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!