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How to Design Swag People Actually Want
- Emily Rueda
- Dec 4, 2025
- 2 min read
Almost every single organization on the planet has, at one point or another, bought swag or promotional products to represent its brand. However, a large majority of products on the market are undifferentiated, leading to oversupply and underdemand.
The Uncomfortable Truth Behind Corporate Swag
We’ve all come home from a conference with a goodie bag of stuff we never asked for, right? And what do we end up doing with most of it? Throwing it in the trash.
A 2018 study conducted by the British Promotional Merchandise Association found that 66% of promotional items are discarded, with only 16% being kept by the original recipient and the rest passed on to others. Most promotional gifts ultimately end up in landfills, which contributes to global waste.
Given that promotional vendors are a $25Bn+ market, this poses not only a sustainability risk, but also a financial one.
Why would companies knowingly spend so much money on swag if they knew it would be thrown away? A massive majority of the 20,000+ distributors and suppliers are to blame. This not only devalues companies' brands but also their marketing budget.
While companies won’t stop purchasing swag, we can ensure it won't become landfill.
Merchpath's Mission in Preventing Landfill Waste
Solving this problem comes down to making swag that people want to keep. The harsh reality is that companies will not stop spending money on promotional products, and we shouldn't expect them to. Decreasing waste will largely come down to how the products are designed, both in aesthetics and sustainability.
Merchpath’s Design Advice
Listen to Your Team
Stay informed of what your team likes and dislikes, and incorporate their feedback when selecting your company’s next purchase.
Don’t Repeat Gifts
If your team members already have duplicates of past gifts, maybe it's time to shop around in Merchpath’s extensive catalog of merch and swag. Merchpath’s duffle bags, Moonyx Utility Backpack, and Morftote 2-in-1 Tote and Backpack can become staples in your team's life with careful selection and thoughtful consideration.
Think Outside the Box
Why buy another pen set, drink coasters, or other run-of-the-mill products and designs when you can order customized duffle bags and letterman jackets from Merchpath? These swag items are unique in the corporate setting and are perfect for out-of-the-office life.
Design User-Focused Products
Purchase products that every team member will utilize in their everyday lives. By selecting user-focused, practical swag and minimizing branding, you can increase its utility beyond your business.
Merchpath's Ultimate Solution to Making Merch People Love
Our customizations offer clients full control of the design process and final product with our Design Studio and White Glove Approach. Merchpath also offers detailed customization through the smallest details, including NFC, custom tags, multiple decoration types such as embroidered and screenprinting, and more.
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