Are you looking to gift your employees some awesome company swag but worried it’s not in your budget? You’re in the right place, and we’ll show you how to get the best value for money on top-quality company swag.

When done right, giving your employees company swag has huge benefits, including boosting your company culture. And with PerkUp, you can get these benefits on any budget. 

In this article, we’ll delve into the best ways to stretch your swag budget and give you our top picks for the best cheap company swag.

What is company swag?

Company swag, an acronym for ‘Stuff We All Get’, refers to branded items a company distributes for promotional purposes. Company swag can be gifted to employees, clients, and potential customers. The aim is to increase brand visibility, promote a positive image, and foster a sense of loyalty and community.

Company swag comes in various shapes and forms, from branded clothing to office supplies, drinkware, and electronics.

Here at PerkUp, we’re focused on employee recognition, an essential component of employee engagement. Employee gifting has an impressively high return on investment in the form of enhanced productivity, boosted company culture, and increased company loyalty. 

Sound enticing? Let’s see how your company can hop on the trend!

How to make the most out of a tight company swag budget

Here are the things you should focus on to ensure you choose the right cheap company swag:

1. Set a clear budget

The first thing you need to determine when putting together the best employee swag kit is your budget. You need to consider how much you can spend per employee and in total.

Only start looking at potential swag options once you have a fixed budget to avoid biting off more than you can chew. We provide a handy budget builder to help you set a budget that works best for you.

We understand the importance of having a budget and being able to get awesome, cheap company swag. That’s why our swag catalog has a massive range of items across all price points. 

We have nearly one hundred items available for under $30. So no matter what your budget, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit with PerkUp.

2. Prioritize simple essentials

When you have a limited budget, it can be tempting to opt for quantity over quality to bulk up your swag kit. However, this is a counterproductive strategy. One of the reasons that companies like to choose luxury swag items is that people link the quality of the swag to the quality of the company. 

But that doesn’t mean you need to buy your employees Gucci handbags! It does mean that you should always prioritize quality over quantity to ensure that your swag makes a positive impression on your employees. 

Opt for items that are simple and practical. While a temperature-control mug or a self-cleaning water bottle make for exciting gifts, your swag doesn’t need to be fancy.

Simple, useful options like a good-quality mug or classic cap can be just as impactful. In addition to sending swag packs, you can also set up a swag store that allows employees to choose exactly what they want.

3. Buy in bulk

When it comes to swag items, pay attention to the pricing models. Often, the more items you buy, the cheaper each unit is. PerkUp’s pricing model is designed to work with you, so we offer discounts on bulk orders.

Buying in bulk can include stocking up on items you know you’ll want regularly, like T-shirts. While this is a great solution for larger companies, even buying 50 items might be outside your budget if you are a smaller company.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of PerkUp’s amazing swag offerings. We have a whole selection of items with a 1-unit minimum order, meaning that you can treat your team, no matter how small it is. 

4. Look for sales and discounts

When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, keeping an eye out for sales and discounts is crucial. Buying during sales and gifting that swag over a longer period can be a great deal, especially if you’re buying in bulk.

With PerkUp, we handle warehousing and distribution, which means that buying in bulk doesn’t require you to have your own warehouse to store your swag. Take advantage of seasonal discounts as well as special occasions to get great items for a lower price, and then let us handle the logistics.

5. Multi-use items

Remember, the value of company swag doesn’t just come from how much it costs, but rather from how useful it is to the recipient.

Multi-use items like tote bags are cheap company swag items that’ll always be well-received. When choosing swag, think carefully about what your employees value and will actually use. Your employees will most likely appreciate thoughtful swag items.

Another way to do this is to let your employees choose their own rewards with a PerkUp gift card.

You load a certain amount of money onto it, and then your employees can spend it on anything they want, anywhere Visa is accepted. Cash rewards offer the greatest flexibility and can be an excellent way to stretch your budget. 

6. Support local and small businesses

Quality swag doesn’t have to be tied to expensive name brands. You can often get high-quality options by shopping locally at small businesses. This can also offer a more unique range of swag options. 

Local choices also reduce shipping costs, which can be a major expense. But if you have workers in multiple countries, shopping locally becomes impossible. 

We offer global shipping thanks to our distribution centers in multiple countries. This means that we can ship swag from a location close to your employees. Not only is this excellent for the environment, but it also keeps shipping costs down.

