15 Unique Branded Merchandise Ideas to Make Your Business Unforgettable

Branded merchandise is a powerful way to keep your business top of mind, but let’s be real—another generic pen or stress ball will not leave a lasting impression. If you want customers to actually use (and love) your merchandise, it needs to be creative, practical, and a little unexpected.

And when done right, branded merchandise makes a lasting impact. A study by PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) found that 90% of consumers remember a brand after receiving promotional merchandise, and 73% are more likely to do business with that brand afterward.

The right items go beyond displaying your logo—they build loyalty, spark conversations, and keep your brand top of mind in a way that feels natural and valuable.

Ready to give your brand a creative edge?

We’ve rounded up our favorite non-boring merchandise ideas that customers will actually want to keep—available now on LOGO.com!

Wearable Merch That Turns Heads

Customers love showing off fashionable, unique, and high-quality pieces. Instead of a basic T-shirt, why not choose something unexpected and fun?

These wearable merch ideas give your brand maximum exposure while making customers excited to rep your business.

1. Canvas Shoes

Nothing grabs attention like a bold pair of custom sneakers. Whether you go for high-tops or slip-ons, branded shoes turn customers into walking brand ambassadors in the best way possible.

Custom shoes feel exclusive and collectible, making them a great VIP giveaway, merch store item, or limited-edition launch. Unlike basic promo products, sneakers feel like something special that customers actually want to wear.

Best For:

• Streetwear brands and fashion-forward businesses that want bold, trend-setting merch.
• Creative brands and artists looking for a unique canvas for their designs.
• Fitness and lifestyle brands offering limited-edition footwear.

Branding Ideas:

• Print your logo or custom design on the sides, soles, or tongues for a standout effect.
• Offer collaborations with local artists to create one-of-a-kind designs.
• Release seasonal or limited-run colors to create excitement and exclusivity.
• For intricate, full-color designs that pop on unconventional materials, consider using UV printing to ensure durability and a vibrant finish.

2. Swimsuits

Branded swimwear is a fresh, unexpected way to promote your business.

Most branded merch stays on land, but a custom swimsuit gets your brand seen in new places. Whether at the beach, pool, or on vacation, customers associate custom swimwear with fun, relaxation, and adventure—precisely the kind of brand recognition you want.

Best For:

• Travel and hospitality brands that want a fun, tropical promo item.
• Swimwear and lifestyle brands offering seasonal, branded collections.
• Fitness and wellness brands looking to expand their merch beyond the gym.

Branding Ideas:

• Create all-over custom prints that reflect your brand’s unique style.
• Keep it subtle with a small logo on the strap, waistband, or tag.
• Offer matching swimwear sets to encourage more purchases.

3. Scrunchies

Scrunchies are a stylish throwback that customers love wearing on their wrists and in their hair. They are a fun, practical piece of merch that keeps your brand in front of customers daily while giving them something they actually want to use.

Best For:

• Beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands targeting Gen Z and millennial customers.
• Boutiques and wellness brands that want a stylish, budget-friendly merch item.
• Events, conferences, and pop-ups looking for something fun and wearable.

Branding Ideas:

• Add a woven brand tag for a premium, high-end feel.
• Customize with branded colors, patterns, or seasonal designs.
• Package them in a set of 2-3 for a more premium merch experience.

Daily Essentials That Make Your Brand Impossible to Ignore

The best branded merch is something your customers will grab every day without thinking. The following daily essentials keep your brand front and center, making them some of the most effective, high-visibility promo items out there.

4. Cell Phone Cases

Nearly everyone carries a smartphone, and a phone case has become a statement of personal style. But is adding phone cases to your branded merchandise actually profitable? The numbers say yes.

In 2022, the global phone case market was worth $21.89 billion and is projected to grow by 8.3% annually through 2030. With demand consistently rising, branded phone cases present a valuable opportunity to get your brand in front of customers in a way that feels useful and stylish.

Unlike a flyer that gets tossed or a pen that disappears, a phone case keeps your brand in customers’ hands—literally—all day, every day. Whether used as a premium giveaway, customer appreciation gift, or a limited-edition retail item, branded phone cases offer high visibility and long-term brand exposure.

Best For:

• Lifestyle and fashion brands looking for stylish, high-impact branding.
• Tech-related businesses offering merch that feels sleek and useful.
• Influencers, content creators, and entrepreneurs who want branded merch that their audience will actually use.

Branding Ideas:

• Keep it sleek and minimal with a small logo or monogram in the corner.
• Design a bold, full-color pattern for a trendy, statement look.
• Offer different styles for different phone models to reach a broader audience.

5. AirPod Cases

AirPods are everywhere, and their cases are a perfect spot for showing off your business. A custom AirPod case is a modern, subtle, and stylish way to give customers something they’ll actually want to use while keeping your brand in plain sight.

