Defining swag kits

Swag is everywhere. At events and conferences, in onboarding packages, and even in your very own desk drawer—swag can be found. It is, after all, an easy way for companies to leave a lasting impression on recipients.

But when swag becomes swag items put into custom packaging, it becomes something more. It becomes a swag kit.

Simply put, a swag kit is a collection of various swag items packaged in a curated box that offers more than just branded company merchandise. These kits are tailored for various occasions and recipients and serve as tangible representations of your brand.

How does a swag kit differ from individual swag items?

The main difference between non-kitted swag items and swag kits is that swag kits deliver an unboxing experience.

An unboxing experience is the moment that your recipients open a branded box, interact with its contents, and discover the swag inside for the first time. This includes the anticipation of inspecting the packaging, reading the accompanying note, unsealing the kit, and finally revealing the swag items. In contrast to non-kitted swag, swag kits are designed to create an unboxing experience. They offer a curated collection of items that, when opened, provide a memorable moment and emotional connection to your brand.

Another primary difference between non-kitted swag items and swag kits is how they are delivered and presented. Swag items are typically sent individually, which means there’s no guarantee they will all arrive together at your recipients’ doorsteps. One of your recipients might receive all their swag items in one package, while others might get theirs in multiple shipments. This inconsistency extends to the packaging itself, which is usually standard (like poly mailer) and lacks custom branding.

In comparison, swag kits offer a cohesive experience as they are assembled collections of various swag items, packaged in a custom box, and shipped as a single bundle. This process is called kitting and is what gives swag kits their name. By kitting all swag items together, swag kits ensure that your recipients receive a consolidated swag bundle that showcases your brand. Such attention to detail also ensures that every recipient enjoys a consistent and memorable unboxing experience.

And since there is a big difference between swag and swag kits when it comes to delivery and packaging, their lead times vary as well. This is mostly because of the many aspects to consider when preparing swag kits. Non-kitted swag items can be shipped out as soon as they’re produced for a quicker turnaround. With swag kits, each swag has its own manufacturing timeline, and they all must be ready before the kit can be assembled and shipped, leading to longer lead times.

With all of these various details involved, the pricing of swag kits is often more expensive than non-kitted swag items. After all, you’ll be paying for more than just the swag but also the custom packaging needed for the kits.

Why do people choose swag kits?

If swag kits are simply a collection of different swag items that all arrive at the same time, why should you choose them instead of non-kitted swag? What makes swag kits truly unique?

Well, first of all, swag kits go beyond the swag items. More specifically, as we have briefly mentioned above, a swag kit is all about the unboxing experience.

Picture this: You’ve received a company-branded swag like a water bottle, wrapped neatly in standard plastic and bubble wrap packaging. It’s simple. You just have to tear through plastic and that’s it. The experience is straightforward but lacks excitement.

Now, imagine instead that you’re given a package. Not just any brown package but a customized package complete with full-colored wrapping and a bespoke box. You get curious about what’s inside, right? And when you lift the box’s lid that opens with a single flap, similar to opening a little treasure chest, you feel like unwrapping a surprise meant just for you. Then you see that it’s filled with lightweight shredded paper that nestles different swag items, ranging from a lanyard and pen to a small umbrella. And there’s a note inside that adds a warm touch!

That is what differentiates swag kits from non-kitted swag items.

Swag kits are designed to evoke powerful emotions in your recipients. The moment a swag kit arrives, recipients already feel seen by your brand, which sparks a sense of joy. As they open the kit, their excitement builds, and the curated selection of swag items inside deepens their emotional connection to you.

In today’s social media landscape, a memorable unboxing experience can become a viral sensation. Your recipients are eager to share their delight with friends and followers, helping generate buzz around your brand. This organic word-of-mouth advertising not only boosts your brand visibility but also fosters trust and loyalty among prospective customers. 

As such, by giving recipients swag kits that conjure positive emotions in them, you create ambassadors who naturally promote your brand. This genuine enthusiasm translates into better marketing, sales, and recruiting prospects for you, as people are more likely to engage with a brand that resonates with them emotionally.

When is the best time to use swag kits?

So, you’ve chosen to give your recipients swag kits for that emotional connection. Great! Now, you’re just wondering when is the best occasion or event to send out these curated packages. Worry not, as we’ve also compiled a list of the perfect occasions to send swag kits to your recipients, as well as the kinds of kits perfect for them!

Are your swag kits…

… for employees?

Onboarding

If you’re onboarding new company hires, there’s no better way to welcome them than with an employee onboarding kit that contains swag items that can introduce them to your brand. Onboarding kits will also make them feel more comfortable and like they are part of your team. Talk about a warm welcome!

