If Your Branded Merch Is Just a Logo, You’re Doing It Wrong

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Let’s get real:
Merch that only features your logo is boring AF. 😑

Sure, logos are practical. But they lack heart.
And your team—especially your remote team—deserves better.

Branded Merchandise Should Say More Than Just “Hey, Here’s Our Name”

Your swag is more than stuff.
It’s a message.
It tells your team (and the world):
→ What you value
→ What you stand for
→ What kind of culture you’re building

If your merch isn’t saying something about you, it’s a missed opportunity.

Your logo alone won’t spark connection.
But a phrase, inside joke, or meaningful message?
That’s where the magic happens.

Custom Swag Is a Chance to Tell Your Brand Story

Every piece of branded merchandise is a chance to reinforce your brand identity.
So why waste it?

Great company swag should feel:

  • Thoughtful
  • On-brand
  • Personal
  • Share-worthy

Especially in a remote work world, branded merch helps create a sense of belonging. It becomes a tangible way to say, “You’re part of something bigger.”

And no offense to your logo—but it’s probably not carrying that whole message on its own.

Here’s the Fix: Add Personality to Your Swag

The best employee swag and corporate merch combines:
✨ Brand values
✨ Team culture
✨ A little cleverness (or a lot, if you’re us)

Think:

“In My Growth Era”
“Building the Future, One Zoom at a Time”
“Making Moves Since Monday”

(Okay, maybe not that last one. But you get the idea.)

Make your team feel seen—not stamped.

Bottom line: Don’t let your swag be silent.
Make it speak.
Better yet, make it shout your brand story from the rooftops.

P.S. Quick pop quiz:
Were you more Dawson’s Creek or 90210?
(Me? I had a heart-shaped Dylan pillow. No regrets.)

Tell me in the comments 👇

Why the Bar for Branded Merchandise Is Still Too Low

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Let’s be honest—the bar for company swag is still way too low.

If you wouldn’t wear it outside of work, why would anyone else?

We’ve all seen it:
👕 Scratchy tees
🧥 Oversized, boring hoodies
☕ Mugs destined for the donation bin

Most corporate swag feels more like an obligation than a gift.
And that’s the problem.

The Best Branded Merchandise Doesn’t Feel Like Swag at All

If your branded merch doesn’t spark joy, it’s just stuff. And stuff doesn’t build loyalty, engagement, or brand love.

So what makes good swag actually good?

✨ It feels like a gift—not a giveaway
✨ It looks like something you’d buy from a real retail brand
✨ It reflects your company’s personality and taste—not just your logo

When done right, branded merchandise becomes a conversation starter.

It doesn’t sit in a drawer. It gets worn. Used. Talked about.
People don’t just keep it—they ask for more of it.

Don’t Think “Freebie.” Think “Retail Appeal.”

Here’s your merch gut check:

👉 Would you be proud to wear this on your day off?
👉 Would a stranger ask, “Where did you get that?”
👉 Does it reflect your actual brand vibe—not just your font and colors?

If not, it’s time to rethink your swag strategy.

Whether you’re designing employee welcome kits, event giveaways, or client gifts, your merch should feel personal, premium, and purposeful.

Raise the bar.
Don’t settle for leftovers. Aim for limited edition energy.

Need help creating branded merch that actually gets worn?
Let’s make swag that’s worth showing off.

P.S. On a totally unrelated note… I’m officially out of shows to binge.
Got any recommendations for light, fun TV this summer?
I want something good—but not Love Island level emotional chaos 😅
Drop your favorites below!

What Smoked Fish Can Teach You About Branded Merchandise

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

What does a love poem to smoked fish 🐟 have to do with branded merchandise Everything—if you’re Zabar’s.

The iconic Manhattan grocery store just dropped a limited-edition T-shirt for their 75th anniversary. It’s simple, nostalgic, and hyper-specific. And it’s paired with a delightfully oddball poem that reads:

𝘈𝘤𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘡𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘳’𝘴
𝘚𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦
𝘚-𝘔-𝘖-𝘒-𝘐-𝘕-𝘎
𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩,
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘴,
𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 75 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘕𝘠 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴

It’s the kind of branded swag that actually sells out—not because it screams LOGO, but because it whispers legacy.

