Corporate gifting is evolving. Companies are moving from one-time-use swag to thoughtful, planet-positive products that reflect their brand values. As businesses increasingly align with ESG goals and conscious consumers, eco-friendly swag has become a powerful tool to make an impact — environmentally and emotionally.

Whether you’re planning for events, client gifting, onboarding kits, or employee appreciation campaigns, sustainable merchandise is a smart investment that leaves a lasting impression.

Here are 12 eco-friendly swag ideas corporates can use for greener gifting.

1. Plantable Seed Pencils

*Pick one type of seed or get a bundle of assorted 6 for your next campaign order. Image:* *Gumtoo*

Replace plastic pens and pencils with biodegradable seed pencils. After use, plant them and watch them grow. Perfect for welcome kits!

These pencils grow into plants after use, thanks to the seed capsule attached at the end. They are made using recycled newspaper/wood-free material, making them a great zero-waste writing tool. Once the pencil becomes too short to write, simply plant it in soil and water regularly — they sprout into herbs, flowers or even small vegetables depending on seed options. These make excellent onboarding gifts for employees and eco-friendly CSR merchandise.

2. Plantable Pens

A functional pen that turns into a plant when its purpose ends. Ideal for events, conferences, colleges & CSR kits.

Instead of plastic pens that end up in landfills, plantable pens are crafted from recycled paper or biodegradable casings, filled with seeds at the back. After the ink runs out, plant it just like the pencils. Available in seeds like basil, tomato, marigold, tulsi and more — brands can customise seed types & print messages on the barrel. A subtle way of saying “growth begins here.”

3. Plantable Notebooks

*Pick one type of seed or get a bundle of assorted 5 for your next campaign order. Image:* *Gumtoo*

Made from biodegradable seed paper — write, tear, plant and watch it grow.

These notebooks are crafted using plantable seed paper, where each page contains embedded seeds that can be planted after use. Instead of discarding old notes, pages can be torn, placed in soil, watered and grown into herbs or flowers — giving a second life to every sheet. Available typically in A5 and pocket sizes, they make for a thoughtful alternative to regular stationery in onboarding hampers, sustainability campaigns, conferences and workshops. You can also custom-brand the cover to align with your eco messaging.

4. Jute Bags

*Make jute bags as a part of their gift hampers during festive seasons are a perfect eco-friendly packaging type. Image: Gumtoo*

Sturdy, reusable and biodegradable — jute bags make a strong alternative to plastic bags. With a high weight-bearing capacity and rustic aesthetic, they’re ideal for gifting hampers, conferences and employee kits. Add screen-printed branding or custom woven labels for a premium touch. Corporates love them as holiday gift bag packaging or expo merchandise.

5. Organic Cotton Tote Bags

*Cotton tote bags can become a part of your welcome kits for gifting to your employees with all your essentials in one. Image:* *Gumtoo*

Made from sustainably sourced cotton, these tote bags are soft, durable, and stylish for everyday use — whether for commuting, grocery runs or office essentials. With a flat surface ideal for printing, brands can keep it subtle and classy or go bold with campaign messaging. Works beautifully in onboarding kits, team events, and merchandise stores.

6. Wheat Straw Cutlery Set

*Wheat straw cutlery set is a great addition to add to their meal times that they can carry everyday use. Image:* *HPG*

Wheat straw or wood-based reusable cutlery sets encourage a plastic-free lunch culture at the workplace. Lightweight and often packaged in compact carry cases, employees can keep them in their work bag or travel pouch. A thoughtful utility gift for teams who eat on-the-go. Add branding on the case for long-term visibility.

7. Steel Insulated Bottles

*A BPA-free and leak-proof insulated bottle to give away as a perfect everyday use. Image:* *Gumtoo*

Perfect for daily hydration, these BPA-free vacuum insulated bottles keep beverages hot or cold for hours. Durable and premium to hold, they elevate brand value instantly. Trending in corporate gifting for employees, fitness clubs and client hampers — especially when paired with wellness elements like tea blends or reusable straws.

8. Cork Coasters

*These coasters are made from residue production of sandal soles and cork that make a very unique recycled product that is sustainable to your brand's message. Image:* *Terrazzo*

These coasters are made from cork — a renewable material harvested from bark without cutting trees. Some models use recycled cork from leftover sandal production, making them a highly circular product. They bring a natural aesthetic to workstations and can be debossed or printed with branding. Perfect for desk kits or festive hampers.

9. Plantable Calendars

*Plantable seed calendar to boost your company's morale among clients and employees. Image:* *Gumtoo*

Made from biodegradable seed paper — a functional and eco-friendly way to keep track of your days while giving back to nature. Unlike regular desk calendars, every page here contains seeds embedded within. Once the month ends, tear and plant it in soil — turning old dates into fresh plants. Makes a beautiful New Year gift for employees and clients, symbolising growth & fresh beginnings.

10. Sustainable Grooming Kit

*A grooming kit that feels good — for them & for Earth. Image:* *BrownLiving*

These curated self-care kits include natural products like cold-pressed soaps, bamboo toothbrushes, beeswax lip balms, organic face scrubs and more. Plastic-free packaging, earthy aesthetics and high perceived value make them a festive favourite for corporate boxes. Ideal for Diwali, Christmas, milestone gifts or retreats.

11. Reusable Metal Straws

*Stainless Steel Metal Straw Set — includes straight straw, bent straw & cleaning brush. Available in reusable corporate gift kits. Image:* *Gumtoo*

A simple but impactful gift encouraging employees to ditch single-use straws. Sets typically include a stainless-steel straw, cleaning brush and travel pouch — easy to carry to work or restaurants. Great as add-ons in wellness hampers or event giveaways.

12. Plantable Greeting Cards

*Plantable greeting cards where the greetings don't stop after opening them as part of your corporate hampers can help stay in thier household for long. These bloom into flowers. Image:* *Pure & Purple*

A card that doesn't end in the trash — plant the paper and grow blossoms or herbs. Add brand messaging, appreciation notes or personalised wishes for a memorable keepsake. Works wonderfully with Diwali, Christmas, Women’s Day and employee appreciation campaigns.

Conclusion

Eco-friendly corporate gifting is more than just a trend — it’s a conscious step towards thoughtful branding. The right swag doesn’t just get used; it gets remembered. When employees or clients receive a gift that grows, replaces plastic, or reduces waste, it sparks conversation and builds emotional connection. With plantable stationery, recycled materials, reusable drinkware and nature-inspired kits, your brand stays top-of-mind long after the gifting moment.

Sustainability is a story, and your giveaways can be the beginning of it.

Other Blogs you may find interesting:-

Top 12 Corporate Sustainable Gifting Ideas that Your Clients & Employees will Love