Corporate event swag and guest gifts are iconic marketing options. And it’s definitely worth the effort to incorporate your client’s brand or your event sponsors in unique gift ideas, branded swag, and promotional products. But if you’re tired of the boring coffee mug and generic clicky pen, you’re in the right place. Go bold, have fun, and give your event guests truly unique swag this year. Check out these most popular guest gifting trends this year.
1. Unique Drinkware
Custom drinkware featuring a branded touch is a classic choice for event swag. For evening events or brunches, add a bit of class with drinking glasses, stemless wine glasses, or pints. Reusable bottles, glass water bottles, travel mugs for hot or cold drinks, or tumblers are options for a more eco-conscious guest list. Integrate this type of swag even further with an event’s open bar or coffee cart!
2. Pet Bandanas
Bandanas (or other types of petware) are wonderful gestures to include in events centered around animals or pets. If you know your guest list has a soft spot for their pooches, pet goodies are always a hit. A branded bandana is a thoughtful and adorable inclusion to an event gift bag. Albeit this may be a more unconventional gift idea, it’s designed to make an impression among fellow pet lovers.
3. Faux Leather Journals
There’s something about elevated office supplies that creates a sophisticated and luxurious gift sentiment. A faux leather journal (or other office wares) is a sleek and elegant way to present your brand to guests at upscale office celebrations, conferences, or mental health retreats. Add this to a small bag of smaller gifts like high-quality pens, chapstick, or even sticky notes, and you’ll have a lovely parting gift for event guests that’s thoughtful and classy.
4. Unique Fidgets
In a world where sensory needs and neurodivergence have more visibility in the corporate world, any non-disruptive fidget or focus tool is welcome. Unique stress balls, slider fidgets, fidget cubes, silicone poppers, or magnet beads are fantastic options. Add these as a free grab at your events, or include them in a wellness gift bag at a conference. Enjoy a little creative freedom by pairing this freebie with more immersive event designs.
5. Small Functional Planters
Connecting with nature has become a movement in itself as a way to ground, refresh, and add an element of self-care to people’s lives. Providing a small branded planter (think desk-sized) is a thoughtful and useful type of promotional product that can be on display in the office or the home. Make it even more curated to your New York event by pairing it with an air plant or properly potted succulent!
6. Easy Essential Tech
Technology has been integrated into daily life. People have chargers, connectors, and accessories with them practically all the time. But some easy essential tech is always welcome in multiples, as backups guests will keep and use. Wireless earbuds that connect to various OS systems are a useful and novel way to put your brand out there and fit into many tech-heavy event schemes. Adaptive charger cords are another option. They’re even better if they feature multiple connectors in one (USB-C, lightning connector, and micro USB cover a large portion of technology needs). A wireless charging dock is also a great choice if your New York event needs a more elevated piece of swag.
7. Cheese or Charcuterie Board
Something to use in the kitchen or while hosting, like a curated cheese or charcuterie board, is a fun and fresh piece of swag to brand for your NYC event guests. This type of gift is particularly poignant at food-focused events, brunches, or cocktail hours. Take the impact a step further by partnering with a local craftsman!
Keep Up With The Trends at The Event Planner Expo
Trends in event planning evolve rapidly throughout the year. The Event Planner Expo features the top influencers and key voices in the event industry. Here’s where you’ll learn the very latest and most popular trends. It’s also where you’ll form strategic relationships, including connections to caterers, new entertainment, technology integration, and more. And as an exhibitor at The Expo, you get to showcase your talent as a top New York event planning brand and network with some of the top industry leaders. Register your booth today and prepare for October!