Best For:

• Tech brands and startups looking for a stylish, industry-relevant promo item.
• Fitness and lifestyle businesses that want a modern, sleek merch piece.
• Fashion-forward brands appealing to a younger, trend-conscious audience.

Branding Ideas:

• Keep it subtle and classy with a small embossed logo.
• Add a fun tagline or brand slogan inside the lid for a hidden surprise.
• Offer matte, glossy, or holographic finishes for a premium feel.

6. Crossbody Bags and Duffle Bags

Bags are fashion statements and everyday essentials. Whether it’s a sleek crossbody for city life or a spacious duffle for travel, branded bags go wherever your customers go, giving your brand endless visibility.

Unlike a T-shirt or notebook that might sit on a shelf, a stylish bag gets daily use, making it a wise investment.

Best For:

• Fitness studios and wellness brands offering custom gym bags for members.
• Travel and lifestyle brands looking for a stylish, functional product.
• Event-based businesses or conferences that want a practical, reusable gift.

Branding Ideas:

• Create a limited-edition colorway or collab design to increase exclusivity.
• Offer a matching set (crossbody + duffle) to encourage multiple purchases.

Lifestyle and Home Goods That Feel Special

Customers appreciate merch that feels like a gift, not just a promo item. When customers receive something stylish, high-quality, and genuinely helpful, they’ll associate your brand with thoughtfulness and creativity. These lifestyle items add a personal touch that makes people want to keep them.

7. Soy Wax Candles

Everyone loves candles. Why?

Because candles create an atmosphere, plus, they smell great! A well-branded candle feels high-end and personal, making it an excellent choice for businesses in wellness, self-care, and home decor.

Unlike a standard promo item, a candle feels like a luxury gift. It’s perfect for VIP customers, client appreciation, or as part of a limited-edition product line.

Best For:

• Wellness brands and spas looking to create a calming experience for customers.
• Home decor and lifestyle brands that want a premium merch offering.
• Businesses that focus on self-care, mindfulness, or relaxation.

Branding Ideas:

• Print an inspirational message or calming affirmation on the jar for an upscale fee.l
• Offer custom scents that match your brand (think "Morning Espresso" for a café or "Fresh Linen" for a home brand).
• Choose sophisticated packaging with minimalist branding for a boutique look.

8. Wall Calendars

Calendars are one of the most underrated merch items—they sit in someone’s home or office for an entire year, keeping your brand visible every single day.

A well-designed calendar doesn’t feel like a promo item—it feels like a tool for organization and inspiration. It’s an excellent choice for corporate gifts, customer loyalty rewards, or limited-edition merch.

Best For:

• Business coaches and motivational brands that want to keep inspiring their audience.
• Corporate brands looking for a high-quality client appreciation gift.
• Lifestyle and creative businesses that want a visually stunning, branded piece.

Branding Ideas:

• Add motivational quotes, industry insights, or customer spotlights to make it engaging.
• Use bold, high-quality photography or illustrations to reflect your brand’s style.
• Offer seasonal or limited-edition designs to keep it fresh and exclusive.

9. Puzzles

Branded puzzles are unexpected, interactive, and incredibly engaging. They offer a unique, hands-on experience that keeps your brand in front of customers for hours at a time. Plus, they work well as a family-friendly, mindfulness-focused, or creative merch item.

Best For:

• Toy and game brands looking for fun, branded collectibles.
• Mindfulness and wellness brands promoting relaxation and stress relief.
• Creative businesses that want a unique, eye-catching merch option.

Branding Ideas:

• Feature a scenic image, custom artwork, or hidden messages in the design.
• Create limited-edition puzzles for special events or product launches.
• Use bold, engaging packaging that makes it feel like a premium item.

10. Holographic Stickers

Stickers are a low-cost, high-impact way to get your brand everywhere. But not all stickers are created equal—holographic stickers add a cool, eye-catching effect that makes them feel collectible and fun.

Plus, stickers are easy to hand out, affordable to produce, and perfect for engaging younger audiences. They make great additions to customer orders, event swag bags, and influencer packages.

Best For:

• Streetwear and lifestyle brands that want a cool, collectible branding piece.
• Creative brands and artists looking for merch that customers love to customize.
• Businesses targeting Gen Z and millennial audiences who enjoy personalizing their gear.

Branding Ideas:

• Use bold designs that reflect the mood and personality of your business.
• Create a sticker pack with different designs for customers to mix and match.
• Print limited-run designs to make them feel exclusive.

Practical Items for Work and Play

The best branded merch isn’t something that gets tossed in a drawer and forgotten. It’s something people reach for daily, whether they’re working, relaxing, or spending time with their pets. These products keep your brand in front of customers in a way that feels natural and useful.

11. Yoga Mats

If your brand is all about wellness, fitness, or mindfulness, a yoga mat is a creative way to connect with your audience while giving them something they’ll actually enjoy using.

