The art of SWAG BAGging
I remember learning years ago that VIPs attending the Oscars received “swag bags” filled with luxurious promotional items. Jaw drop. Some of the highest paid celebrities get adorned with gifts for attending? I was stunned.
Now as an adult, leader, and traveler, I have become a swag bagger. Georgetown girls birthday celebration in Aruba? “Hoyas in sand, drinks in hand” personalized logo on welcome bags stocked with everything 15 adult ladies could need for a Caribbean reunion. Friends and family trip to Spain last summer? Welcome gift bags filled with specialized items from vino glasses through art supplies to help kids creatively learn about Dali and Picasso.
My theme commitment and gift-giving nature as a hostess has evolved, but remains a tell-tale sign of an NBG event. When my husband asks me (again and again) why I do this, I explain that every trip creates unique memories, and those memories are accentuated when accompanied by identifiable symbols and tokens that make guests smile. From my first vacation swag bags nearly 20 years ago - personalized Easter baskets filled with advil, hydration powder, and chocolate left outside my friends’ Vegas hotel rooms - to my most recent family and friend vacation at a Spanish villa, I’ve amassed learnings for swag success. If you’re looking to provide friends or guests with a welcome smile, here’s what to consider.
Elevate your event’s purpose
Think about why you’re getting together and what guests should prioritize. Perhaps you’re celebrating something specific such as a birthday where swag can spotlight the birthday friend. Or maybe this is a long overdue reunion of besties in which you want everyone to emulate good times gone by. Whatever the reason for getting together, swag should fit with and elevate that purpose.
Brand it
A tropical trip evokes images of palm trees, flamingos, and tiny cocktail umbrellas. Camping in a national park makes me think about burnt marshmallows. Whatever your trip, select a cohesive theme. I’m fortunate to have a very creative designer friend who brings brand and ‘trip logos’ to life. Anyone with a bit of clip art skills in PowerPoint can make this happen simply, too. A simple icon can suffice.
Convey essential information
Some trips have many scheduled reservations while others are more ‘do your own thing.’ What must your guests remember - an activity agenda, entry gate codes, contact information? Your welcome information can neatly fit in a swag bag to ensure everyone is aware of essential information. Consider adding a QR code to provide digital access to all the information, too.
Acclimate to the environment
Whether laying on the beach or exploring museums, think about what guests need. Sunscreen packets, make up remover sheets, hand held fans, hand warmers, and even beach waves hair spray can be helpful in certain climates. I find that these items always come in handy and can be used even after the trip.
Ensure utility
No one wants gumball machine items that have no real use. If you’re going to go the extra mile and provide more of a gift, ensure its utility. For our Hoyas in Aruba trip, I provided waterproof phone holders and flipflop bottle openers so poolside guests were equipped to capture pics and enjoy a beverage. For Spain, every guest received a personalized, engraved wine tumbler. We kept breakable glasses away from the pool while still keeping straight whose tinto was whose. Kids got personalized water bottles to carry and refill as they toured Barcelona and Girona.
Practice packing
All vacations sadly come to an end. You had the forethought to pack a little duffle as your carryon to transport the swag bags, but remember your guests need to be able to take the items home. Compressible, space conscious items are key. If you’re in a wine or distillery region, packing supplies to protect the bottles helps guest get liquid purchases home .
Focus on fun
Swag bags are meant to make friends and guests smile. An inflatable beach ball, a pack of old school pop rocks candy, or some other whimsical and theme appropriate activity can always be a conversation starter or time filler.
Swag conveys memories and is a means to express your personal joy for sharing time with special people. I’m always happy to help others create their swag specialty - just let me know. Amazon and Etsy may not deliver the Oscars bag, but with the right planning and shopping, your friends can feel like VIPs.
Interested in a custom SWAG bag for your next event? Contact me here.