Corporate swag has a bit of a reputation problem. For years, companies have been handing out stress balls no one squeezes, t-shirts no one wears, and plastic cups destined for the back of the kitchen cabinet. And with workplace well-being at an all-time low, receiving yet another branded pen can feel a little out of touch, to say the least.

But corporate swag doesn’t have to be a waste of space (or money). Done right, it can be something employees and customers actually want – something useful, thoughtful, and aligned with the way we work and live today.

So, whether you're onboarding new team members, curating client gifts, or brainstorming freebies for your next conference, we’ve rounded up the biggest and latest swag trends for 2025. Here’s what’s in, what’s out, and how to make swag feel like a gift instead of an afterthought.

What’s in: Sustainable and ethically sourced swag

In 2025, sustainability isn’t just a corporate talking point – it’s a dealbreaker. One Deloitte survey found that 69% of employees want their companies to invest in sustainability, including reducing waste. (Among Gen Z and millennial workers, that number soars to a whopping 96%).

Employees and customers alike are paying attention to what brands stand for, and that includes the merch they hand out. A cheap, plastic giveaway that ends up in the trash? Not exactly a good look.

But how does this latest swag trend actually translate to reality? Here are some of our top picks for planet-friendly, trending swag items:

• Eco-friendly backpacks: Durable, stylish, and sustainable. No cheap totes that rip after two uses – these are built to last and keep waste out of landfills. 
• Apparel and accessories: From baseball caps made from recycled polyester to t-shirts woven using plant-based alternatives, these everyday essentials are getting a green glow-up.
• Reusable, plastic-free alternatives: Think silicone snack bags, spacious 100% cotton totes, or sleek metal lunch containers.
• Solar-powered gadgets: The future is off-grid. Solar-powered chargers, speakers, lights, and fans are practical, energy-efficient, and waste-free. 

Remember: Even the most sustainable swag loses its impact if it’s wrapped in layers of plastic. In 2025, consider going the extra mile with your trending swag items by packaging them in minimal, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging – think: FSC-certified paper, soy-based inks, and compostable mailers.

What’s in: Hybrid work swag

Despite the nonstop headlines about corporations demanding employees return to the office, the numbers suggest otherwise: flexible work remains the norm for most desk jobs. According to Gallup, 55% of office workers have a hybrid schedule, while 26% are exclusively remote. 

So, what does that mean for the latest swag trends? Forget office-only merch. In 2025, the best company swag ideas aren’t restricted to cubicle-only use, but designed for flexibility, keeping employees productive and comfortable wherever they work.

Here are some of our top hybrid-friendly trending swag items:

• Ergonomic upgrades: Working from the couch? The kitchen table? A co-working space? A portable lap desk and posture-friendly accessories (like mousepads with wrist support or adjustable laptop stands) make any setup more comfortable.
• Noise-canceling headphones: Distractions don’t care where you are. A great pair of branded noise-canceling headphones helps employees stay focused, whether they’re dodging chatty co-workers or barking dogs at home.
• Desk and video call essentials: Branded webcams, ring lights, and stylish phone holders keep workspaces tidy and video calls crisp.
• Wellness swag: Weighted blankets for stress relief, yoga mats for mid-day stretches, and stainless steel water bottles that keep beverages at the perfect temperature are great for recharging teams.
• Work-from-anywhere kits: Portable chargers, sleek notebooks, and laptop sleeves keep employees powered up, organized, and ready to work – whether they’re commuting, traveling, or setting up shop at their favorite coffee spot.

What’s in: Experiential swag

Let’s be real: few people get excited about a lukewarm, midweek pizza party in the office breakroom. But an experience that someone can actually enjoy on their own time (and even better, with their loved ones)? That’s a different story. 

It makes sense. As work and life become increasingly screen-heavy, people crave opportunities to unplug, reset, and engage in meaningful ways. From immersive coffee-tasting workshops to hands-on cooking classes, leather crafting kits to guided city experiences, experiential merch is a recent swag trend that turns corporate gifting into something more personal, memorable, and enjoyable. 

