Unique Swag Ideas from DRM

Let’s face it. Trade shows are a battlefield of branded baggage. Pens. Tote bags. Stress balls. More pens. Most of it ends up in the hotel bin before checkout. Here’s how to make sure you aren’t contributing to landfill waste.

So, if your swag doesn’t shout, “Take me home,” or better yet, is postworthy, consider skipping it.

At Digital Rain, we’ve made it our mission to help clients break out of the swag cycle.  We’re talking about giveaways that feel like gifts, not afterthoughts. Stuff you actually want to show off on social media. And we’re not just talking hypotheticals — we’ve done it. The reason to create swag is to make a memorable branded expense, but as a heads-up, unique ideas typically take more time or money to craft. It's important to evaluate what your user experience means to your company. We are sharing some of our most loved ideas from over the years. 

Let’s take a ride through the swag vault.

Our Greatest Hits: Swag We Actually Gave (And People Actually Kept)

Custom GoPro’s

Yes, we gave away GoPro kits. And yes, they flew off the table faster than a floor model at a car show. But here’s the twist: it wasn’t just the GoPro — it was the full experience. 

Why it worked:

• High perceived value

• Insta-worthy packaging

• Perfect for content creators

Customer Onboarding Welcome Crates

First impressions matter. We helped clients send curated welcome kits to new customers, filled with branded goodies, tech tools, and handwritten notes.

Why it worked:

• Sets the tone for relationship-building

• Customized to the audience

• Makes clients feel like VIPs from day one

Custom Ray-Bans 

Forget the cheap plastic shades. These were actual Ray-Bans with subtle branding on the case and inside the arms. Classy. Wearable. And they didn’t scream "corporate freebie."

Why it worked:

• Iconic brand association

• Usability beyond the event

• Perfect tie-in to our theme: "See the Road Ahead."

Vegas Survival Kits

Hangover helpers, antacids, Vaseline, Dramamine, Tylenol — all bundled in a branded "No Regrets" emergency pouch. This kit was designed to rescue attendees from Vegas burnout, and it was delivered.

Why it worked:

• Hyper-relevant to the Vegas location

• Hilariously useful

• Got shared a lot on LinkedIn and Instagram

ATI Magsafe PowerBanks

A techie favourite. These travel-friendly multi-chargers come with multiple ports, so you can enjoy your event without the hassle of finding charging stations.

Why it worked:

• Every day utility that everyone needs, but hates to buy

• Looks premium, costs reasonable

• Easy to ship, easy to stash

Custom ClassOne Atlanta Mugs

To celebrate ClassOne Equipment’s 20th anniversary, we designed custom mugs and tumblers featuring a clean, minimalist logo on one side and a detailed map of Atlanta on the other. The design was local, elegant, and unexpected.

Why it worked:

• Hyper-personalized to the city and the brand’s milestone

• Understated yet thoughtful design

• Practical — everyone loves a solid, clean white mug

Custom Wine Bottles

Fox's wine bottle. We got a 98-point Cabernet, private-labeled and gifted to all our clients. We made several mock-ups, but the winning design was the gold bottles. These weren’t just any bottles. We worked with clients to design custom labels and packaging for gifting during special moments or post-meeting follow-ups.

Why it worked:

• Premium gift that feels personal

• Perfect for client dinners and thank-yous

• Instagrammable and memorable

Thank-You Champagne from Digital Rain

We packed sleek matte black suitcases with champagne and flutes for a VIP gift experience. It screamed “celebration,” and looked like something James Bond might carry to a gala. It was a mic-drop moment of gifting.

Why it worked:

• Looked like something James Bond would carry

• Premium packaging made it feel exclusive

• Ideal for post-meeting wow-factor and client appreciation

Lapstop Skins

Why not turn your laptop into a mobile billboard? Functional and expressive. We created branded laptop skins that employees and clients actually wanted to use.

Why it worked:

• Turns tech into walking branding

• Stylish

• Customizable for different roles or departments

Fox T-shirts

We made many custom T-shirts that highlighted our California location. One looked like a license plate. It’s not your average promo tee. We also made comfy, stylish shirts and socks with clever slogans and inside jokes tailored to automotive audiences.

Why it worked:

• Comfortable and wearable beyond the show

• Sparks conversation (“Where’d you get that?”)

• Great for team morale

SpaceShip Humidifer

This quirky little humidifier looked like a tiny UFO and fit perfectly on office desks. It was an instant hit with staff and attendees looking to liven up their workspace.

Why it worked:

• Unexpected and delightful

• Bring the brand into their everyday desk space

• Just the right mix of fun and functional

Phone Mounts

Universal dashboard phone mounts were practical and perfectly in tune with our automotive audience. Easy to toss in a swag bag and easier to use on the road, they were one of those items that kept us top of mind.

Why it worked:

• Great for the automotive crowd

• Every day use equals long-term exposure

• Small enough to carry home

TruVideo Pressure Gauge

A nod to our automotive roots, this handy pressure gauge wasn’t just another promo item—it was something people tossed into their glove boxes and used. Because safety is cool, too.

