Holidays and Special Occasions
Holidays and Special Occasions
Holidays and Special Occasions
Employee Appreciation Day 2026 Swag Kit Ideas
Employee Appreciation Day 2026 Swag Kit Ideas
Employee Appreciation Day 2026 Swag Kit Ideas
Discover Employee Appreciation Day 2026 swag kit ideas, themes, and planning tips to make your EAD campaign successful!
Discover Employee Appreciation Day 2026 swag kit ideas, themes, and planning tips to make your EAD campaign successful!
Discover Employee Appreciation Day 2026 swag kit ideas, themes, and planning tips to make your EAD campaign successful!
Jan 14, 2026
•
5
min read
Employee Appreciation Day is a celebration of the backbone of every organization: employees. More than just a day, it’s a reminder to recognize your team’s efforts and give them something tangible that reflects your genuine appreciation.
And while EAD may fall on a single date, the planning behind it starts much earlier. Choosing the right swag and allowing enough time for production and delivery requires early preparation.
If you wish to know more about when you should start planning for your EAD 2026 campaign, our Employee Appreciation Day timeline and swag ideas guide walks you through what swag items to consider and when you should start ordering them.
Why choose swag kits for Employee Appreciation Day 2026?
Now, if you’re thinking about what to do for Employee Appreciation Day, one of the things you should consider is swag kits (also known as swag boxes).
Swag kits are curated boxes containing different swag items, providing a unique unboxing experience for your recipients. Just imagine your employees receiving a box from your company, opening it, and discovering swag items tailored to their office or home needs. They not only receive swag, but they also experience excitement that they will remember and associate with EAD.
Custom-branded swag kits are especially effective because they boost morale by creating an engaging unboxing moment that fosters emotional connection and appreciation. They’re also easy to implement, as you can assemble or choose pre-curated kits around certain themes like wellness or remote work. Lastly, swag kits are also flexible since they can be tailored by role or region and ordered in bulk. This makes them a smart choice if you’re appreciating 50 people or even 5,000.
What to include in your Employee Appreciation Day swag kits?
Before we dive into what you can include in your employee appreciation day swag kit, first, you need to remember that whatever swag item you’ll pick, you need to focus on its quality.
Employees can immediately tell when something is thoughtfully chosen versus quickly added to a box. High-quality swag doesn’t just look better—it says that you and your company invested in something your employees would actually want to use.
That said, expensive doesn’t automatically equate to high quality! There are many swag options that have great quality but are still affordable and suitable for bulk ordering. The secret is to choose swag that balances durability and purpose.
Apparel is one of the strongest choices for an EAD swag kit. A branded jacket vest, or hoodie from Carhartt or Nike, instantly elevates the experience. These items last longer and are far more likely to be worn outside of work. When apparel fits well and feels premium, it becomes a favorite rather than a spare layer.
Bags are another category that consistently performs well for swag kit items. A duffle bag or backpack works across roles and lifestyles. It’s practical for commuting, travel, gym use, or even weekend plans.
Premium drinkware continues to be a safe but powerful choice for custom swag kits. Styles similar to the Stanley Quencher remain popular because they’re functional and durable. Employees use them daily, which reinforces appreciation long after Employee Appreciation Day itself.
No matter which item you choose, the common denominator should be intention and high quality. Fewer items with higher perceived value almost always outperform a box filled with forgettable extras. When employees open a swag kit and immediately recognize the quality, your appreciation of them feels real.
Employee Appreciation Day 2026 Swag Kit Theme Ideas
Choosing a theme for your Employee Appreciation Day 2026 swag kit makes the experience feel more curated and personal. Having a clear theme will also help you pick out items that work well together, while staying on budget and appreciating your employees in an impressive way.
Wellness kit
A wellness-focused swag kit shows your employees that you care about their well-being even outside of the workplace. Some swag items you should consider for this kit include:
Gildan Adult Heavy Blend Fleece Crew - $11.79
Premium Signature Crew Socks - $11.59
Home office upgrade swag box
A home office upgrade swag box is ideal for remote and hybrid teams who spend most of their time working from home. These items focus on organization and the creation of a more enjoyable workspace. This kit can include items such as:
Signature A5 Notebook - $4.49
Mini Faux Potted Succulent - $5.39
Travel gift set
For frequent travelers or employees who love going abroad for vacations, the swag kit theme should revolve around practicality and comfort even on the move. Be sure to include items like:
Professional Travel Backpack - $47.89
Ergonomic Travel Pillow - $22.79
Tech-savvy kit
A tech-savvy swag kit is designed for your employees who rely heavily on devices throughout the day. These items support productivity and everyday tech needs at work or on the go. A few swag items to consider for this kit are:
Ampx 6000 Mah Powerbank - $19.59
Edulis Bamboo Cable Manager - $1.82
Branded apparel kit
A branded apparel kit is a classic Employee Appreciation Day option that feels personal when quality is prioritized. High-quality apparel pieces tend to get worn often, making them a long-lasting reminder of appreciation. Suggested swag items for this kit include:
Dominate Ballcap - $9.50
Hanes Adult Ecosmart Pullover Hoodie - $14.29
Swag Kit Inspirations
Looking for inspiration on some of the swag kit ideas and themes other companies prepared for their teams? Look no further, as we have also compiled some swag kits that PerkUp clients ordered.
