Custom Swag Boxes: 3 Perfect Starter Kits for Small Businesses

In the competitive world of small business, standing out from the crowd is crucial. While exceptional service and products are essential, a little something extra can go a long way in building brand loyalty and attracting new customers. Enter the world of custom swag packages for customers and crew. We know you’re busy, so we asked our expert merchandisers to put together some swag box ideas for industries like yours!  

Why Custom Swag Packs?

Custom swag boxes can be a powerful asset in your marketing tool kit. They foster brand awareness, strengthen customer relationships, motivate employees, and more. Whether you offer a complete kit, or individual pieces for specific occasions and recipients, the impact of thoughtful, business-specific swag is certain. Let’s dive in by looking at three swag packages that are custom-made for popular industries, including hospitality, construction, and tax prep.  

Swag Pack #1: Ideal for Businesses in Hospitality & Retail

Got patrons? Show them the exceptional care and attention they deserve! If you’re involved in hospitality, restaurants, boutiques, and bars, this swag package is for you. A custom swag box sets a relaxing vibe and speaks to your brand and the experience that awaits.  

Our Picks for Your Swag Pack:  

6″ x 8″ Coastal Cork & Linen Beau Notebook 

Recycled Aluminum Margo Pen 

12 oz. Rustic Ceramic Mug 

Engraved Bamboo Lip Moisturizer Stick 

12.12″ x 9.4″ Kraft Bag 

Build Your Own Swag Box:  

Recommended swag for hospitality and boutiques includes notebooks, tote bags, coffee mugs, water bottles, hand sanitizers, lip balm, stress balls, and keychains. 

How to Distribute:  

Here are a few ideas to ensure your custom swag box makes a big statement: 

• Welcome Gift: Welcome new and returning customers with a gift they won’t forget. For new guests at a hotel, a box with a branded water bottle, travel-sized hand sanitizer, and custom lip balm creates a great start to a memorable getaway.

• Gift with Purchase: Your boutique or spa can offer a branded tote bag with a water bottle and journal for purchases above a certain amount.

• Employee Appreciation: Ensure your crew knows you see the extra mile they go for customers! Surprise them with a tote or backpack including a branded travel mug, a stress ball, and pen set.

• Souvenir: A great trip requires a great memento. Offer your custom swag package for purchase by guests of your resort or hotel.

Swag Pack #2: Ideal for Businesses in Construction, Fitness, Automotive & Landscaping

Keep your brand top of mind throughout an ongoing construction project or annual gym membership with swag packages designed for active environments.  

Our Picks for Your Swag Pack:

Koozie® Clean Edge Cooler 

Sharpie® Fine Point Marker 

BIC® Intensity Gel Pen 

5 oz Recycled Cotton Tote Bag 

Engraved Carabiner Keychain 

Engraved Tao Bottle & Can Opener Keychain 

Full Color Soft Touch Flashlight Key Chain 

Full Color Basecamp® 12 oz. Sequoia Stainless Steel Mug 

Build Your Own Swag Box:

Recommended swag for construction and landscaping includes coolers, travel mugs, keychains, flashlights, first-aid kits, power banks. 

How to Distribute:

Get maximum mileage from your custom swag box by distributing at occasions like these: 

• Trade Show Giveaway: Attract potential clients and partners at trade shows with a branded flashlight, multi-tool, and a notepad with your contact information.

• Client Gift: Thank a loyal client for their business with a branded power bank, sunscreen with carabiner, and a personalized thank you card.

• Employee Safety Kit: Promote safety awareness among your team with a reflective safety vest, fanny pack with reflective strip, and a first-aid kit.

Swag Pack #3: Ideal for Tax Prep, Law Firms & Real Estate

If you provide business services, welcoming a new customer or patient with a branded pen is a nice gesture, but a custom swag box makes it crystal clear you consider them a client for life! Plus, a collection of custom gifts lets your clients advertise your brand in multiple ways. Distribute this swag pack after a Zoom call or an in-office meeting!  