Wellness

Wellness kits are great to help promote self-care no matter the occasion. Motivate your employees to take better of themselves—may it be physically or mentally—through wellness-curated kits. Not only do you show you care but you also foster a culture of support within your company.

Celebration

A great way to celebrate with your recipients is by giving them a celebratory swag kit fit for the occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, a work anniversary, or a professional recognition, such kits can demonstrate your genuine thoughtfulness.

Holidays

The holiday season is the perfect time to send out seasonal kits carefully curated to feel the festive vibes. Such packages can also make your employees feel more recognized, strengthening their connection to your company even as the year draws to an end.

… for clients?

Promotion

There are two types of clients: existing and potential. Now, if you’re trying to encourage prospective customers and promote your brand through swag, a branded kit is a great option for you! Through this kind of swag kit, you can introduce your brand, highlight your offerings, and even encourage future patronage.

Gratitude

What is a company without its customers, right? So, thank your loyal patrons with client appreciation kits, showing you value your professional relationship. This will also leave a positive impression that can help retain their loyalty.

Holidays

The holidays are the perfect opportunity to spread some cheer to your clients. A festive swag kit reminds them that you’re thinking of them even during the holiday season. With holiday kits, you can strengthen professional relationships and add a sprinkle of holiday magic to your brand!

… for partners and investors?

Closed deals

Sealing a big deal calls for celebration! A deal-closing swag kit is the ultimate “cheers to us!” gesture that marks the start of a promising partnership. Leave a lasting impression of excitement to start your partnerships right.

Celebration

Recognizing life’s big moments goes a long way. Celebrating milestones like a new baby or a major achievement with a thoughtful kit shows partners and investors that you see them as more than just business allies—it’s a personal touch that can deepen connections.

Holidays

Tis’ the season to strengthen those valuable partnerships! Just like with employees and clients, a holiday swag kit shows your appreciation for your partners and investors in the most festive way possible.

… for brand awareness?

Events

Want to stand out at conferences, trade shows, or events? Swag kits may be just what you need! Event swag kits for giveaways can make your brand stand out. They both leave attendees with a tangible reminder of your brand and showcase your offerings even after the event.

Promotion

A great way to grab attention or promote your brand is through PR campaigns or influencer partnerships. And promotional swag kits are perfect for them! With carefully curated swag items, promotional swag kits can showcase your brand’s best features not only to influencers and media contacts but also to their audience through vlogs or sponsored promos.

Of course, these are not the only occasions when you can send out swag kits! There are many other times that you can show your appreciation, so be sure to consider swag kits for your next campaign or event.

What items should be included in swag kits?

So, you’ve nailed the when, and now it’s time for the fun part: deciding what goes into your swag kits. But before diving into specific items, let’s talk about what makes certain swag items perfect for swag kits.

Swag items in your kits should be…

… practical

The best swag items are those that can be integrated into your recipients’ daily routines. If they can use your swag every day, then it becomes a constant reminder of your brand. It may be subtle, but it’s effective! 

On the other hand, limited-use items like disposables are not only impractical but also fail to keep your brand top of mind since they’re discarded after a single use. Choosing such items will be a waste and a missed opportunity!

… high-quality

No one wants a flimsy pen that stops writing after a paragraph or a water bottle that cracks when dropped an inch from the ground. Ensuring that your swag items are high-quality demonstrates your care for details and that your brand feels premium. Plus, the longer your swag items last, the more your recipients will use them, keeping your brand top of mind every time they do.

… small 

Size also matters when it comes to swag kits. Stick to items that are small as they’re easier to pack inside a box. Just imagine that your swag box is around 10” x 7” and you chose a laptop sleeve that’s at least 16”. How will you be able to fit that in a smaller box? Bulky items are also inconvenient and more expensive to ship, so it’s best to steer clear of them.

… not-sized

By not-sized, we mean swag items that don’t come in small, medium, and large sizes, which are typically T-shirts and pants. We suggest you avoid these swag items as it’s hard to ensure that they will fit each and every one of your recipients. Just imagine if your recipient wears a medium-sized T-shirt and they receive a small-sized one. They won’t be able to use your swag, and worse, they may feel offended by the size inaccuracy. Remember that the items in your swag kits must suit everyone.

With these in mind, let’s dive into some of the top items that deserve a spot in your swag kit!

Drinkware is always a hit in swag kits. Eco-friendly water bottles, reusable tumblers, or classic mugs are swag items your recipients can use anywhere. You can also add coasters for that extra practicality and convenience.