Below are a few common approaches companies take when curating their swag kits, which you can easily adapt to your own Employee Appreciation Day 2026 swag kit campaign.
Microsoft CES kit included a YETI Rambler tumbler, a backpack, a hoodie, a folding umbrella, and a Microsoft-branded t-shirt.
Meanwhile, Inhabit chose a tumbler, a notebook, and a t-shirt for their new hire swag kit to make onboarding more memorable.
On the other hand, Kunai went the classic route for their new hire swag kit by including a mug, a charging cable, a notebook, and a note.
Cornerstone also leveraged custom swag kits during their brand refresh, making the milestone more memorable with various swag items like tote bags, mugs, tumblers, t-shirts, and notebooks.
Check out more swag inspo from Our Work page!
Final Thoughts
Employee Appreciation Day 2026 is ultimately about intention. The swag you choose, the themes you build for the swag kits, and the time you invest in planning all reflect how much you value your employees. When done thoughtfully, a swag kit becomes a shared moment of recognition that employees feel and remember well beyond March 6.
Starting early also gives you more flexibility and better swag options. This is where working with a swag management platform like PerkUp can help streamline the process! From curating custom swag kits to managing storage, fulfillment, and global shipping, having the right swag partner makes Employee Appreciation Day easier to execute without sacrificing quality.
Employee Appreciation Day is a celebration of the backbone of every organization: employees. More than just a day, it’s a reminder to recognize your team’s efforts and give them something tangible that reflects your genuine appreciation.
And while EAD may fall on a single date, the planning behind it starts much earlier. Choosing the right swag and allowing enough time for production and delivery requires early preparation.
If you wish to know more about when you should start planning for your EAD 2026 campaign, our Employee Appreciation Day timeline and swag ideas guide walks you through what swag items to consider and when you should start ordering them.
Why choose swag kits for Employee Appreciation Day 2026?
Now, if you’re thinking about what to do for Employee Appreciation Day, one of the things you should consider is swag kits (also known as swag boxes).
Swag kits are curated boxes containing different swag items, providing a unique unboxing experience for your recipients. Just imagine your employees receiving a box from your company, opening it, and discovering swag items tailored to their office or home needs. They not only receive swag, but they also experience excitement that they will remember and associate with EAD.
Custom-branded swag kits are especially effective because they boost morale by creating an engaging unboxing moment that fosters emotional connection and appreciation. They’re also easy to implement, as you can assemble or choose pre-curated kits around certain themes like wellness or remote work. Lastly, swag kits are also flexible since they can be tailored by role or region and ordered in bulk. This makes them a smart choice if you’re appreciating 50 people or even 5,000.
What to include in your Employee Appreciation Day swag kits?
Before we dive into what you can include in your employee appreciation day swag kit, first, you need to remember that whatever swag item you’ll pick, you need to focus on its quality.
Employees can immediately tell when something is thoughtfully chosen versus quickly added to a box. High-quality swag doesn’t just look better—it says that you and your company invested in something your employees would actually want to use.
That said, expensive doesn’t automatically equate to high quality! There are many swag options that have great quality but are still affordable and suitable for bulk ordering. The secret is to choose swag that balances durability and purpose.
Apparel is one of the strongest choices for an EAD swag kit. A branded jacket vest, or hoodie from Carhartt or Nike, instantly elevates the experience. These items last longer and are far more likely to be worn outside of work. When apparel fits well and feels premium, it becomes a favorite rather than a spare layer.
Bags are another category that consistently performs well for swag kit items. A duffle bag or backpack works across roles and lifestyles. It’s practical for commuting, travel, gym use, or even weekend plans.
Premium drinkware continues to be a safe but powerful choice for custom swag kits. Styles similar to the Stanley Quencher remain popular because they’re functional and durable. Employees use them daily, which reinforces appreciation long after Employee Appreciation Day itself.
