Does Your Merch Still Feel Like You Without a Logo?

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Here’s the secret to truly great branded merchandise: If your logo disappeared from your merch would anyone still know it was yours? If the answer is no… your swag isn’t working as hard as it could be.

Most Merch Leans Too Heavily on the Logo

Too many brands rely on the logo alone to carry the weight of their merch. The result?
Generic giveaways that could belong to any business at any booth.

But the most memorable, buzzworthy custom swag goes beyond just a name or symbol.
It feels unmistakably like you—even without the name tag.

That’s the branded merch gut check:
Would this still feel on-brand without my logo?

How to Design Swag That Screams “You” Without Saying Your Name

Here’s how to elevate your branded merchandise and create merch that connects:

⚡ Use Your Brand’s Voice

Go beyond your font. Use phrasing, taglines, or tone that sound like you. That playful line your team always says? Put it on a hoodie.

⚡ Lean Into Insider Language

The best swag sparks recognition within your audience. Inside jokes, team catchphrases, or mission-driven mantras make it personal—and powerful.

⚡ Design for the Vibe, Not Just Visibility

You don’t need huge logos to build brand presence. Instead, design for aesthetic, comfort, and emotional connection. Make pieces people want to wear again and again.

Swag That’s Subtle and Still On-Brand

When done right, branded merch becomes an extension of your culture.
It’s not just a shirt. It’s how you show up in the world.

Whether it’s:

  • A custom sweatshirt that makes people feel like insiders
  • A tote bag with a phrase only your community gets
  • A hoodie that people grab every single morning

Swag should build identity, not just visibility.

Let’s Play: Pick Your Swag Poison

Time for a little merch humor. Tell us in the comments:

Which branded merch fail would you rather deal with?
→ A crewneck that makes you feel amazing but smells faintly like plastic
or
→ A buttery-soft hoodie that sheds fuzz on everything you own?

Because hey—if you’re going to invest in merch, let’s make sure it’s unforgettable… in a good way.

Is Your Swag Worth Keeping? Here’s the One-Question Test

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Want to know if your branded merch is any good? Here’s the only question you really need to ask: Would you keep it?

Too often, brands start with good intentions when designing custom swag—but somehow end up with 500 branded flashlight keychains no one asked for. 😭

Let’s talk about why that happens—and how to fix it.

The Real Reason So Much Swag Ends Up in the Junk Drawer

Here’s the trap most companies fall into: They divide the merch budget by the number of recipients—and end up with disposable, forgettable items.

In other words: 👉 Budget ÷ Headcount = Junk

When you focus more on quantity than quality, you end up with swag no one wants to keep, let alone use or talk about. But branded merchandise doesn’t have to be pricey to be powerful.

What to Do When You Don’t Have a Big Swag Budget

If your branded merch budget is tight, don’t default to cheap giveaways. Instead, rethink the purpose of your swag:

⚡ Send a heartfelt handwritten note

It may not be wearable, but it’s personal, memorable, and meaningful.

⚡ Offer a digital freebie your audience actually wants

Think: templates, gift cards, or exclusive content that aligns with your brand.

⚡ Be selective about who gets swag

Don’t print for everyone—choose your most engaged customers, VIPs, or employees. Fewer items, better quality.

The goal is simple: Create swag that’s worth keeping.

How to Make Swag That Sticks

Great custom swag delivers more than just a logo—it carries your message, values, and vibe. And when you create merch people actually want to use, wear, or display, you’re turning every recipient into a brand ambassador.

Here’s what to prioritize:

  • Functionality – Will they use it more than once?
  • Quality – Does it feel good in their hands?
  • Aesthetic – Would you wear it?

If it’s not a yes, it’s probably a no.

Pick Your Swag Poison: What Would You Choose?

Let’s have some fun. Tell me in the comments:

Which swag fail would you rather live with? A tote bag that looks amazing but can’t actually hold anything or a roomy tote that screams “2012 startup conference”?

Let’s raise the bar on merch—because if you wouldn’t keep it, why would they?

Sustainable Swag: Why Eco-Friendly Merch Is Non-Negotiable in 2025

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Let’s get one thing straight: sustainability in branded merch isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore. It’s a must. We’re long past the days when giveaways could be wasteful and no one batted an eye. Today’s consumers—and your community—care about what your merch says and what it costs the planet.

The Problem: Swag That Ends Up in the Trash

We’ve all seen it (and probably stuffed it into a bottom drawer ourselves):

  • 💥 Boxes of bulky, scratchy hoodies no one wears
  • 💥 Umbrellas that fold with the first gust of wind
  • 💥 Plastic packaging that fills your recycling bin in minutes

These aren’t just bad brand impressions. They’re missed opportunities—and wasteful ones at that.