Why This Tee Works: Identity Over Advertising

This is the perfect example of what good branded merchandise should do:

✅ Celebrate your brand story
✅ Align with customer identity
✅ Create something people want to wear

This shirt says:

“I know where to get the good bagels.”
“I’m a real New Yorker.”
“I’ve been shopping here since before you were born.”

It taps into something deeper than branding—it taps into belonging.

Great Swag Is Personal, Not Promotional

The best custom merch isn’t just a walking billboard. It’s a souvenir. A status symbol. A conversation starter.

Branded merchandise strategy is about more than slapping your logo on a shirt. It’s about asking:

  • What story does this tell?
  • Who will this resonate with?
  • Would someone wear this twice?

Zabar’s didn’t make a shirt that said “Zabar’s.”
They made a shirt that said, “You’re one of us.”

That’s the magic.

Make Merch That Makes People Feel Something

Whether you’re a startup or a legacy brand, the lesson is clear:
Your company swag should make your audience feel seen.
Custom branded merch works best when it aligns with:

  • Identity
  • Taste
  • Nostalgia
  • Shared experiences

It’s not just about what you’re selling—it’s about what it means.

Would you wear a grocery store tee?

Bad Swag is Bad Business: Why Your Branded Merchandise Deserves Better

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

What’s my love language? Getting texts about truly terrible branded merch. And let me tell you—people do not disappoint.

🖊️ Sad piles of cheap conference pens
🥏 Frisbees melting in the summer sun at field day
😂 Hashtag#badmerch snapshots straight from group chats

If you’ve ever walked a trade show or opened a swag bag, you know: Ugly swag is universal.


It clutters tables. Fills landfills. Collects dust in drawers. It doesn’t spark joy—or conversations—or anything resembling brand loyalty.

The Real Problem With Bad Branded Merchandise

Bad swag doesn’t just look bad. It hurts your brand. Here’s why:

  • It creates a forgettable brand experience
  • It wastes your marketing budget
  • It sends the wrong message about your business
  • It ends up in the “FREE” pile, or worse—the trash

You work hard to build a brand that stands for something. So why let lazy merch say otherwise?

Great Branded Swag Starts Conversations

Branded merchandise should be:

✅ Strategic
✅ On-brand
✅ Designed for real use
✅ Something people want to keep, wear, or share

The best branded merch turns passive observers into brand advocates. It sparks curiosity, makes a statement, and travels beyond the event table.

Swag That Sticks—In a Good Way

When your merchandise is thoughtful, high-quality, and aligned with your brand voice, it becomes a marketing tool—not just a giveaway.

So before you hit reorder on another stack of stress balls, ask yourself:
👉 Will this piece of swag represent my brand well?
👉 Will someone actually use or wear this?
👉 Is this something I’d be proud to see in the wild?

If not, it’s time for a brand merch upgrade.

Seen Any Cringe-Worthy Swag Lately?

We’re collecting the worst of the worst—and using them as lessons for what not to do. Drop yours below or tag us on social. Let’s all say goodbye to bad merch—and hello to swag that actually works.

Does Your Merch Still Feel Like You Without a Logo?

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Here’s the secret to truly great branded merchandise: If your logo disappeared from your merch would anyone still know it was yours? If the answer is no… your swag isn’t working as hard as it could be.

Most Merch Leans Too Heavily on the Logo

Too many brands rely on the logo alone to carry the weight of their merch. The result?
Generic giveaways that could belong to any business at any booth.

But the most memorable, buzzworthy custom swag goes beyond just a name or symbol.
It feels unmistakably like you—even without the name tag.

That’s the branded merch gut check:
Would this still feel on-brand without my logo?

How to Design Swag That Screams “You” Without Saying Your Name

Here’s how to elevate your branded merchandise and create merch that connects:

⚡ Use Your Brand’s Voice

Go beyond your font. Use phrasing, taglines, or tone that sound like you. That playful line your team always says? Put it on a hoodie.

