10 Best Premium Event Merchandise Ideas 2024
Looking to wow your event attendees with top-notch swag? Here's a quick rundown of the best premium merchandise ideas for 2024:
- Eco-Friendly Tech Accessories
- High-End Branded Clothing
- Gourmet Food and Drink Sets
- Custom Leather Products
- Advanced Wearable Devices
- Exclusive Artwork
- High-Quality Wellness Items
- Custom Event Experiences
- Premium Branded Drinkware
- Upscale Eco-Friendly Gift Packs
Key takeaways:
- Focus on quality over quantity
- Choose items people will actually use
- Personalization is crucial
- Sustainability is a big trend
Quick Comparison:
| Merchandise Type | Eco-Friendly | Personalization | Practicality | Wow Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tech Accessories | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Branded Clothing | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Food/Drink Sets | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Leather Products | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Wearable Devices | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Artwork | ⚠️ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Wellness Items | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Event Experiences | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Drinkware | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Eco Gift Packs | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
✅ = Yes, ❌ = No, ⚠️ = Depends on specific item
Remember: The best swag aligns with your brand, impresses attendees, and gets used long after the event ends.
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How to Choose Premium Event Merchandise
Picking the right swag can make your brand stand out. Here's how:
Know Your Crowd
Match your swag to your attendees. Tech execs? Go for cool gadgets. Eco-friendly millennials? Think sustainable.
Smart Spending
Quality beats quantity. Fewer, better items trump loads of cheap stuff. Budget for things people will actually use.
Make It Useful
Pick stuff that solves problems. A Loop & Tie survey found 56% of employees think company gifts lack thought. Break the mold with:
- Wireless chargers (recycled materials)
- Custom leather laptop sleeves
- Top-notch reusable water bottles
Subtle Branding
In 2024, less is more. Don't let your logo hog the spotlight. Think small, classy logos or brand-aligned color schemes.
Event-Specific Swag
Match your merch to the event. Outdoor conference? Branded jackets could work. Indoor tech event? Noise-cancelling headphones might be perfect.
Personal Touch
Don't just slap on a logo. Try:
- Engraved initials on leather goods
- Custom colors for tech stuff
- Let people pick their gift (Loop & Tie can help)
Long-Lasting Impact
Choose items that stick around. The longer your swag lasts, the more eyes see your brand. Quality drinkware or durable tech accessories can last for years.
1. Eco-Friendly Tech Accessories
In 2024, sustainable tech accessories are the go-to for premium event swag. They're not just functional - they show you care about the planet.
Solar-Powered Chargers
Love the outdoors? Solar chargers are your new best friend. Goal Zero's portable stations are perfect for sunny event locations.
Biodegradable Phone Cases
These cases protect phones now and break down later. It's a smart way to tackle e-waste.
Bamboo Tech Sets
Keyboards and mice made from bamboo? They look great and grow fast. Ideal for office or tech events.
Recycled Material Accessories
Big tech is going green:
- Apple's iPhone 15: 100% recycled cobalt in batteries
- Google's Pixels: Built with recycled materials
Eco-Friendly Audio
Check out the Bloom Bamboo True Wireless Earbuds. At $66.64, you get style and a biodegradable charging case.
Green Charging Solutions
The Auden Bamboo Wireless Charging Mouse Pad ($59.98) is perfect for office events. It's practical and eco-friendly.
2. High-End Branded Clothing
Gone are the days of slapping a logo on a cheap tee. Today's event merch? It's all about quality, subtlety, and wearability.
Leather Bomber Jackets
Want to impress the execs? Try a custom leather bomber. At $89.70, it's not cheap. But it's worth it. Think luxury meets function, with discreet branding that whispers rather than shouts.
Performance Gear
For the sporty types, there's the Nike Dri-FIT 1/2-Zip Cover-Up ($111.14). It keeps you dry during workouts but looks good enough for happy hour.
Eco-Friendly Picks
The HARDY eco jacket isn't just stylish - it's sustainable. Made from 53% recycled polyester, it shows you care about more than just your brand. Plus, 1% of sales go to environmental causes. Win-win.
