Whether you're a brand new business working in the tech industry, a well-established fitness brand or running your first event — merch matters.
There are so many merch ideas around, but knowing which will make you the most profit is essential. After all, you don’t want to waste money launching merch you can’t sell!
So, what are the best options to go for?
In this article, we’ll explore 50 different merch ideas, so you can explore popular products, designs and even get a feel for pricing along the way.
What makes great merch?
The intention behind your merch can help you decide which merch options you go for. If you intend to create unique promotional products that get remembered, you might want to opt for something quirky. If, however, you're thinking quantity over uniqueness, pens or notepads should fit the bill.
But what really makes great merchandise?
This could be narrowed down into three things that turn your average merch items into popular surefire sellers.
- Popularity
- Utility
- Quality
Who might want custom merch?
Branded merchandise has long been used at the likes of networking events. But things have moved on a lot further than a simple pen with a company logo on. Now, there are so many different merch ideas to consider — that are less about stamping them with your logo, and more about building a brand.
After all, there are so many reasons why you may want to create branded merchandise. But who do these merch ideas work best for?
The answer is, well, any type of business. These unique merch ideas have been broken down below to suit everything from small businesses to tech companies — helping you find creative merch items that suit your brand.
Plus, if you're a print-on-demand (POD) company, these merch ideas can help you to further your offering, making it easier than ever to sell merch to budding businesses.
Top 10 creative merch ideas for large and small businesses
Let's start with a list of top sellers when it comes to merchandise. These are versatile, scalable options that can appeal to a broad audience.
1. Branded reusable water bottles
From gyms to offices, reusable water bottles promote sustainability and suit any lifestyle. There are also plenty of options available, including stainless steel, insulated water bottles and much more.
Plus, getting involved with eco-friendly products can help to showcase your brand as sustainable and eco-aware.
2. Magnets
Magnets are a simple yet effective merch item that appeals to a wide range of customers. But these don't have to be just a magnet for your fridge, as they could also feature on office cubicles or even cars — providing exposure for your brand.
Not only are they inexpensive to produce, but they're easy to distribute too.
3. Company logo coffee mugs
When it comes to merch ideas, custom mugs may not be up there with the greatest or most unique. But they do serve a purpose! These are practical items that showcase your business in everyday life.
Rather than simply slapping your logo on the side, see if you can find new, creative designs to get your business out there. These are often a great option for promotional events and can usually be bought relatively cheaply in bulk.
4. PopSockets with your logo
When it comes to cool merch ideas, PopSockets can be a great addition to any merch table. If you're at an event or running a networking session, getting a quirky design on a PopSocket can get your business seen by plenty. This can also be a great option for content creators looking to sell merch!
5. Desk organizers
If you run a corporate business, there are plenty of ways to increase your brand visibility with cool merch ideas. One of which is a branded desktop organizer! Custom physical merch can be both practical and well-designed, helping users to take advantage of your merch in everyday settings.
Looking for merch ideas that get your business seen within the workplace? A desk organizer might be for you. After all, who doesn't want to keep their desk neat and tidy?
6. Branded notebooks and journals
Much like your typical promotional items — such as pens — notebooks and journals can still be incredibly helpful for showcasing your business. This type of merch idea may be better suited to businesses whose customers work in particular settings, such as sales, or in offices.
However, many people can benefit from a notebook — all while you keep your brand at the forefront of their minds. Want to target specific consumers? Work on some creative custom designs and show what you can really do to capture their attention.
If you run a print-on-demand (POD) business, a little taste of your custom merch can help new customers to invest in their own.
7. Custom keychains
We all love a keychain, right? Here's your opportunity to get your business seen in another everyday setting — on a set of keys.
Let's think about it for a second. If you lease cars, why not push your brand recognition on every set of keys you hand over? There are endless opportunities here, from gas stations to rentals or even motels.
While this may be more of a freebie merch idea for some industries, depending on your brand, it could also be a good opportunity for selling merch too.
8. Mini desk plants
Want to get your brand seen in the workplace? Mini desk plants could be a great opportunity to add a little nature to your customers' working environment — while promoting your business.
Custom physical merch like this is different to your typical pen and notebook merch, with opportunities to get creative in your design ideas. These could be free promotional items when a purchase is made, or sold on your online store individually.
