Avoid disposable, low-impact items that get tossed after one use—instead, choose durable, practical swag.
• Consider customization that enhances longevity—like embroidery instead of screen printing on apparel for a longer-lasting design.

Where to Get the Best Custom Swag for Your Business

At Underground Printing, we specialize in custom promotional products with high-quality screen printing, embroidery, and bulk order discounts.

✔ No order minimums on many items
✔ Fast, free shipping on qualifying orders
✔ Easy-to-use online design tool

Need Help Choosing the Best Custom Swag? Check Out Our Employee Gift Guide!

When it comes to selecting the right promotional products, having expert recommendations can make all the difference. Whether you're looking for corporate gifts, trending styles, or high-end branded merch, our Employee Gift Guide is the perfect place to start.

Inside the guide, you'll find:
✔ Top employee appreciation gifts that stand out.
✔ Popular brand-name swag (like Carhartt, Patagonia, and YETI).
✔ Trending promotional styles for 2025.
✔ Expert picks for premium and budget-friendly corporate gifts.

Start Designing Your Custom Swag Today!

Custom promotional products are still one of the most effective marketing tools in 2025. Whether you need event giveaways, employee gifts, or corporate merch, choosing the right custom swag can elevate your brand and keep it top-of-mind for years.

Ready to create custom swag that works?

Get started now!