As much as people generally love getting a free gift at an event, it’s fair to say that most of the stuff companies give away ends up in the trash at some point. That’s why it’s so important to choose what you offer carefully. According to PPAI, “usefulness” was the main reason 55.2% of consumers held onto a piece of swag. The report also showed that when people did throw things away, it was usually because the quality, or overall value wasn’t obvious enough.

Picking sustainable swag for your catalog doesn’t automatically guarantee that the merch you hand out won’t get thrown away, but it can definitely help, particularly since 73% of customers already say they prefer sustainable brands, and most are willing to pay extra for an eco-friendly item, too.

With that in mind, these are the twenty sustainable swag options (sourced from some of my favorite print on demand partners), that deserve a closer look this year.

Key Takeaways

• Sustainable is a starting point, not the whole pitch. Choosing an eco-friendly product works well if you’re appealing to an eco-conscious audience, just make sure the item is practical, too.
• Always double-check the product details. Look for exact material mixes, named certifications, plus positive reviews.
• Check supplier details carefully. A supplier with a big catalog may not be the best option if you can’t ensure the product quality stays consistent.
• Match the product to your audience. Aprons are great for cooks, beanies are ideal for cold weather, candles are a fun option for a home-proud crowd.
• Test the quality yourself first. Always order a sample before you buy hundreds of items in bulk.

What Makes Swag Genuinely Sustainable?

I know it’s easy to focus almost entirely on certifications when you’re looking for sustainable swag, and certificates are genuinely useful, but they’re not enough alone.

The first thing I’d actually look at is whether the product is something your customer would actually want to buy if they weren’t getting it for free. If nobody in your audience has any need for an apron, organic cotton won’t suddenly make it valuable.

When you do take a closer look at product listings, review the construction carefully, check for actual material percentages, then assess durability with sample orders. Also, always keep in mind that the exact specifications of a product can vary depending on sizes and colors.

With certifications, knowing what each label means matters more than checking for a long list. For apparel, GOTS is a start, since it shows proof of organic textile processing across a specific supply chain. The OEKO-TEX standard helps you ensure the items you’re giving out don’t include any possibly harmful substances. GRS tells you recycled material percentages, while OCS monitors certified organic materials (though it doesn’t account for factory conditions).

Also, be extra cautious about broad “green” claims. Those claims, without backing proof are hard to substantiate, and if you claim a product is eco-conscious without proof, you could face some real scrutiny from regulators trying to minimize green-washing.

The 20 Best Sustainable Swag Ideas

I’ve kept this list reasonably varied, with a few obvious options like sustainable t-shirts or sweaters, and a handful of slightly more interesting “niche” choices. You don’t have to add everything here to your giveaway catalog, pick what makes sense for your audience.

Sustainable T-Shirts

T-shirts are great swag products because they appeal to everyone, they’re easy to customize, plus they can quickly turn event attendees into ambassadors for your brand. Still, you will need to make sure that you’ve got a good mix of sizes before you start handing them out at an event.

1. Stanley/Stella Organic Cotton T-Shirt

Pricing: Starts at $14.50 from Fourthwall

This would be the benchmark t-shirt I’d add to a sustainable swag collection, because it’s wonderfully versatile. The unisex sizing means you don’t have to worry about different bundles for men and women, plus there are plenty of different colors to choose from.

This shirt is made with 100% organic ring-spun cotton, and you can pick from printing or embroidery for design. One slight downside is that Fourthwall only supports EU and UK fulfillment for this item right now, so it might not be ideal if you’re hosting an event in the US.

2. Bella+Canvas Eco T-Shirt, Fourthwall

Pricing: Starting at $13.25 on Fourthwall

Another excellent, slightly cheaper choice from Fourthwall, the Bella+Canvas staple shirt gives you the same size range, although there are fewer color options. The fabric features a mix of 65% recycled polyester alongside 35% recycled Airlume cotton, plus, there’s a handy tear-away label too.

Unlike the Stanley/Stella option, this shirt is also available for fulfillment in the US too. It’s also a wonderfully lightweight choice, at just 4.2 oz.

3. Organic Cotton T-Shirt, Gelato

Pricing: Localized pricing on Gelato

Gelato is one of my favorite sustainable POD partners, thanks to its combination of eco-conscious products, the global fulfillment network (which minimizes travel emissions), plus the eco-friendly ink options. The organic cotton t-shirt, made with 100% certified organic ring-spun cotton is available worldwide, but there’s no universal starting price.

How much you spend depends on your location, and availability for all of Gelato’s products can vary based on area, too.

