Summer is the season of sunshine, outdoor events, and keeping cool—and it’s one of the best times to hand out promotional items that get used every single day. Whether you’re hosting a company picnic, supporting a summer sales push, or showing appreciation to your remote team, summer swag can help you connect with your audience while keeping your brand visible.
In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite summer-friendly promo items—ones that are fun, practical, and most importantly, won’t get tossed aside after the event.
1. Insulated Tumblers & Water Bottles
Hydration is key in summer, and insulated tumblers are always a hit. Choose stainless steel options that keep drinks cold for hours, and customize them with your logo or event name.
Bonus: Add a name personalization option to make it feel extra special.
2. Lightweight Branded T-Shirts
Nothing beats a breathable tee for summer. Go for soft, lightweight blends that people actually want to wear, and keep the branding clean and stylish so it becomes a wardrobe regular—not just an event shirt.
3. Cooling Towels
A fun and surprisingly effective promo item, cooling towels are great for sports events, outdoor gatherings, or wellness initiatives. Add your branding and give them out at company field days or fitness challenges.
4. Branded Sunglasses
These are a budget-friendly classic for summer events, festivals, or beach days. Choose UV protection lenses and trendy frames to give them more staying power.
5. Beach-Ready Tote Bags
Summer tote bags are endlessly useful—from grocery runs to beach outings. Choose styles with pockets or zippers for added function, and opt for seasonal colors that match your brand palette.
6. Custom Sunscreen Packets
Compact and easy to distribute, branded sunscreen is thoughtful and practical. It shows you care about your audience while offering real value during outdoor events.
7. Slide Sandals or Flip Flops
For the right team or event, these are both fun and memorable. They’re great for summer giveaways at resorts, company retreats, or just as a playful appreciation gift.
8. Logo Frisbees or Beach Balls
Interactive, fun, and affordable—these are perfect for company picnics or family-friendly events. They make great photo ops, too.
9. Custom Hats (Trucker, Visors, or Bucket Hats)
Keep the sun off and your brand visible. Hats are always appreciated at outdoor events and can be decorated in a wide range of styles to suit your team.
10. Portable Fans or Mini Misters
These are attention-grabbing and useful, especially at warm weather trade shows or outdoor pop-ups. Add your logo and give people something they’ll thank you for using.
Bonus Tip: Pair It All Together
Want to take it a step further? Combine 2–3 items into a themed summer kit. For example:
- Outdoor Fun Pack: Custom sunglasses + beach ball + branded sunscreen
- Remote Team Chill Kit: Insulated tumbler + cooling towel + mini fan
- Picnic-Ready Bundle: Tote bag + t-shirt + water bottle
Kitting your items not only creates a more elevated experience but also makes distribution simpler—especially if you’re shipping to multiple locations.
I help clients put together coordinated swag bundles all the time, complete with packaging, branded inserts, and shipping logistics. It’s one of the easiest ways to upgrade your seasonal campaign without breaking the budget.
Final Thoughts
The best summer swag is simple, seasonal, and solves a problem—whether it’s beating the heat, staying hydrated, or dressing for the occasion. With the right picks, your brand stays top-of-mind all season long.
Want to chat about what will work best for your team this summer? I’ve got ideas, samples, and suggestions ready when you are.
