There is a big reason why people choose cheap corporate swag over high-quality gifts: money. You can get plenty more cheap tchotchkes at a lower cost that feature your company logo, therefore maximizing your reach and getting a better return on investment.

But are you really getting a good ROI?

Here is what happens when you give away cheap swag:

• Recipients take more than they need

• They either throw the item away, give it to their kids, or donate it

• They forget about your brand entirely

That doesn’t seem like a very good investment.

At Clove & Twine, we prefer quality over quantity and making your hard-earned money go farther. We want your company logo featured on an item that will be used and cherished, not tossed in a donation bin and forgotten.

Consider this: you can spend $5 on a cheap corporate gift that is quickly thrown away, giving you a single impression. The alternative option is to spend $25 on a high-quality corporate gift that will last for 5 years and get used over and over again with countless impressions. Isn’t that a much better way to spend your money?

The longer your corporate gift lasts and the more your gift is used, the more times people see and recognize your logo. The more times they associate your brand with quality and value. The more they want to interact with you and your business.

That is what we call a remarkable corporate gift.

We went through some common swag items to compare them to gifts that would actually make a positive impact on recipients.

Cheap Swag VS Great Corporate Gifts:

Generic backpack ($22) VS Timbuk2 Parkside Laptop Backpack 2.0 ($79)

Why give a backpack that does the bare minimum? Sure, a generic bag can carry personal items just fine. But what makes a backpack something that your recipients will reach for every single day? Timbuk2 has designed the ultimate backpack, with multiple convenient organization features, a roomy interior, and a laptop slip pocket, sleekly designed to complement any style. Instead of giving a boring gift, give something extraordinary.

Round device charger ($15) VS Kingston Qi Power Bank ($27)

Why take the chance that branded chargers you give away as gifts could damage your recipient’s devices? Yes, this is a real issue. Cheap power banks not only create this risk, but they’re very limited in what they can do. Different devices require different charging ports and cords, but the Kingston Qi Power Bank is different. This product provides two-in-one functionality by granting users Qi-enabled wireless charging, and those without Qi-enabled smartphones can use their standard charging cord to plug into the USB port for “power bank” charging functionality. This makes it an invaluable gift that satisfies everyone’s needs. The Qi Power Bank is a corporate gift that is beneficial to all!

Shop power banks here.

Generic bluetooth speaker ($20) VS JBL Flip 5 Portable Speaker ($99)

When you hear music through a good quality speaker, it is difficult to go back to below-average sound. Give a speaker with reliable connection capability that is also waterproof, durable, easy to use, and holds charge for up to 12-hours (compared to the generic version’s 2-hours).

Standard glossy sunglasses ($3) VS Sunski Dipsea Polarized Sunglasses ($58)

Cheap branded sunglasses are a dime a dozen. Almost literally. They are used for a day, then tossed in the donation bin. Give sunglasses that combine style, comfort, and performance, that are proudly made from recycled plastic. The Dipsea sunglasses have polarized lenses and come with a microfiber carrying pouch. Sunski even donates 1% of sales to environmental non-profits. Make your sunglass gift a recipient’s go-to pair, not their throwaway pair.

Cheap stainless steel water bottle ($7) VS Corkcicle Canteen ($49)

Not all stainless steel water bottles are alike. Low-quality bottles only have a single wall of protection and no insulation. This means you would be giving a bottle that sweats when it contains cold liquids, and transfers hot liquids (at dangerously hot temperatures) to hands. Invest a little more money in a great water bottle that is triple insulated to keep drinks ice cold for up to 25 hours or hot for up to 12 hours. That is a gift that’s invaluable.

Shop all Corkcicle products here.

Branded Gildan t-shirt ($3) VS Original Favorites Supima T-Shirt ($17)

You have probably received a branded Gildan t-shirt in the past, but we can guarantee it’s not in your closet anymore. Not only are Gildan shirts notoriously scratchy, but they tend to have an unflattering boxy fit, shrink on first wash, and wear out very quickly. In short, they’re junk. A good shirt that is comfortable and durable will be worn over and over again. You may spend a little more money, but you’re getting a much better return on your investment. Supima cotton shirts are made from the finest cotton with color retention, durability, and incredible softness. These t-shirts are sure to be favorites.

Shop high-quality shirts here. 

Synthetic leather journal ($10) VS Wasatch Leather Journal ($36)

If a journal is filled with writing, what happens to it next? There isn’t much else to do than throw it away. Give a better journal that can become a future heirloom. The Wasatch Leather Journal has the smell and feel of leather, because it’s made out of actual leather (unlike the cheap alternative). Not only is it durable but the paper is refillable, making it a gift that will last well into the future.

Vinyl Pouch ($12) VS Zip Bag ($28)

Why deal with a zip pouch that will eventually tear or wear out? Small accessories like charging cords, pens, lip balm, and contact solution are what make life away from home more comfortable. Give a zip bag that is long-lasting and will remind recipients of your amazing brand every time they use it.

Shop organizational bags here.

Standard bluetooth headphones ($10) VS Skullcandy Riff Wireless Headphones ($49)

When it comes to tech gifts you definitely get what you pay for. Not only do standard bluetooth headphones only hold about 2-4 hours of charge, but the components are thrown together with no care regarding quality of sound. Skullcandy makes a wide range of headphones from luxury level to affordable without sacrificing value. The Riff Wireless Headphones also have a 12-hour run time on a single charge, and even just 10-minutes of charging time will provide 2-hours of use. When compared to standard headphones, there’s no competition.

If you’re spending the money to order, customize, and give corporate gifts, why not choose items that will make a lasting positive impact?

Get started with ordering your high-quality corporate gifts today.

Please note that the prices listed for the products above do not include customization costs. Learn more about us and our methodology. 

Ever reveling in the remarkable,
Team C&T