By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Let’s talk about an old-school swag habit that needs to be officially retired: 📞 Printing your phone number on promotional items. We get it—it used to make sense. But in today’s digital world, it’s basically the equivalent of slapping a fax number on a hoodie.

Nobody Is Calling You From a Toothbrush

Let’s be real: Nobody is dialing your number off a branded toothbrush or squinting at your tiny print on a stress ball. That’s just wasted prime real estate—especially when you have the chance to say something that actually sticks.

Old-School Swag:

• A phone number they’ll just Google
• A URL no one wants to type manually

Modern, Memorable Swag:

• 💬 A clever message that sparks curiosity or delight
• 🎯 A vibe that represents your brand’s personality
• 👕 Something people actually want to wear or use

When you invest in custom swag, you’re not just handing out items—you’re telling a story. So use that merch real estate to build brand affinity, not just drop contact info.

Your Branded Merchandise Should Start Conversations

Today’s most effective promotional products are designed to do more than inform. They should:

• ❇️ Spark emotion
• 🗣️ Encourage conversation
• 📸 Be Instagram-worthy

Whether it’s a T-shirt with a bold statement, a tote bag with a witty phrase, or a mug that makes people laugh in the breakroom—great swag creates moments, not just impressions.

Rethinking Everyday Swag: The Dentist Office Test

Think about the classic goodie bag from your dentist. You probably get a toothbrush, floss, and maybe a sticker. It’s expected—and forgettable.

But what if it wasn’t?

What if you walked out with a clever “Floss Boss” tote or a minty-fresh lip balm branded with something funny instead of just another reminder to call the office?

That’s the difference between functional and shareable swag.

Use Branded Swag to Leave an Impression, Not Just Information

Let’s move beyond contact details and toward connection. The next time you’re designing your company merch or planning event giveaways, ask yourself:

• Does this item make someone smile?
• Would they keep it—or toss it?
• Does it say something about my brand, not just from it?

If you want your branded merch to stand out in a sea of generic giveaways, ditch the digits. Give people something they’ll love, laugh at, or wear proudly.