To be honest most company giveaways are not very impressive. You get things like pens that stop working after a days. Mugs that break easily. Most of these things end up in a drawer. You forget about them after a while. Company merchandise that is chosen with care is different. It makes people feel good about the company. It can start conversations. It can even make a Monday a little better. Going here!
You should start with things that people use every day. Things like office supplies are great because people always have them nearby. A good notebook is something that people will use all the time. It should have pages that do not tear easily and a cover that feels nice. A cable organizer is also very useful. It keeps your desk tidy. Makes it easy to find what you need. A mouse pad with a grip is something that people will appreciate. These things do not need a lot of explanation. They are just useful.
When it comes to clothing people like it if it is comfortable. If it is stiff or scratchy people will not wear it. A soft hoodie is always better than a polo shirt.. It is better to stick with neutral colors that will not go out of style. If someone wears your company hoodie on the weekend that is a sign. If they wear it all the time that is even better.
Tech accessories are also very useful. A good charging pad is something that people will use every day. A webcam cover that works smoothly is also an idea. A phone stand that is stable is very useful for video calls. These things are useful. People will notice if they are made well.
Food is also a way to promote your company. If you give people coffee or tea they will appreciate it. A spice blend that is tasty is also an idea. Food is something that people remember. It can make them like your company more. If you give people something they will be loyal to your company.. If you give them something bad they will not forget it either.
Sometimes it is better to give people an experience of a thing. You could give them a credit for an audiobook or access to a wellness app. You could even give them an online workshop. These things do not take up space. They can make a big difference in someones day.
If you are going to give people merchandise you should make sure you time it right. If you give them summer things in the winter they will not appreciate it. If you give them winter things in the summer they will not use them either. You should give people things when they need them.
The way you package your merchandise is also important. If you put it in a box people will feel like they are getting something special. It should feel like a gift, not like something you just threw together.