Beyond Luggage: Creative Ways to Use Customized Bag Tags
Bag tags (or luggage tags) are small items with big potential. They’re a home run when it comes to swag tables or promotional items because of their high likelihood for reuse. An attractive bag tag with a subtle logo is likely to travel around the world with its recipient. But, bag tags have so much to offer beyond luggage identification.
In this post, we’ll highlight a few out-of-the-box uses for custom-designed bag tags; tips for designing a tag that stands out; and why they’re a smart add-on for clients across industries.
Back to School
Bag tags are a great way for schools to keep students organized and offer peace of mind to parents. Within the school system, bag tags can be custom-designed as:
- Bus passes. Tags can be personalized to include each student’s name and identification information (classroom teacher, etc.), along with their bus routes to and from school.
- Backpack or equipment tags. Attach to student backpacks, lunchboxes or equipment items to keep spaces organized.
- Camp identification tags. Make registration and processing easier by labeling campers’ belongings as they check in.
Promotional Event Swag Bags
Include a customized bag tag on swag bags you hand out at events. Include company logos, QR codes and info about your brand. For an even more standout offering, try:
- Custom shapes. Bag tags can be cut to nearly any shape you can imagine. Football-themed event? Make a matching tag. Mardigras on your mind? Design a mask to make your bag stand out.
- Premium finishes. Add a high-end feel with luxury finishes like foil or premium papers.
- Interactive elements. Customize bag tags with QR codes that link to event agendas and attendee networking portals.
- Personalize. Add even more customization by including attendee names or table assignments for a dual-purpose giveaway.
Sports Teams and Clubs
Keep team members organized with customized bag tags for each player. They’re perfect for travel tournaments, youth sports or after-school programs that want to keep track of gear bags, uniforms and equipment. Go beyond utility with:
- Custom shapes and design. Get creative with bag tag designs by customizing the shape to match the team logo or in the shape of the team mascot, a jersey or a ball.
- Personalization. In addition to player names, add details like jersey number, nicknames or even season stats.
Community Events
Add branded bag tags to registration packets for races, marathons or other endurance events. They are one more way to extend branding and are practical for gear checks. Many races offer gear check areas where participants can drop personal items before the event.
Custom bag tags are a great way to keep items organized and identified. They can be preprinted with a runner’s bib number and name or a QR code that is easily trackable post-race.
Designing a Tag That Stands Out
Whether you’re recommending bag tags for schools, sports teams or swag bag add-ons, an eye-catching design and high-quality materials are a must. Design highlights include:
Material and Finish Options
We offer tags made from durable, 30-mil plastic for long-lasting wear even on items that are used daily, like backpacks or sports bags. We also offer paper core tags for a budget-friendly option.
Each tag features a pre-punched slot for easy attachment and comes with durable loop straps. The back of your tag can be customized to include a writable surface for adding names, locker numbers or emergency contact info.
Design tip: Add foil accents to your design for a more premium appearance. They’re perfect for VIP or executive events, fundraisers or galas, corporate gifts or giveaways.
Shape and Size
Bag tags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The classic rectangle makes for a polished and professional look, while round is the way to go for youth programs, sports teams or casual event branding where a more playful style fits the vibe.
For a truly unique experience, offer full customization with nearly any shape your client can dream up. This design flexibility puts creative control in their hands. Whether they want a tag shaped like a jersey, a heart or a logo icon, the options are almost limitless — and the result is a product that’s both functional and memorable.
Color and Accessory Options
Choose from a wide variety of color options for the tag and design and pair any tag with a six-inch tag loop in white, black or red to match branding.
Best Industries for Custom Bag Tags
Nearly any industry can benefit from high-quality custom bag tags, but we’ve highlighted a few here:
- Education. Schools, daycares, camps, afterschool programs, any place where kids and their gear need to be organized and identified.
- Events and conferences. Bag tags are great for swag bag add-ons, attendee gifts or giveaways.
- Sports teams. From youth to professional, gyms, clubs and travel teams can all use bag tags to keep gear together and accounted for.
- Corporate and business travel. This post is about out-of-the-box ideas for bag tags, but the travel industry is a natural fit for luggage identification. Add them to welcome kits, retreat bags or travel events.
- Health care. Add to mobile units or include them as labels for patient belongings.
Choose U.S.-Made Bag Tags for Quality and Ease
According to Morning Consult, 65% of U.S. consumers intentionally sought out products made in America over the last year. Here’s why the Made in the USA label matters to your customers:
- Quality and reliability. American-made is still synonymous with high quality.
- Fast delivery. Items closer to home can be delivered more quickly and are not subject to international shipping costs, delays or import regulations.
- Economic support. When products are made in America, the manufacturing jobs go to Americans. Keeping business in the country is a great motivator.
- Ethical practices. More transparent labor laws and regulations ensure products are made ethically and sustainably.
CredentialExpress promotional products are made in the U.S., ensuring your clients always receive the highest quality and fastest turnaround times. Plus, for clients who prioritize domestic sourcing, U.S.-made products support local jobs. Offering American-made bag tags adds an extra layer of value and trust to any interaction.