By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

When it comes to branded merch, the best pieces tell a story — and this one starts with photographer Rashmi Gill, who sees the world through light, emotion, and timing.

We designed a custom notebook for Rashmi that captures her creative philosophy and turns it into something tangible. The result: a piece of personalized branded merchandise that feels like it was made for you, too.

The Inspiration: “Capture Positivity”

Every project in our Merch Lab begins with a vibe check, and Rashmi’s was clear: quiet confidence, everyday beauty, and light in the in-between moments.

The phrase “Capture Positivity” became the heartbeat of this design—a gentle reminder that every frame, every note, every thought holds a story worth keeping. It’s not just a line on a cover; it’s a mindset.

Just like Rashmi’s photography, this notebook invites you to pause, reflect, and see the beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Why People Reach for It First

This is the kind of branded swag people actually want to use. It feels human, not corporate. Authentic, not overproduced. You can tell it was designed by someone who knows how to hold a moment still.

When your company merch feels personal—like this one does—it stops being a giveaway and starts becoming a keepsake. That’s the difference between ordinary promotional products and meaningful branded merchandise.

Steal This Move: Make Your Swag Personal

Want your next swag drop to actually resonate? Take a cue from Rashmi.

Instead of centering your logo, center a feeling. A phrase like “Capture Positivity” doesn’t just decorate the notebook—it sets the tone for what goes inside it. That’s how you create merch that connects, not just merch that markets.

👇 Camera’s out—who are you?

The sunset chaser, the selfie pro, the accidental photobomber, or the forgot-to-take-the-photo friend?

Whichever you are, here’s to capturing something good.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

I’ve loved personalized gifts since I was a little girl.

My mom had a thing for names.

She’d light up when she found a mug, keychain, or sweatshirt with mine or my brother’s name on it — her vacation specialty.

But the real thrill was finding a personalized gift for a family member with a less common name: a license plate, a shiny keychain, a glittery pencil, even a snow globe. She was always on the hunt, and that tiny discovery made her day.

She taught me to notice the joy in things that feel personal — the small magic that makes someone feel seen.

That feeling is exactly what great branded merchandise should create.

When I help a company design custom swag that feels like it was made just for someone — a team member, a client, a customer — I think of my mom and that sense of being known. Personalized merch isn’t about slapping a logo on a product; it’s about connection. It’s about making someone feel valued, seen, and part of something bigger.

So whether it’s custom apparel, employee onboarding kits, or a client gift box, the most successful branded items are the ones that capture that same personal touch my mom loved so much.

How easy was it to find your name on those souvenir racks growing up? (And did you care?)

P.S. The photo here is of a square of “Amanda” wrapping paper my mom got for me over 30 years ago — proof that good design and personalization never go out of style.

---

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Your branded merchandise is like a Tamagotchi.
If no one touches it, it dies. 💀

For anyone who missed the 90s craze—Tamagotchis were tiny digital pets you had to feed, play with, and care for. Ignore them, and… well, they didn’t make it.

Your company swag works the same way.

Generic Swag = Dead on Arrival

When merch lacks heart, it doesn’t stand a chance.

☠️ No personality
☠️ No love
☠️ 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 truth—something that captures your brand’s 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.

That’s when your merchandise stops being a marketing expense and starts being a brand experience.

Think of it like feeding your Tamagotchi—every 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:
💥 A hoodie that sparks compliments.
💥 A tote that tells a story.
💥 A sticker that makes someone smile.

Because when your swag feels alive, your brand does too.

Just for Fun: Name Your Brand’s Tamagotchi 🐣

So, what would you name your brand’s Tamagotchi?

Pick one (or add your own):

• Swaggie
• Logo-chan
• Pixel Pete
• Drip Jr.
• Lil Logo
• Promo Sapiens

Mine’s named Merchie, obviously. 😎

The Takeaway

Branded merch isn’t about slapping a logo on stuff—it’s 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 doesn’t die—it lives in the hands (and hearts) of your biggest fans.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Some branded merch doesn’t just sit in a drawer—it sparks conversations.

We created this drop for our client Femina Physical Therapy, a women’s health brand that’s smart, cheeky, and completely unafraid to talk about what others won’t.

This isn’t your average giveaway tee.

This merch shows up at Pilates, pops up in Instagram stories, and gets mentioned in five conversations before lunch.

The Vibe Check: Empowered, Unfiltered, and Unapologetic

The Femina Physical Therapy collection blends clinical credibility with cultural confidence.

The standout piece?
A tank top that proudly declares:

“Hot girls do pelvic floor therapy.”

It’s bold, funny, and deeply affirming—because taking care of yourself is hot. 🔥

That’s what makes this custom branded apparel so powerful. It’s not just something to wear—it’s something to say.

The Branding Lesson: Turn Taboo into a Talking Point

Here’s the move every marketer should steal:
💡 Turn vulnerability into voice.
💡 Take the taboo and make it talkable.
💡 Blend purpose with personality.

The best branded merchandise doesn’t feel like marketing—it feels like belonging.

