Custom Promotional Bags Guide
Everything you need to know about custom backpacks, drawstring bags, duffels, and coolers for trade shows, corporate gifts, and team gear.
Why Promotional Bags?
Custom bags are among the most effective promotional products because they're used repeatedly, providing ongoing brand exposure. Unlike disposable items that end up in the trash, a quality branded bag can generate thousands of impressions over its lifetime.
From inexpensive drawstring bags perfect for trade show giveaways to premium laptop backpacks for executive gifts, there's a bag for every budget and purpose. This guide covers the different bag types, decoration methods, and use cases to help you choose the right bags for your promotional needs.
What This Guide Covers
Bag types and their best uses, decoration options (screen print, embroidery, full-colour), corporate gift strategies, trade show giveaway tips, and pricing by category.
Bag Types: Choose the Right Style
Drawstring Bags / Cinch Packs
The #1 trade show giveaway. Lightweight, affordable, and useful.
- Best For: Trade shows, events, gyms, schools
- Print Area: Large (10" x 12" typical)
- Materials: Polyester, nylon, cotton
- Use Rate: High - used for gym, errands, travel
Backpacks
Premium promotional item with high perceived value and daily use.
- Best For: Corporate gifts, employee welcome kits
- Print Area: Front pocket (6" x 8" typical)
- Features: Laptop sleeves, multiple pockets
- Decoration: Embroidery recommended
Duffel Bags
Perfect for sports teams, gym memberships, and travel.
- Best For: Teams, gyms, travel incentives
- Print Area: Side panels (8" x 4" typical)
- Features: Shoe compartments, end pockets
- Materials: Polyester, canvas, nylon
Cooler Bags / Lunch Bags
Practical daily-use item with excellent brand visibility.
- Best For: Food brands, wellness, corporate gifts
- Print Area: Front panel (5" x 4" typical)
- Features: Insulated, zippered, pockets
- Use Rate: Very high - daily lunch use
Messenger Bags / Laptop Bags
Professional option for tech companies and corporate gifts.
- Best For: Tech, corporate, conferences
- Print Area: Front flap (8" x 6" typical)
- Features: Padded laptop sleeve, organizers
- Decoration: Embroidery for premium look
Tote Bags
Eco-friendly, reusable, and great for retail and events.
- Best For: Retail, conferences, eco-brands
- Print Area: Very large (12" x 12"+)
- Materials: Cotton, canvas, non-woven
- Note: See our Tote Bags Guide
Who Orders Custom Bags?
Trade Shows & Conferences
Drawstring bags and totes for booth giveaways, swag bags for attendees
Corporate Gifts
Premium backpacks and laptop bags for clients, employees, executives
Sports Teams
Duffel bags, drawstrings, and backpacks for team gear and spirit wear
Schools & Universities
Welcome kits, orientation bags, bookstore merchandise
Gyms & Fitness
Member welcome bags, merchandise, promotional giveaways
Employee Onboarding
Welcome kits with company-branded bags filled with swag
Decoration Methods for Bags
| Method | Best For | Look | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | 1-4 colour logos, 24+ quantity | Flat, vibrant colours | Excellent |
| Embroidery | Premium bags, corporate gifts | Textured, professional | Outstanding |
| Heat Transfer / DTF | Full-colour, photos, small qty | Photo-quality | Very Good |
| Debossing | Leather bags, premium items | Subtle, elegant | Permanent |
Decoration Recommendations by Bag Type
- Drawstring Bags: Screen printing (most cost-effective)
- Backpacks: Embroidery (premium) or screen print (budget)
- Duffel Bags: Embroidery or screen print
- Cooler Bags: Screen print or heat transfer
- Laptop Bags: Embroidery (professional look)
- Tote Bags: Screen print (best value)
Embroidery vs Screen Print
For backpacks and premium bags, embroidery creates a more professional, lasting impression. For trade show giveaways where budget is key, screen printing provides excellent results at lower cost.
Trade Show Giveaway Strategy
Budget-Friendly Approach: Drawstring Bags
Drawstring bags are the most popular trade show giveaway because they hit the sweet spot of cost vs. utility:
- Cost: $4-8 per bag (fully printed)
- Attendees use them throughout the event to carry other swag
- Large print area = maximum brand visibility
- Lightweight and easy to ship in bulk
- Recipients actually keep and use them
Premium Approach: Quality Backpacks
For qualified leads or VIP customers, premium bags create lasting impressions:
- Cost: $20-40 per bag (embroidered)
- Higher perceived value = better brand association
- Used daily, providing ongoing exposure
- Better for B2B and high-value prospects
- Can include additional items inside (notebook, pens, etc.)
Quantity Planning for Trade Shows
| Booth Size | Expected Traffic | Recommended Qty | Mix Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10x10) | 100-200/day | 150-300 total | 100% drawstrings |
| Medium (10x20) | 200-400/day | 300-600 total | 90% drawstrings, 10% premium |
| Large (20x20+) | 400+/day | 500-1000+ total | 80% drawstrings, 20% premium |
Corporate Gift Bags
Employee Welcome Kits
A branded bag filled with company swag is a memorable way to welcome new employees:
- Bag: Quality backpack or laptop bag ($20-35)
- Contents: T-shirt, notebook, water bottle, pens, snacks
- Personalization: Add employee name via embroidery (+$8-12)
- Impact: Creates immediate brand connection and belonging
Client Appreciation Gifts
Premium bags make excellent client gifts:
- Executive: Leather-trimmed laptop bag with embroidered logo
- Tech: Premium backpack with laptop sleeve
- Outdoors: Quality cooler bag or duffel
- Tip: Add a handwritten note for personal touch
Conference Swag Bags
For hosting conferences or events:
- Tote bags or drawstrings work well for attendee swag bags
- Fill with sponsor materials, programs, and small giveaways
- Consider eco-friendly options for sustainability-conscious audiences
Pricing Guide
| Bag Type | Blank Cost | Printed (24+) | Embroidered (24+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drawstring Bag | $2-4 | $4-8 | $8-12 |
| Basic Backpack | $10-15 | $15-22 | $22-30 |
| Premium Backpack | $20-35 | $28-45 | $35-55 |
| Duffel Bag | $12-25 | $18-32 | $25-40 |
| Cooler Bag | $6-15 | $10-20 | $15-28 |
| Laptop/Messenger Bag | $15-30 | $22-40 | $30-50 |
Pricing includes single-location decoration. Volume discounts available at 48+, 100+, and 250+ quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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