Swag Trends for 2025: What Franklin, Indiana Businesses Need to Know

As 2025 approaches, businesses in Franklin, Indiana are preparing to make a lasting impact with their swag offerings. This year’s trends are driven by functionality, personalization, and sustainability, with a focus on useful, attractive items that keep brands at the forefront of customers’ and employees’ minds. Swag, when chosen strategically, can create brand loyalty and boost visibility. With the end of the year near, now is the perfect time for companies to capitalize on surplus marketing budgets, positioning their brand to shine come January.

In this guide, we’ll explore seven popular swag categories for 2025: Drinkware, Technology, Office Desk Accessories, Mobile Office Essentials, Kitchen Accessories, Soft T-Shirts, and Lunch Bags & Accessories. Each category includes options for any budget, from value items to premium selections, so every business can find ways to make their mark.

1. Drinkware

Drinkware is always popular for swag because of its everyday utility. Trending in 2025 are eco-friendly and multifunctional designs that encourage sustainability.

• Value Selection: Reusable Plastic Water Bottles – Affordable and available in a range of colors, these bottles are practical and promote environmental responsibility.
• Middle of the Road: Stainless Steel Insulated Tumblers – These durable tumblers keep beverages hot or cold for hours and come with customizable branding, making them ideal for on-the-go employees.
• Over the Top: Self-Cleaning Water Bottles – Advanced self-cleaning models with built-in UV-C light ensure safe drinking water and offer a unique, memorable gift for clients or top-performing employees.

2. Technology

Tech swag is more than just functional; it reflects your company’s commitment to modernization and enhances productivity.

• Value Selection: Branded USB Drives – Compact, cost-effective, and customizable with your logo, USB drives are a classic yet useful tech item that fits nearly any budget.
• Middle of the Road: Wireless Charging Pads – Sleek and convenient, wireless chargers reduce cord clutter and are compatible with most modern smartphones.
• Over the Top: Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Headphones – For a truly impressive gift, high-quality noise-canceling headphones create an immersive experience, perfect for employees who travel frequently or work in open offices.

3. Office Desk Accessories

Desk accessories not only make for practical gifts, but they also serve as constant reminders of your brand in any office setting.

• Value Selection: Desk Organizer Caddies – Compact organizers with sections for pens, notepads, and other small essentials help employees keep their workspace tidy.
• Middle of the Road: Branded Mouse Pads with Wrist Support – With daily comfort in mind, these ergonomic mouse pads are a thoughtful and useful desk accessory.
• Over the Top: Executive Leather Desk Sets – These high-end desk sets include items like a leather-bound planner, notepad, and card holder, offering a sophisticated look for executives.

4. Mobile Office Essentials

With remote work and hybrid offices on the rise, mobile office essentials help employees stay productive anywhere they go.

• Value Selection: Cord Organizers – Simple and affordable, cord organizers keep chargers, earbuds, and cables in order, making it easy to stay organized on the go.
• Middle of the Road: Portable Laptop Stands – Lightweight yet sturdy, portable laptop stands improve ergonomics and productivity for those working from home or a café.
• Over the Top: Luxury Laptop Backpack – Designed with multiple compartments for laptops, tablets, and other essentials, these premium backpacks are both functional and stylish, ideal for high-level employees who travel frequently.

5. Kitchen Accessories
   

Kitchen swag items offer a cozy, personal touch and are sure to be used frequently, creating ongoing brand exposure.

• Value Selection: Reusable Metal Straws – Compact, eco-friendly, and easy to clean, reusable straws are budget-friendly yet thoughtful items that emphasize sustainability.
• Middle of the Road: Custom Ceramic Mugs – Classic ceramic mugs are versatile and provide a large canvas for creative, branded designs.
• Over the Top: Branded Espresso Machines – For an unforgettable, upscale gift, branded single-serve espresso machines bring a touch of luxury and daily convenience to any kitchen or breakroom.

6. Soft T-Shirts

T-shirts remain a top swag choice because they’re wearable, customizable, and great for building team spirit. Soft, high-quality fabrics are trending, emphasizing comfort and style.

• Value Selection: Basic Cotton Tees – Classic cotton tees in solid colors are budget-friendly, comfortable, and easy to brand with a logo or slogan.
• Middle of the Road: Tri-Blend T-Shirts – Known for their ultra-soft feel, tri-blend tees provide an elevated look and comfort while remaining affordable.
• Over the Top: Eco-Friendly Organic Cotton Tees – Premium, sustainable, and incredibly soft, organic cotton t-shirts appeal to eco-conscious employees and clients alike, making them a memorable choice for brand-conscious companies.

7. Lunch Bags & Accessories

Reusable lunch bags and accessories promote sustainability and help employees save money on meals, making them ideal for swag.

• Value Selection: Insulated Lunch Totes – Affordable and practical, insulated totes are perfect for keeping meals fresh throughout the day.
• Middle of the Road: Branded Bento Boxes – Eco-friendly and designed for portion control, bento boxes are a trendy, stylish option that encourages healthy eating.
• Over the Top: Electric Heated Lunch Boxes – For a higher-end choice, electric lunch boxes that heat meals on the go offer convenience and stand out as a unique, useful gift.

Why Invest in Swag Now?

With the year-end approaching, businesses have a prime opportunity to take advantage of excess marketing budgets. Investing in swag items now, before budgets reset in January, can set your brand apart in the new year. Here’s how acting now can benefit your business:

1. Stronger Start to the New Year: By getting your swag items prepared early, you can ensure that your employees, clients, and customers start the year with your brand top of mind. January is a time for resolutions and fresh starts—remind your audience that your brand is there to support them as they set their goals.
2. End-of-Year Financial Efficiency: Many companies have leftover budget at the end of the year, and investing in swag is a smart way to utilize those funds effectively. Quality swag items are lasting assets that provide value long after they’re distributed, making them a sound financial investment.
3. Boost Employee Morale and Customer Loyalty: Holiday gifting with thoughtfully chosen swag can lift spirits and show appreciation. Employees are more likely to feel valued and motivated, and clients remember thoughtful gifts long after the holiday season ends.
4. Outshine Competition: Many businesses will launch fresh marketing initiatives in January, so getting ahead with branded swag allows you to stand out and start with a strong presence. Giving out practical, high-quality items positions your brand as thoughtful and proactive in your audience’s eyes.

Investing in trending swag for 2025 is a great way to strengthen your brand presence and create lasting relationships with employees and clients. With options at every price point, Franklin, Indiana businesses can find items that fit their budget while sending a powerful message. From practical office accessories to premium drinkware and kitchen items, swag can convey your company’s values and make a memorable impression.

As you finalize your end-of-year strategies, don’t miss the chance to connect with your audience through these trends. Thoughtful, useful, and on-brand, these items will help your business stand out in Franklin and beyond. And if you need help finding the perfect swag for your business, Spotlight Strategies is here to guide you with a wide selection of customizable options tailored to your needs.

Erin Smith

Erin Smith is co-owner of Spotlight Strategies, a marketing solutions firm specializing in print, apparel, promotional product and signs.  An accomplished health care administrator turned business owner, Erin brings rare behavioral expertise to the world of small business.

With a Master’s degree in social work, and a thriving business she is a sought after advisor, coach and mentor to many of Indiana’s small business owners and support associations.  Erin demonstrates unwavering commitment and facilitates profitability to any organization to which she directs her time and talent, and is successful in motivating and empowering people whether supporting a cause or building a company.