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?