By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

The best branded merch doesn’t feel like an ad. It feels like a conversation starter.

That’s the philosophy behind everything we create in our swag design lab—merch that sparks curiosity, builds community, and makes people proud to wear your message.

A Vibe Check in Wearable Form

Take this project for Nicole Groman, a registered dietitian with a mission: ditch toxic food rules, reconnect with what nourishes, and create spaces for meaningful connection.

Her branded tee reads:

“Only accepting good vibes and diet free chat.”

It’s not just a catchy phrase—it’s her brand mission in wearable form. By turning her values into custom apparel, she created merchandise that feels more like a movement than a marketing tool.

Why Mission-Driven Swag Wins

Too often, company swag relies on logos alone. And while visibility matters, it’s not what makes merch memorable.

The most powerful promotional products go deeper. They:

• Communicate values – When someone wears your message, they’re saying, “I believe this too.”
• Create community – A shared tee, tote, or hat becomes a badge of belonging.
• Spark conversations – Swag that feels authentic makes people ask, “Where’d you get that?”

This is how you turn a T-shirt into a story—and a logo into loyalty.

Steal This Move

Want branded merch that people actually wear (and love)?

Here’s the secret: make merch that speaks your mission louder than your logo ever could.

When your fans wear your shared values on their sleeve—literally—your brand becomes something they claim, share, and stand behind.

That’s what makes memorable swag. And that’s our favorite part of every project: helping brands turn values into something tangible, giftable, and unforgettable.

What’s Your “No Thanks” Tee?

Nicole’s tee says no to diet culture. What would yours say?

Think about what your brand stands against—and what you stand for. That’s where the magic begins.

Because in the end, the best branded merchandise isn’t just swag. It’s your mission, in motion.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Let’s play a game.

Think about the pile of branded pens scattered around your house. Can you name even one company on them?

Crickets? Thought so.

You might use that pen daily. You might even love the way it writes. But the brand behind it? Total blank.

That’s the difference between branded noise and real brand connection.

Why Most Company Swag Fails

Too often, companies hand out cheap branded merch—pens, stress balls, keychains—that end up in the junk drawer. Sure, they’re “useful.” But they don’t spark loyalty. They don’t inspire a second thought about the brand.

Branded giveaways that lack intention quickly fade into the background. And worse—they waste marketing dollars without building relationships.

The Merch People Actually Keep

Now think about the branded T-shirt you wear every week.

The custom tote bag by your door.

The branded hat your friend keeps “borrowing.”

You remember those brands.

Why? Because they designed with values, not just logos. They created branded merch that earned a place in your everyday life—not just a spot in your desk clutter.

What Makes Swag Memorable

Here’s the truth: useful is fine, but memorable is better.

Memorable branded merchandise is:

• Quality-driven – A soft hoodie beats a scratchy T-shirt every time.
• On-trend – Items that align with lifestyle, not just corporate identity.
• Aligned with brand values – Eco-friendly totes, sustainable water bottles, or tech gadgets that reflect a company’s mission.
• Conversation-worthy – The kind of swag that makes people say, “Where’d you get that?”

When done right, branded merch transforms from a freebie into a piece of your brand story.

How to Upgrade Your Swag Strategy

If you want your promotional products to stand out, start by asking:

• Will this item enhance someone’s daily routine?
• Does it reflect our brand’s values and personality?
• Is it something people would actually want to wear, use, or gift?

That’s the key to creating fan-worthy swag that sparks loyalty and makes your brand unforgettable.

Ready to Ditch Boring Giveaways?

The next time you’re planning branded merch, skip the forgettable pens and stress balls. Instead, invest in custom swag that people actually love—and watch your brand recognition grow.

So tell me: what’s the last piece of branded merch you actually loved?👇

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

I hit play on K-Pop Demon Hunters already rolling my eyes, convinced I’d hate it.

It was ridiculous…

…and I loved it. 🤣
(Especially the popcorn eyes. IYKYK.)

No A-list actors. No massive ad budget. Just three demon-hunting K-pop stars—and a fandom that turned it into Netflix’s most-watched English-language movie ever. 😱

A Masterclass in Pull Marketing

Here’s why this campy, chaotic movie blew up: the fans did the heavy lifting.

• Fans made the memes
• Fans moved the merch (yes, there’s ramen and Funko dolls)
• Fans turned a weird little movie into a global moment

That’s not push marketing—it’s pure pull.

The Lesson for Your Swag Strategy

Here’s the takeaway: let your merch feel like fan art.

The best branded merchandise isn’t about what you want to say.
It’s about what your fans, customers, or employees already love.