When your merch has a message, it becomes more than swag. It becomes a movement.

Make Merch That Starts Conversations

Want company swag people actually love (and wear)?
Design it around what your audience cares about, not just what your brand sells.

Give your people something they’re proud to wear—and can’t wait to talk about.

👉 Be honest—if you saw someone wearing this tank, would you ask where she got it? Would you strike up a conversation?

(🙌🏻 Huge shoutout to Femina’s founder, Heather Jeffcoat, PT, DPT, for leading with authenticity and confidence.)

The Takeaway

The next time you plan your branded merch drop, think beyond logos and slogans. Think about emotion, connection, and courage.

Because the best swag doesn’t just advertise—it empowers.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Chiquita made a backpack that basically turns you into a walking banana—
and honestly, it’s a-peeling. ☠️

They took that tiny blue sticker we all know and turned it into fashion:
cheery, cheeky, and completely impossible to miss.

This yellow drop from Chiquita is giving big banana energy—
bright, bold, and wearable joy.

Turning a Brand Cue into Iconic Swag

What makes this branded merchandise so good isn’t just the design.
It’s the storytelling.

💥 Simple but unmistakable
💥 Emotional, not just functional
💥 A tiny brand cue turned into a whole identity

Chiquita didn’t just put a logo on a backpack—they turned their smallest brand asset, that iconic fruit sticker, into collectible custom merch people actually want to show off.

That’s how a brand transforms from background noise into something cult-level recognizable.

The Lesson for Marketers and Brand Builders

More brands should be asking:
👉 What’s my Chiquita sticker?
👉 How can I turn it into something people chase, collect, and love?

When you treat corporate swag as a creative canvas, you unlock connection.
The best custom branded merchandise doesn’t whisper—it shouts (in the friendliest, most joyful way possible).

Sometimes, subtlety isn’t the goal.
Sometimes, going bananas is the move. 🍌

Swag That Sparks Emotion

The most effective promotional products tell a story that’s emotional, memorable, and instantly recognizable. Whether it’s a playful sticker, a bold backpack, or a small detail that becomes legendary—great merch makes people feel something.

That’s the power of design with personality.

Tell me—fruit stickers: secret art supply or straight to the trash?
No wrong answers—just proof of your personality type.
(Me? I’m always dreaming up my next art project.)

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

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.

The Problem with “Universal” Swag

Most companies choose merchandise that pleases the widest audience:
🔥 The classic unisex T-shirt
🔥 The logo coffee mug
🔥 The same standard-size tote bag (you know the one)

Technically, these items work for everyone.

But emotionally?
They work for no one.

When you aim for “universal,” you end up with forgettable branded merch that no one truly loves—or uses. That’s how giveaway gear turns into clutter instead of connection.

The New Rule: One Size Fits One

It’s time to flip the script. “One-size-fits-ONE” means creating custom branded merchandise that celebrates individuality.

Here’s what that looks like:
💥 Offering choice—different fits, colors, and styles.
💥 Letting people pick what feels right for them.
💥 Creating merch they’ll actually keep, wear, and love.

This approach turns a logo item into a personal expression—and that’s what builds brand affinity.

How Print-on-Demand Makes It Possible

In the past, personalization came with big minimum orders and storage headaches. But print-on-demand swag changed the game.

Now, you can:
✅ Print only what’s wanted, when it’s wanted.
✅ Eliminate leftover inventory and waste.
✅ Ditch those sad boxes of XXL hoodies no one asked for.

It’s a win for your budget and the planet—making sustainable corporate swag both stylish and smart.

Be Honest: How Many Tote Bags Do You Own?

If you had to ballpark it, where do you land?
👜 0–5 (Organized Icon)
👜 6–20 (Trader Joe’s MVP)
👜 25–50 (Emotionally Attached to Canvas)
👜 50+ (Basically a Tote Reseller)

The world doesn’t need more generic totes. It needs thoughtful branded merchandise that people actually want to use.

The Takeaway

“One-size-fits-all” swag might seem safe—but it’s not memorable.
Design for someone, not everyone, and your branded merchandise becomes more than a giveaway. It becomes a keepsake.

Because when people feel seen, they don’t just wear your logo—they love it.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Every now and then, a piece of branded merch pops up that stops you mid-scroll.
The kind of swag that makes you say: “Wait—who made that?”

That’s exactly what happened when I saw Diaspora Co.’s “Hella Spicy” tote bag.

A Masterclass in Bold, Branded Merch

Diaspora Co.—the Indian spice company turning pantries into flavor playgrounds—nailed it with this one.

Their “Hella Spicy” tote is 📣 loud 📣 in all the right ways.
It’s bold. It’s joyful. It’s full Desi energy.

And before you even see the turmeric, you already understand the brand.

That’s great branded merchandise in action—it tells the story before the logo even enters the frame.

The Kind of Swag That Sells the Story

We didn’t design this one (though we wish we did), but it’s the perfect example of how thoughtful, well-designed merch can make people want to be part of a brand.

