By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert
Key Takeaways
Mary Mackinson Faber’s “Festive AF” sticker works because it mixes snark, sparkle, and seasonal cheer without tipping into corny. The lesson: build swag around a phrase people already want to say, and use the Say-It-Out-Loud Test to check that it sounds like a person and not a corporate slogan.
Why Does the “Festive AF” Sticker Work as Holiday Branded Merch?
Because it’s the perfect mix of snark, sparkle, and seasonal cheer—without tipping into corny. That’s exactly why Mary Mackinson Faber’s “Festive AF” sticker has been living rent-free in our brains.
Some holiday swag is… well… trying too hard. You’ve seen it: Santa puns. Glitter overload. Generic “Season’s Greetings” that feels like it came from a catalog in 2007.
But every once in a while, a piece of branded merchandise shows up that feels fresh, funny, and actually usable.
Welcome to our Merch Lab, where we break down what makes company swag people want to keep, use, and show off.
What Makes the “Festive AF” Sticker the Star?
Mary Mackinson Faber’s “Festive AF” sticker is one of those rare pieces of holiday merch that feels:
- Festive without being cheesy
- Modern instead of corny
- Giftable without being generic
- Fun enough to stick everywhere
And that’s the whole point of great promotional products:
They don’t just “have your logo.”
They create a vibe people want to be part of.
Why We Made This (and Why Holiday Branded Merch Usually Misses)
Holiday branded swag can get corny fast.
A lot of corporate holiday gifts fall into the same traps:
❌ Too predictable
If it looks like every other holiday giveaway, it becomes forgettable.
❌ Too “forced fun”
You can’t manufacture cheer. People can smell fake festive energy from a mile away.
❌ Too generic
If anyone could give it to anyone, it doesn’t feel like your brand.
That’s why we made “Festive AF.”
It captures what people actually say during the season — and it does it with style.
How Do You Make Merch Sound Like Your People?
Here’s the Merch Lab lesson you can steal immediately:
✅ Build swag around a phrase people already want to say.
If it sounds like them, they’ll use it.
If it feels like a real expression they already have in their vocabulary… they’ll stick it everywhere:
- laptops
- water bottles
- notebooks
- phone cases
- packaging
- gifts
- office doors
- even the occasional mini fridge (yes, we’ve seen it)
That’s how merch becomes marketing without feeling like marketing.
Steal This Move: The “Say-It-Out-Loud” Test
Before you print your next batch of custom branded merchandise, try this:
The Say-It-Out-Loud Test
Ask: Would someone say this phrase in real life?
If the answer is yes, you’re golden.
If it sounds like a corporate slogan, you’re headed toward the “swag drawer of doom.”
Good branded merch doesn’t sound like a brand talking.
It sounds like a person.
Why Does This Matters for Your Brand? (Especially During the Holidays)
The holidays are a huge moment for:
- corporate gifts
- employee appreciation gifts
- client holiday gifts
- end-of-year team swag
- holiday promotional products
But the brands that win don’t just give “stuff.”
They give merch people want to use — because it feels current, personal, and shareable.
And when your swag gets used in public?
Your brand gets seen in public.
That’s the whole point.
Bonus: What Makes a Sticker an Elite Promotional Product?
Stickers are one of the most underrated promotional giveaways because they’re:
- low-cost but high-impact
- easy to distribute
- super shareable
- long-lasting
- instantly visible
But the key is design. A sticker needs:
✅ a phrase people relate to
✅ a style people want to rep
✅ a vibe that matches the brand
✅ just enough edge to feel fun
“Festive AF” checks every box.
Now for the Important Question : What Is the Name of the Sticker’s Cow? 👀🐄✨
This sticker’s cow already has a name.
What do you think it is?
Drop your best guess below — and yes, we’re judging (lovingly).
FAQ
What is the “Festive AF” sticker?
Mary Mackinson Faber’s sticker is a piece of holiday merch that is festive without being cheesy, modern instead of corny, giftable without being generic, and fun enough to stick everywhere.
Why does holiday branded merch usually miss?
It’s too predictable, too “forced fun,” or too generic. If it looks like every other holiday giveaway, or anyone could give it to anyone, it doesn’t feel like your brand.
What is the Say-It-Out-Loud Test?
Before you print, ask: would someone say this phrase in real life? If yes, you’re golden. If it sounds like a corporate slogan, you’re headed toward the swag drawer of doom.