Best Party Favors & Swag Ideas for Your Special Occasion

Swag Planning  

Start with your logo, school colors, mascot, or an event theme that you design, and then get as extravagant or simple as you want – yes, simple can still be fun! If you’re on a budget, consider home printed stickers, ink stamps or Cricut machines that make it easy to personalize just about anything (such as tags for small potted flowers or succulents, cups, candy wrappers, gift bags of sweet treats, and t-shirt iron-ons). 

Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Swag / Party Favor Vendor
For larger groups and more formal events, choose a vendor to create custom t-shirts, hats, party favors, and swag. Doing your internet research will often stretch your budget and ensure there aren’t any surprises. 

• Will you be purchasing local or ordering something custom on-line?

• How likely is it that this item will be kept and used?

• What are the discounts by quantity?

• What sizes will you need?

• Are any sites offering seasonal discounts or deals?

• What is the lead time to produce and ship your items?

• What is the cost and timing of shipping?

• How is the company’s quality and customer service rating?

Our Favorite Swag Sites and T-shirt Printers

• 4Imprint 

• Cloveandtwine

• CustomInk  

• Etsy  

• Swag.com  

• VistaPrint  

• Zazzle  

Party Favor & Swag Ideas to Match Your Party's Mood

Campy Swag – Think family reunions, BBQ fundraisers, corporate picnics and Forth of July parties.

• beach balls

• bottle openers

• cooler bags

• flashlights

• flip flops

• sunhats

• koozies

• picnic blankets

• planter kits

• reusable water bottles

• sunscreen

• utility knives

Classy Swag – For when you’re hosting a bridal shower, wedding, grad party or special birthday celebration. 

• bath bombs

• customized flasks

• custom chocolates

• cut flowers in cute vases

• etched shot or wine glasses

• flower seed matchbooks

• luggage tags

• makeup pouches

• personalized coasters

• reusable tote bag

• notebooks

• small succulents

• wine with custom labels

Corporate Swag – Perfect for your company product launch party, holiday event, or employee appreciation luncheon.

• bluetooth gadgets

• coasters

• cookies (decorated with logo)

• computer stickers

• gift cards (in cute holder)

• device chargers

• pens

• mouse pads

• notebook and journals

• popsockets

• travel mugs

• wireless earbuds

Sporty Swag – Think end-of-season parties, sports award ceremonies, charity races, tournaments and casual parties.

• backpacks or string bags

• duffel bags

• frisbees

• hoodies

• sports bag tags

• sunglasses

• umbrellas

• reusable water bottles

• trading cards

• visors

Fun Favors – Low-cost items that make any celebration more festive

• buttons/pins

• candy (with theme wrapper)

• cookies, cupcakes or donuts (individually wrapped and decorated with custom theme)

• light-up balls 

• fidget spinners

• flower leis

• potted plants 

• stacking cups

• strings of beads (in theme colors)

• water toys

FAQs: Party Favors & Swag Planning

Q: How much should I budget for party favors or swag?
A: It depends on your event size and style! For casual celebrations, $1–$5 per guest can go a long way with simple, personalized goodies. For weddings, corporate events, or milestone parties, budgets often range from $5–$20 per guest—especially if you’re gifting custom apparel or keepsakes. Set your budget first, then browse vendors that match your price point.

Q: How far in advance should I order swag or party favors?
A: Ideally 2–4 weeks before your event. Custom-printed items (like shirts, cups, or etched glasses) often require a production window plus shipping time. If you’re DIY-ing with Cricut or home-printed labels, give yourself at least a week to gather materials and assemble everything without stress.

Q: What makes a party favor memorable (and not something guests throw away)?
A: Choose favors that are useful, reusable, or personal! Think water bottles, luggage tags, cute notebooks, small plants, or treats with custom wrappers. The more aligned the item is with your event’s theme, colors, or inside jokes, the more likely guests will actually keep and love it.

Q: What’s the best way to choose a trustworthy swag vendor?
A: Compare reviews, check customer photos, confirm production timelines, and look for clear pricing (including shipping). Many sites—like CustomInk, 4Imprint, and VistaPrint—offer design previews and quality guarantees, which is a huge plus. When possible, order a sample to check materials and printing before placing a bulk order.

Q: How many party favors should I prepare?
A: One per guest is standard, with a few extras just in case. If your event draws families or brings guests in pairs, offering one per household or couple can also work—just note this on your planning list.

Q: Do adults really enjoy party favors?
A: Oh yes! Grown-up swag can be surprisingly delightful when it’s classy or useful—think wine with a custom label, tote bags, bath bombs, travel mugs, or personalized coasters. Lean into items people can use beyond the event.

Q: What’s the easiest favor for large groups?
A: Stickers, candy bags with theme tags, custom buttons, small plants, branded water bottles, or sunglasses. They’re inexpensive, quick to assemble, and universally loved.

Q: How do I avoid overspending on swag?
A: Finalize your guest count early, set a strict per-person spending cap, compare multiple vendors, and look for seasonal sales or quantity discounts. Not everything has to be custom—mixing in a few lower-cost filler items keeps things festive on a budget.

You May Also Like:

SignUp Faves: Party Invitation Websites  

The Best Party & Event Venue Finder Apps

About the Author

   

Carlyn Morris

Content Contributor

Carlyn is a lifestyle writer for SignUp’s Idea Center, covering travel, special events, and modern-day tips for everyday living. 

More about Carlyn →