⚡ Lean Into Insider Language

The best swag sparks recognition within your audience. Inside jokes, team catchphrases, or mission-driven mantras make it personal—and powerful.

⚡ Design for the Vibe, Not Just Visibility

You don’t need huge logos to build brand presence. Instead, design for aesthetic, comfort, and emotional connection. Make pieces people want to wear again and again.

Swag That’s Subtle and Still On-Brand

When done right, branded merch becomes an extension of your culture.
It’s not just a shirt. It’s how you show up in the world.

Whether it’s:

  • A custom sweatshirt that makes people feel like insiders
  • A tote bag with a phrase only your community gets
  • A hoodie that people grab every single morning

Swag should build identity, not just visibility.

Let’s Play: Pick Your Swag Poison

Time for a little merch humor. Tell us in the comments:

Which branded merch fail would you rather deal with?
→ A crewneck that makes you feel amazing but smells faintly like plastic
or
→ A buttery-soft hoodie that sheds fuzz on everything you own?

Because hey—if you’re going to invest in merch, let’s make sure it’s unforgettable… in a good way.

Is Your Swag Worth Keeping? Here’s the One-Question Test

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?

Sustainable Swag: Why Eco-Friendly Merch Is Non-Negotiable in 2025

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Let’s get one thing straight: sustainability in branded merch isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore. It’s a must. We’re long past the days when giveaways could be wasteful and no one batted an eye. Today’s consumers—and your community—care about what your merch says and what it costs the planet.

The Problem: Swag That Ends Up in the Trash

We’ve all seen it (and probably stuffed it into a bottom drawer ourselves):

  • 💥 Boxes of bulky, scratchy hoodies no one wears
  • 💥 Umbrellas that fold with the first gust of wind
  • 💥 Plastic packaging that fills your recycling bin in minutes

These aren’t just bad brand impressions. They’re missed opportunities—and wasteful ones at that.

Smart Merch Doesn’t Sacrifice the Planet for Style

The good news? You don’t have to choose between creating impactful branded swag and being environmentally responsible. Sustainable branded merch can still deliver your vibe—without filling up landfills.

Here’s how to get it right:

⚡ Print-on-Demand = No Waste

Only create what you need, when you need it. This eliminates bulk-order panic and minimizes leftover inventory.

♻ Recyclable, Minimal Packaging

No more overstuffed mailers and unnecessary inserts. A clean unboxing experience can be eco-conscious and on-brand.

🧠 Thoughtful Product Curation

Choose items that last and get used often. Think: premium apparel, reusable drinkware, durable tech accessories. Merch that’s high-quality and useful avoids the giveaway graveyard.

Why Sustainable Swag Builds Better Brands

Eco-friendly swag sends a message:

  • You’re future-focused
  • You value more than just aesthetics
  • You walk your talk

And trust me—your customers notice. It’s not just about what your logo’s on. It’s about what your brand stands for. Sustainable branded merchandise proves you’re aligned with the values of the modern consumer—and that you care about making a lasting, positive impression.

Print-on-Demand Is the Future of Branded Merch

Going print-on-demand doesn’t just reduce waste—it makes your merch more flexible, intentional, and custom. It’s how we avoid landfill swag and still build stylish, powerful branded pieces that people are excited to wear and use.

Wear Your Brand, Build Your Business: The Power of Brand-Aligned Merch

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

People DM me all the time asking what sparks all the connection, energy, and curiosity I get at events or online.

It’s not my skincare routine (but thanks 😜).

It’s the merch.

Your Merch Is Talking—What’s It Saying?

Everywhere I go, I wear my brand. Whether I’m on a Zoom call, grabbing coffee, or flying across the country, my custom branded merch is doing the talking before I even say a word.

The best part?

🔥 It signals my values
🔥 It shows my vibe
🔥 It starts conversations—with potential clients, collaborators, and future superfans

That’s the power of strategic swag.
Not just freebies. Not just stuff.
But brand-aligned merch that’s rooted in who you are and what you stand for.

