By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

👩🏻‍⚖️ Amanda’s Swag Court is now in session.
Today’s case? A serious offense against modern merch.

🚨 Crime: Branded Mouse Pads in 2025

🔪 Evidence:
895 flat rectangles of foam with a logo nobody asked for.

⚖️ Verdict:
Absolutely nobody is clicking for joy here.

💰 Sentence:
You must now repurpose all 895 mouse pads.
Suggestions include:

• A makeshift gymnastics mat for kids
• Crafty gala wear (think Project Runway “trash to couture” challenge)
• An avant-garde dog bed, perhaps?

Because let’s be honest…

If someone wants a mouse pad in 2025, they already have one.
The rest of us? We’re clicking straight on the trackpad.

Swag Should Be Forward-Thinking — Not Stuck in Windows 95

There’s nothing wrong with nostalgia — unless it makes your brand feel outdated.

Branded mouse pads are the cargo shorts of swag: functional, but no longer the vibe.

If your goal is to make people feel connected, seen, or delighted, a foam square isn’t getting you there.

Modern swag should feel current, intentional, and a little unexpected.

So before you bulk-order that next “practical” promo item, ask yourself:

🔹 Does this reflect where our brand is headed?
🔹 Will this actually get used?
🔹 Is this something I’d be excited to receive?

Upgrade Your Swag Game (No Objection)

At Go To Market Studio, we help businesses design strategic, modern branded merchandise that excites — not embarrasses.

We’ll help you ditch the outdated giveaways and lean into thoughtful, personality-packed merch your audience actually wants.

Because good swag makes a statement.
And bad swag ends up in Swag Court. 👩🏻‍⚖️

Appeal It? Roast It? Add Your Ruling Below 👇

Let the people decide:
🖱️ Guilty as charged?
🖱️ Or is there still a place in the merch world for branded mouse pads?

The court is adjourned — for now.