Wow Guests with These 14 Stellar Ideas for Virtual Swag Bags

Virtual swag bags are digital versions of traditional event swag bags. Similar to the way you would provide in-person event attendees with a swag bag when attending an event, a virtual swag bag is a fun and innovative way to mimic this interaction when hosting a virtual event. Instead of receiving a physical bag filled with items like stationary, keychains, and branded merch, attendees would receive a virtual swag bag that is filled with digital items or offers that can be redeemed online.

If you’re wondering what you can include in a virtual swag bag you’re not alone. It may not seem natural, but there are tons of awesome items that you can use to take your virtual swag bags to the next level like digital gift cards, exclusive content, access to virtual events or experiences, subscriptions, vouchers for food delivery services, and so much more!

In addition to leveraging virtual swag bags for online events, virtual swag bags can also be used for event planners or facilitators that are hosting an in person event as they are eco-friendlier and more cost effective when compared to traditional swag bags. Because everything is virtual, this eliminates the need to produce a surplus of supplies that require shipping and packaging.

What to consider when choosing what to offer in virtual swag bags

There are several factors to consider when choosing what to include in your virtual swag bags including your audience, the theme of your event, your budget, and the format of your event.  

1. Your audience

First and foremost, you must consider your audience. This means determining who your audience is and what they would find valuable. Value looks different to everyone. For example, you won’t want to provide guests with an e-gift card for a yoga class if they aren’t interested in health and wellness. Creating swag bags should be a customized experience meaning you must do research prior to your event to ensure you curate items that are meant for your audience.

2. Your event theme

Have you chosen a theme for your event? If so, it’s important to make sure your virtual swag bags mimic this theme. This means choosing items that align with your theme to keep things consistent. For example, if you're hosting an event to teach attendees about the benefits of health and wellness in the workplace, you may want to provide an e-gift card for a workout class or a month-long subscription to a meditation plan.

3. Your budget

While virtual swag bags may be more cost effective than physical swag bags, it doesn’t mean you can throw your budget out the window. When determining what to choose, it’s important to take your budget into consideration. Determining how much you have to spend will help you create a framework that you can use as a reference point when choosing which items to include in your virtual swag bags.

4. Your event format

When determining which items to include n. your virtual swag bag, it's important to consider your event format. Doing so will help you understand what items may be useful or most exciting to your audience. For example, if you’re hosting a lunch and learn, you may want to consider providing guests with a virtual coupon code that can be redeemed to order a meal from their favorite meal delivery service.

14 ideas for virtual swag bags

1. Digital gift cards

Digital gift cards are a great item to add to virtual swag bags because there are so many options, and you can customize your gift cards based on your audience. Popular choices include Amazon, Uber, iTunes, or Spotify gift cards.

2. Customized Zoom backgrounds

Customized Zoom backgrounds are a fun and easy way to stand out in a crowd. Adding virtual Zoom backgrounds to your virtual swag bags can be a fun way to sew your theme into the fibers of your event. They can also be branded for an added wow-factor!

3. Access to an exclusive webinar or virtual event

Providing access to an exclusive webinar or virtual event can be a great way to provide attendees with added value and it’s also a great way to cultivate relationships and connect with event attendees after the event has finished. Maybe this is a virtual happy hour after the event has finished? Or maybe, it’s a cocktail hour with a lesson from a mixologist? The possibilities are endless!

4. Customized playlists or music downloads

Curating a customized playlist or offering music downloads can be a great way to create a unique experience for your guests. You can take it to the next level by encouraging attendees to add some of their favorites to the playlist!

5. Virtual fitness class passes

Virtual fitness classes are becoming increasingly more popular, especially among remote employees that find themselves at home as opposed to the office. Offering a virtual fitness class pass or coupon can be a great addition to your virtual swag bags, especially if you know your audience is health conscious.

6. Customized workout plans or personal training sessions

Sticking on the health and wellness bandwagon, providing attendees with a customized workout plan or personal training session is a great way to let them know you prioritize their wellbeing. These items would be particularly beneficial should you host a session or webinar pertaining to the importance of health and wellness in the workplace.

7. Customized phone cases or laptop stickers

While customized phone cases or laptop stickers are tangible items, they are small, and easy to ship. Creating customized phone cases or laptop stickers that align with your event is a great way to promote your event and get people talking, even after the event has finished.

8. Access to exclusive content such as eBooks, whitepapers, or podcasts

Providing access to exclusive content such as eBooks, whitepapers, or podcasts can be a great way to add value to your virtual swag bags. If attendees are receiving something that others can’t, you will be creating a sense of exclusivity among those that were able to access the content.

9. Customized T-shirts or hats

Customized T-shirts or hats with your event branding or graphics can be a great way to promote your event, and an even better way to express your gratitude to attendees. Remember, if you’re investing your resources into creating branded merchandise, it’s important to partner with an eco-conscious supplier.

10. Discount codes or coupons for online stores or services

Offering discount codes or coupons for popular online stores or services can be a great way to provide attendees added value. Similar to including gift cards in your virtual swag bags, providing discount codes or coupons can be completely customizable. This may also be a unique opportunity to seek sponsorships and partner with event sponsors to provide store discounts or coupons.

11. Access to virtual reality experiences or games

It can be difficult to get creative with virtual swag bags. Luckily, there are tons of online games like escape rooms that can be super entertaining! Providing guests with a stipend for one of these activities or even a custom code that grants them access is a fun and easy way to add something entertaining to your swag bags.

12. Virtual wine or beer tasting passes

Everyone loves a wine or beer tasting and it’s even better when you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own. Providing guests with a pass for a virtual wine or beer tasting is a fun way to express your gratitude for their participation. There are numerous online services that will send everything your guests need to have a great experience directly to their doorstep.

13. Digital art prints or photo filters

Digital art prints or photo filters are great if you’re looking for something creative. Photo fillers also offer a unique opportunity to customize the virtual gift to a T. If you’re all in on this idea, you can even create a custom filter that is geared towards your event!

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Where other telecommunication tools make it possible for you to host virtual networking events, Remo empowers you to take your event to new heights by creating customized virtual environments and unlocking access to intuitive one-of-a-kind tools. You can create a captivating virtual environment designed specifically for your virtual event and keep your audience engaged from start to finish with exclusive features. Get started with your  FREE TRIAL today or click here to learn more about how Remo can help you create impactful virtual events.