When I graduated from college and started my business…
One of the first things I did was get my own company pens.
I was thrilled that I could just go out and BUY “branded merch.”
It made everything seem more official.
Now, it takes a little more to get my attention.
Baseball caps, fanny packs, water bottles…
I’ve got enough of them.
What about your major donors?
The kind who can offer you $10,000, $20,000, or even $1 million.
Odds are good they’ve got all the pens they need (and then some.)
So why are some nonprofits still filling their “swag bags” with this stuff?
WHATTAYA MEAN, THEY DON’T WANT A REFRIGERATOR MAGNET?
“Swag” isn’t short for “swagger.”
It’s actually an acronym.
It means Stuff We All Get.
Do your donors really need more stuff… let alone stuff everyone else gets?
Think outside the bag, please.
Hundreds of different items can be customized with your name and logo.
Many are just as affordable as the old mainstays like pens.
So, if you want to make a lasting impression…
Choose an item that’s really relevant to their interests.
Even better if it’s not something “we all get.”
For example:
- TECHNOLOGY: Bluetooth speakers, USB sticks, charging pads.
- WELLNESS: First aid kits, sanitizer, portable tableware set.
- ATHLETICS: Golf tees, massage balls, towels.
The best gifts come from the heart, even when it’s from an organization to a contributor.
Do you know YOUR donors well enough to surprise and delight them?