Weather-Ready Outerwear
Need something versatile? Check out the DELAMAR 3-in-1 jacket. It's got a waterproof outer shell and a detachable inner jacket. Perfect for unpredictable weather (and indecisive wearers).
Tees, But Make Them Fancy
Even t-shirts can be premium. Look for ultra-soft, 100% cotton that's pre-shrunk. Add custom designs front and back, and you've got a tee people will actually want to wear. Starting at $9.76, it's affordable luxury.
| Item | Price | What's Cool About It |
|---|---|---|
| Leather Bomber | $89.70 | High-quality, subtle branding |
| Nike Dri-FIT | $111.14 | Performs well, looks good |
| HARDY Eco Jacket | Varies | Mostly recycled, helps the planet |
| DELAMAR 3-in-1 | Varies | Waterproof, adaptable |
| Custom Tee | From $9.76 | Soft cotton, double-sided design |
Remember: quality trumps quantity. A few great pieces will do more for your brand than a ton of cheap stuff. Choose items people will actually use, and your brand will get more airtime naturally.
3. Gourmet Food and Drink Sets
Gourmet sets are a hit for premium event swag. They're tasty reminders of your event that guests can enjoy at home.
Something for Everyone
From movie night munchies to fancy Italian fare, there's a set to fit any event:
- Binge Watch Gourmet Gift Box ($99.99)
- Italian Hoagie Kit ($119.99)
- The Happy Hour Kit Gift Box ($124.99)
Fancy Feast in a Box
Want to go all out? The Ultimate California Gourmet Wine Gift Basket from Hickory Farms is a showstopper. It's packed with four Aunar wines and fancy snacks. Perfect for big celebrations or impressing clients.
Cheese, Please!
Got cheese lovers? Murray's Cheeses of the World Sampler ($109.95) delivers 3 pounds of global cheeses. It's a cheese board in a box.
Sweet Tooth?
Chocolate fans will dig the Compartés Signature Chocolate Gift Tower. It's got a 20-piece box of chocolate squares and two bars. Plus, free shipping on orders over $99.
Practical Meets Posh
For a gift that's both useful and indulgent, check out Eli Zabar's NYC Deli Weekender Box ($270). It's like having a New York deli in your kitchen:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bagels | 6 |
| Bread loaves | 2 |
| Babka | 1 |
| Lox | 1 package |
| Cream cheese | 1 container |
| Ground coffee | 1 package |
| Cookies | Assorted |
| Pastrami | 1 package |
Business Gifts Made Easy
Need corporate gifts? Mackenzie Limited has you covered with customizable baskets. Slap on your company logo and a personal note to make a lasting impression.
4. Custom Leather Products
Want to impress your event attendees? Custom leather products are the way to go. They're not just fancy - they're practical and built to last.
Leatherology offers some great options:
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| iPad Portfolio | $215 |
| Extra Long Modern Desk Pad | $165 |
| Thin Bifold Wallet | $70 |
| Modern Conference Pad | $85 |
You can jazz these up with:
- Classic Deboss
- Hand Paint by their artisans
- Bold-stitched Trapunto
For corporate events, you can get your logo laser engraved on select bags. There's a $2,000 minimum order, but hey, you get free luggage tags!
Other cool options:
- Custom Logo Leather Card Wallet: $35
- Custom Logo Leather Journal: $50
- Custom Logo Leather Mouse Pad: $24
- Custom Logo Leather Zipper Pouch: $40
These are perfect for corporate gifts, client appreciation, bonuses, or event swag.
Here's the deal: go for quality over quantity. A well-made leather item can remind people of your event for years. And if you're in the USA, look for American-made leather goods.
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5. Advanced Wearable Devices
Wearable tech is HOT for events in 2024. Here's why:
| Device | Price | Cool Stuff |
|---|---|---|
| Garmin Lily 2 | $249.99 | Tiny smartwatch, GPS, tracks sleep |
| Casio G-Shock Rangeman GPR-H1000 | $500 | Tough, heart rate monitor, GPS |
| Evie Smart Ring | $269 | Health tracking, AI insights |
| Mojawa HaptiFit Terra Headphones | $199.99 | AI trainer, waterproof, 32GB storage |
Health event? Grab the Garmin Lily 2. It's light and tracks everything from sleep to periods.