A yoga mat makes a premium, high-value gift that customers will use often. It works great as a client thank-you gift, a membership perk, or even as a retail item for fitness brands.

Best For:

• Gyms and wellness studios offering exclusive branded perks.
• Personal trainers and fitness coaches looking for high-end client gifts.
• Corporate wellness programs adding a fun touch to employee incentives.

Branding Ideas:

• Print a small logo along the edge for a clean, modern look.
• Add a motivational quote to inspire workouts and self-care.
• Offer limited-edition colors or patterns to make them feel unique.

12. Aprons

An apron may not be the first thing you think of for branded merch, but that’s exactly why it works! Whether in the kitchen, at a coffee shop, or in an art studio, a high-quality apron is a fun and practical piece of merchandise that customers won’t expect but will love.

Best For:

• Restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops that want aesthetic, functional uniforms.
• Cooking instructors, food bloggers, and home chefs looking for a unique branded product.
• Artists, florists, and crafters who need a stylish and practical work apron.

Branding Ideas:

• Add fun quotes or inside jokes that connect with your audience (e.g., "Flour Power" for a bakery).
• Offer different colors or limited-edition designs for added exclusivity.

13. Pet Bowls

People love their pets, so giving them something their furry friend can use every day is a winning move. A custom pet bowl is a fun, unexpected piece of merch that’s practical, stylish, and shows that your brand has personality.

Pet bowls make a perfect client gift or VIP reward. A pet supply store might include them in a loyalty program, while a vet clinic could use them as a welcome gift for new pet owners.

Best For:

• Pet stores and pet brands that want high-quality branded products.
• Veterinary clinics and groomers offering a thoughtful, useful promo gift.
• Home and lifestyle brands tapping into the growing pet market.

Branding Ideas:

• Offer custom designs that feature the pet’s name.
• Add playful phrases like “Dinner is Served” or “Good Dog, Great Bowl”.
• Create matching sets with food and water bowls for extra appeal.

Packaging and Customization That Feels Exclusive

The right packaging and customization can turn a product into an experience, making customers feel like they’re unboxing something truly special. These branding ideas add a personal, high-end touch that keeps your business memorable long after the first interaction.

14. Wrapping Paper

Branded wrapping paper takes packaging to another level, turning even the simplest product into a premium experience. Whether used for seasonal promotions, limited-edition launches, or high-end product packaging, custom wrapping paper makes your brand feel thoughtful and polished.

Best For:

• E-commerce businesses looking for unique, branded packaging.
• Luxury and lifestyle brands that want a premium, boutique-like experience.
• Retailers and holiday promotions looking for a festive, memorable touch.

Branding Ideas:

• Create a custom pattern with your logo subtly woven into the design.
• Use foil or embossing for a high-end, boutique aesthetic.
• Offer seasonal wrapping paper designs for limited-time promotions.

15. Embroidered Patches

Embroidered patches have a cool, vintage feel that makes them highly collectible. They turn jackets, bags, and hats into branded statement pieces, giving customers a fun way to customize their gear while repping your brand.

Best For:

• Streetwear brands that want to create exclusive, limited-edition patches.
• Event merch and festival swag that attendees actually want to keep.
• Community-driven businesses, clubs, and nonprofits looking for a recognizable, badge-like identity.

Branding Ideas:

• Create limited-edition patches for special events or product launches.
• Add a woven brand tagline or custom design that represents your identity.
• Make them iron-on or sew-on to give customers multiple ways to use them.

How to Create Branded Merchandise With LOGO.com

Want to create branded merchandise for your business? LOGO.com makes it easy to design custom products like yoga mats, bucket hats, tumblers, and more in just a few clicks.

Step 1: Create Your Logo

No logo? No problem! Use LOGO.com’s Logo Maker to design one in minutes.

1. Enter your business name and select a style.
2. Customize it with fonts, colors, and icons.
3. Save and download—your logo is now ready for merch.

Step 2: Design Your Merchandise

1. Sign in and go to ‘Merchandise’ under the Marketing tab.
2. Choose a product.
3. Customize it.
4. Preview your design and place your order.

That is it! LOGO.com makes it fast and effortless to bring your brand to life.

Want a detailed, step-by-step guide?

Check out Branded Merchandise 101: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started and start designing today!

Start Creating Exciting Merchandise for Your Business

Customers appreciate branding that feels thoughtful and intentional. Investing in creative, high-quality merchandise shows you value their experience, not just your logo on another forgettable freebie. The right merch creates positive brand associations, sparks conversations, and keeps your business top of mind long after the first interaction.

And the best part? You don’t need a huge budget to make it happen!

LOGO.com makes it easy to design and order custom merchandise that fits your brand’s personality. Whether you’re launching a new promotion, rewarding loyal customers, or refreshing your online store, these unique products help your business stand out for all the right reasons.

So, which one’s calling your name?

Explore these options on LOGO.com and start creating merch that customers actually want to keep.