Keeping Gen Z employees engaged isn’t just about Slack emojis and flexible hours — it’s also about giving them branded merchandise, corporate gifts, and swag packs that genuinely match their lifestyle. Overhood works with fast-growing teams around the world, and one pattern is very clear: Gen Z wants creative merchandise that feels personal, aesthetic, useful, and expressive.

If you’re planning your next round of company promotional items, building a swag bag, preparing employee appreciation gifts, or simply refreshing your internal company merchandise, here are the trends Gen Z loves right now.

Sport & Outdoor Aesthetic

Gen Z may or may not be the “healthiest generation ever,” but one thing is for sure — they love the sporty, country-club-but-make-it-TikTok aesthetic. Think tennis-core, pickleball Sundays, yoga mats, and oat-latte-after-pilates energy.

This vibe works perfectly for promotional gifts and custom merch:

• Tennis-inspired branded fashion

• Branded tote-backpacks for the gym

• Sweatbands, visors, and outdoor caps

• Insulated water bottles in pastel colours

• Picnic blankets and foldable chairs (yes, really)

It’s smart, functional promotional merchandise that feels aspirational, and that’s exactly why Gen Z reaches for it.

‘In My Coffee or Matcha Era’

Coffee may have been a Millennial love story, but Gen Z rewrote the script. Today, your employees follow TikTok creators launching their own espresso blends, and aesthetically pleasing tumblers are among the most requested corporate gifts and business promotional items.

But if you want a real slay: Go for matcha-themed personalised merchandise — from bowls and whisks to bright green insulated cups.

Perfect for:

• New-hire swag packs

• Holiday gifts for employees

• Daily desk drops

• Internal wellness campaigns

These items are cute, functional, and highly “shareable,” making them some of the best marketing gifts you can offer.

Aesthetic Home Goods

Gen Z spends a lot of time working, relaxing, and creating content at home — so they deeply value unique, fun, and vibrant home accessories. Forget generic mugs; they want creative merchandise that sparks joy. 

Great promotional items for this category include:

• Colourful candles

• Quirky mirrors

• Soft custom blankets

• Decorative carpets

• Playful kitchenware

If your branded promotional items are visually interesting enough to appear in a TikTok background, you’ve already won.

Self-Care & Wellness Routine

Some insist Gen Z is “self-absorbed,” but realistically? They’re just the first generation that treats self-care as non-negotiable — and your corporate gifting strategy should reflect that.

Ideal employee appreciation gifts include:

• Skincare minis

• Sleep masks

• Bath bombs

• Aromatherapy kits

• Journals and gratitude cards

Anything that helps them unwind is a hit, and it shows your company supports mental wellbeing.

Trendy Tech Essentials

Gen Z spends hours on TikTok, Discord, games, and edits, and they need tools that keep up. Tech-based company merchandise is one of the most versatile and genuinely appreciated options.

Top picks for promotional products:

• Stylish headphones

• Custom laptop sleeves

• Powerbanks in brand colours

• Webcam covers

• Cable organisers

These make excellent onboarding swag bags, work anniversary gifts, or seasonal corporate gifts.

Final Thoughts: Smart Branded Merchandise That Gen Z Actually Wants

If you want Gen Z employees to use your merch, not hide it in a drawer, focus on relevance, aesthetic trends, and emotional connection. At Overhood, we specialise in total merchandise solutions, from concept to production, so every item feels intentional, fun, and on-brand.

Whether you’re preparing new swag, building next-generation swag packs, or refreshing your branded merchandise for internal culture, thinking like Gen Z is the best place to start.

Want more ideas? Just ask — we design corporate swag people actually fight over.

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Looking forward to creative collaborations!
Love, Overhood