How to maximize your swag budget: 8 tips

Trying to make a limited swag budget go a long way? You’re not alone. With rising costs and economic uncertainty, many businesses are forced to do more with less. In fact, the average marketing budget dropped from 11% of company revenue in 2020 to just 7.7% in 2024, meaning every dollar now has to work harder.

The good news? Great swag doesn’t have to be expensive. But if it feels cheap or forgettable? It can backfire just as quickly. After all, no one wants to be remembered for a scratchy T-shirt or a pen that runs out mid-scribble.

Luckily, with a few smart choices, it’s entirely possible to stretch your swag budget without sacrificing quality, usefulness, or brand impact. Here are eight tips that help you get more for every dollar.

Tip #1: Go for practical, everyday-use items

When swag budgets are tight, every giveaway has to earn its keep, and the easiest way to do that is by choosing swag people actually use. Items like microfiber cloths, multi-device charging cables, and pocket notebooks check all the right boxes: practical, affordable, and highly visible.

The tote bag, in particular, is a quiet overachiever. It generates more impressions than any other promotional product – an average of 5,700 over its lifetime – simply by tagging along with its owners to grocery runs, library visits, and daily commutes. 

Tip #2: Find hidden gems in unexpected categories

Just because something’s budget-friendly doesn’t mean it has to be boring. The best giveaways are the ones people didn’t see coming but immediately want to keep. Think: mini desktop vacuums, grip tape measure keychains, or quick-dry towels that are surprisingly handy on hot days.

These types of swag don’t show up in every promo bag, which is exactly what makes them memorable. And when the goal is to stand out, a little unexpected utility can go a long way.

Tip #3: Keep branding subtle

It’s tempting to add the largest logo possible and put your brand front and center when working with a limited swag budget. But here’s the thing: the louder the branding, the less likely someone is to actually use the swag.

If the goal is to create something people will keep, wear, or carry around, subtle is smarter. A tone-on-tone logo on a pair of jacquard socks feels elevated. A minimalist mark on a hardcover notebook or stainless steel water bottle makes it feel boutique, not bulk-ordered. And in many cases, clean design means a higher perceived value.

Tip #4: Use bundling to add impact

Sometimes, one small item doesn’t feel like much. But pair it with a second, and suddenly you’ve got a gift set. A quick-dry towel and water bottle become a wellness kit. A notebook and pen feel like a mini productivity pack. A tote with snacks and stickers? Instant event welcome bag.

Bundling works especially well when you’re not handing out swag en masse, like internal team gifts, new hire kits, VIP thank-yous, or customer appreciation packages. It elevates the perceived value without adding much to your per-unit cost and makes your brand feel thoughtful, not thrifty.

Tip #5: Don’t skip packaging and presentation

Even the most thoughtful swag can fall flat if it shows up looking like an afterthought. Good packaging doesn’t need to be fancy, just intentional. A simple kraft box, a custom packaging sleeve, or a sheet of branded tissue paper can make a $2 item feel like something worth keeping.

People form an impression of your brand before they even see what’s inside. Presentation sets the tone and tells recipients that you care enough to make even the free stuff feel premium.

Tip #6: Lean into limited runs and exclusivity

Everyone loves feeling like they scored something special. Offering limited-edition swag drops, seasonal gift boxes, or time-limited rewards is a smart way to build excitement without having to over-order or invest in massive inventory.

This is especially useful for internal campaigns, email list incentives, pop-up events, or milestone celebrations. Scarcity adds value, and limited runs keep your swag from becoming stale.

Tip #7: Watch out for false economy

Whether ordering merch from print-on-demand platforms or domestic bulk vendors, it’s natural to want to maximize your merch budget by picking the cheapest option. But if that mug chips, the pen leaks, or the T-shirt shrinks on first wash, it ends up in the trash – to the detriment of both your marketing dollars and the planet.

Poor-quality swag doesn’t just waste your budget; it can actively damage brand perception. Instead, choose fewer, better items that people will actually keep and use. 

And before you commit to hundreds of units, always read reviews and request a sample when you can. A little upfront effort saves a lot of disappointment later.

Tip #8: Find a dependable merch partner

Finding a dependable merch partner can make all the difference when you're trying to stretch a tight budget. The right one will help you avoid expensive mistakes, get more value out of each item, and save time on logistical back-and-forth that can slow everything down.

When researching manufacturing partners, choose one that:

• Offers pricing that reflects the true cost of the product (not three layers of markups).
• Has tools that make design and ordering fast and intuitive.
• Stocks products that are both on-brand and likely to be kept, not tossed.
• Supports smaller minimums and realistic lead times for small teams or campaigns.

Of course, finding all of that in one place can be surprisingly tricky. We know, because we’ve been there too. That’s why we built Wayo: a smarter platform to help you create cooler and better merch for less. 

Here’s what makes Wayo the smartest way to make the most out of your swag budget without sacrificing quality:

• Factory-direct pricing that’s up to 50% lower than big-name vendors.
• Curated catalog products that are on-trend, practical, and designed to be kept.
• Self-serve customization tools that let you preview and order in real-time.
• Flexible minimums as low as 20-100 units that balance affordability with customization.
• Faster-than-expected lead times, with most items shipping in just 2 to 3 weeks

Your swag should feel smart, intentional, and on-brand, even when your budget’s tight. At Wayo, that’s exactly what we’re here for. Explore our catalog and start customizing today.