The Top 20 Eco Friendly Swag Ideas

February 24, 2024
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Discover the best in eco friendly corporate gifts and swag that your recipients can use again and again!

In today's climate of heightened awareness towards sustainability, it's crucial that your branded merchandise reflects eco-friendly options that your recipients actually want. Long gone are the days of cheap swag and single-use items that just add to our waste problem. With sustainable promotional products, you can create a positive impression of your company and culture while extending the lifespan of your customized products. 

Top Sustainable Swag Picks

1. Sustainable Notebook

A treeless paper? Karst notebook must have thought why not? Designed with 100% sustainably recycled stone, Karst Stone Paper™ is bleach and acid free, contructed to be better than wood-pulp paper. So your recipient gets a more durable, more sustainable, and infinitely smoother paper to write, scribble, doodle or draw on.

Shown: Karst Goods Stone Paper Notebook

2. The Stanley Quencher H.20 Flowstate 40 oz. Tumbler 

Of course we’re talking about the brand that set the internet ablaze and continues to trend on Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, PInterest, and more! Stanley’s coveted tumblers have even been featured on the Today Show. 

If you’re looking for top-notch sustainable promotional products to give as gifts, the Stanley stainless-steel tumbler checks all the boxes. For example, it’s dishwasher-safe, double-wall vacuum insulated, fits in most vehicle cup holders, is BPA-free, and designed with 90% Recycled 18/8 stainless steel for a brilliant gift your recipients won’t soon forget. 

Photo courtesy of William Sonoma; Shown: Stanley H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler 

3. Silicone Reusable Bags

Forget throwaway baggies and keep the branded snacks coming with a reusable bag that’s eco-friendly and affordable. Best of all, this one is plastic-free and ready to store your favorite foods— fresh or frozen. 

The silicone bag is made from 100% LFGB-certified silicone with no chemicals, glues, or adhesives, in other words, food-grade silicone. The thoughtfully designed curved corners mean pesky buildup isn’t an option. And, when it comes to cleaning, this bag can be tossed in the dishwasher and is also microwave safe too!

Shown: Silicone Reusable Bag

4. Custom Lunch Bag

Whether your recipient uses this eco friendly swag item as an everyday lunch tote or as a cooler, they’ll appreciate the ample space, insulation, zip closure and adjustable strap. As for the sustainability, this cooler bag from Baggu features recycled ripstop nylon exterior and recycled PET polyfill. 

When it comes to customizing, there are plenty of brand-loving prints and colors to choose from. Talk to your Gemnote rep for more options or ideas for adding a custom snack to your gift. 

Shown: Baggu Puffy Cooler Bag

5. Eco-Friendly Lip Balm

What makes this lip balm eco-friendly? It’s vegan, has organic ingredients, and features plastic-free packaging. By meeting certified organic standards on the use of growth hormones, GMOs, antibiotics, or synthetic ingredients, your recipient can feel good about what they’re putting on their lips, while you can feel good about your sustainable giveaway items. 

Shown: Organic Lip Balm

6. Sustainable Branded Candy 

Another affordable option when it comes to organic and vegan ingredients, these Bel Air Sparkling Rosé gummy bears from California Gummy Bears are worthy of a toast!

Not only is the packaging worthy of its own celebration, it’s plastic-free and recyclable! Plus, the newly designed resealable Kraft bag keeps them fresh and is also compostable and biodegradable! As for the gummy candies, they’re ethically sourced and made in the USA. Perfect for those looking for affordable, eco friendly promotional products.  

Shown: California Gummy Bears Bel Air Sparkling Rosé - Organic, Vegan & Sustainable

7. Branded Hoodie

The hoodie is a long-standing favorite when it comes to customized apparel. And, with the right one, a well designed hoodie can stand the test of time. Not to mention, it’s a top merch option for matching your brand. 

Ready to customize your perfect hoodie? For the best sustainable swag ideas and features you can’t go wrong with soft organic cotton, a relaxed fit, and kangaroo pockets like this one from Topo Designs. The Colorado based company prides themself on sustainability and meeting fair labor standards. 

Shown: Topo Designs Dirt Hoodie

8. Custom Candle

These vegan candles are hand poured in our Southern California studio using a coconut + soy wax blend for a natural, clean burn. They feature lead-free cotton wicks and premium fragrance oils. 

You and your recipients will love that all of their candles are vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free, carcinogen-free and packaged in fully recyclable materials. Talk to your Gemnote rep about these and other options for candles and fragrances.  

Shown: Rowen Sustainable Candles

9. Soft Branded Throw Blanket

What’s the great thing about throw blankets? The many ways you can customize them for a fully branded corporate masterpiece. Talk to your Gemnote rep about options for adding embroidery, tags, patches and more. 

As far as sustainable promotional products are concerned, this one features a handmade heavyweight construction made of reclaimed fibers derived from 100% post-consumer materials—a special blend of cotton, acrylic, and polyester. And, thanks to the vintage style and the upcycled materials there is a reason this Heavyweight Checker Throw Blanket from Sundream is a eco swag best seller. 

