Insight
POSTED: SEPTEMBER 2 2026
Most companies use merchandise to build brand awareness, recognition and loyalty. When merch is done well, it gives someone a physical reminder of your brand that goes beyond a more standard digital interaction.
Good merch is not really about selling products. It is about telling a story. As the world becomes more and more digital, something tangible can go a long way, especially when it feels considered. The problem is that a lot of branded merchandise has started to feel the same: pens, notebooks, bottle openers, tote bags and the usual giveaways. This guide is about finding bolder, better ways to use merch so people actually want to pick it up, keep it and remember you for it.
The merchandise paradox
Brands invest in merchandise because they want to be remembered. The irony is that many still choose products that are easy to forget.
The result is a paradox: companies are spending money on branded merchandise designed to create impact, only to blend into an already overcrowded market.
Merch should start conversations. It should make people curious. It should make someone think, “I’ve never seen that before” or “That would be really useful.”
Most of the time people take one of everything simply because it is there, without any real connection to the brand. The aim should be different. Merch should make enough of an impression that, when the right person is ready to buy, your company is one of the names they remember.
Why should you try being a bit bolder
Merchandise is not just about putting your logo on a low-value item and hoping it does the job. It should say something about who you are as a brand.
If you want people to see your brand as creative, useful or memorable, your merchandise needs to work harder than the standard giveaway.
Here are a few things worth thinking about:
- Start with your brand, not the catalogue
Start your search with this question: “What do we want people to feel or remember about our brand?”
If you are known for innovation, your merch should feel fresh. If your brand is playful, it should make people smile. If you are challenging your sector, the merch should feel a little unexpected.
The best merchandise ideas are brand-first and product-second.
- Create utility with surprise
Practicality matters, but practicality doesn’t have to be boring.
Ask yourself: what would your audience genuinely use, but not expect to receive?
People keep things they need. They remember things that surprise them.
- Think beyond events
It can support marketing campaigns, client onboarding, employee engagement, product launches or direct mail activity. Merch can feel far more personal than another advert or email.
This is something that people take notice of.
- Design as a conversation starter
The most effective merchandise creates a reaction. Whether it is an unexpected format, bold messaging, clever packaging or a simple idea done well, great merch gives people something to talk about.
If your merch does not create any kind of reaction, it is worth asking whether it’s worth having.
- Stop Playing Safe
Many organisations worry about standing out too much. But the bigger risk is being ignored completely.
The strongest brands know that being remembered usually takes a bit of bravery.
Here’s some bolder merch inspiration to get you thinking:
- Wearables people would actually choose
Think heavyweight hoodies, embroidered caps or beanies with subtle branding, bold inside labels or campaign-led messaging. The aim is to create something that feels retail-worthy, not like a freebie.
- Drinkware with a twist
Enamel mugs, transparent glassware, colour-change bottles or oversized travel cups can all feel more considered and trendier than the usual branded mug, especially when the design ties back to your brand personality.
- Useful desk items that avoid the obvious
Instead of another pen, look at clever organisers, screen cleaners, cable tidies, mini whiteboards or tactile notebooks that feel well-designed and genuinely helpful.
- Merch that gets people talking
Funky stickers, badges, collectable patches, quirky fidget items or limited-edition desk toys can give people a reason to interact with your brand beyond the initial handout.
- Eco-conscious ideas with purpose
Seeded paper items, reusable lunch items, recycled materials or plantable packaging work best when the sustainable element feels connected to your message rather than added on as an afterthought.
- Audience-specific extras
Dog toys, games, sweet treats shaped around your brand, festival kits, onboarding boxes or event survival packs can land well when they feel tailored to the person receiving them.
- Packaging that does some of the storytelling
A bold sleeve, message-led box, playful insert to extra content can turn even a simple item into a more memorable brand moment.
- Interactive merch
Scratch cards, mystery boxes, hidden messages, AR-style packaging, quizzes or QR codes that unlock a playlist, offer, video or campaign landing page.
- Digital-meets-physical merch
A physical item that connects to a digital experience, like a QR code leading to a toolkit, playlist, game, competition or exclusive content.