Headwear and accessories are also a great choice, combining both fun and functionality. Hats and beanies are durable and fashionable at the same time. Cozy socks are perfect for work-from-home days or running errands. Lanyards can be used for IDs or even keys. Compact travel umbrellas can also shield your recipients from unexpected downpours.

Small bags, like tote bags, are also suitable for your recipients due to their versatility. Trips to the grocery, the gym, or daily errands can make things a whole lot easier for your recipients. 

And, for office supplies, it’s hard to go wrong with practical staples like notebooks, pen sets, and mouse pads.

Now, if you want to add a fun touch to your swag kits, bring a bit of flair with other swag items like stickers and popsockets!

There are many other swag items you can definitely include in your swag kits. The ones on this list don’t cover everything so be sure to check out your swag vendor or partner’s swag catalog.

What mistakes to avoid when opting for swag kits?

You’re ready to choose and ship out your swag kits! But before you do that, let’s first pause and make sure you’re steering clear of a few common mistakes that may derail all of your hard work.

Ignoring lead times

As we’ve mentioned before, swag kits aren’t an overnight project. It’s not something you can finish in an hour or so. No, swag kits’ lead times are much longer compared to non-kitted swag items’. From gathering all the swag items to packaging and shipping, everything takes time.

For instance, the production of one swag item, like an umbrella, can take longer than a mug. That’s because some swag products require more complex manufacturing processes or additional materials. Customizations and decoration methods can also extend production timelines.

That said, remember to factor in at least an extra week for all swag items to arrive and be packaged together. Realistically, a timeline of around 4 weeks can give you or your swag partner enough breathing room to handle kitting, shipping, and distribution without rushing.

Distribution, in particular, can be tricky. If you’re sending swag kits to multiple locations or internationally, shipping costs, customs fees, and potential delays can complicate things. For instance, international shipping can cost at least $35 per swag kit to countries or destinations like Europe, compared to a lower cost of $15–$20 when shipping domestically. This may cause you to spend more on shipping and import fees than the actual swag kits themselves! Do note, however, that local deliveries can also be delayed due to weather or incorrect addresses. That’s why it’s also important to ensure that your swag partner has local and international swag warehouses to make the distribution stage easier.

So, if you’re opting for swag kits, plan ahead! Talk about a realistic timeline with your swag management platform to ensure that every swag item arrives on schedule and gets delivered without hassle.

Grabbing whatever’s available

Throwing together a swag kit with whatever swag is on hand is tempting. But don’t! Prioritizing your convenience instead of ensuring your recipients’ enjoyment of your swag can quickly backfire. Cheap and low-quality swag will fail to impress your recipients and may even leave them a negative impression of you. Remember that your swag items reflect your brand. What message will a cheap swag item say about you?

Overlooking your recipients’ preferences

Swag only works when it aligns with your recipients’ actual needs. If you don’t consider their preferences, then your kit might end up gathering dust—or worse, in the trash. So, always think about your recipients when choosing the swag items for your kits. What would they appreciate? What swag will be useful to them? Again, remember the qualities that make a swag item perfect for a kit. They can guide you in your swag selection.

Neglecting design and packaging

We’ve said this before, and we’ll say it again: swag kits are all about the unboxing experience. And who will get excited about opening a plain brown box? If your swag kits are poorly packaged and designed, your recipient won’t even care about what’s inside anymore. With swag kits, both inside and outside matter, so take the time to add excitement and build anticipation from the outside in!

Failing to choose functionality

Swag shouldn’t just be nice to look at. Above all else, swag should be useful for your recipients. Skip swag items that are disposable or decorative. When your swag items serve your recipients a real purpose, then they become something they’ll keep and remember you by.

Forgetting brand identity

The purpose of your swag kit is to show your appreciation for your recipients while promoting your brand. So, every product in your swag kit should reflect your brand. A simple mismatch in colors or design can make your swag kit feel disconnected from your overall brand identity. Ensure that every swag item in your kit ties back to your company.

Avoiding these common mistakes ensures that your swag kits become powerful brand-building tools that will excite your recipients about what’s inside.

Putting together the perfect swag kit can take a lot of time and effort, but you don’t have to do it alone! Partnering with a trusted platform like PerkUp can simplify the entire swag kit process. From selecting high-quality swag items to managing packaging, warehousing, shipping, and distribution, PerkUp can be your trusted swag partner. With our expert support, you can focus on what matters most: creating meaningful connections.

So why stress? Let PerkUp help you turn your swag kit ideas into unforgettable experiences.