When swag taps into a belief, a joke, or a vibe your people already share, magic happens.

They’ll:

• Wear it proudly
• Gift it to friends
• Hoard it like a collectible

Not because it’s branded… but because it feels like theirs.

Why This Works

Most corporate swag fails because it’s designed around the company, not the community.

But when branded merch channels the energy of fan culture, it becomes:

• Shareable → People want to post it, not hide it
• Relatable → It reflects their identity, not just your logo
• Sticky → It lives on far beyond the trade show or launch party

This is how you turn swag from throwaway giveaways into lasting brand touchpoints.

Final Thought

So, have you watched K-Pop Demon Hunters yet?
Or are you still wrapping your head around the idea of a demon-fighting K-pop girl group? 👀

Because if it can turn ramen and Funko dolls into fandom gold, imagine what the right branded merch strategy could do for your business.

👉 Want help creating swag that feels like fan art instead of a forced promo? At Go To Market – Anti-Boring Branded Merchandise, we design merch your people actually want to wear, use, and share.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

The best branded merch doesn’t feel like marketing. It turns a customer into a walking billboard—without it ever feeling like an ad.

That’s the magic we aim for in our merch lab. And today’s spotlight? A tote that’s pure brand energy.

Vibe Check: Sol Squeeze Mixers LLC Tote

This tote bag is Sol Squeeze Mixers LLC in bag form—bright, bold, and built for wherever the day takes you.

If you’re a fan of their mixers, this tote is the sidekick you didn’t know you needed for every shopping trip, market run, or beach day.

Why People Grab It First

🔥 Pop Factor: Black canvas makes the neon gator impossible to ignore.
🔥 Self-Expression: Even if someone’s never sipped a Sol Squeeze, they’ll want a piece of this brand’s fun, playful vibe.
🔥 Versatility: From a farmer’s market haul to a laptop bag to poolside essentials—it all fits.

This is the kind of swag that gets used on repeat, not shoved in the back of a closet.

Steal This Move for Your Brand

The takeaway? Make merch that feels like part of your customer’s identity.

When people buy swag because it feels like them, you don’t just hand out branded merchandise—you create a movement. Your customers become your biggest brand ambassadors without you even asking.

Why It Matters

In 2025, boring swag is out. Anti-boring branded merch is in.

This tote proves that branded merchandise can do more than advertise—it can delight, inspire, and connect. When swag is designed with personality, it becomes a conversation starter and a lifestyle accessory.

This tote? It’s my new personality, and I’m not sorry. 🤩

Your Turn

What do you think—would you use it?
And more importantly, what’s the piece of swag you reach for first, every single time?

👉 Ready to create branded merch that slaps just as hard? At Go To Market – Anti-Boring Branded Merchandise, we help brands design swag people love to wear, use, and show off.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

“It looks like you’re trying to launch swag… 📎”

If Clippy had thoughts on branded merch in 2025, he’d point his little bendy body straight to print-on-demand merchandise.

And honestly? He’d be right.

Here’s why you should listen to the world’s most over-eager office supply:

📎 No Inventory = No Guessing Games

With print-on-demand swag, you don’t have to gamble on bulk orders. No more guessing sizes, styles, or quantities. You simply produce what’s purchased—nothing more, nothing less.

📎 Sustainable Merch Without the Landfill Guilt

Traditional branded merchandise often means leftover boxes of swag no one wants. With on-demand production, there’s no waste and no sad pile of unused t-shirts headed to the dumpster.

📎 Fast Delivery, Anywhere in the World

Whether your employees are in Brooklyn or Bangkok, on-demand swag ships directly to them—no middleman, no swag closet, no stress.

📎 Unlimited Creativity

Print-on-demand merch lets you experiment. Drop a new tee design, add a limited-edition tote, or update your branding in real time. Swag should be fun, not a logistical nightmare.

Why This Matters for Your Brand

At Go To Market – Anti-Boring Branded Merchandise, we ditched swag closets (and talking paperclips). Instead, we help brands create wearable, lovable merch that sparks conversations, reduces waste, and actually gets used.

Swag isn’t just stuff—it’s storytelling. And print-on-demand is the future of how brands tell that story.

One Last Question

I want to ask about your experience with Clippy, but that’s just an age reveal. So instead, let me ask this:

👉 If Clippy had a LinkedIn, what would he post about? (And how hard would he try to sell you? 🤣)

Ready to upgrade your merch strategy?
Let’s make branded swag that Clippy would be proud of.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Everyone’s trying to stand out at trade shows with ring lights, wireless chargers, and tech gadgets.

