Company trips, sales kickoffs (SKOs), and offsites are major investments. They bring people together across regions, reinforce culture, align goals, and build momentum for the months ahead. But to make these moments truly stick, companies are increasingly turning to merchandise as a powerful and lasting tool.
When thoughtfully selected and well-executed, merchandise can help shape the experience, elevate team spirit, and extend the value of the event long after everyone returns home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the most of merchandise for your next trip—what to include, how to distribute it, and why it matters.
Choosing the Right Merchandise for Your Trip
The most effective merchandise is useful, high-quality, and relevant to the destination. It should be something attendees actually want to use—not just during the event, but after. When done well, branded merchandise becomes part of daily life, which is where its true impact begins.
Here are the most popular and practical product types to consider:
- Backpacks: Durable and travel-friendly, these are often used throughout the trip and well beyond.
- T-shirts: Always a classic. Perfect for group photos, casual days, or layered under other gear.
- Caps and hats: Simple, highly wearable, and easy to size.
- Tote bags: High-quality totes are appreciated for their everyday practicality.
- Water bottles: Reusable drinkware is useful, sustainable, and offers great branding space.
- Notebooks and pens: Ideal for working sessions, presentations, or simply taking notes during travel.
Destination-based add-ons:
- For sunny, outdoor locations: Consider including a beach towel, beach bag, or sunglasses.
- For colder destinations: Beanies, scarves, or cozy socks make for thoughtful, seasonally appropriate items.
Ultimately, the best kits include a mix of functional items and wearable pieces, things that support the logistics of the trip and also help create a shared look and feel for the group.
Smart Distribution: When and How to Hand Out the Merch
Great merchandise only creates a great experience if it’s delivered in the right way. Depending on your team size, travel format, and budget, there are a few smart distribution strategies to choose from:
- Pre-trip delivery to employees’ homes
This is ideal for building anticipation before the trip begins. You can send a branded package ahead of time that allows team members to travel with their merch, wear it on arrival, and start feeling the shared identity even before they meet. This option also allows for size selection in advance, reducing guesswork and waste. Sunday’s platform makes this simple with Redeem Pages, where team members can submit their preferences and details securely.
- On-site distribution at check-in or kick-off
This option allows you to create a central, immersive experience—especially effective for mid- to large-sized teams. The welcome kit becomes part of the check-in moment, often alongside itineraries, name badges, and schedules. It’s the first real impression of the event and an opportunity to wow people with a thoughtful, well-presented set of items.
One thing to keep in mind here is luggage space. If you are distributing bulkier items like backpacks or hoodies, it is essential to consider how and when these items will be received—ideally not during a moment where people are already managing a lot of gear.
- In-room surprise delivery
This is a standout option for smaller teams or executive-level retreats. Coordinate with the hotel in advance so that the merchandise package is waiting in each attendee’s room upon arrival. Presented nicely on the bed or desk, it creates an immediate sense of care and attention to detail. This type of delivery feels personal, and it sets a high bar for the rest of the event.
Design for Longevity, Not Just the Moment
A common pitfall in event merchandise is over-branding. While it may seem fun to put the event name, date, or theme front and center, this often limits the lifespan of the item. A hoodie that says “Q1 SKO – Lisbon 2025” may feel relevant during the trip, but it likely won’t be worn again a month later.
Instead, we recommend designing for long-term wear. Choose branding elements and designs that reflect your company’s visual identity or internal culture, without being overly event-specific. Keep the event as a subtle touchpoint—on a sleeve, tag, or inside label—so that people remember the experience without feeling like walking billboards.
Why Merchandise Is Worth the Investment
There are three main reasons merchandise has a lasting impact on your company trip—and why it’s worth budgeting for alongside travel, venues, and food.
- It brings people together
Shared gear builds an immediate sense of unity. Whether it’s a cap, a hoodie, or a backpack, when everyone is wearing the same item, it creates a visual and emotional connection. This is particularly powerful for remote or hybrid teams who don’t see each other often.
- It makes the experience last longer
A great event might last three days—but great merchandise can stretch the memory of it for months. People keep and use items that feel high-quality and personal. Each time they wear that hoodie or use that water bottle, they reconnect with the experience and the team they shared it with.
- It deepens connection to the brand and company
Merchandise is a tangible expression of the company’s values and culture. When done right, it reinforces pride in being part of the team and helps people feel seen and appreciated.
Handling Sizes and Selections
One of the most logistical challenges in merch planning is getting the right sizes and quantities. Fortunately, there are smart ways to manage this:
- Let employees choose their size and delivery method through a branded page in the Sunday platform. This minimizes over-ordering and ensures a better fit.
- If you’re distributing on-site, order a size buffer and have someone available to help with swaps if needed. While more manual, this still works well for smaller events or if sizing flexibility is acceptable.
Final Thoughts
Great merchandise doesn’t just add to an event. It elevates it. It turns a company trip into a lasting story, reinforces team identity, and creates a shared sense of pride. Whether you’re planning for 30 or 300 people, the right approach to merch can make all the difference.
If you’re looking for support with strategy, design, product selection, or global logistics, we’re here to help. Our platform was built to make this process seamless—from idea to delivery.
Ready to get started? Explore our event-ready merchandise here or reach out to build a custom kit for your next trip.