9. Power banks
From festival-goers to hikers, a power bank can be beneficial for a whole world of different customers. Yet again, it's not just about popping a logo on the side. This merch idea has plenty of room for your imagination to run wild on a product that will be used over and over again.
Whether you run a battery company or an events agency, get a power bank in your merch store and get your brand seen by potentially thousands of customers.
10. Seasonal merchandise
When winter hits, we all love something warm, cozy and practical. From quirky slippers with fun patterns to winter gloves, scarves and beanies, hop on the seasonal merchandise train and showcase your brand this winter.
Top 10 best band merch ideas
From concerts to online stores, band merch is there to get fans excited and feel included in their favorite music. These merch ideas are perfect for any fanbase.
1. Custom band t-shirts
It wouldn't be a concert without custom band t-shirts, right? Whether your band's logo, a quirky design or well-known phrase/lyrics, band merch is here to stay.
Selling t-shirts at a merch table has been the norm for a long, long time. With many fans looking online post-show to shop a band's merch even further.
Band merch comes in many forms, but t-shirts are certainly one of the staples of the music industry. If you're promoting a specific tour or special event, take advantage of t-shirts to highlight tour dates and significant events, helping your t-shirts to become limited edition items.
2. Branded hoodies
Band merch wouldn't be complete without hoodies on your merch store. Not everyone wants to buy t-shirts, but branded hoodies can appeal to a wide range of audiences.
This is yet another opportunity to create custom designs, highlight show dates and create limited edition versions of your merch.
3. Limited-edition vinyl records
Any band merch collection isn't quite complete without limited-edition vinyl records. With the opportunity to customize your own jacket and labels online, vinyls are a great addition to any online store.
Whether you choose to promote specific album art, or create interactive merch with your own custom labels, there are endless opportunities to take your merch one step further.
4. Posters and tapestries
Many bands generally sell posters and show-related printed merch. From posters of tour dates to custom designs, posters have long been associated with concerts and tours. This is your opportunity to expand upon album art and take your band merch to another level.
If you don't fancy creating posters, you can easily surprise your fans with truly unique merch ideas in the form of tapestries. This could be a limited-edition wall accessory available at a significantly higher price point! Plus, you can use sustainable materials to show that your band is eco-conscious.
5. Enamel pins
Enamel pins are a timeless and versatile merch idea for bands and musicians. Small and affordable to produce, these are a great addition to any merch stand.
These items can quickly become collectible, wearable and a subtle way for fans to support their favorite artists. Enamel pins could be an opportunity to create unique merch designs, showcase album art or even display inside jokes from your fan community.
6. Guitar picks
Much like enamel pins, guitar picks are easy to customize and produce for your merch line. These can feature your band logo, album art or even a printed signature.
For fans who also play guitar, guitar picks can also become a prized possession, so you'll want to take full advantage of the space when creating your merch designs.
7. Custom tote bags
Looking for a practical yet stylish merch idea? Custom tote bags can be the perfect solution for artists looking to create sustainable merchandise. Whether they feature your tour dates, band logo or album artwork, there are plenty of opportunities to customize tote bags and get your band seen.
Tote bags can be the perfect gift for music fans, especially when you create limited edition designs such as a print of handwritten lyrics.
8. Band-themed stickers
A classic band merch item! Stickers are versatile and affordable to produce, making them ideal for those with a small budget. For those new to the music industry, stickers are a great way to spread your branding at a low cost.
Think of new ways beyond your band logo to leverage stickers on your merch stall, from song lyrics to exclusive content — the opportunities are endless.
9. Calendars
To allow your fans to get up close and personal with your music, why not explore the idea of calendars to keep your tour dates alive? These can feature behind-the-scenes photos or exclusive artwork only available in this format.
There are lots of options here, too, including desktop calendars and wall calendars. Dedicated fans can even keep the artwork once the year is out.
10. Tumblers
Tumblers are both practical and stylish and can be used daily, whether for coffee, water or other drinks. As well as adding another item to your merch line, tumblers align with the growing trend towards sustainability, helping to appeal to eco-conscious fans.
These can be sold as standalone items, or even as part of a bundle on your online store. Think of ways to make your band merch adaptable across different items. This could be your band logo, custom designs or album artwork.
Top 10 eco-friendly merch ideas
1. Bamboo pens
Bamboo pens are an excellent eco-friendly merch idea that combines practicality with sustainability.