Tip: Keep inclusivity in mind, especially if your workforce is distributed. Look for remote-friendly experiences, like at-home pottery kits, virtual escape rooms, digital games (like Jackbox), and digital scavenger hunts.

What’s in: Cozy, comfort-first swag

You’re not alone if you already feel a little tired of 2025. The “soft girl” or “cottagecore” aesthetic may have defined the early 2020s, but in a world that can feel like a dumpster fire, the desire for serotonin-boosting objects that soothe has only grown stronger. 

The result? Unique company swag ideas designed to wrap people in warmth – literally and figuratively. Here are some trending swag items to get you started: 

• Comforting blankets: Premium sherpa throws and even wearable fleece ponchos for peak cozy vibes.
• Sip-and-savor drinkware: Stainless steel coffee mugs, wine tumblers, and eco-friendly cups made from recycled coffee grounds.
• Mood-setting extras: Flame aroma oil diffusers and plush custom pillows make any room feel like it's straight out of Pinterest.
• Wellness essentials: Mini massage guns and scalp massagers to melt away stress (or at least to help you pretend you don’t have 87 unread emails).

What’s out: Oversized logos and loud branding

If your swag screams, “Look at this company logo” in 72-point font, it’s probably going straight to the bottom of the drawer. (It’s not just corporate merch – fashion experts say the luxury logo boom is over, too.)

Subtle is stylish again, and, unsurprisingly, one of the latest swag trends defining 2025. This new aesthetic is all about:

• Understated branding: Small brand marks (instead of plastering your full company name), clean designs, and subtle details. 
• Tone-on-tone embroidery: This technique swaps loud, contrast-heavy logos for a more subtle, sophisticated look by using a slightly darker or lighter thread than the fabric itself, creating a textured, monochromatic effect.
• Luxury-feel accessories: Vegan leather notebooks, alpaca wool beanies, and polished drinkware feel like a premium, well-designed product first, branded item second.

TL;DR: The best company swag ideas are items your employees and customers would voluntarily wear or use, whether that’s a soft, perfectly fitted hoodie with a minimalist logo or a tonal embroidered tote that doesn’t scream corporate giveaway.

What’s out: Generic, one-size-fits-all swag

Notebooks, pens, and generic coffee mugs can sometimes come across as the unsalted crackers of corporate swag. They’re fine. They’re functional. But they don’t say much about your company.

In 2025, corporate merch should do more than just exist – it should mean something. Sure, there’s a place for everyday basics, but they shouldn’t be the default. Naturally, executives are exploring more unique company swag ideas, choosing merch that actually reflects their brand, culture, and audience.

So, instead of handing out the same office supplies as every other company, try swag that ties into your industry or values. As examples:

•  A wellness brand might send out a beautifully packaged “Morning Ritual” kit with a ceramic mug, loose-leaf tea, and a cute tumbler. 
• A travel company might curate a “Jetsetter Essentials” bundle with a sleek passport holder, noise-canceling earbuds, and a luxury sleep mask
• A tech startup could bundle a multi-USB charging adapter kit, mini desk vacuum, and laptop stand.

What’s out: Overpriced swag

With economic uncertainties looming and companies tightening their belts, it doesn’t make sense to blow your entire discretionary budget on luxury swag. Sure, that $150 custom jacket may look great, but with 25% of workers experiencing "layoff anxiety," it’s probably not the morale booster you think it is.

There’s good news: with Wayo, turning your unique company swag ideas into reality doesn’t have to break the bank. Our corporate merch is 50% more affordable than most big-name print-on-demand alternatives – meaning you can do more to treat your team, clients, and event attendees without maxing out the company card.

Ready to move away from generic, expensive giveaways and dive into these best company swag ideas? Explore Wayo’s catalog of trending swag items today.