Adventure vibes? The Casio G-Shock Rangeman is your go-to. It's built like a tank but smart as a whip.
Want luxury? The Evie Smart Ring is sleek and smart. It's a health tool that looks like jewelry.
Music or fitness focus? Try the Mojawa HaptiFit Terra headphones. They've got an AI trainer built-in!
But wait, there's more:
- RFID Wristbands: No cash needed, easy access.
- Smart Badges: Track crowds, boost networking.
- LED Wristbands: Light up the night.
These aren't just fancy toys. They make your event POP.
At Norwegian Cruise Line's big ship launch, Xylobands guided guests and kept the party going.
Pick wearables that fit your event's vibe. Fitness tracker for a wellness conference? Smart badges for a business mixer? You got it.
6. Exclusive Artwork
Want to make your VIP guests feel special? Give them unique art pieces. Here's why it works:
- It's personal
- It's memorable
- It gets people talking
Check out these real examples:
| Event | Artwork | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Glenmorangie Whisky Tasting | 8'x8' custom mural | Forest-themed backdrop in Vancouver's Stanley Park |
| Monstercat Festival | 2 hand-painted walls | Enhanced VIP lounge |
| Diner En Blanc 2022 | Life-sized body sculptures | Stood out among white tables |
| Ambleside Music Festival | Punk rock photo walls | Boosted VIP area social media engagement |
These aren't just decorations. They're event game-changers.
"Great artwork tells a story, makes people look twice, and creates a unique experience that can't be matched", says Branded Arts, veterans of 700+ art projects in 70+ cities.
How to make it work:
- Match your theme
- Go local with artists
- Think beyond walls (sculptures, interactive pieces, wearable art)
- Make it functional (photo ops, wayfinding)
Art isn't just pretty. It's a powerful tool for your event.
7. High-Quality Wellness Items
Wellness products are hot in premium event merch. They show you care about your guests' well-being.
Here's what's trending:
1. Tech-Savvy Self-Care
The Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light. It's a natural wake-up call that tech lovers can't resist.
2. Smart Sipping
Hidrate Spark PRO Smart Water Bottle. It tracks water intake, perfect for health nuts.
3. Portable Zen
Durasage Lightweight Personal Steam Sauna Spa. It's a pocket-sized spa for stressed execs.
4. Infrared Chill
HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket V4. It's detox and relaxation rolled into one luxe package.
5. Wellness on Your Finger
Oura Horizon Ring. It's a sleep, stress, and activity tracker that's as sleek as it is smart.
Want a practical wellness kit? Check this out:
| Item | What It Does | Why It's Cool |
|---|---|---|
| Massage Gun | Busts muscle knots (4 attachments, custom logo) | Goodbye, tension |
| Sound Machine | Bluetooth speaker with chill vibes | Hello, relaxation |
| Eye Mask | Blackout design for zen moments | Instant calm |
| Spa Kit | Face massager, cooling eye mask, massage ball | Full-body bliss |
"Wellness has gone high-tech. Today's self-care gadgets are like personal health coaches", says a recent industry report.
8. Custom Event Experiences
Custom event experiences aren't just about swag bags. They're about creating moments that stick with attendees long after the event ends.
Here's how to make your event unforgettable:
VIP Lounges: Give your VIPs a special spot. The 99UConference nailed this. They set up a quiet area with comfy chairs and power stations. Perfect for busy execs who need to work during breaks.
Hands-On Workshops: Get people involved. A digital marketing conference could run a "website audit workshop". Attendees learn by doing, using their own sites as examples.
Tech Playground: Let attendees play with cutting-edge tech. Trace3's Evolve Conference added VR and AR games, plus an escape room. It's a fun break from talks and demos.
Local Flavor: Show off your host city. Offer insider tours or behind-the-scenes peeks at local attractions. It connects guests to the location and each other.
Wellness Corner: Take care of your attendees' well-being:
| Activity | What It Is | Why It's Great |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Yoga | Online stretch session | Beats event stress |
| Step Challenge | Group walking contest | Gets people moving |
| Quiet Zone | Chill-out space | Mental breather |
Team Building with a Twist: For the adventurous crowd, try:
- Rock climbing
- Zip-lining
- Hiking
These activities build trust and give folks a break from sitting.