Shown: Gold & Cream Heavyweight Checker Throw Blanket

10. Reusable Straws

Did you know, in the US alone, millions of single-use plastic straws are used every day? It’s true. According to Our Last Straw, plastic straws are among the top 10 contributors to plastic marine debris across the globe. Furthermore, because of their size, most aren’t able to be recycled. So, if you’re looking for a low cost option that does the planet good, why not give reusable straws in a branded pouch?   

Shown: Public Goods Reusable Straws

11. Reusable Dish Cloths

Reusable dishcloths are sustainable items that you can never have too many of. However, as your eco-friendly swag gift, create one that’s fun and stylish, and your recipient will want to keep it in their home on display as well. Perfect for keeping your company top of mind any time! 

Talk to your Gemnote rep for more branding options. 

Shown: Custom Dishcloths from Three Bluebirds Swedish Dishcloths and Supra Endura

12. Customizable Socks

When it comes to innovative eco friendly corporate gifts, don’t overlook these socks that are anything but ordinary. Case in point, each pair of socks from Conscious Step, like these Lemon ones below, plant three trees with Trees for the Future. 

Not just sustainable, each pair is also certified organic, certified Fair Trade, certified vegan. As for the company, they’re Members of 1% for the Planet. 

Shown: Conscious Step Beige Lemons

13. Reusable Gift Wrap

Looking for a sustainable option for packaging? How about reusable gift wrap that your recipient can use or pass on after they receive your gift. Perfect for corporate branding and amping up your marketing power!

 

Shown: Danica Studio Reusable Gift Wrap

14. Stylish Canvas Bag

Who wouldn’t appreciate a carry-all tote that’s fun, durable, and made from 16 oz recycled cotton canvas? Plus, with an adjustable 40" strap and roomy size that can fit up to a 14”  laptop, it’s perfect for commutes to weekends and just about everything in between. Choose from fun prints and gorgeous neutrals for a stylish on-brand tote that your recipient will reach for again and again. 

Shown: Baggu Duck Bag 

15. Custom Bento Boxes

Another meal prep favorite and conscious choice for commuters. With a sustainable bento box, your recipient can enjoy a great meal that won’t all slush together. Plus, with removable sections, heating is a breeze thanks to the microwave safe construction! Perfect for reusing and meals on the go. 

Photos courtesy of Pinterest; Shown: OrcaJump and Tauknama Bento Boxes 

16. The Perfect Robe 

As luxe eco friendly promotional giveaways or a special branded gift for employees, this cozy robe is the one they’ll reach for on repeat. Featuring pockets to keep all the things you need to keep close, a sewn in waist tie, it’s constructed of viscose bamboo and organic cotton. 

Talk to your Gemnote rep for even more options on robes and other branded apparel ideas that make excellent sustainable swag ideas. 

Viscose Bamboo + Organic Cotton Robe

17. Dopp Kit 

A well crafted dopp kit is perfect for keeping your recipient’s essentials organized at home and on the go. Plus, with a durable pick like this one from Topo Designs, it features lightweight recycled nylon ripstop, a silicone water resistant coating, and spacious main interior. 

Perfect for branding and keeping in adding to your employee swag store too!

Shown: Topo Designs Dirt Hoodie

18. Travel Bottle Sets

Like the other eco friendly swag items, this stylish travel set is perfect for holding everything from lotions, shampoos and body washes to face gels, sanitizers and more. Best of all, the bottles are made from durable, lightweight and recyclable aluminum and are TSA carry-on approved. 

Shown: S'well Azurite Travel Bottle Set

19. The Go-Anywhere Tote Bag 

Another item you can never truly have enough of—a generously sized tote, like this minimalistic Chelsea Market Shopper that’s perfect for those long grocery lists. Crafted from jute, a plant-based fiber known not only for being eco-friendly but durable as well, it’s a savvy choice for reducing plastic use! 

Featuring recycled packaging, the bag is ethically sourced, plastic-free and consists of fair trade production. It’s the ideal pick for companies looking for recycled promotional products. 

Shown: Reusable Tote Bag

20. Custom Nalgene Bottle 

Known for affordable pricing and a durable construction that’s BPA-Free and dishwasher safe, nothing beats the value and customization options of Nalgene drinkware!

Not sure which Nalgene bottles are right for your recipient? It all depends on your recipient. While the narrow mouth is great for on the go since you can move and hydrate at the same time, the wide mouth option is designed to hold ice so keeping your cool just got easier! 

Photo courtesy of REI and Only New York; Shown: Wide Mouth (left) and Narrow Mouth (right) Nalgene Bottles 

Ready to find that ultimate eco swag item? There’s a lot more where this came from! Check out our Lookbook or talk to your Gemnote rep about additional product and customization options! And, remember when it comes to your branding, it’s more than just your logo. From your fonts, color palette, and placement of your artwork to the quality, utility, and design of your product, your branded eco friendly swag speaks volumes for your company! So, to create a positive message your recipient will remember, choose a company like Gemnote that is known for excellence.

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