This tote does more than carry groceries—it carries identity, pride, and personality.
It’s the difference between something you’re given… and something you choose to wear.

That’s what we mean when we talk about merch with meaning—it’s not about slapping a logo on a product. It’s about creating an emotional connection.

Merch That Makes People Want In

The best custom swag sparks curiosity and builds community.
It turns customers into ambassadors—people who proudly show off your brand in the wild.

When your branded merch has that “scroll-stopping” quality, it becomes part of culture, not just marketing.

So, tell me:
Have you ever spotted merch before you even knew the brand behind it?
What did you think—and did it make you want in?

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

October is chaos, and honestly—I live here now.

This month, I’m deep in the whirlwind of NYC high school admissions.
We’re talking:

• Weeknight school tours
• Practice essays and mock tests
• Grammar flashcards everywhere
• Group chats lighting up like a slot machine
• And yes… the occasional panic Google about whether snacks are allowed during the SHSAT 😅

All while running a business. Because work doesn’t stop just because life gets loud.

Balancing Business and Real Life

Owning a business while navigating a personal storm is… a lot.

Some days, work feels like the perfect distraction—a place where I can focus, create, and connect through meaningful branded merchandise projects. Other days, it’s what gets pushed aside while I handle what really matters at home.

We’re all juggling something invisible. Whether it’s parenting, caregiving, health, or just life, we show up as whole humans to our work.

Finding Calm in the Chaos (and Great Swag Helps)

When everything feels like too much, I remind myself why I love what I do: creating branded merch that connects people to purpose.

Designing meaningful company swag is oddly grounding—it’s a creative outlet that reminds me that even small things (like a well-made hoodie or a thoughtful journal) can make someone’s day a little easier, a little better.

Great merch isn’t just about logos. It’s about connection, comfort, and community—all things we need more of when life feels messy.

What’s Pulling Focus in Your World?

So, I’m curious—what’s pulling focus in your world right now, beyond LinkedIn and inboxes?

Because behind every brand, every piece of merch, and every campaign… there’s a person doing their best to hold it all together.

(Photo from one of my favorite hikes this summer—where my mind wanders when everything else feels like 🤯)

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

When it comes to branded merchandise, the goal isn’t just to exist—it’s to connect.

Think of your swag as your brand’s dating profile. It’s your first impression, your way of saying, “Hey, this is who we are—want to know more?”

Great Swag Flirts (in the Best Way)

The best merch doesn’t sit quietly in the corner.
It flirts.

It sparks curiosity, starts conversations, and makes people want to know more. Whether it’s a perfectly designed tote bag, a clever graphic tee, or a beautifully made water bottle, great branded merchandise makes people stop, smile, and engage.

That’s the magic moment: when a simple item becomes a story starter.

From “Nice Shirt” to “Where’s That From?”

Anyone can print a logo. But when your swag feels intentional—when it reflects your mission, values, and vibe—it becomes a signal of belonging.

It’s the difference between a polite, “Nice shirt,” and an excited, “Where’s that from?”

Those moments of connection are how brand crushes turn into loyal love.

Merch That Opens Doors, Not Just Fills Drawers

Too often, promotional products get tossed in drawers or left behind after events. But the right branded merch becomes part of people’s lives—something they choose to wear, carry, or share.

When your merch tells a story, it creates connection. It becomes an extension of your community, not just your marketing budget.

🔥 That’s how your brand goes from a first impression to a long-term relationship.

So, What’s Your Merch Saying About You?

Your branded merchandise should say:

• “We care about design.”
• “We value quality.”
• “We understand our audience.”
• “We’re here for connection.”

Because in the world of brand building, swag is your brand’s love language.

👉 Ever had a stranger ask about something you were wearing—or caught yourself asking someone about their merch? That’s the power of great swag.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Remember Tamagotchis? Those tiny 90s digital pets you had to feed, nurture, and love—or they’d die on you. 💀

Your branded merch works the same way.
If no one touches it, wears it, or talks about it… it dies.

Dead Swag vs. Living Merch

Most corporate swag doesn’t stand a chance:

☠️ No personality
☠️ No love
☠️ Dead in a drawer

But when your merch is made with taste, timing, and brand truth, it thrives.
It becomes something people care for—carry, wear, and show off with pride.

The Secret to Swag That Stays Alive

Good branded merchandise tells a story. It’s not just a logo on a tote or a pen—it’s a connection point.

The brands that win with merch treat it like a living thing:

• They feed it with fresh ideas
• They nurture it with thoughtful design
• They keep it alive with purpose and play

When you infuse your custom swag with creativity and authenticity, it becomes more than a giveaway—it becomes part of your brand ecosystem.

Give Your Brand a Tamagotchi Moment

So here’s the fun part:
If your merch were a Tamagotchi, what would you name it?

Pick one (or create your own):

• 🐣 Swaggie
• 🎮 Logo-chan
• 🧢 Pixel Pete
• 💧 Drip Jr.
• 💼 Lil Logo
• 🧠 Promo Sapiens

Mine’s named Merchie, obviously. 😎

The Takeaway

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.