The Best of Bowl Game Swag: Online Shopping Sprees, Tech and More

By Brendan Menapace

This college football season has been a little different than fans are typically used to. Some programs started late, and games are happening without fans in the stands.

But, one thing that has helped maintain a sense of normalcy is the fact that student-athletes will still leave their bowl games with some impressive gift bags.

As we do just about every year, we got to take a look at some of the gift bags going toward players lucky enough to play on such a big stage. Thanks to Draft Kings, here’s a rundown of some of the most interesting, upscale, fun or fitting promotional gifts.

• There are plenty of video games going to players. After all, who likes video games more than college kids? It’s been darn near impossible to get a PlayStation 5, but Oregon and Iowa State players left Fiesta Bowl with one.

• The Sugar Bowl, pitting the much-hyped Clemson Tigers and Ohio State Buckeyes, was a little less exciting on the promo end. Players didn't get the year's hottest gaming system, but they still got something to remember the game, like a mini helmet and New Era Hat.

• So many things have gone virtual this year, and e-commerce has become all the more important as people stay home and shop online. The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers and Liberty Flames, two teams not known to be perennial football powerhouses, left the Cure Bowl with an online gift suite, allowing them to spend “virtual points” to create their own gifts. They also got plenty on the day, like a shirt, canteen and bag.

• In a similar vein, Cincinnati and Georgia players in the Peach Bowl received a $390 Mastercard gift card to use their own way. Players in the Citrus Bowl also got a $400 Amazon gift card.

• Speakers and Bluetooth devices are frequently included in gift suites for players. The Gator Bowl, pitting NC State against Kentucky, included a gift suite that gives every student what they need to relax after a hard-fought season: JBL headphones, a Bluetooth speaker, Maui Jim sunglasses and a Fossil watch. (That watch is for when they have to get back to class.) Players in the Liberty Bowl also got a Philips Soundbar and sunglasses, but also get to kick back in some new Nike sneakers.

• Fossil and New Era also made appearances at probably the marquee Bowl Game between Notre Dame and Alabama. Players also got an OGIO backpack.

These bowl game gift suites are kind of like holiday shopping. Tech is always a hit. Gift cards are a sure thing, since recipients can get exactly what they want and there’s no need for a gift receipt.

But, in the end, everyone wants a PlayStation 5.