But let’s be honest: no one ever said, “I want to hire this company because of their USB splitter.”

That’s because the job of branded merch isn’t to be a clever giveaway. It’s to be a conversation starter.

Swag as a Story, Not Just a Giveaway

When you hand out branded merchandise, it shouldn’t feel like a throwaway trinket. The right piece of swag sparks curiosity, showcases your brand personality, and leaves people wanting to know more.

Imagine:

• Your brand message printed on a water bottle someone uses daily
• Your company’s personality captured on a tote bag that turns heads
• A tee that makes someone stop and ask, “Wait—what do you do?”

That’s what gets remembered long after the trade show ends.

Forget the Gimmicks

USB splitters. Wireless chargers. Stress balls.

These items usually end up in one of three places: shoved in a drawer, regifted, or tossed in the trash.

Instead of chasing the next gimmick, focus on swag that tells your story.

When branded merchandise reflects your company’s values, humor, or vibe, it doesn’t just take up space—it makes an impression.

Swag That Works

The best branded merch isn’t about cost, size, or tech specs. It’s about connection.

Great trade show swag should:

• Spark a conversation (“Where’d you get that?”)
• Feel useful or delightful (so it’s actually kept)
• Carry your brand message beyond the booth

Your Turn

So tell me: when someone gives you a wireless charger at a trade show—do you throw it out, shove it in a drawer, or actually use it?

(I have an ancient iPhone 13 mini that doesn’t do wireless, so for me it’s 🗑️ all the way.)

👉 If you’re ready to stop handing out gimmicks and start creating branded merch that sparks conversations, let’s chat. At Go To Market – Anti-Boring Branded Merchandise, we help companies design swag people actually want.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

The new Krispy Kreme x Crocs, Inc. collab is donut-core perfection. 🍩

Think jelly-glazed clogs, frosting-drip detailing, and sprinkle Jibbitz that look good enough to eat.

It’s fun. It’s wild. And it’s exactly what branded merch should be.

Designed to delight.

Why Bold Swag Works

You don’t need a cult food following or millions of fans to go bold with branded merchandise. What you do need:

• A clear brand message
• A little creative courage
• A willingness to have fun with your swag

The Krispy Kreme x Crocs collab works because it’s more than just shoes. It’s an edible-feeling story—packaged as wearable merch.

Swag Is Storytelling

Too many companies think swag = “stuff with a logo.” But the best branded swag goes way beyond that.

Swag is:

• A chance to tell your story
• A way to connect with fans, customers, or employees
• A physical reminder of your brand’s vibe

In this case? The story tastes like sugar. Sweet, colorful, and impossible to ignore.

Takeaway for Your Brand

You don’t have to release donut clogs (though… how fun would that be?). But you can take a lesson from Krispy Kreme and Crocs:

• Make merch memorable. Don’t settle for boring basics.
• Lean into your brand personality. Quirky, bold, or joyful? Let your swag show it.
• Create merch people actually want to wear or use. That’s the magic of branded merchandise done right.

Your Turn

Would you wear donut clogs? Drop a 🍩 in the comments if you’re into it.
(For me it’s a 🍩Y🍩E🍩S🍩 🎉)

Because swag isn’t just stuff—it’s storytelling.

👉 Looking to create branded merch that delights instead of collects dust? At Go To Market – Anti-Boring Branded Merchandise, we help brands design on-demand swag that tells a story.

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

I never set out to work in branded merchandise.
Like a lot of founders, I just wanted to fix a problem that drove me absolutely nuts.

At my first company, I wanted swag. Badly. But the process? A total nightmare.

• Minimum orders that left me with too much inventory
• Guessing sizes that nobody wanted
• Sticking to one boring style that didn’t fit our brand vibe

It was stressful, time-consuming, and honestly not worth it. So, I punted on it and never did it. 😭

The Lightbulb Moment: Print-on-Demand Swag

Years later, I stumbled into print-on-demand merch—and it changed everything.

Suddenly, creating branded merchandise didn’t mean warehouses full of leftover hoodies or late nights folding t-shirts while watching Gilmore Girls.

With on-demand swag:

• No inventory
• No waste
• No logistical headaches

Merch could finally be fun, flexible, and actually cool.

From Pain Point to Business Idea

I called up my OG designer (hi, Jessie Glass!) and together we built Go To Market – Anti-Boring Branded Merchandise.

We designed it to fix the exact pain I’d felt as a founder: helping brands turn their unique vibe into wearable, lovable merch that people are excited to show off.