Why it worked:

• Relevant and practical

• Useful long after the event

• Adds value without feeling like a promo

Stickers

We ditched the cheap logo slaps and went for high-quality sticker packs with attitude. Clever designs, quality finishes, and useful sizes made these a surprising hit. Perfect for water bottles, toolboxes, and laptops.

Why it worked:

• Adds personality

• People actually use them

• Light, fun, and affordable

Why Creative Swag Wins Every Time

• It builds buzz: People post what they love. A clever or unexpected gift creates more online chatter than a dozen LinkedIn posts.

• It sparks conversations: Attendees talk. When one booth gives away a truly cool item, word spreads.

• It lasts longer: Quality swag ends up in homes, cars, and offices. That’s long-term brand presence you can’t buy with a postcard.

Don’t Just Give Things Away. Give People a Reason to Care.

Here’s the real secret: the item is only half the story. The presentation matters just as much. We custom-design displays, packaging, insert cards, and social media integrations that make your swag work harder.

Want to build a booth that breaks the mold? Need ideas that get people posting? Whether you need branded Ray-Bans or a hydration kit worthy of Coachella, we’ve got you.

Let’s talk about swag that slaps. Get in touch with Digital Rain.

P.S. If this inspired you, check out our full blog on Unique Swag Ideas from DRM for even more scroll-stopping merch magic.

Event Planning 101: Keep the Chaos at Bay With These 5 Things To Consider When Planning An Event

Are you planning an event? Buckle up because it's like herding cats in party hats. Don't worry anymore; Digital Rain wizards will break it down.

Guest List Tetris

As you create the guest list, prepare for the age-old dilemma of fitting Aunt Agatha, who despises Uncle Bob, at the same table as Cousin Lucy, who thinks she's a unicorn. Pro tip: Add a dash of charm, a sprinkle of diplomacy, and a pinch of humor to make it work.

Foodie Feats

When it comes to event planning, remember that the food is the real VIP. And if you're not a culinary whiz, don't be afraid to call in backup. Just remember, the more dessert, the merrier!

Music Mayhem

The right playlist is like a magic wand that can turn a gathering into a dance-off. Ensure your uncle's polka obsession doesn't clash with your cousin's hip-hop beats. Create a harmonious mix, and don't forget to include the Macarena for nostalgic giggles.

Décor Dilemmas

Balloons or bunting? Tinsel or fairy lights? The world of event decor is like a glittery maze. Pick a theme and go wild! And if you accidentally pop a balloon, pretend it's part of the entertainment.

Unpredictable Weather

Mother Nature has a quirky sense of humor. Your sunny outdoor picnic might turn into a dance party in the rain. Have a Plan B; remember, rain-soaked clothes are part of the adventure!

In the world of event planning, expect the unexpected and embrace the chaos with open arms. After all, the most memorable moments often arise from the quirkiest mishaps. 🌟

Need help with your events? Book us now!

A Night to Remember: West Ranch Casino Night in SCV Managed by Digital Rain Inc.

The Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) has always been known for its vibrant community spirit, and this year, that spirit was on full display at the West Ranch Casino Night. Managed by the exceptional team at Digital Rain Inc., this event was nothing short of spectacular.

The Venue: A Slice of Vegas in SCV

Digital Rain Inc. brought the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to the heart of SCV. The event was held at a stunning venue, transformed into a dazzling casino wonderland. As guests stepped in, they were greeted by the allure of blackjack tables, roulette wheels, and the unmistakable clinking of poker chips.

A Night of Fun and Entertainment

The West Ranch Casino Night was more than just a fundraiser; it was a night of pure entertainment. Attendees were treated to a vast array of casino games, each run by friendly and professional dealers. Whether you were a seasoned poker pro or trying your luck for the first time, there was something for everyone.

Prizes Galore

The excitement reached a crescendo as the night's winners were announced. The prizes up for grabs were nothing short of fantastic, ranging from luxurious weekend getaways to the latest tech gadgets. The grand prize, a dream vacation package, had attendees on the edge of their seats.

Gourmet Dining and Cocktails

No casino night would be complete without delectable food and drinks. The event featured a gourmet buffet, ensuring guests were well-fed throughout the night. The bar was stocked with a wide selection of cocktails and beverages, keeping the spirits high as the evening unfolded.

Community Bonds and Fundraising

What truly set this event apart was its sense of community. The West Ranch Casino Night brought together residents, local businesses, and volunteers, all with a common goal: to support their community; the West Ranch Football Team. Every dollar raised at the event went towards the team, making a lasting impact on the students and their school.

WR Football Booster Club Auction and Silent Auction

Digital Rain Inc.: The Event Management Maestros

A significant part of the event's success can be attributed to the exceptional event management provided by Digital Rain Inc. They flawlessly orchestrated every aspect of the evening, from the casino games to the exquisite décor and lighting, ensuring that every detail was picture-perfect.

The West Ranch Casino Night was an unforgettable night of camaraderie, entertainment, and giving back to the community. It showcased the magic that can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose. As the chips were stacked and the roulette wheels spun, one thing was abundantly clear: SCV knows how to throw a party, and with the help of Digital Rain Inc., they did it in style. Here's to many more unforgettable nights in the Santa Clarita Valley.