Mar 18, 2025
By:Emily Harper
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!
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
No logo? No problem! Use LOGO.com’s Logo Maker to design one in minutes.
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!
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.