Top 10 Viral Corporate Gifts Gen Z Wants
Forget boring pens and mugs—Gen Z wants merch that feels personal, collectible, and camera-ready. In Singapore, Malaysia (and everywhere), where social media trends and local identity drive purchase behavior, even low-cost giveaways can fuel brand love, UGC (User Generated Content), and impulse buys. This list spotlights Gen Z-approved gifts that are not only budget-friendly but also genuinely appealing and share-worthy
1. Acrylic Keychains – With a Twist
Why Gen Z Wants It: Fun to trade, collect, and style on bags.
Make It Viral: Use “shaker” style with glitter/icons or frame slots for photocard culture (K-pop, pets).
SG/MY Spin: Add MRT train motifs, local snacks, or Gen Z slang tags like “lah” and “onzz”.
2. DIY Sticker Kits – Culture, but Make It Cute
Why Gen Z Wants It: Stickers = self-expression + visibility on phones and bottles.
Make It Viral: Bundle slang captions + nostalgic icons (HDBs, nasi lemak, durian).
Psych Tip: Stickers create emotional ownership and low-friction UGC.
3. Phone Straps & Slings – Merch Meets Fashion
source: Starbucks
Why Gen Z Wants It: Hands-free, fits selfies and mirror shots.
Make It Viral: Reflective cords, local motif charms, and fashion-style drop.
Real Example: Starbucks MY slings became instant collectibles.
4. Foldable Selfie-Reflector Fans
Why Gen Z Wants It: Function + selfie boost = Social media (especially TikTok) gold.
Make It Viral: Metallic folds reflect light; foldable for night market or K-pop concert scenes.
Why It Works: Utility wrapped in visual payoff.
5. Creative Socks – Package Is the Punchline
Why Gen Z Wants It: Surprise unboxings drive shares.
Make It Viral: Hide socks in faux ramen cups or bubble tea boxes.
Real Example: Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream tub socks = viral prank trend.
6. Custom Camera Pouches – Personal, Practical
Why Gen Z Wants It: “That’s so me” vibes with soft, useful designs.
Make It Viral: Include patch kits for iron-ons (letters, local icons).
Cultural Angle: Reflects identity, eco pride, and nostalgia.
7. Enamel Pins & Keychains
Why Gen Z Wants It: Collectible, affordable, and wearable.
Make It Viral: Add “rare” chase pins in blind bags and a checklist card.
Bonus: Run “trade zones” at events for return footfall.
8. Phone Grips & Stands – With Secret Messages
Why Gen Z Wants It: Practical and aesthetic in one.
Make It Viral: Use limited designs, surprise prints inside.
Trend Insight: The phone is their canvas; design for stories.
9. Aesthetic Sticky Memos & Notepads
Why Gen Z Wants It: Study/desk content is trending.
Make It Viral: Shaped pads (ticket stub, kopi run themes), translucent layers, motivational mini prompts.
Psych Tip: Gifting tied to productivity taps “achievement” behavior.
10. Magnetic Sets – Tiny Joy, Daily Use
Why Gen Z Wants It: Instant personality for dorms, desks.
Make It Viral: Story-based sets (hawker theme, food animals).
SG/MY Twist: Let pieces form a bigger design like a kopitiam scene.
Conclusion
Design for identity, surprise, and culture—and Gen Z will do your marketing for you. With the right mechanics, even the most affordable merch can deliver massive content value and brand love.
Need a social media-ready merch idea kit with full sourcing, design, and QC?
DTC World helps APAC brands create viral, collectible gifts that work.
About the author
Jason Cheng is the Managing Director at DTC World, specialising in APAC brand merchandise, gift-with-purchase, and fulfilment. He helps marketers design collectible, TikTok-ready premiums that drive real sales impact.