7. Partner with PerkUp

While it might be tempting to try and cut costs by managing your own swag, the time and cost of ordering, warehousing, branding, and shipping quickly add up. But that doesn’t mean you can’t show your employees some love with company swag.

When it comes to company swag management, PerkUp is the best in the business. Simply place your order, and we’ll handle the rest. We have strict quality checks and make sure that your employees get exactly what you paid for.

With our range of integrations, you’ll be able to link your Human Resources Information System (HRIS) software, and we’ll have all the information we need to manage your swag. 

This also means it’s easy to automate gifts for birthdays, put together welcome kits for new employees, and celebrate work anniversaries since your employee directory will be linked to PerkUp. 

10 best affordable company swag Items

Here’s a curated list of some affordable and high-quality swag options that won’t break the bank:

1. Ballpen

Pens are classic swag items because of their practicality and potential for frequent use. Branded pens help promote your company while being functional tools that employees can use every day, whether at work or at home.

A great option is the Cougar Retractable Ballpoint Pen. This pen offers a sleek design with a reliable click-action mechanism and a large imprint area, allowing your logo to shine.

2. Water bottle

Hydration is key, and branded water bottles are both useful and eco-friendly. Gifting water bottles encourages employees to stay hydrated, reducing single-use plastic waste while promoting your company’s commitment to wellness and sustainability.

For a stylish, practical choice, we recommend the Elixir 20oz Tritan Sports Bottle. It’s BPA-free, shatterproof, and ergonomically designed, making it the perfect companion for both work and play.

3. Tote bags

Tote bags are a versatile and eco-friendly gift that employees can use in many aspects of their daily lives. From grocery shopping to carrying laptops or other essentials, they serve a practical purpose while spreading brand awareness.

A great pick is the 100% 4oz Cotton Canvas Convention Tote. Lightweight yet durable, this bag offers a large space for your branding, and it’s a perfect sustainable choice for those on the go.

4. Notebooks

Notebooks are excellent swag items because they cater to employees who prefer jotting down notes, ideas, or to-do lists by hand. A branded notebook can be both stylish and functional, providing a constant reminder of your company’s care for its employees.

Consider the 3.4” x 4.5” FSC Recycled Post Spiral Notebook. This compact, eco-friendly notebook is made from recycled materials, making it a responsible and handy option for everyday use.

5. T-shirts

T-shirts are a popular swag item due to their universal appeal and wearability. Branded T-shirts allow employees to represent your company casually, whether at home, at the gym, or during company events.

The Gildan Adult Ultra Cotton T-Shirt is an affordable, comfortable option made from 100% cotton. With a variety of colors available, it’s a go-to for any casual occasion.

6. Stress relievers

A stress reliever is a thoughtful gift, helping employees manage stress during hectic workdays. These small items are fun and functional, serving as an easy way to unwind when tension builds up.

A great option is the Round Stress Reliever. It’s made from soft foam and is available in bright colors, offering a simple, budget-friendly way to support employee well-being.

7. Lanyards

Lanyards are highly practical for employees who need to carry ID badges or keys. They’re an everyday item in many workplaces and events, providing continuous exposure for your brand.

We recommend the Hang In There Lanyard. With multiple color options and durable construction, this lanyard is a versatile accessory that’s perfect for both work and events.

8. Mugs

Everyone needs a reliable mug, whether for coffee, tea, or any other beverage. Mugs are an excellent way to promote your brand daily, as they are items that get frequent use.

The 14 oz Stackable Ceramic Mug is a practical and stylish option. Its stackable feature saves space, and its ceramic material ensures it’s both durable and elegant for the office or home.

9. Caps

Baseball caps are a trendy and functional addition to any swag collection. Whether for outdoor events, casual wear, or as part of a uniform, branded caps are a great way to increase visibility and offer employees a cool, wearable item.

For a fashionable option, check out the Unisex Vintage Washed Distressed Adjustable Baseball Cap. It offers a vintage look with adjustable comfort, making it a hit with employees.

10. Phone accessories

Phone accessories, like PopSockets, are popular swag items because they offer functionality and fun. Employees use their phones constantly, and adding a branded accessory ensures that your company stays top-of-mind.

We recommend the PopSockets PopGrip, which adds convenience and comfort to any smartphone while prominently displaying your company logo.

Final thoughts

When you work with PerkUp, great company swag doesn’t have to break the bank. With software designed to make your life easier and a massive array of affordable swag items, we’re the perfect choice for company swag on a budget.

To see just how much PerkUp can do for you, book a demo today and watch as your employee engagement skyrockets!