Whether your business focuses on sustainability, or being eco-conscious is a part of your brand values, bamboo pens can be a great addition to your merch store. These could be handed out at events, included in gift bundles, or sold online.
2. Reusable metal straws
The perfect alternative to single-use plastic straws, reusable metal straws can be a practical way to promote your business. Both lightweight and easy to clean, these could be sold in branded pouches or as part of a wider eco-friendly merch kit.
Since these straws are intended for use over and over again, they deliver consistent exposure for your brand.
3. Recycled paper notebooks
Deliver style and sustainability with notebooks made with recycled paper. With a cover suitable for adding unique designs or your brand logo, these are perfect for jotting down ideas or taking notes.
Whether handed out at events, sold on your online store or included in welcome packages, these merch items are a meaningful way to promote your business.
4. Organic cotton tote bags
Tote bags made from organic cotton can support your business in demonstrating sustainable, eco-friendly values. This type of merchandise is durable and perfect for everyday use, whether running errands or doing grocery shopping.
The large surface gives you plenty of opportunities to create custom designs or slogans that turn them into walking billboards for your brand.
5. Solar-powered chargers
Yet another great eco-conscious merch option that your target audience will love! Solar-powered chargers harness the power of the sun, providing your customers with a renewable energy source that keeps them connected.
These are perfect for festival-goers, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone looking for a sustainable solution on the go. It doesn't matter what type of business you are, this is a great merch idea for all industries.
6. Biodegradable phone cases
Biodegradable phone cases are a stylish and eco-friendly way to showcase your brand while reducing plastic waste. These are often made from materials such as bamboo, wheat straw or plant-based polymers, which can decompose naturally.
If you're an eco-friendly business, or simply want to highlight your sustainability values, these are a perfect merch idea. Plus, they are easily customized with your logo or design ideas!
7. Reusable silicone food bags
Reusable silicone food bags are an innovative and eco-friendly merch option that promotes a zero-waste lifestyle. For those who are looking for eco-friendly products, these can be a great addition to their kitchen essentials.
Designed to replace single-use plastic bags, these reusable alternatives are durable and leak-proof, making them perfect for on-the-go. Plus, you can of course customize them with your branding, whilst spreading an eco-conscious message.
8. Seed paper bookmarks
Serving a dual purpose, seed paper bookmarks are a unique merch idea and an eco-friendly option for businesses focused on sustainability. Made from biodegradable paper embedded with seeds, these bookmarks can be used and later planted to grow flowers, herbs, or vegetables, giving them a second life.
9. Compostable coffee cups
If you're running an event, using eco-friendly products can position your business as eco-aware. Compostable coffee cups may not be quite the same as reusable water bottles or tumblers, but they certainly help to send the right message compared to single-use plastics.
These are ideal for cafes, events or giveaways, with plenty of room to feature your logo, message or custom artwork.
10. Fabric patches
Fabric patches are a creative and quirky merch idea, with upcycled options that repurpose old materials into something new. These merch items can include your logo, artwork or even slogans, all while promoting eco-conscious values.
By offering these on your online store, you not only reduce waste but also connect with customers who are looking for products that value sustainability
Top 5 merch ideas for food and drink brands
Run a food or drink brand? Here are some cool merch ideas to consider.
1. Branded bottle openers
Branded bottle openers are a practical and popular merch for food and drink brands. Plus, they can be easily used in giveaways, promotional packs or as part of a bundle.
Inexpensive to make and easy to ship, they're a small but mighty merch idea to get your message across in everyday use.
2. Custom aprons
No matter what type of food you sell, custom aprons can be a creative merch idea to promote your brand. Think outside the box and branch out from simply featuring your logo, since there are plenty of opportunities to create custom designs, leverage slogans and get creative!
3. Recipe cards featuring your products
When it comes to cool merch ideas, creating custom recipe cards is a great way to get your brand seen and offer an engaging way to inspire your customers. Customers then have the opportunity to recreate dishes or beverages using your ingredients and recipes, strengthening their connection to your brand.
4. Insulated travel mugs
Insulated travel mugs are an eco-friendly and practical merch option for food and drink brands. These keep drinks either hot or cold for hours, making them perfect for on-the-go.
Don't be afraid to get creative with your merch designs, turning these travel mugs into walking billboards for your brand.
5. Branded cutting boards
For any food brand, getting your name out there is crucial. So why not start in the kitchen? Branded cutting boards are both stylish and useful. These can be made from wood, bamboo or other durable materials — while featuring your logo or custom design ideas.