4. Organic and Recycled T-Shirts, Printful

Pricing: Varies by blank and destination on Printful

This is more of a range suggestion than a single product recommendation, since like Gelato, Printful’s products can vary in terms of availability depending on where you’re based. The eco-conscious range includes options from Stanley/Stella, Econscious, plus District.

Printful says all the apparel in the category must include at least 70% organic or recycled material, and its suppliers have to provide a third-party sustainability certification, too.

Hoodies and Sweatshirts

Hoodies are a little too expensive to give away at an event in bulk, but they’re a great gift for partners, VIP customers, or speakers you want to impress. They can also be a great thing to add to your product catalog for customers who want to purchase branded merch.

5. Stanley/Stella Essential Eco Hoodie, Fourthwall

Pricing: Starts at $33.20 on Fourthwall

The essential eco hoodie from Fourthwall mixes 85% organic ring-spun cotton with 15% recycled polyester. It’s a durable, heavyweight option (about 10.3 ounces), with sizes ranging from small to 2XL. Currently, both printing and embroidery are available for design, but fulfillment only covers the UK and EU.

The reviews for this product are great too. Customers talk about its warmth, softness, and how crisp the prints look (even after regular washing).

6. SOL’S 03568 Eco Raglan Hoodie, Fourthwall

Pricing: Starts at $35.70 on Fourthwall

If you need a hoodie from Fourthwall with global fulfillment options, the SOL eco raglan option is wonderful, although it’s worth saying the sustainability claims vary depending on color. Most shades use 100% organic cotton on the outside and an 80% organic cotton, 20% recycled polyester interior. The Charcoal alternative has a 60% cotton and 40% recycled polyester exterior.

Like the other Fourthwall option, this hoodie gives you both embroidery and printing to choose from, plus you can customize the back, front, or sleeves.

7. Gelato Hoodie Collection

Pricing: Localized pricing on Gelato

Another “range” option, Gelato’s hoodie collection includes both standard and eco-friendly options, as well as various styles, like zip or pull-over designs. The material mix for the standard pullover is around 55% cotton and 45% polyester, plus, Gelato also uses water-based ink for DTG printing.

Again, you’ll have to sign up for a Gelato account to get an idea of pricing, since it varies depending on your location, but from what I know of Gelato already, most of the base prices for products are comparable with what you’d see from competitors like Fourthwall or Printful.

8. Organic and Recycled Hoodies, Printify

Pricing: Starting at $37.93 on Printify

If you like the idea of having a range of products to choose from, and you want more control over your supplier (and how much the base product costs), Printify has a great eco catalog. You’ve got options ranging from the SOL hoodie starting at $37.93, then the Stanley/Stella Cruiser with 80% organic cotton mixed with 20% recycled polyester.

Another good thing about Printify is that if you choose a premium plan, you can get discounts on bulk orders that cut down the price. Still, I’d be extra cautious with ordering samples from suppliers first.

9. Stanley/Stella STSU178 Eco Sweatshirt, Fourthwall

Pricing: Starts at $35 on Fourthwall

Sweatshirts can be a good alternative to the hoodie, particularly if you’re giving away merch in a colder climate. This Eco sweatshirt from Fourthwall has a mix of 85% organic cotton and 15% recycled polyester, plus, it offers printing for the front, back, sleeves, or inside labels.

One thing to keep in mind here is that again, Fourthwall only offers fulfillment for this product in the EU and UK, but you can always combine this sweatshirt with a globally fulfilled alternative.

10. Stanley/Stella SASU025 Organic Oversized Sweatshirt, Fourthwall

Pricing: Starts at $40.02 on Fourthwall

I like this sweatshirt from Fourthwall for brands that want to offer something a bit more trendy and unique than most of their competitors. The fabric is both OEKO-TEX and GOTS certified, combining 80% organic cotton with 20% recycled polyester.

You also get fulfillment options across the UK and US, plus there’s options for both standard printing, with PETA-approved vegan ink, or embroidery.

11. Recycled-Polyester Sweatshirt, Gelato

Pricing: Based on location from Gelato

Gelato introduced its recycled polyester sweatshirt as part of its initial eco-friendly range in 2022. The availability of the sweatshirt does depend on location now, and the details are limited, but Gelato does say that the yarn is made from post-consumer PET bottles.

I’d spend a little extra time reviewing the complete collection before you add this one to your swag catalog, since Gelato regularly updates its sustainable range.

Bags and Headwear

Bags and hats are one of the easier swag options to give away at events, because you’re not worrying that you’re going to run out of a specific size. Still, I’d make sure your supplier gives you a good blend of durability and practicality, not just eco-friendly claims.

12. Econscious EC8001 Organic Cotton Tote, Fourthwall

Pricing: Starts at $18.31 printed or $21.35 embroidered on Fourthwall

This is my favorite sustainable tote option because I could see myself using it all the time. It measures around 20 by 14 by 5 inches, with six gallons of capacity. That’s plenty of space for all the merch your audience might pick up at your next event.

