Corporate Swag That Actually Gets Used: 7 Data-Driven Picks

Corporate swag and gifts are only valuable when used. Giveaways that sit in drawers or end up in landfills are missed opportunities. Through years of working with global clients and informed by insights from marketing leaders across industries, we’ve identified what actually works: useful, high-quality, and strategically distributed merchandise.

Here are seven proven categories of promotional products that deliver real ROI.

1. High-Quality Water Bottles

Reusable drinkware generates thousands of impressions over its lifespan and has broad appeal across gender, age groups, and industries. But impact depends on quality: double-walled insulation, leak-proof lids, and BPA-free materials make the difference between a daily essential and giveaway clutter. Increasingly, brands are shifting towards aluminium options as a more sustainable and durable option to plastic.

According to the Advertising Specialty Institute’s (ASI) 2023 Global Ad Impressions Study, branded drinkware generates an average of 1,400 impressions over its lifetime, with 63% of U.S. consumers keeping them for a year or more. They also report the cost per impression as low as 0.004 USD – a strong return on investment.

2. Premium Notebooks

Even in digital-first workplaces, physical notebooks are still widely used, especially when they’re well-made. Think lay-flat binding, thick paper stock, and minimalist covers, you can even add your recipient’s name for an extra personalized touch. Quality notebooks, like a personalized Moleskine, are more likely to be pulled out in meetings and included in travel bags.

ASI data shows that 57% of consumers own promotional writing instruments or stationery, and nearly 50% use them weekly, a clear indication of their staying power and utility. As an example, the cost per impression for a $1 metal pen is less than 1/10 of a cent.

3. Phone Stands and Chargers

As hybrid work becomes more popular, tech accessories like wireless chargers, foldable phone stands, and multi-device cables have moved from nice-to-haves to daily essentials. These items offer consistent brand exposure and provide real value.

According to ASI, 40% of consumers would be more likely to do business with an advertiser that gave them a logoed power bank, and 44% of users would keep and use a USB drive for at least one year. 

Our clients find that tech gear resonates especially well with younger, eco-conscious audiences. When chosen carefully and branded subtly, these accessories reinforce your brand while offering convenience.

4. Lunch Gear: Insulated Bags, Cutlery, and Bento Boxes

Lunch gear is practical, sustainable, and increasingly relevant as more in-office employees move away from single-use plastic. Leak-proof bento boxes, bamboo cutlery sets, and insulated lunch bags support healthy eating habits and reduce waste.

The 2023 ASI Ad Impressions Study reported that 46% of consumers felt more favorable about an advertiser who gave them an environmentally friendly promo product.

These items have the added advantage of travel utility and can form part of wellness or internal culture initiatives. As with all categories, quality and design matter more than novelty.

5. Personalized, High-End Gifts

When targeting senior decision-makers or showing appreciation to key clients, generic swag won’t cut it. High-end, personalized items make a stronger impression and are more likely to be used and remembered.

Marketing leaders agree that quality is critical in this space. Sending a leather notebook or premium coffee kit with subtle branding has more impact than a flashy logoed item.

As Christian Saeterhaug, Ciloo’s Co-Founder and CRO notes, “Personalization is a differentiator. When someone receives an item that feels like it was chosen for them, not just from you, it becomes a gesture, not a giveaway. On-demand production makes this scalable, enabling brands to tailor experiences without adding complexity.”

6. Branded Apparel People Will Actually Wear

Branded apparel is often underutilized or poorly executed. A low-cost T-shirt with a bold logo rarely gets worn outside of the event. But when apparel is well-designed, subtly branded, and made from quality materials, it becomes part of someone’s wardrobe.

According to ASI’s 2023 report, branded outerwear generates up to 7,856 impressions over its lifetime. Consumers wear promotional apparel regularly if it’s comfortable and stylish.

Steve Rock of Good Kids put it succinctly: promotional merch is either a brand amplifier or a landfill contribution. Their campaigns have shown that comfortable hoodies, custom socks, and well-fitted caps are worn often, especially when scarcity or exclusivity is introduced.

7. Sustainable Desk Items

With more professionals working from home, there’s strong demand for functional, well-designed desk accessories. Items like bamboo phone stands, recycled notepads, or plant kits support productivity while aligning with environmental values, making them a smart choice for brand-conscious, sustainability-minded recipients.

According to the 2023 ASI Ad Impressions Study, 46% of consumers have a more favorable opinion of an advertiser who gives them environmentally friendly promotional products. The same study shows that consumers keep eco-friendly items for an average of 13 months, extending brand exposure while reducing waste.

By prioritizing sustainable materials and functional design, companies can reinforce brand values and meet growing expectations for responsible gifting.

What Makes Swag Work

Promotional products that deliver results often follow certain patterns:

• Functionality is essential. Genuinely useful items are far more likely to be kept and used regularly.
• Personalization increases emotional connection and value. Customized gifts feel more thoughtful and relevant, making them more impactful.
• Strategic distribution. Sending items ahead of events or incorporating QR codes boosts engagement and provides measurable outcomes.

According to PPAI, 83% of consumers are more likely to do business with a brand after receiving a promotional product, especially when the item is practical and relevant.

A strong merchandise strategy isn’t about spending more – it’s about choosing wisely, personalizing thoughtfully, and distributing strategically.

How Ciloo Helps Marketing Teams Deliver Swag That Works

The Ciloo platform is purpose-built for marketing teams that manage branded merchandise across multiple regions, teams, and campaigns. Our centralized swag management platform connects you to a global network of verified local producers, giving you control, visibility, and efficiency without the operational headaches of managing multiple vendors or warehouses.

With Ciloo, you can:

• Launch campaigns faster with streamlined approvals and on-demand production.
• Maintain brand consistency by locking in approved templates, messaging, and product quality.
• Reduce waste and emissions by producing closer to the end recipient, avoiding overstock, and eliminating unnecessary international shipping.
• Offer personalization at scale, enabling smarter segmentation and higher engagement without added complexity.
• Avoid tariffs, customs delays, and cross-border fees by sourcing and producing within each target region, ensuring a smoother, more cost-effective fulfillment process.
• Control budgets with centralized oversight and local transparency, ensuring teams stay within limits while optimizing spend per region or campaign.

Whether you’re sending welcome kits to new hires, creating premium gifts for clients, or coordinating a global product launch, Ciloo simplifies the process from idea to doorstep, turning swag into a meaningful brand experience.

“Our approach is built around sourcing closer to the end recipient. By leveraging a global network of local production partners, we reduce shipping distances, minimize waste, and ensure faster delivery without compromising on quality. Our network is continuously growing, with unique, customizable swag added daily, giving our clients more choice and flexibility at scale.”
— Agnieszka Wronkowska, VP of Supply Side Operations, Ciloo

Key Takeaway

Swag should be strategic. When it’s useful, well-made, and intentionally delivered, it becomes a tool for connection and brand reinforcement. These seven categories continue to stand out for a reason: they align with what people want to receive, keep, and use. Choose with care, distribute with purpose, and let every item speak to the value of your brand.

Ready to elevate your swag strategy? Let’s talk!

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