By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert
Your branded merchandise is like a Tamagotchi.
If no one touches it, it dies. š
For anyone who missed the 90s crazeāTamagotchis were tiny digital pets you had to feed, play with, and care for. Ignore them, and⦠well, they didnāt make it.
Your company swag works the same way.

Generic Swag = Dead on Arrival
When merch lacks heart, it doesnāt stand a chance.
ā ļø No personality
ā ļø No love
ā ļø Dead in a drawer
Too many promotional products end up forgotten because they were designed to please everyone instead of connecting with someone.
The fix? Create custom branded merch with taste, timing, and truthāsomething that captures your brandās energy and invites people to engage with it.
Great Merch Thrives When People Care
When your corporate swag feels personal, people keep it alive.
They carry it. They wear it. They show it off.
Thatās when your merchandise stops being a marketing expense and starts being a brand experience.
Think of it like feeding your Tamagotchiāevery time someone uses your merch, your brand earns a little more love (and a lot more visibility).
Keep Your Swag Alive
Make your branded merchandise something people actually want to interact with:
š„ A hoodie that sparks compliments.
š„ A tote that tells a story.
š„ A sticker that makes someone smile.
Because when your swag feels alive, your brand does too.
Just for Fun: Name Your Brandās Tamagotchi š£
So, what would you name your brandās Tamagotchi?
Pick one (or add your own):
- Swaggie
- Logo-chan
- Pixel Pete
- Drip Jr.
- Lil Logo
- Promo Sapiens
Mineās named Merchie, obviously. š
The Takeaway
Branded merch isnāt about slapping a logo on stuffāitās about creating something that connects, delights, and lasts.
Feed it with creativity.
Care for it with strategy.
Watch it thrive in the wild.
Because good swag doesnāt dieāit lives in the hands (and hearts) of your biggest fans.