The material is 100% certified organic cotton, plus I like the fact that the fabric is a little thicker (around 8 ounces), than what you might see in other print-on-demand totes.

13. BagBase Everyday Crossbody Bag

Pricing: Starting $24.14 on Fourthwall

If you want something a little different to the standard tote, the BagBase Everyday cross-body bag is a fantastic option. It can hold up to 12 liters, and it comes with water-repellent fabric (100% recycled polyester), two padded pockets, plus an adjustable shoulder strap.

Fourthwall gives you both printing and embroidery options for designs, and fulfillment is available across both the EU and US.

14. Westford Mill W801 Organic Cotton Tote, Printify

Pricing: Starts at €11.09 on Printify

The Westford Mill tote is impressively durable. The 10 ounce canvas features 100% organic cotton, and it lists an OCS certification. I also like that the handle has reinforced stitching, since handles are usually the first thing to let me down with bags.

There are fewer providers for this product at the moment than other Printify options, I could only find one in Germany, so it’s worth keeping that in mind if you’re running an event outside of the region.

15. Econscious EC7000 Organic Dad Hat, Fourthwall

Pricing: Starts at $15.85 on Fourthwall

I like this dad hat from Fourthwall because it’s both practical and accessible. If you’re using a print design only, Fourthwall offers fulfillment in the US and EU, embroidery also adds Canada plus the UK. The hat features 8-ounce organic cotton twill, and there’s a decent selection of colors.

One slight issue is that the one-size-fits-all design might not be as universal as it seems. I’d definitely order a sample before I start handing these hats out.

16. Atlantis B50 Organic Ribbed Beanie, Fourthwall

Pricing: Starts at $18.59 on Fourthwall

This is the alternative to the dad hat from Fourthwall I’d probably choose for a winter event, or a giveaway in a colder region. The beanie uses 100% organic cotton, and fulfillment is available through the EU, UK, plus the US.

The reviews are very positive here too, with customers saying the hat is comfy, fits well, and that the embroidery is high quality.

Practical and Lifestyle Swag

These options are a little more “unique”, which might make them ideal if you’re trying to avoid giving away the same merch as twenty other companies at an event.

17. Tribe Socks TC001 Sustainable Crew Socks, Fourthwall

Pricing: Starts at $9.95 on Fourthwall

This is one of my favorite wearable swag items for brands that want to keep costs low, buy plenty of gifts in bulk, and maybe surprise their attendees. The crew socks are made from recycled plastic bottles, and they support full-surface printing.

One thing worth noting is sock prints can be unpredictable, particularly when you’re printing on darker fabric, so once again, make sure you order some samples.

18. SOL’S 03569 Organic Cotton Apron, Fourthwall

Pricing: Starts at $24.75 on Fourthwall

This would be a great sustainable swag option for an event focused on chefs or artists. It uses 7.08-ounce organic cotton, with adjustable straps and a front pocket split into two sections. It’s a little expensive compared to other niche options, so I’d probably avoid using it as the item you give away to every attendee, but it could be a brilliant gift for a partner at an event giving a demonstration.

Also keep in mind that fulfillment for this product is only available in the EU for now, although both printing and embroidery options are available.

19. Biodegradable Phone Case, Printful

Pricing: Starts at £13.25 on Printful

Printful’s biodegradable phone case is a good giveaway option for eco-conscious tech enthusiasts. Don’t worry, it won’t deteriorate with regular use, the case needs a year to decompose, and the conditions have to be right.

If you’re going to be offering phone cases, I’d also recommend adding some to an online store, so your customers can upgrade when they change their phone model.

20. Scented Soy Candle, Printify

Pricing: Starts at €9.80 on Printify

Printify’s nine-ounce candle contains 7.5 ounces of hand-poured soy wax made from US-grown soybeans, with a cotton wick and a stated burn time of 50 to 60 hours. The glass can also be cleaned out and reused when the wax runs out.

I think this would be a good swag option for publishers, hotels, or maybe wellness brands. Still, I’d do a bit of research into your audience’s scent preferences before you stock up.

Which Sustainable Swag Should You Choose?

Like I said before, you don’t need to add all of these products to your catalog straight away, I’d probably start with a few obvious options first. A t-shirt is a good choice that appeals to a lot of attendees, so is a tote or a custom hat.

I’d only really look into the “niche” specific options for events that attract a certain audience. There’s no point giving aprons away at a technology expo, for instance. To begin with, choose a narrow list of about three products, see how customers talk about them, then ask yourself whether it’s worth mixing things up for your next event.