Our Picks for Your Pack:

Mood Smiley Face Stress Ball 

Recycled Plastic Rayna Tote with Pocket 

Full Color Bright Jesse Notebook 

Lanyard with Lobster Clip 

KOOZIE® 15 oz. 3-in-1 Tumbler & Can Cooler 

Build Your Own Swag Box:

Recommended swag for tax prep and business services includes pens, notebooks, lanyards, tumblers, stress balls, water bottles, portable chargers.  

How to Distribute:

A few opportunities to put your swag package to work thrilling customers, enriching relationships, and adding personality to your business: 

• Client Onboarding Gift: Welcome new clients with a branded pen set, a custom portfolio, and a stress ball to celebrate a stress-free journey with your firm.

• Seminar Giveaway: Impress attendees at seminars with a branded USB drive pre-loaded with presentation materials, a notebook with company info, and a personalized pen.

• Employee Recognition: Acknowledge outstanding work performance with a branded desk organizer, a high-quality pen, and a personalized note.

How to Mix and Match Your Custom Swag Pack

You can add or remove products from your swag package to perfectly suit your recipient and occasion. For example: 

• Booth Visitor vs. Converted Customer: Prospects at a trade show who visit your booth and provide contact information might receive a custom pen set. Prospects who go a step further, meeting with you or converting to client status, might receive the same pen set bundled with a journal, computer backpack, and portable charger.

• Drop-In vs. Annual Package: First-time visitors to your spa might receive a tote bag and a travel tumbler. For guests who sign up for an annual package you might augment that custom swag box to include a duffel bag and fitness towel.

Swag Bags Start with a Bag!

The starter kits above include a recommended bag or tote, but if you’re creating your own, don’t forget the bag! Whether you mail your swag package or present it in person, a bag, backpack, or tote pulls your themed gifts together. Here are a few options to consider to make your custom swag pack a breeze to prep and present: 

The Hipster Budget Fanny Pack 

Chaya RPET Tote with Pouch 

Two-Tone Heather Drawstring Backpack 

Traveler 10 oz. Cotton Canvas Tote Bag 

Benefits of Building a Swag Box for Your Business

Whether your choose one of our pre-picked kits, or prepare your own swag package, consider the exciting advantages you and your recipients are about to enjoy: 

1. Brand Awareness and Recognition: A well-designed swag box, emblazoned with your logo and a catchy message, delivers non-stop impressions throughout your recipient’s activities. From morning coffee in your custom mug, to afternoon grocery shopping in your branded tote, your customer connects with your business through touch points at home, work, and on the go.

2. Strengthen Customer Relationships: Whether it’s a welcome swag package for new customers, a thank you for a large purchase, or a show of appreciation for a long-term client, custom swag boxes say you care—in a big way. A collection of custom gifts has unique impact that fosters positive connections and encourages repeat business.

3. Employee Motivation & Team Building: Don’t forget about your internal team! A custom swag box makes a memorable employee appreciation gift, boosting morale and creating a sense of unity. Use a swag box to celebrate project completion, employee anniversaries, and major milestones. The contents provide a physical reminder that you appreciate their hard work and dedication.

4. Cost-Effective Marketing: Compare swag boxes to traditional advertising methods. Other media, such as billboards or banner ads, cast a broad net that often doesn’t speak to existing customers. For reaching existing clients and prospects that are already on your list, a more targeted approach is in order. A custom swag package moves customers and prospects toward acquisition and retention more effectively than a generic message on a billboard or in an online ad.

5. Versatility & Customization: The beauty of custom swag boxes lies in their adaptability. You can tailor the contents, distribution, and customization to suit your target audience, budget, and marketing goals. Offer your swag box to star clients, or sell swag kits or components to individual customers.

6. Level the Playing Field: Custom swag packages lend your business a sense of cohesion and pride, regardless of the size. Whether you’re a startup or an established player, welcoming customers and crew with a curated collection of brand-enhancing, industry-appropriate gifts sends a clear message that you’re organized, strategic, and going somewhere! 

Parting Thoughts on Swag Packages

When it comes to your custom swag box, the possibilities are endless and you can be as creative as you’d like. Go for one of our industry-specific pre-picked packages, or create a box to suit a specific season, campaign, or celebration. One thing you can count on when your gift is a swag box: pleasantly surprised recipients!