Branded merch has come a long way from basic pens and stress balls. These days, companies are thinking outside the box and giving their swag bags a serious upgrade. While traditional items still have their place, unexpected products are gaining attention for all the right reasons. Not only do they surprise and delight, but they also keep your brand in the spotlight longer.
In a sea of typical giveaways, adding unexpected branded items can help you stand out at events, onboarding kits, or employee appreciation gifts. These are the types of products that spark conversations, get shared on social media, and, most importantly, actually get used. Let’s explore five unexpected things you can brand and why they’re worth the investment.
Branded blankets are one of those under-the-radar merch items that people don’t expect, but love receiving. Unlike a mug that may end up in a crowded cabinet, a quality blanket becomes part of someone’s home. It goes on couches, travels to picnics, and even shows up in the background of video calls.
Custom embroidery or woven designs offer a high-end finish that shows you went the extra mile. A cozy fleece blanket or throw with your logo subtly stitched in the corner brings warmth both physically and emotionally to your brand’s image.
Ideal for winter events, holiday gifts, or welcoming remote employees, branded blankets are an investment that stays relevant year-round and adds real comfort to brand visibility.
Plastic is out, and sustainability is in. Branded reusable snack bags make a great eco-friendly addition to your merch bag. They’re practical, lightweight, and offer a large surface area for branding without feeling forced.
These bags come in materials like silicone, cloth, or PEVA, offering durability and a modern feel. Some companies even take it further by printing colorful patterns or positive messages alongside their branding.
It’s a small, simple item that speaks volumes about your company’s values and attention to lifestyle-friendly design. Whether your audience is packing lunches for work or snacks for kids, your logo goes wherever they go.
Wellness is no longer a luxury; it’s a daily priority for many people. This makes wellness-themed branded items a smart addition to any merch bag. But forget generic hand sanitizer. Think branded essential oil rollers, compact massagers, or even sleep masks.
An essential oil roller with a calming blend and your company logo shows you care about mental well-being, not just business goals. A branded mini foam roller or stretching strap can be a hit at fitness-focused events or team retreats.
These wellness items often get pulled out again and again, reinforcing your brand over time in a non-intrusive way. Plus, the feel-good factor strengthens brand loyalty more than you might expect.
Yes, everyone loves a portable charger, but that’s expected. To make an impact, consider branding more unusual tech accessories. Examples include webcam covers, tech-cleaning kits, or phone stands with multi-functional designs.
A branded webcam cover is a simple privacy tool people appreciate more than they realize. It sits on a laptop, right in the user’s eyeline, with your logo right there. Tech-cleaning kits with microfiber cloths, screen sprays, and keycap brushes are another overlooked gem.
Even a phone stand that doubles as a cord wrap or cardholder adds versatility and value to your merch. Elevate your brand with professionally embroidered uniforms and merchandise.
Who says branded merch can’t make it into someone’s kitchen? Surprisingly, kitchen items have a long shelf life and high visibility, especially when they’re thoughtfully chosen. Think silicone spatulas, personalized cutting boards, or even engraved measuring spoons.
These are things people reach for multiple times a week, often while cooking for family or entertaining guests. That repeated exposure builds brand familiarity in a very natural, unforced way.
Want to add a quirky twist? Consider custom spice jars with clever names that tie into your brand personality. It adds humor, usefulness, and a creative angle that sparks conversation every time someone seasons a meal.
The best branded merch makes people pause and say, Wow, I didn’t expect this. It’s that surprise factor that turns standard swag into something memorable. When you include items that are useful, stylish, or just plain different, your brand earns a place in everyday routines.
Not everything has to be flashy. Subtle, well-made items like embroidered blankets or sleek snack bags show that your company values quality and intention.
In today’s work-from-anywhere world, branded merch can still connect and communicate if it’s done right. So go ahead and think beyond the usual suspects. From kitchens to yoga mats, there’s a whole world of brandable spaces out there waiting for your logo.
The Fashion and Style enthusiast with a flair for drama and entertainment! A millennial on the lookout for the trending styles inspired by and believes in: “You can get anything in life if you have the right dress for it!” Adding a little magic through the power of words and not holding back on fashion and styling opinions! Let’s connect to stay on top of trend alerts and the who is who of Fashion world and get inspired to give your personality the styling oomph you’ve been craving for! Nageen Abbas at Vogue Vocal is the brains behind our Woke Vogue and Lifestyle Library!
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