Smart Merch Doesn’t Sacrifice the Planet for Style

The good news? You don’t have to choose between creating impactful branded swag and being environmentally responsible. Sustainable branded merch can still deliver your vibe—without filling up landfills.

Here’s how to get it right:

⚡ Print-on-Demand = No Waste

Only create what you need, when you need it. This eliminates bulk-order panic and minimizes leftover inventory.

♻ Recyclable, Minimal Packaging

No more overstuffed mailers and unnecessary inserts. A clean unboxing experience can be eco-conscious and on-brand.

🧠 Thoughtful Product Curation

Choose items that last and get used often. Think: premium apparel, reusable drinkware, durable tech accessories. Merch that’s high-quality and useful avoids the giveaway graveyard.

Why Sustainable Swag Builds Better Brands

Eco-friendly swag sends a message:

  • You’re future-focused
  • You value more than just aesthetics
  • You walk your talk

And trust me—your customers notice. It’s not just about what your logo’s on. It’s about what your brand stands for. Sustainable branded merchandise proves you’re aligned with the values of the modern consumer—and that you care about making a lasting, positive impression.

Print-on-Demand Is the Future of Branded Merch

Going print-on-demand doesn’t just reduce waste—it makes your merch more flexible, intentional, and custom. It’s how we avoid landfill swag and still build stylish, powerful branded pieces that people are excited to wear and use.

Wear Your Brand, Build Your Business: The Power of Brand-Aligned Merch

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

People DM me all the time asking what sparks all the connection, energy, and curiosity I get at events or online.

It’s not my skincare routine (but thanks 😜).

It’s the merch.

Your Merch Is Talking—What’s It Saying?

Everywhere I go, I wear my brand. Whether I’m on a Zoom call, grabbing coffee, or flying across the country, my custom branded merch is doing the talking before I even say a word.

The best part?

🔥 It signals my values
🔥 It shows my vibe
🔥 It starts conversations—with potential clients, collaborators, and future superfans

That’s the power of strategic swag.
Not just freebies. Not just stuff.
But brand-aligned merch that’s rooted in who you are and what you stand for.

Branded Merch Is a Visibility Engine

When your branded apparel or accessories reflect your mission, it:

  • Creates instant brand recognition
  • Sparks natural curiosity and conversation
  • Builds emotional connection
  • Turns your community into brand ambassadors
  • Drives organic reach far beyond your social feed

You don’t need to explain your brand every time—your merch does it for you.

How to Make Merch That Works for You

Want merch that actually does something?

Here’s how to make it matter:

1. Make It Authentic

Design around what you believe in. Create pieces you’d wear even if your name weren’t on it. That authenticity shows up in every stitch.

2. Wear It Often

Don’t save your swag for trade shows. Rock it on casual Fridays, coaching calls, and even school pickup. The more you wear it, the more brand impressions you generate.

3. Let It Speak Before You Do

The best branded merchandise is a conversation starter. It communicates your energy, aesthetic, and values before you ever say a word.

I’ve landed clients, sparked friendships, and made meaningful connections—all thanks to what I was wearing.

Branded Swag That Sticks

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or creative founder, your swag can work way harder than you think. It’s more than fabric. It’s a strategic storytelling tool.

So ask yourself: What’s in your closet that you’d wear to every Zoom call if you could?
Let’s turn that into branded merch that shows the world who you really are.

𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘯 – the power of merch imagination
Harold had a crayon. It was branded.
It had the logo. It had the tagline.
𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭.

So he drew a better idea:
🖍️ Stylish merch that matched their brand
🖍️ A shop employees wanted to share
🖍️ Gifts that didn’t end up in the trash

And just like that, Harold’s brand came to life.
All with one little (imaginary) crayon.

Harold dreamed it. We help you design it.
𝐖𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐲—𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝.
Ready to draw something better?

Harold had a crayon. You have…? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥, 𝐨𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭, 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲? 👇

Elevate Your Trade Show Game: Why Swag Should Be a Power Player in 2025

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Are your 2025 trade show goals locked in? Great. But beware—poorly planned merch might just sink your strategy ☠️🏴‍☠️.

Smart, stylish swag isn’t fluff—it acts like a second sales team. With the right branded merch, your brand becomes omnipresent—in hallway chats, coffee breaks, and even airport lounges.

1. Why Strategic Swag Matters

  • Extends your booth presence beyond badge scans and handshakes.
  • Keeps your brand top of mind, tucked into tote bags long after the event.
  • Maximizes ROI—great merch works 24/7, free ad space in motion.

If your 2025 calendar is packed with trade shows, don’t let your swag underperform or clutter your table. Let it carry weight and drive impact.

2. Skip the Pen Pitfall

More pens? Nope. Aim for items that:

  • Are seen and used frequently (think tech accessories, stylish bags).
  • Spark organic conversations in any setting.
  • Enhance your brand’s perceived value—no cheap swag allowed.