Top 5 merch ideas for tech companies
Run a tech company? If you're looking for cool merch ideas, you've come to the right place.
1. Tech-themed t-shirts
T-shirts are one of the most popular merch ideas around. But when you run a tech company, there are plenty of opportunities to leverage slogans, messages and inside jokes relating to your industry.
Carry out some customer research to get to grips with your target audience and find the perfect tech-themed t-shirt ideas.
2. Custom USB drives
Custom USB drives are practical, tech-savvy merch items that your customers will have easy access to in everyday life. These could be used for both personal and business use, helping your brand get seen.
Branded with your logo, these portable devices are ideal for tech businesses looking to offer a functional product while promoting what you do. These could also be used in giveaways or as freebie items at promotional events.
3. Bluetooth speakers with your logo
Everyone loves music. So why not take your business and offer a popular, high-tech item that offers both style and functionality? For tech fans, portable Bluetooth speakers could be used at home, at work or even on the go.
You can even get creative with the packaging too!
4. Laptop sleeves featuring your branding
Whether your customers work from home, on the go or even use a laptop in the workplace, a laptop sleeve is a sleek and practical merch idea. These will help to protect devices, while showcasing your brand. Don't be afraid to get creative with your designs to really stand out!
5. Branded mousemats
Both affordable and practical, branded mousemats are a great merch product to consider adding to your online store. Mousemats are perfect for office environments, home setups or as giveaways at tech events.
With a decent amount of space on each mousemat, you get creative with your design and turn your merch into a perfect gift idea.
Top 5 merch ideas for fitness brands
Run a growing fitness brand? Here are some merch ideas to fit your goals.
1. Branded water bottles
Looking to get your brand seen in the gym? A water bottle is an essential fitness accessory, and the perfect opportunity to create a new item for your merch store.
Not only does it help boost your brand visibility, but they're also eco-friendly and reusable, as well as practical.
2. Custom branded yoga mats
Branded yoga mats are an excellent merch item for fitness brands looking to enhance their customer experience. You can choose between a simplistic product with just your logo, a quirky design or even inspirational messages for fitness enthusiasts.
3. Gym towels
An absolute must-have for any gym-goer, branded gym towels offer both practicality and comfort. These can also be used for customers in yoga studios or on outdoor runs, making your brand more versatile than ever.
You can choose to keep your design ideas simple with just your logo, or get creative with slogans, other messaging and artwork.
4. Fitness tracker wristbands
With so many of us paying closer attention to our health goals, tracker wristbands can serve a purpose whilst promoting your business. For any fitness brand, this type of merch can be an effective marketing tool.
This could be as simple as a fitness pedometer, or a smarter version for greater fitness tracking.
5. Custom branded resistance bands
Resistance bands are a compact and affordable fitness accessories that customers can use for various strength training moves. Customizing these merch items with your logo can make them a practical marketing tool for promoting your business.
Top 5 merch ideas for events and conferences
Running an event and looking for great promotional items? Look no further.
1. Branded lanyards
A conference staple, branded lanyards offer a practical way to display attendee badges while promoting your business. These can feature your logo, or event design at a low price, keeping your brand visible throughout the event.
2. Branded socks
Looking for wearable merchandise ideas? Socks are a given! Whether you're running a huge conference or taking part in a networking event, branded socks can be a great way to get your business seen in the world of clothing.
You can choose to get creative with your designs, or simply use your logo on these items — either way, they make for a perfect promotional product.
3. Event-specific tote bags
With so many promotional items available at events and conferences, why not give your attendees an item that can help carry them? This can feature artwork specific to the event, promoting your business long after the event has finished.
Plus, as they continue to browse, they'll serve as walking advertisements for your brand.
4. Custom phone stands and chargers
Whether you're a design agency or a technology brand, a phone stand can be a great promotional item for events and conferences. When attendees leave, this type of merchandise can still be used at home or in the workplace, providing functionality while promoting your brand.
Some phone stands can also include wireless charging, giving you even more opportunities to get creative.
5. Notebooks and pens
There's always someone who happens to forget their notebook and pen! No matter what type of event you're running, these practical items will always be appreciated by attendees. Customize each with your event's branding and artwork and keep your business visible throughout.
If you're an eco-conscious brand, you can even opt for notebooks and pens made from sustainable, recycled materials, such as bamboo.
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