AR Scavenger Hunt: Use tech to spice up a classic game. Teams use phones to find virtual objects around the venue.
The bottom line? Create memories. As one pro planner put it: "Don't just plan an event. Craft an experience that lasts."
9. Premium Branded Drinkware
Premium branded drinkware is a hit for event swag. Why? It's useful and keeps your brand visible long after the event.
Here's the deal with premium drinkware:
- People use it daily for water, coffee, you name it
- It's a walking billboard for your brand
- Reusable bottles? That's a win for the planet
Let's break down your options:
| Material | Perks | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Keeps drinks hot/cold, tough | Outdoor stuff, coffee addicts |
| Glass | Feels fancy, no weird taste | Classy events, wine tastings |
| Aluminum | Light, sporty vibe | Fitness events, outdoor conferences |
Pick drinkware that fits your event. Think:
- Tech conference? Try bottles with built-in chargers
- Wellness retreat? Go for glass bottles with fruit infusers
- Corporate seminar? Sleek travel mugs for the commute
Make it pop:
- Use bold logos that catch the eye
- Match colors to your brand
- Add a catchy phrase or the event date
Here's a real example: The 2023 Evolve Conference by Trace3 gave out custom 26 oz. steel water bottles. People loved them, used them, and even showed them off on social media. Free extra publicity!
"Coffee has sticky oils that leave residue, and there's nothing worse than a mug that holds that flavor over time."
- Jerad Morrison, Sightglass Coffee co-founder
Bottom line: Go for quality. Your attendees will thank you.
10. Upscale Eco-Friendly Gift Packs
Eco-friendly gift packs are hot in event merchandise. They're good for the planet AND popular with attendees. Win-win.
What makes these gift packs special?
- Earth-friendly materials
- Often reusable or biodegradable
- High-quality, luxurious feel
Real-world examples:
| Company | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Tartan Blanket Co. | Wool Blankets | Recycled wool, sustainable sourcing | Varies |
| Solo New York | Re:Claim Backpack | Made from recycled PET bottles | $90 |
| Gemnote | Curated Gift Collections | Recycled packaging, sustainable products | Custom |
The Tartan Blanket Co. offers stylish, high-end wool blankets made from recycled materials. Solo New York's Re:Claim Backpack is made from recycled plastic bottles and has smart design features. For full gift packs, Gemnote puts together collections of sustainable, useful gifts.
Picking eco-friendly gifts? Keep these in mind:
- Natural materials (bamboo, organic cotton)
- Reusable or recyclable items
- Look for certifications (FSC, Fairtrade)
- Support brands that give back
The goal? Impress attendees while showing you care about the environment.
"The more gifts we give, chances are there is more waste on its way."
This quote nails why eco-friendly gifts matter. Choose sustainable options to reduce waste and make a positive impact.
Pricing varies. Simple eco-friendly corporate gift boxes start around $60, while luxurious options can hit $100+. Find the sweet spot between quality and budget.
Conclusion
Premium event merchandise can boost your brand and leave a lasting impression on attendees. Here's what you need to know:
Quality is crucial. Pick high-end items that make your brand shine. Think Fellow Clara French Press for coffee lovers.
Make it personal. Most employees feel corporate gifts lack that special touch. Add your logo, brand colors, or a handwritten note.
Choose practical items. The Timbuk2 Eco Parkside 2.0 Backpack is stylish and useful.
Tech can wow your audience. A MyCharge Hub Turbo Charger shows you get their needs.
Go green. The Stanley 40oz Quench Tumbler is eco-friendly and functional.
Remember the ROI. Most people do business with a company after getting a promo product. Choose wisely.
Think long-term. Pick durable items like the Ember Mug for daily brand exposure.
Know your audience. Luxury items work for high-value clients, while broader appeal items suit larger events.
Set clear goals. Are you after brand awareness, leads, or customer loyalty?
Be creative. Stand out with unique items like the Maison De Sabre Notebook.