Building your school brand takes work. Of course, it starts with the people and carries over to the digital (website and social media), but eventually, you want to see it. On walls, on t-shirts, and on anything else you can think of.

I like to call it “swag.” The term dates back to the 1960s and was used to describe promotional items. Many times it refers to things given away for free at an event, such as a conference. For instance, I just got a “swag bag” at a business conference I attended. So much awesome, free stuff inside from businesses that can help my business.

How does this relate to social media? In every way imaginable! You can take great photos of your swag to share on Instagram. Or you can use swag as prizes for contests on Facebook or Twitter. You can also promote school pride days through social media and then share photos or videos of students and staff.

So what are some fun ways to show off your school brand? Well, I reached out to my trusted network of #schoolpr peeps across North America to grab the best ideas! You’ll see ideas that should fit any budget!

My newest favorite is this PopSocket from Fall Creek! You can customize your own and sell them for a fundraiser. Fall Creek is selling them for about $5. I just ordered a personalized one for my business. It was really easy to do, but it cost me $15 because I only ordered two of them.

Fall Creek has a few other favorites too. Superintendent Joe Sanfelippo loves to spread the #GoCrickets gear!

Table Top Bean Bags that I think the students were making:

And even an ice scraper:

In other weather related items, Melissa McConnell shared this nice umbrella with us from Belton School District.

Catherine Kedjidjian from Illinois shared her “Swag in a Bag” with us. The gloves went to all staff while other items (bag, water bottle, notebook, flashlight) went as prizes for new teachers.

Lesley Bruinton from Tuscaloosa City Schools shared her branded items with us. I spy a really nice mug!

Looking for more ideas? My friend Shane Haggerty from Tolles Career & Technical Center shared a table top of all his items. I love the banners, and even the gift bags!

For teacher appreciation week, Mineral Point gave away nice window clings!

These branded socks have me quite jealous! Brian Woodland from Peel District School Board in Canada knows how to rock the swag.

Derek Duncan from Parkway Schools in Missouri had socks too! And then he knew how to really share his swag. He put it on a student!!

And the Plainfield Schools gave a really practical idea – calendar magnets!

I had a few ideas lying around my office. First you have the basic bracelet:

Erin sent me this awesome screen cloth cleaner and sticky clean (that cleans your phone and sticks to the back) from Wilmot Union High School.

This hashtag stress reliever is the coolest – and it proudly displays #K12PRchat. Check it out every other Tuesday.

And I don’t know if you want to go here or not – but logo Spinners are here!

OK – now it is your turn! We want to see your school swag. Share it below or tweet it to me @andreagribble.