By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways When it comes to branded merchandise, “one-size-fits-all” is a myth—and a mistake. Your company swag shouldn’t fit everyone.It should fit someone.Design for someone, not everyone, and your branded merchandise becomes more than a giveaway. It becomes a keepsake. Because when people feel seen, […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways Diaspora Co.’s “Hella Spicy” tote bag is bold, joyful, and full of Desi energy, and it tells the brand’s story before you even see the logo. The lesson: thoughtful, well-designed merch carries identity, pride, and personality, sparks curiosity, builds community, and turns customers […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways Running a business during a personal whirlwind, like NYC high school admissions season, is a lot, and designing meaningful company swag can be oddly grounding. Great merch isn’t just about logos; it’s about connection, comfort, and community, the things we need most when […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways Your swag is your brand’s dating profile: your first impression and your way of saying who you are. Great merch flirts, sparks curiosity, and turns “Nice shirt” into “Where’s that from?”, so brand crushes become loyal love instead of items left in drawers […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways Keep your swag alive. Make it something people actually want to wear, share, and talk about.When your branded merch has energy, emotion, and a bit of nostalgia—it doesn’t just sit there. It lives. Remember Tamagotchis? Those tiny 90s digital pets you had to […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways Go To Market’s merch drop for Femina Physical Therapy turned a simple tank top that declares “Hot girls do pelvic floor therapy.” into a conversation starter and a movement. The strategy: turn taboo topics into talking points and blend vulnerability with voice, so […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways The little things stick. A dog’s quirky habit becomes family folklore, and a well-designed piece of branded merch becomes part of someone’s daily ritual. The most effective branded promotional products aren’t the flashiest; they feel personal, useful, and consistent. What a Dog’s One […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways If your branded hoodie has the energy of a desert planet… it’s time to awaken the force. At its best, branded merchandise isn’t just stuff—it’s a story. The kind of swag that sparks reactions, fuels conversations, and maybe even causes a playful lightsaber […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways Branded merchandise is more than a logo slapped on a water bottle or t-shirt. It’s a statement. Sometimes it whispers “Baby Spice.” Sometimes it screams “Scary.” And sometimes it lands exactly where you want it—on vibe, on brand, and in heavy rotation. If […]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert Key Takeaways Howard Johnson’s 100-year merch drop is retro branding at its finest: it doesn’t just celebrate a milestone, it makes you feel it. Great merch doesn’t just mark time. It transports you, which makes your company anniversary a creative opportunity to tell your brand’s […]