By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways Most branded merchandise doesn’t earn a place in your suitcase, but a plushy adventure buddy in a Rivian showroom pulled me right in. Story-driven swag wins because it’s a travel companion, a conversation starter and a brand symbol, and this one only needs […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways Conference swag is where sustainability goals go to die: cheap plastic trinkets, useless giveaways and more tote bags than anyone can carry. Eco-conscious swag can still be exciting, useful and unforgettable, so ask four simple questions before you print a single unit. Conferences: […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways I’m not just in the business of designing custom swag.I’m in the business of becoming a full-blown fangirl for my clients. Not out of obligation.Out of obsession.Because when I believe in a founder’s mission, I really believe. Not performatively — passionately. When Does […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways Zabar’s 75th-anniversary tee came with a love poem to smoked fish, and it works because it speaks to identity, not just branding. Great swag is limited-edition, local, nostalgic and modern, a badge of taste and belonging that resonates instead of just promoting. What […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways Ugly swag is universal: it fills tables, clutters closets, ends up in landfills and does nothing for your brand. Smart branded merch is useful, on-brand, conversation-starting and designed for real humans, and it is never an afterthought. Why Bad Swag Hurt Your Brand? […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways Let’s get one thing straight: I’m not just in the branded merch business—I’m a full-on fangirl for the brands we work with.Not because I have to be.But because when I believe in a client’s mission, I don’t just support it—I live it.Not performatively. […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert New York has no chill.And neither does Playa Betty’s, in the best way possible. I popped in for Taco Tuesday and left thinking about the merch.Their waitstaff? Decked out in bold shirts that say: “Don’t be a Playa hater.” It’s cheeky. It’s confident. It’s totally […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Let’s get real:Merch that only features your logo is boring AF. 😑 Sure, logos are practical. But they lack heart.And your team—especially your remote team—deserves better. Branded Merchandise Should Say More Than Just “Hey, Here’s Our Name” Your swag is more than stuff.It’s a message.It […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Let’s be honest—the bar for company swag is still way too low. If you wouldn’t wear it outside of work, why would anyone else? We’ve all seen it:👕 Scratchy tees🧥 Oversized, boring hoodies☕ Mugs destined for the donation bin Most corporate swag feels more like […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert What does a love poem to smoked fish 🐟 have to do with branded merchandise Everything—if you’re Zabar’s. The iconic Manhattan grocery store just dropped a limited-edition T-shirt for their 75th anniversary. It’s simple, nostalgic, and hyper-specific. And it’s paired with a delightfully oddball poem […]