Pens get tossed. Choose merch that endures—like branded chargers, classy lanyards, or eco-conscious water bottles.

3. Swag as Silent Sales Team

Your swag should:

  • Open doors to hallway and lounge marketing.
  • Reinforce brand identity in everyday moments.
  • Transform attendees into walking ambassadors.

Every time someone uses your merch, your brand is introducing itself—without you saying a word.

4. Make Your Merch Pull Its Weight

For trade show-heavy years:

  1. Choose wisely—prioritize visibility and everyday utility.
  2. Align with audience needs—techie clients? Go wireless chargers or screen cleaner cloths.
  3. Brand consistently—clear, bold logos that start conversations.
  4. Think sustainability—eco-friendly items show values and last longer.

5. NYC Trade Shows to Watch in 2025

Scouting NYC events? Here are key trade shows perfect for branded merch:

6. Let’s Talk Fabrics, Colors & Themes

Now, let me ask: Which trade shows are you attending this year? Especially curious if you’re doing any in NYC—happy to make tailored merch recommendations. And seriously if you had to dress as a Trader Joe’s cashier for a day (pink or blue? solid or floral?), what would you choose? 😉

The Power of Branded Merch: Starting Conversations Without Saying a Word

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

When most people think of branded merch, they think of freebies at events or employee welcome kits. But one of the most unexpected and powerful things swag can do?

👉 Start conversations you’re not even in the room for.

Branded Merch Is More Than a Giveaway—It’s a Quiet Connector

Branded merchandise isn’t just a logo slapped on a t-shirt. When done right, it’s a strategic brand-building tool. Whether it’s a hoodie, tote bag, or water bottle, custom merch has the power to spark interest and spread awareness—organically.

When someone wears your brand, it travels:

  • To school drop-off
  • On Zoom calls
  • Through airport security
  • Into Trader Joe’s (yes, especially Trader Joe’s)

Your merch builds presence in places you’re not actively pitching. And that’s where the magic happens.

Why Branded Swag Works (Even When You’re Not There)

Here’s what smart, intentional branded merch does:

  • Expands your visibility without you having to show up
  • Builds emotional connection through wearability and repeat exposure
  • Sparks curiosity and word-of-mouth marketing—the most trusted kind
  • Supports community-building with fans, customers, and team members

It’s a low-effort, high-impact strategy for any brand looking to grow.

Don’t Sleep on Wearable Marketing

If your goal this year is to expand your reach, grow your community, or create deeper brand recognition, custom swag should be in your toolkit. It’s more than a T-shirt, it’s a conversation starter, a brand ambassador, and a walking billboard all in one.

So… about those Trader Joe’s cashier shirts: Are you going pink or blue? Solid or floral?
Just imagine your logo on one of those, now that’s a merch moment.

The Swag That Couldn’t (But You Can Fix That)

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Based on The Little Engine That Could—
This is the glow-up story of forgotten merch. 🚂

“I think I can… I think I can…”

Once upon a time, there was a lonely piece of branded merch.

It was… an ugly logo mousepad from 2014.

It tried its best.
It wanted to be loved.
But the truth was, no one wanted it.

  • It sat in the trade show booth.
  • It sat in the office swag shelf.
  • It sat in the back of the merch closet, untouched.

It dreamed of being useful.
Of delighting someone.
Of making an impression.

But alas—it was just another piece of forgotten, outdated swag.

Then One Day… A Glow-Up Arrived

It started with a shift.

✨ A print-on-demand swag shop opened its virtual doors.
✨ The company said goodbye to bulk orders and outdated giveaways.
✨ Suddenly, swag got a whole lot sexier.

  • Sleek, branded water bottles
  • Comfy, wearable hoodies
  • Trendy tech gear that people actually wanted to use
  • All personalized, easy to ship, and on-brand every time

Employees rejoiced.
Recipients raved.
The brand finally looked and felt like them.

RIP to every lonely mousepad and stress ball that never had a chance.
But for the new swag era? Oh, it was on.

Your Branded Merch Deserves Better

Here’s the truth: Swag can dream bigger.
It can be the spark that excites your team.
It can be the thing that makes someone go,

“Wait, how do I get one?”

When your branded merchandise strategy evolves from basic giveaways to intentional, quality pieces, everything changes:

  • Employee swag becomes part of team culture
  • Event swag drives demand instead of collecting dust
  • Your brand travels into the world—in a way that actually gets noticed

All Aboard the Swag Upgrade Train 🚂

If your branded merch isn’t creating buzz or love, it’s time to reimagine what’s possible. And yes—that old mousepad can finally retire.

We’re here to help you:

  • Build your own on-demand swag shop
  • Curate premium custom swag that excites and engages
  • Transform forgotten freebies into beloved brand moments

Because great merch doesn’t just sit. It moves.

