Need merch? Thinking about some promo swag? How to get the most dazzle for your dollar

Thinking about ordering mugs, t-shirts, tote bags, or stickers with your logo? We’re talking swag (or merch too). Here’s what to consider before you hit order:

1. Who and what is it for? A giveaway for customers or clients? Something to sell at an event or pop-up?A thank-you gift or part of a loyalty program? For internal team-building or staff uniforms? Knowing the purpose will guide everything—from item choice to design and quantity. To consider:

Item Choice - for example:
Free giveaway at a conference? This might require something lightweight, affordable, and easy to pack, like stickers, pens, or tote bags. VIP thank-you gift? Go for something higher-quality and more personal, like a custom journal, insulated mug, or embroidered hat. Internal team swag? Think comfort and pride, like well-fitting shirts or hoodies that employees want to wear.
Design Decisions
If the item is for external marketing, make sure your logo and website/social media addresses are clearly visible. If it’s for a staff event or internal use, you can be more playful or minimal with branding. Selling it? The design should be desirable on its own—think lifestyle aesthetic, not just promotion.
Quantity
Freebies at events? You may need large quantities at a lower price point. Gifts for a select few? Smaller runs of premium items work better. Limited-edition merch for sale? Think strategically about how many you can realistically sell—and if scarcity will drive interest.

2. Is it actually useful or meaningful?
Nobody needs another flimsy pen or itchy T-shirt. Think about what your audience would keep, use, or appreciate. Relevance = retention. Why? Because if the item feels useful, stylish, or personally relevant, people are more likely to keep it—and every time they use it, they’re reminded of your brand. That’s long-term visibility you don’t get from a business card or a one-time ad.

3. Does it reflect your brand?
That means more than sticking your logo on a product. Consider your colors, tone, and the overall vibe of your business. Swag is an extension of your brand identity.

4. Do you have the right files ready?
Depending on the application and the vendor, you’ll most likely need a vector version of your logo (like .AI, .PDF, or .EPS) and possibly specific color codes. Low-res or incorrect files can delay production—or worse, result in blurry results. Working with a local provider is a great solution because you can easily communicate. But if you go with an online vendor, pleeease make sure to read their file requirements.

5. Common swag mistakes to avoid:

Choosing items just because they’re cheap
Not thinking through how and when it will be distributed
Over-ordering (or under-ordering)- does the item require a minimum purchase, and if not, is it ending up to be more expensive than it’s value to you?
Using inconsistent or off-brand designs

Swag can be a great brand-building tool—but only if it’s thoughtful, useful, and aligned with your goals.

Some examples of swag that I’ve created for clients. Need some help getting your game on? Get in touch- Le’ts chat!

New & Unexpected Swag Ideas:

🧩 Mini Puzzle or Brain Teaser
A small custom puzzle with your brand colors or message = fun, memorable, and keeps your brand on their desk.

🌱 Seed Paper or Grow Kits
Eco-friendly and symbolic—especially great for wellness, growth, or transformation themes.

🧦 Custom Socks
Functional yet festive, especially if you use fun patterns, taglines, or inside jokes relevant to your brand or team.

🪷 Enamel Pins or Iron-on Patches
A little retro, very collectible, and ideal for niche branding. Example: A yoga studio might create enamel pins shaped like tiny lotus flowers with their tagline, or a coffee brand could design patches that say “Caffeine Crew” in their brand colors—fun, wearable, and great for superfans.

🩹 Sticker Sheets
Not just one logo sticker—think full sheets with on-brand illustrations, icons, or phrases. I’ve seen these in college acceptance packages recently- a fun way to show school spirit.

📱 Phone Grips or Cord Organizers
Practical and always in use = high visibility.

🍴 Reusable Snack Bags or Travel Utensil Sets
A sustainability win that’s useful daily.

📔 Not-Your-Average Notebook
Go beyond the logo on the front—print a motivational quote inside, add a custom planner page, or brand the spine for shelf visibility.

💻 Portable Tech Wipes or Screen Cleaners
Small, useful, and relevant in our screen-heavy lives.

💌 Scratch-Off Cards with Rewards or Encouragement
Branded scratch-off cards that reveal a message, discount, or surprise—fun and interactive!

🥡 Branded snack or coffee packaging
Personalized coffee bags, or chocolate bars with your logo, unique artwork, and a story about your brand or blend. A useable gift, that tells your story. You’ve probably seen the custom made cookies that can even have a photo printed on top in edible icing. They are true works of art - and your special event guests will not be able to resist posting them on their social media - free advertising!

🪛 Jar openers (and other useful household items)
This one has been around the block, but I use mine, that I received as a freebie at a street fair, a lot! Mini tape measure, yardstick, light up keychain, phone stand, hot sauce sample…

You get the idea - think “outside the mug” and give something that’s personal to your brand, and that will reinforce the connection with your business.

-Kris