Blog Post | Apr 09, 2024
Swag with Rizz: The Promotional Items Gen Z Really Wants
With graduation, summer internships, and a crop of young professionals entering the workforce just around the corner, it’s time to think about branded swag. But to impress a Gen Z audience, you have to choose your gifts strategically. Here are swag ideas that are full of rizz (or charisma in Gen Z speak).
A Quick Guide to Understanding What Makes Gen Z Unique
To help better understand this very influential audience, we dug into recent reports from consulting giants McKinsey & Company and Ernst & Young. Much like Millennials before them, members of Gen Z value authenticity. They’re also big proponents of diversity and inclusion.
However, unlike Millennials, Gen Z tend to have a more pessimistic worldview yet work hard to stay idealistic. They have high expectations of companies and brands, aren’t afraid to speak up for what they believe in and are incredibly loyal to orgs that share their values. So, if you want swag that will impress and connect with Gen Z, you’ll have to choose gifts that authentically reflect their values. Here are a few ideas!
Retro Styles: Everything Old is New Again
Gen Z has embraced nostalgia for times they didn’t even live through. They’re fascinated with “vintage” fashion and culture from the 90s and Y2K. That includes not only the style and cut but also the oversized logos. That’s excellent news, and we can help you figure out creative and stylish logo placement for coveted items like:
Rugged, Go-Anywhere Drinkware
One of the most essential issues for Gen Z is the environment, so it makes sense that reusable drinkware is a go-to for them. Even beyond their practicality, these items are status symbols for the cohort – search for brands like #yeti and #stanley on TikTok, and you’ll see clips with millions of views. If you’re looking for swag that will be an instant hit, give reusable drinkware in a cool color that complements your logo. Throwing in reusable stainless steel or eco-friendly straws is a nice touch, too.
Practical Tech Accessories
This is the generation that has never known a world without smartphones! Tech like tablets, on-the-go-gaming devices, and laptops are important to Gen Z, but their phones are a huge part of their lives. Give practical, well-made stapes like:
On-Trend Bags and Totes
Everyone loves tote bags. If you have an existing inventory of sturdy, high-quality shopping totes, think of those as ‘evergreen,’ appropriate for all audiences and most occasions. A handsome, branded attaché or computer bag is also a practical gift for the Gen Z-ers entering the workforce, helping them curate a more professional vibe.
You can also take a trendier approach by gifting the ‘it’ bag of the moment: fanny packs. Whether you call it a fanny pack, a bum bag, or a belt bag, they’re in again, only this time, they’re worn as a sling that goes over the shoulder and around the body.
Does Your Logo Need Another Look?
We always use the latest techniques and highest-quality materials to make your promotional items look great. But if you don’t love how your logo looks, we can help refresh it before you have it embroidered on your swag.
We’d love to discuss your promo item needs. Call us today!
To help better understand this very influential audience, we dug into recent reports from consulting giants McKinsey & Company and Ernst & Young. Much like Millennials before them, members of Gen Z value authenticity. They’re also big proponents of diversity and inclusion.
However, unlike Millennials, Gen Z tend to have a more pessimistic worldview yet work hard to stay idealistic. They have high expectations of companies and brands, aren’t afraid to speak up for what they believe in and are incredibly loyal to orgs that share their values. So, if you want swag that will impress and connect with Gen Z, you’ll have to choose gifts that authentically reflect their values. Here are a few ideas!
Retro Styles: Everything Old is New Again
Gen Z has embraced nostalgia for times they didn’t even live through. They’re fascinated with “vintage” fashion and culture from the 90s and Y2K. That includes not only the style and cut but also the oversized logos. That’s excellent news, and we can help you figure out creative and stylish logo placement for coveted items like:
- Bucket hats
- Oversized, gender-inclusive tees
- Retro-inspired ringer (raglan) tees
- Thick, beefy hoodies
Rugged, Go-Anywhere Drinkware
One of the most essential issues for Gen Z is the environment, so it makes sense that reusable drinkware is a go-to for them. Even beyond their practicality, these items are status symbols for the cohort – search for brands like #yeti and #stanley on TikTok, and you’ll see clips with millions of views. If you’re looking for swag that will be an instant hit, give reusable drinkware in a cool color that complements your logo. Throwing in reusable stainless steel or eco-friendly straws is a nice touch, too.
Practical Tech Accessories
This is the generation that has never known a world without smartphones! Tech like tablets, on-the-go-gaming devices, and laptops are important to Gen Z, but their phones are a huge part of their lives. Give practical, well-made stapes like:
- Pop-sockets
- Ring lights
- Phone cases have become a status symbol unto themselves. If this is an item of interest, let’s talk so we can ensure you have the right options to accommodate the latest smartphone models.
On-Trend Bags and Totes
Everyone loves tote bags. If you have an existing inventory of sturdy, high-quality shopping totes, think of those as ‘evergreen,’ appropriate for all audiences and most occasions. A handsome, branded attaché or computer bag is also a practical gift for the Gen Z-ers entering the workforce, helping them curate a more professional vibe.
You can also take a trendier approach by gifting the ‘it’ bag of the moment: fanny packs. Whether you call it a fanny pack, a bum bag, or a belt bag, they’re in again, only this time, they’re worn as a sling that goes over the shoulder and around the body.
Does Your Logo Need Another Look?
We always use the latest techniques and highest-quality materials to make your promotional items look great. But if you don’t love how your logo looks, we can help refresh it before you have it embroidered on your swag.
We’d love to discuss your promo item needs. Call us today!