Here’s what makes our approach different:

• Made on demand – no guessing sizes or bulk orders
• Shipped direct – no more storage closets full of swag
• Stress-free – you get creativity, not logistical purgatory

Why Swag Should Be Joyful

At its best, branded merchandise is a celebration of your company’s culture. It’s not just “stuff with a logo”—it’s how you turn your brand into something people want to wear, share, and remember.

Swag should be joyful, not logistical purgatory.

And sometimes, the best business ideas don’t come from a five-year plan. They start with a personal headache—one you’re determined to solve.

Final Thought

I never thought I’d end up in the branded merch industry, but here I am—helping companies create anti-boring swag that sparks joy instead of stress.

What about you? Did you always think you’d end up in the industry you’re in?

👉 Want to learn more about how on-demand branded merchandise can transform your company swag? [Let’s chat.]

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Some merch makes you cringe. Some merch gets tossed. And some merch—like Oscar Mayer’s Hot Dog Girl Summer hat—becomes instant cultural currency. 🌭✨

This bold, mustard-yellow drop is everything branded swag should be:

• Timely
• Playful
• Unapologetically on-brand

It riffs off the viral “Hot Girl Summer” trend, but in a way that’s so distinctly Oscar Mayer—right down to the color palette and sausage-shaped sass. It’s not just a great hat. It’s wearable marketing at its finest.

Why It Works: Swag That’s In On the Joke

The genius here isn’t about chasing what’s cool. It’s about owning your brand personality with total confidence.

Oscar Mayer didn’t try to be edgy or ironic. They leaned into what makes them unique and added their own flavorful twist to a cultural moment.

And that’s the secret to truly effective branded merch:
It doesn’t have to be trendy. It just has to be true to you.

Key Takeaways:

• Cultural connection boosts memorability
• Strong brand identity makes merch instantly recognizable
• Playful confidence earns organic buzz (and social shares)

Branded Merch Is More Than a Logo – It’s a Language

The best custom swag tells your story without explanation.
It makes people laugh, nod, or proudly wear it out in public—not because they got it for free, but because it actually feels cool.

Oscar Mayer’s hat doesn’t just say “we made merch.”
It says, “We get you. And we’re having fun with this.”

This is merch that sparks conversations.
This is swag that works.

So, What’s Your Version of Hot Dog Girl Summer?

Every brand has a version of this. A voice. A tone. A vibe.

Your job is to take that and turn it into branded merchandise that gets worn, shared, and loved. Whether it’s a custom bucket hat, a cheeky tote, or a statement tee, your merch should:

• Reflect your brand DNA
• Play with pop culture (when it fits)
• Feel personal, clever, and very intentional

And One Last (Spicy) Question:

Can we talk about cole slaw at BBQs for a second? Why is it always there? Who keeps inviting it? Am I the only one who doesn’t understand why anyone makes, eats, or serves it? Let’s replace it with better sides (and better swag.)

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

📣 Surprise fact about me: I was a full-on, pom-poms-in-hand, high-kick, sideline-shouting cheerleader in high school. Bigger surprise? I never really stopped.

These days, the uniform’s different (a lot more black denim, a lot less glitter), but the hype energy is still going strong—just redirected into something way more useful: branded merchandise that actually makes people feel something.

Modern-Day Cheerleading = Powerful Branded Swag

At Go To Market, I get to be the loudest supporter in the room—but now, I’m cheering on things like:

🎉 Product launches that deserve more than a logo slapped on a mug
🎧 Podcast debuts that should be celebrated with something memorable
🏖️ Team offsites that call for better swag than another forgettable tote

Because great custom swag doesn’t just show up—it shows off. It creates moments. It builds connection. It makes people feel like part of something bigger.

Why Swag Is the New Spirit Wear

Just like spirit wear united the student body back in the day, the best branded merch does the same for today’s communities, teams, and brands. It’s more than a logo. It’s an identity.

The right swag can:

• Turn heads at conferences or events
• Spark conversations and build social buzz
• Deepen loyalty by making recipients feel seen and included
• Offer daily use value and a reason to rep your brand proudly

Whether it’s sustainably made hoodies, minimalist notebooks, or print-on-demand collections—intentional branded merchandise becomes a tangible expression of everything your company stands for.

From Pom-Poms to Premium Swag

So yeah, I’m still a cheerleader. But now, I cheer through curated merch drops, themed swag boxes, and thoughtful brand moments. The pom-poms got replaced with sustainably sourced cotton, sleek packaging, and a relentless mission to make swag that sparks joy—not clutter.

Happy weekend from me (and Charlie 🐶)!
Got any good plans ahead? And more importantly…
What’s your version of modern-day spirit wear?