One Last Thing…

What’s one tiny work win that made you feel like a powerhouse this week?
💬 Bonus if you whispered “I think I can” first.

Let’s celebrate the small wins—and the merch glow-ups—together. 🚂💥

Want to give your swag the glow-up it deserves?
Let’s make your merch unforgettable.

Your Merch Should Feel Like a T-Shirt Cannon at a Pep Rally

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Let’s get one thing straight:

Your branded merch shouldn’t whisper. It should roar.

It should feel like a T-shirt cannon at a pep rally—
Not like, “Hey, we made you a pen.”
Not like, “Here’s a stress ball you’ll lose in your bag.”

We’re talking: 𝐓-𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭. 𝐆𝐮𝐧. 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲. 💥

That BOOM of excitement.
That “Oh my god, I NEED one of those!” feeling.
That moment when your custom swag turns heads and starts conversations.

Because let’s face it: no one’s getting hyped about a generic tote bag with a blurry logo. But the right piece of branded merchandise? That’s how you make an impression that sticks.

Branded Merch That Gets People on Their Feet

We believe the best custom swag isn’t just a giveaway—it’s an experience.

It says:

  • “We care enough to make this cool.”
  • “This isn’t just stuff—it’s a vibe.”
  • “We know our community, and we know what they’ll love.”

When your branded merch hits right, it becomes:

  • A favorite hoodie they wear every weekend
  • A tumbler they bring to every meeting
  • A hat that becomes part of their everyday look
  • And more importantly: a walking billboard for your brand.

Why Swag Should Enter Loud

When your swag feels like a moment, your brand becomes memorable.

It’s not about quantity—it’s about quality and emotion. The kind of merch that doesn’t just show up at events… It makes an entrance.

Because that’s how you create real brand love:

  • Emotional connection
  • Shareability
  • Organic visibility in the wild

In a sea of branded noise, you want merch that echoes.

What Level of Energy Are You Aiming For?

If your swag doesn’t inspire someone to turn to their friend and say, “Where did you get that?” …then it’s time to raise the bar.

Your branded merchandise strategy should deliver that pep rally punch every time. It should ignite brand fans, build loyalty, and turn passive recipients into proud brand advocates. So yes—T-shirt cannon energy. Every. Single. Time.

One Last Question (Just for Fun):

Think fast: If you had to join a high school club today, which one are you picking?
🎭 Drama?
📚 Debate?
📸 Yearbook?
👟 Track?
Tell us below 👇

Want help creating branded merch people actually want to wear?
Let’s bring that cannon energy to your next drop.

How to Stay Top of Mind in a World of Distraction: The Power of Branded Merch People Actually Love

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

As a business owner, your number one job is simple (but not easy): Stay top of mind.

But in reality, you’re not just competing with other brands. You’re up against:

  • 55 open browser tabs
  • Five never-ending Slack channels
  • Inbox overload
  • And let’s not forget the algorithm gods that demand a blood sacrifice to go viral 🐑🔪

So how do you break through the noise?

Make Your Branded Merch Unmissable

If you’re still handing out throwaway pens and ill-fitting tees, it’s time to level up.

Create custom swag people actually love—and wear, use, or carry proudly in their community.

Whether it’s a perfectly cropped hoodie, a sleek insulated tumbler, or a laptop sleeve that turns heads in the coffee shop, the right branded merchandise becomes more than a giveaway—it becomes part of someone’s daily vibe.

This is the kind of swag that:

  • Gets Instagrammed without you even asking
  • Becomes part of their desk setup
  • Starts conversations at school pickup or WeWork desks
  • Lives in their life, not in a junk drawer

From Promotional Item to Brand Billboard

When your branded merch becomes part of someone’s lifestyle, your brand becomes part of their story.

That means your logo isn’t just seen by the person you gave it to—it’s seen by everyone else they interact with. That’s exponential brand visibility.

It’s how you:

  • Build brand recognition organically
  • Earn trust and familiarity through repeated exposure
  • Stay top of mind without having to scream for attention

That $25 hoodie? It might be worth more than a $10,000 ad campaign when it comes to brand stickiness.

So, What Makes Swag Wearable?

Great branded merch should check at least one of these boxes:

  • Useful – Think premium water bottles, tech accessories, notebooks you actually want to write in
  • Stylish – Apparel that feels retail-quality, fits well, and doesn’t scream “I got this at a conference”
  • Identity-Driven – Swag that reflects your brand values and resonates with your audience’s lifestyle

This is where a strategic merch partner (hi 👋) comes in. It’s not about slapping your logo on a t-shirt. It’s about curating pieces that are aligned with your audience and brand DNA.

Bonus Question: Who Are You in the School Pickup Line?

Unrelated, but… important: Are you the parent who arrives 10 minutes early to school pickup with coffee in hand and a podcast queued up? Or are you the one screeching into the parking lot with 0.1 milliseconds to spare?