From Plastic Bags to Reusable Totes: The Evolution of the NDP Fun Pack

If you want to know the pulse of the Singaporean gifting industry, look at the National Day Parade (NDP) Fun Pack. It is the single largest annual distribution of 'swag' in the country, reaching hundreds of thousands of households. As an event organizer, I study the Fun Pack every year because it sets the standard for what the public expects from a 'goodie bag'. The evolution has been drastic. In the 90s and early 2000s, it was about quantity—a flimsy plastic bag stuffed with as many snacks and flyers as possible.

In recent years, the narrative has shifted to Sustainability and Utility. The backlash against the 'wasteful' Fun Pack in 2020 was a turning point. Singaporeans questioned the need for single-use items that would end up in the landfill. The organizers responded. We now see high-quality, reusable tote bags made from durable canvas or water-resistant polyester. The items inside are more curated: reusable water bottles, hand sanitizers, and flags that are designed to be kept.

The 'Opt-Out' Movement

A significant development was the introduction of the option to 'Opt-Out' of receiving a pack. This signals a mature market where consumers value choice over freebies. For corporate events (like Dinner & Dance or Family Days), we now recommend a similar approach. Instead of placing a generic gift on every seat, set up a 'Redemption Booth' or offer a digital selection beforehand. This prevents wastage and ensures that the gift goes to someone who actually wants it.

Design for After-Life: The modern NDP pack is designed to be an everyday bag, not just a one-day prop. The branding is often subtle or artistic (featuring local artists' work) rather than a giant 'NDP 2025' logo plastered across the center. This increases the likelihood of the bag being used for grocery shopping or gym trips long after August 9th. Corporate brands should take note: If you want your logo to walk the streets of Singapore, make the bag beautiful first, and branded second.

Question: How can I make my event goodie bag sustainable?

Start by curating the contents. Remove all single-use plastics and flyers (use QR codes instead). Choose a high-quality, reusable bag as the container. Most importantly, consider the 'Opt-In' model where attendees choose whether they want a gift. Quality over quantity is the key—one good reusable cup is better than ten cheap plastic trinkets.