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.
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 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.
Surviving, I Mean Maximizing DSES & JDPAMR 2016
I have attended at least 50 Vegas conferences, therefore this blog serves as my pay it forward to any newbie attending next week's events.
If "Automotive Conference Expert" was a real title, I would definitely qualify. I have attended at least 50 Vegas conferences, therefore this blog serves as my pay it forward to any newbie attending next week's events. If you want a more extensive albeit outdated guide, check out my blog April Rain's Guide to Conferencing. Despite it being a little outdated, many items are still general good tips that prove to be timeless.
With 2 major events happening next week, I felt the Driving Sales Executive Summit & the J.D. Power Automotive Round Table deserve their own How-To...
1. Rest up and hydrate before heading into the desert.
Studies show you are much better at managing sleep deprivation and dehydration if you store up in advance rather than playing catch up. In fact, there is no such thing as “catching up on sleep” post sleepless nights. Read Article
TIP: Hit up Walgreens or CVS and stock up on water and granola bars. The hotels are very over priced and the tempting convenience of the mini bar is even more painful.
2. Use the AutoHook free limo service. Just text "Autohook" to 55678.
Yes, AutoHook is my client and this a promo...but it's also a free limo so deal with it. I feel I am excused from judgment. For more info check out their event landing page.
3. Download the Driving Sales App
The 2014 app comes up more readily so to avoid confusion. Look for your email from DSES that contains the link - the password is "Cars2016."
4. Follow the hashtags #DSES and #JDPowerAMR
5. NETWORK
Some the greatest people I know and my most memorable moments have been acquired at conferences. Break out of your rut and meet some new peeps.
Vegas Forecast
Now, WHAT to wear? You will see a variety of threads from "just rolled out of bed" to the cover model of GQ. My vote is always business casual. You want to be comfortable but you also want to be sporting your best appearances for networking and to remind you that you are there for business (mostly).
Here's an example:
TIP: Pack good shoes. Just from the entrance of the Bellagio to conference area is 0.3 miles. One year my Fitbit tracked 17,000 steps in one day. I used to be all about the heels, then I realized nobody has ever rejected me personally or professionally for being short so I've ditched the heels and gone with flats. I'm guessing in a few more years I'll be in animal slippers. Till then here are some shoe recommendations for the men.
TIP: When going from the entrance to the events, cutting through the pool area saves time and gets you some vitamin D.
This shortcut shaves 1 minute off your route.
7. Make a plan
With so many things going on and places to be, I create custom maps in Google MY Map that are specific to the event..
If you need any other good tips or want to stay tuned-in to #DSES & #JDPowerAMR, follow @april_rain @digitalrain_inc
Oh, and remember to have fun!