No matter which item you choose, the common denominator should be intention and high quality. Fewer items with higher perceived value almost always outperform a box filled with forgettable extras. When employees open a swag kit and immediately recognize the quality, your appreciation of them feels real.
Employee Appreciation Day 2026 Swag Kit Theme Ideas
Choosing a theme for your Employee Appreciation Day 2026 swag kit makes the experience feel more curated and personal. Having a clear theme will also help you pick out items that work well together, while staying on budget and appreciating your employees in an impressive way.
Wellness kit
A wellness-focused swag kit shows your employees that you care about their well-being even outside of the workplace. Some swag items you should consider for this kit include:
Gildan Adult Heavy Blend Fleece Crew - $11.79
Premium Signature Crew Socks - $11.59
Home office upgrade swag box
A home office upgrade swag box is ideal for remote and hybrid teams who spend most of their time working from home. These items focus on organization and the creation of a more enjoyable workspace. This kit can include items such as:
Signature A5 Notebook - $4.49
Mini Faux Potted Succulent - $5.39
Travel gift set
For frequent travelers or employees who love going abroad for vacations, the swag kit theme should revolve around practicality and comfort even on the move. Be sure to include items like:
Professional Travel Backpack - $47.89
Ergonomic Travel Pillow - $22.79
Tech-savvy kit
A tech-savvy swag kit is designed for your employees who rely heavily on devices throughout the day. These items support productivity and everyday tech needs at work or on the go. A few swag items to consider for this kit are:
Ampx 6000 Mah Powerbank - $19.59
Edulis Bamboo Cable Manager - $1.82
Branded apparel kit
A branded apparel kit is a classic Employee Appreciation Day option that feels personal when quality is prioritized. High-quality apparel pieces tend to get worn often, making them a long-lasting reminder of appreciation. Suggested swag items for this kit include:
Dominate Ballcap - $9.50
Hanes Adult Ecosmart Pullover Hoodie - $14.29
Swag Kit Inspirations
Looking for inspiration on some of the swag kit ideas and themes other companies prepared for their teams? Look no further, as we have also compiled some swag kits that PerkUp clients ordered.
Below are a few common approaches companies take when curating their swag kits, which you can easily adapt to your own Employee Appreciation Day 2026 swag kit campaign.
Microsoft CES kit included a YETI Rambler tumbler, a backpack, a hoodie, a folding umbrella, and a Microsoft-branded t-shirt.
Meanwhile, Inhabit chose a tumbler, a notebook, and a t-shirt for their new hire swag kit to make onboarding more memorable.
On the other hand, Kunai went the classic route for their new hire swag kit by including a mug, a charging cable, a notebook, and a note.
Cornerstone also leveraged custom swag kits during their brand refresh, making the milestone more memorable with various swag items like tote bags, mugs, tumblers, t-shirts, and notebooks.
Check out more swag inspo from Our Work page!
Final Thoughts
Employee Appreciation Day 2026 is ultimately about intention. The swag you choose, the themes you build for the swag kits, and the time you invest in planning all reflect how much you value your employees. When done thoughtfully, a swag kit becomes a shared moment of recognition that employees feel and remember well beyond March 6.
Starting early also gives you more flexibility and better swag options. This is where working with a swag management platform like PerkUp can help streamline the process! From curating custom swag kits to managing storage, fulfillment, and global shipping, having the right swag partner makes Employee Appreciation Day easier to execute without sacrificing quality.
Employee Appreciation Day is a celebration of the backbone of every organization: employees. More than just a day, it’s a reminder to recognize your team’s efforts and give them something tangible that reflects your genuine appreciation.
And while EAD may fall on a single date, the planning behind it starts much earlier. Choosing the right swag and allowing enough time for production and delivery requires early preparation.
If you wish to know more about when you should start planning for your EAD 2026 campaign, our Employee Appreciation Day timeline and swag ideas guide walks you through what swag items to consider and when you should start ordering them.
Why choose swag kits for Employee Appreciation Day 2026?
Now, if you’re thinking about what to do for Employee Appreciation Day, one of the things you should consider is swag kits (also known as swag boxes).
Swag kits are curated boxes containing different swag items, providing a unique unboxing experience for your recipients. Just imagine your employees receiving a box from your company, opening it, and discovering swag items tailored to their office or home needs. They not only receive swag, but they also experience excitement that they will remember and associate with EAD.
Custom-branded swag kits are especially effective because they boost morale by creating an engaging unboxing moment that fosters emotional connection and appreciation. They’re also easy to implement, as you can assemble or choose pre-curated kits around certain themes like wellness or remote work. Lastly, swag kits are also flexible since they can be tailored by role or region and ordered in bulk. This makes them a smart choice if you’re appreciating 50 people or even 5,000.