Branded Merch Is a Visibility Engine

When your branded apparel or accessories reflect your mission, it:

  • Creates instant brand recognition
  • Sparks natural curiosity and conversation
  • Builds emotional connection
  • Turns your community into brand ambassadors
  • Drives organic reach far beyond your social feed

You don’t need to explain your brand every time—your merch does it for you.

How to Make Merch That Works for You

Want merch that actually does something?

Here’s how to make it matter:

1. Make It Authentic

Design around what you believe in. Create pieces you’d wear even if your name weren’t on it. That authenticity shows up in every stitch.

2. Wear It Often

Don’t save your swag for trade shows. Rock it on casual Fridays, coaching calls, and even school pickup. The more you wear it, the more brand impressions you generate.

3. Let It Speak Before You Do

The best branded merchandise is a conversation starter. It communicates your energy, aesthetic, and values before you ever say a word.

I’ve landed clients, sparked friendships, and made meaningful connections—all thanks to what I was wearing.

Branded Swag That Sticks

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or creative founder, your swag can work way harder than you think. It’s more than fabric. It’s a strategic storytelling tool.

So ask yourself: What’s in your closet that you’d wear to every Zoom call if you could?
Let’s turn that into branded merch that shows the world who you really are.

𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘯 – the power of merch imagination
Harold had a crayon. It was branded.
It had the logo. It had the tagline.
𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭.

So he drew a better idea:
🖍️ Stylish merch that matched their brand
🖍️ A shop employees wanted to share
🖍️ Gifts that didn’t end up in the trash

And just like that, Harold’s brand came to life.
All with one little (imaginary) crayon.

Harold dreamed it. We help you design it.
𝐖𝐞 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐲—𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝.
Ready to draw something better?

Harold had a crayon. You have…? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥, 𝐨𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭, 𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲? 👇

Elevate Your Trade Show Game: Why Swag Should Be a Power Player in 2025

By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Are your 2025 trade show goals locked in? Great. But beware—poorly planned merch might just sink your strategy ☠️🏴‍☠️.

Smart, stylish swag isn’t fluff—it acts like a second sales team. With the right branded merch, your brand becomes omnipresent—in hallway chats, coffee breaks, and even airport lounges.

1. Why Strategic Swag Matters

  • Extends your booth presence beyond badge scans and handshakes.
  • Keeps your brand top of mind, tucked into tote bags long after the event.
  • Maximizes ROI—great merch works 24/7, free ad space in motion.

If your 2025 calendar is packed with trade shows, don’t let your swag underperform or clutter your table. Let it carry weight and drive impact.

2. Skip the Pen Pitfall

More pens? Nope. Aim for items that:

  • Are seen and used frequently (think tech accessories, stylish bags).
  • Spark organic conversations in any setting.
  • Enhance your brand’s perceived value—no cheap swag allowed.

Pens get tossed. Choose merch that endures—like branded chargers, classy lanyards, or eco-conscious water bottles.

3. Swag as Silent Sales Team

Your swag should:

  • Open doors to hallway and lounge marketing.
  • Reinforce brand identity in everyday moments.
  • Transform attendees into walking ambassadors.

Every time someone uses your merch, your brand is introducing itself—without you saying a word.

4. Make Your Merch Pull Its Weight

For trade show-heavy years:

  1. Choose wisely—prioritize visibility and everyday utility.
  2. Align with audience needs—techie clients? Go wireless chargers or screen cleaner cloths.
  3. Brand consistently—clear, bold logos that start conversations.
  4. Think sustainability—eco-friendly items show values and last longer.

5. NYC Trade Shows to Watch in 2025

Scouting NYC events? Here are key trade shows perfect for branded merch:

6. Let’s Talk Fabrics, Colors & Themes

Now, let me ask: Which trade shows are you attending this year? Especially curious if you’re doing any in NYC—happy to make tailored merch recommendations. And seriously if you had to dress as a Trader Joe’s cashier for a day (pink or blue? solid or floral?), what would you choose? 😉