Survey-Backed Employee Favorites in Swag: What Teams Actually Want

Top employee swag picks—mug, hoodie, backpack, notebook, and power bank—ranked as survey-backed favorites for employee recognition and branded merchandise programs.

When it comes to promotional merchandise, one truth stands out: not all swag is created equal. You’ve probably seen tote bags, pens, mugs, and lanyards handed out at every trade show or onboarding event. But what makes employees actually use and love these items, instead of leaving them buried in a desk drawer?

The answer lies in data. Surveys consistently show that employee engagement, retention, and morale improve when gifts are both practical and high-quality. In this blog, we’ll look at the survey-backed favorites in employee swag and how you can integrate them into your employee recognition, onboarding, and milestone programs to maximize brand awareness and ROI.

Why Employee Feedback Matters in Merch Decisions

Your employees are the best focus group you’ll ever have. Asking them about their favorite branded merchandise for employees not only helps guide your marketing strategy—it also shows gratitude, boosts morale, and reinforces organizational culture.

• Improved employee experience – Employees feel heard when their preferences shape swag programs.

• Better ROI – Instead of wasting your merchandising budget on items that go unused, you invest in products with staying power.

• Brand loyalty & visibility – When employees actually use swag—whether it’s a backpack, hoodie, or mug—your logo gets daily exposure inside and outside the workplace.

Surveys consistently rank drinkware, tech accessories, and apparel as the most popular promotional items. But let’s break it down further.

Top Survey-Backed Employee Favorites

1. Branded Drinkware (Mugs, Tumblers, and Glass Bottles)

Employees love practical drinkware. Surveys show that mugs, water bottles, and tumblers are among the most-used swag items—often used for years.

• Popular picks: CamelBak Eddy+ water bottles, glass tumblers, and insulated steel mugs.

• Why it works: High utility, environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic, and daily visibility.

2. Premium Apparel (Hoodies, Jackets, and Uniforms)

Apparel is a long-term favorite when it’s retail quality. Cheap T-shirts get tossed; embroidered hoodies, cotton jackets, and workwear get worn.

• Popular picks: Next Level hoodies, Eddie Bauer jackets, Comfort Colors cotton T-shirts.

• Why it works: Doubles as a uniform or casual wear, creates pride, and aligns with company culture.

3. Bags & Backpacks

From tote bags for eco-friendly commuting to branded backpacks and laptop bags, employees rank bags high in surveys.

• Popular picks: Samsonite foldable backpack, Bellroy work bag, recycled cotton tote.

• Why it works: Combines functionality with visibility, and employees use them beyond work.

4. Desk & Stationery Essentials

Even in a digital-first world, employees value notebooks, pens, and desk gear. Surveys show high satisfaction with Moleskin notebooks, Kaweco pens, and branded mousepads.

• Why it works: Keeps your logo on desks daily, improving brand recall and productivity.

5. Tech Gear (USBs, Wireless, and Bluetooth Accessories)

In every employee survey, tech tops the list of most-wanted swag. Items like Mophie wireless power banks, branded USBs, Bluetooth speakers, and wireless earbuds are used constantly.

• Why it works: Matches remote work lifestyles, supports productivity, and has a high perceived value.Even in a digital-first world, employees value notebooks, pens, and desk gear. Surveys show high satisfaction with Moleskin notebooks, Kaweco pens, and branded mousepads.

• Why it works: Keeps your logo on desks daily, improving brand recall and productivity.

6. Health, Wellness & Comfort Gifts

Employees care about health and balance. Branded blankets, meditation kits, lip balm, and bamboo plants create positive associations and improve employee experience.

• Why it works: Signals genuine care, fits personal lives, and helps improve employee morale.

7. Recognition & Rewards for Milestones

Survey data shows that employees value milestone gifts that feel personal. Whether it’s a work anniversary gift or a corporate anniversary souvenir, the items with staying power are practical and premium.

• Examples: Wireless gear, Eddie Bauer jackets, branded glassware, or anniversary lapel pins.

• Why it works: Combines recognition with long-term use, boosting both morale and retention.

How to Run an Employee Swag Survey

To ensure your merchandising and advertising budget is well spent, consider running a swag preference survey. Ask questions like:

• What type of branded merchandise do you use most often?

• Would you prefer apparel, tech, or desk gear?

• Do you value environmentally friendly swag options?

• How do you feel about receiving swag vs. gift cards?

This information guides future investments in impactful branded merchandise, employee appreciation day giveaways, or print-on-demand swag programs.

Why Merch Outperforms Gift Cards in Recognition

While gift cards are convenient, surveys show employees remember branded items longer. A gift card is gone once it’s spent, while a tote bag, hoodie, or branded mug becomes a daily reminder of appreciation and culture.

Plus, branded merchandise integrates into marketing strategy by doubling as advertising tools—every hoodie or tote becomes a walking ad.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the most popular employee anniversary gifts?

Survey data shows employees prefer practical items they can use every day. Top picks include branded drinkware like mugs and tumblers, embroidered cotton hoodies, Samsonite backpacks, wireless tech gear, and eco-friendly bamboo desk items. These gifts balance recognition, usability, and brand visibility.

2. How do branded merchandise gifts improve employee engagement?

When employees receive branded merchandise for milestones, it reinforces your company’s culture and shows gratitude. Swag like tote bags, jackets, or tech accessories provides daily logo visibility, boosts morale, and increases employee retention by making recognition more tangible than a one-time gift card.

3. Are environmentally friendly promotional products really valued by employees?

Yes. Many employees—especially younger generations—prefer environmentally friendly promotional merchandise such as bamboo plants, reusable straws, cotton tote bags, and recycled stationery. These items not only improve the employee experience but also strengthen your company’s reputation for sustainability.

4. Should I give gift cards or promotional merchandise for recognition and rewards?

While gift cards are quick, they’re also forgettable. Employees typically value promotional merchandise like mugs, hoodies, or backpacks more because they serve as daily reminders of appreciation and contribute to long-term brand awareness. A balanced program can include both, but survey results show swag creates stronger employee loyalty.

5. How can companies choose the right employee recognition gifts?

The best approach is to run an employee swag survey. Ask employees what they prefer—desk items, apparel, drinkware, tech, or wellness gifts. This data helps you match milestones with the right products, ensuring your recognition program improves morale, productivity, and organizational culture.

Final Thoughts

Survey-backed insights prove what many HR and marketing leaders already know: branded merchandise is one of the most effective tools for recognition and rewards. By focusing on employee favorites like drinkware, apparel, bags, tech, and wellness items, you boost employee morale, retention, and loyalty while reinforcing your brand daily.

At HighVolve, we specialize in employee logo gifts, corporate anniversary gift ideas, and branded merchandise programs that employees actually use. From embroidered cotton hoodies to wireless tech gear and eco-friendly bamboo swag, we help companies create employee recognition programs that work.