What to include in your Employee Appreciation Day swag kits?
Before we dive into what you can include in your employee appreciation day swag kit, first, you need to remember that whatever swag item you’ll pick, you need to focus on its quality.
Employees can immediately tell when something is thoughtfully chosen versus quickly added to a box. High-quality swag doesn’t just look better—it says that you and your company invested in something your employees would actually want to use.
That said, expensive doesn’t automatically equate to high quality! There are many swag options that have great quality but are still affordable and suitable for bulk ordering. The secret is to choose swag that balances durability and purpose.
Apparel is one of the strongest choices for an EAD swag kit. A branded jacket vest, or hoodie from Carhartt or Nike, instantly elevates the experience. These items last longer and are far more likely to be worn outside of work. When apparel fits well and feels premium, it becomes a favorite rather than a spare layer.
Bags are another category that consistently performs well for swag kit items. A duffle bag or backpack works across roles and lifestyles. It’s practical for commuting, travel, gym use, or even weekend plans.
Premium drinkware continues to be a safe but powerful choice for custom swag kits. Styles similar to the Stanley Quencher remain popular because they’re functional and durable. Employees use them daily, which reinforces appreciation long after Employee Appreciation Day itself.
No matter which item you choose, the common denominator should be intention and high quality. Fewer items with higher perceived value almost always outperform a box filled with forgettable extras. When employees open a swag kit and immediately recognize the quality, your appreciation of them feels real.
Employee Appreciation Day 2026 Swag Kit Theme Ideas
Choosing a theme for your Employee Appreciation Day 2026 swag kit makes the experience feel more curated and personal. Having a clear theme will also help you pick out items that work well together, while staying on budget and appreciating your employees in an impressive way.
Wellness kit
A wellness-focused swag kit shows your employees that you care about their well-being even outside of the workplace. Some swag items you should consider for this kit include:
Gildan Adult Heavy Blend Fleece Crew - $11.79
Premium Signature Crew Socks - $11.59
Home office upgrade swag box
A home office upgrade swag box is ideal for remote and hybrid teams who spend most of their time working from home. These items focus on organization and the creation of a more enjoyable workspace. This kit can include items such as:
Signature A5 Notebook - $4.49
Mini Faux Potted Succulent - $5.39
Travel gift set
For frequent travelers or employees who love going abroad for vacations, the swag kit theme should revolve around practicality and comfort even on the move. Be sure to include items like:
Professional Travel Backpack - $47.89
Ergonomic Travel Pillow - $22.79
Tech-savvy kit
A tech-savvy swag kit is designed for your employees who rely heavily on devices throughout the day. These items support productivity and everyday tech needs at work or on the go. A few swag items to consider for this kit are:
Ampx 6000 Mah Powerbank - $19.59
Edulis Bamboo Cable Manager - $1.82
Branded apparel kit
A branded apparel kit is a classic Employee Appreciation Day option that feels personal when quality is prioritized. High-quality apparel pieces tend to get worn often, making them a long-lasting reminder of appreciation. Suggested swag items for this kit include:
Dominate Ballcap - $9.50
Hanes Adult Ecosmart Pullover Hoodie - $14.29
Swag Kit Inspirations
Looking for inspiration on some of the swag kit ideas and themes other companies prepared for their teams? Look no further, as we have also compiled some swag kits that PerkUp clients ordered.
Below are a few common approaches companies take when curating their swag kits, which you can easily adapt to your own Employee Appreciation Day 2026 swag kit campaign.
Microsoft CES kit included a YETI Rambler tumbler, a backpack, a hoodie, a folding umbrella, and a Microsoft-branded t-shirt.
Meanwhile, Inhabit chose a tumbler, a notebook, and a t-shirt for their new hire swag kit to make onboarding more memorable.
On the other hand, Kunai went the classic route for their new hire swag kit by including a mug, a charging cable, a notebook, and a note.
Cornerstone also leveraged custom swag kits during their brand refresh, making the milestone more memorable with various swag items like tote bags, mugs, tumblers, t-shirts, and notebooks.
Check out more swag inspo from Our Work page!
Final Thoughts
Employee Appreciation Day 2026 is ultimately about intention. The swag you choose, the themes you build for the swag kits, and the time you invest in planning all reflect how much you value your employees. When done thoughtfully, a swag kit becomes a shared moment of recognition that employees feel and remember well beyond March 6.
Starting early also gives you more flexibility and better swag options. This is where working with a swag management platform like PerkUp can help streamline the process! From curating custom swag kits to managing storage, fulfillment, and global shipping, having the right swag partner makes Employee Appreciation Day easier to execute without sacrificing quality.
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