Guide to Building Custom Swag Boxes & Kits for Branding

June 1, 2023
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Discover everything you need to know about creating the ultimate swag kit.

Wondering what is a swag kit? You're in the right place! When it comes to creating a swag box that’s both on-brand and memorable, not just any old products will do. Here we take a look at what goes into making a corporate swag kit, how to personalize it, as well as tips for managing all of the logistics from the presentation to suppliers and inventory. 

What is a swag kit or swag Box?

Swag kits take promotional items up a notch. In a nutshell, they are a box, kit, or package that contains more than one item. Whether they are office staples that are used for onboarding or are centered around a theme, adding customization to some or all of the items inside, completes your swag kit. 

In terms of themes, there are many different ways you can curate your custom swag box around your recipient. For example, if you are a health and fitness company, have a gym on-site, offer discounted rates to a local gym, or just want to promote living a healthy lifestyle, you may consider creating a fitness-themed swag pack. 

To create this, you could fill your swag boxes with a custom tee, hoodie, duffel bag, wipes, protein bars, and water bottle. Then, instead of gifting each one separately, you can place them all together in a well-curated company swag box. And, if you aren’t having to ship your swag packs out, you could even use your custom duffel bag as your box. 

What is Included in a Swag Box?

Sometimes referred to as swag kits, swag boxes should offer customized products that best represent your company. So, when you’re ready to choose items to fill your swag box, you should look for sustainable, practical selections your recipient can use. Remember, every time your recipient looks at the items they will be reminded of your company, so you want to give them a positive experience.   

Popular items for customizing and adding to a swag box include branded apparel, drinkware, accessories, snacks, office supplies, home decor, and even tech-friendly items. While most budgets don’t incorporate all of these items, unless they are going for high-end employee swag kits, they can cherry-pick fewer quality products that do a stellar job of promoting your brand.  

4 Steps to Creating the Perfect Swag Kit

Because there are endless ways to curate a swag kit, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed by the plethora of choices. Here we’ve laid out some helpful tips to ensure you get the results you deserve. 

1. Designing The Perfect Swag Kit: Know Your Budget

Before you can determine what goes into your branded swag box, you’ll need to know your overall budget so then you can use that number to help guide you when it comes to selecting the items inside. 

See tips on how you can best budget for swag in an inflationary economy, or talk to a Gemnote rep for tips on how you can save money. From tasty treats to custom pens, keychains, and more, they can help you find items that complement your brand and your budget. 

2. Choosing The Right Swag Kit Supplier: Gemnote

No one wants to get lost in a sea of options and waste precious time on lackluster products. Factor in bad branding and companies end up with a recipe for bad merch. 

Luckily, Gemnote is experienced in creating quality products for a swag pack from the best suppliers. They can even work with you to curate swag kit examples that get noticed without blowing your budget. 

Want to stay on top of all of the design details? Or, maybe you don’t want to get lost in logistics when it comes to swag packs? No problem! You can leave as much or as little of the heavy lifting to Gemnote as you want, and get the same results—beautifully crafted custom merch that brings your branding to life!

3. Incorporating Swag Kits Into Marketing Strategies

Incorporating swag kits into a company's marketing strategy can be a fun and creative way to engage with customers and promote the brand.

Knowing your objectives is crucial in planning out your strategy. By thinking through the goals you want your branded swag to deliver, you can better choose your merch.  So for instance, are you trying to increase brand awareness, drive engagement, or generate leads? 

For example, if your goal is to increase engagement, then you’ll want add in personalization, specifically with the recipient's name or other relevant details into your swag packs. In addition to your branded merch, this can make your recipient feel more special and you’ll have a better chance at increasing engagement.

4. Managing Swag Kit Inventory

Ready to manage your inventory? Why not let us help you with the details? With Gemnote, you can easily store and ship your company swag and kits. Plus, they can even assist you in drop shipping to individuals or bulk shipping to one place! Plus, with the easy-to-use system, you can manage inventory remotely and restock products easily.

Swag Box and Kit Examples We Love

Swag Kits for Employees

When answering the question, what is a swag kit, just think about your employees. Branded apparel and gear is perfect for your employee swag. Plus, with popular items like custom hoodies, tees, and more, they can double as marketing vehicles since your branding and logo goes wherever they do! 

Swag Box for Customers

Just like a swag box for employees creates engagement, the same holds true for customers. Items like a sweatshirt, custom hat, bluetooth speaker and branded backpack, are perfect showing your favorite customers, VPs, and even hot leads ultimate appreciation. 

Swag Boxes for Virtual Events

Even though in-person events are still a popular pick for employees, it is possible to host successful virtual events. In addition to saving money on the event itself, you can keep your virtual guests engaged and show them the love with a branded swag kit. Items like branded tees and hoodies, as well as inexpensive items like stickers, custom snacks, mugs, and coasters, will help them feel included. 

Talk to your Gemnote rep for ideas on creating your own sustainable swag boxes

Remote Employee Swag Kits

It’s easy for remote workers to feel lost in the shuffle of things. And, for those not participating in regular conference calls, they can feel “out of sight, out of mind.”

To help foster engagement why not send out a swag box for employees filled with name brand apparel and inexpensive and practical accessories like branded notebooks? It’s the perfect motivator and morale booster on and off the clock. 

Talk to your Gemnote rep for additional ideas on putting together a branded swag box that’s memorable. 

New Hire Swag Kits

Give your new hires something to smile about from the very start with thoughtful swag packs filled with the good stuff—like sustainable totes, reusable drinkware, apparel and more. Not only will it serve as a reminder that they are valued, but it will help them feel more like part of the team from day one. 

Company Logo Swag Ideas

There are no end to the items you can customize with your company’s logo and branding. From custom key chains and totes socks to popular drinkware and accessory pouches, talk to your Gemnote rep for more fun options or browse our Lookbook for the best ideas for your custom swag boxes.  

Luxury Company Swag Boxes

Looking to impress your recipients with high end, branded merch? You can’t go wrong with brand faves like The North Face, Patagonia, Topo Designs and more. Just don’t forget the fun stuff like colorful branded stickers and pins.  

A Seamless Swag Box Experience with Gemnote

Like what you see here? There’s a lot more where those came from that are ideal for creating custom swag boxes. From fun and functional, to whimsical (yet practical), you explore popular branded products that can be customized for your swag box.

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