Selling merch is a smart, profitable move for any business. The best branded merch ideas can bring in extra revenue, strengthen customer loyalty and turn your brand into something people want to wear and use. The right branded ideas for your small business should reflect your brand’s personality and appeal to your audience. From classic custom apparel like T-shirts and hoodies to stationery and desk accessories, putting your logo on an item people will love and use is a surefire way to get your branding out into the world in a way that’s authentic and profitable. We’ve rounded up the bestselling promotional products to take your brand to the next level.
- Selling branded merchandise is a fun way to generate extra revenue, boost brand loyalty and keep your business top of mind.
- The best budget-friendly merch ideas are affordable to produce and easy to sell, like custom socks, keychains, coasters, branded stickers and posters with branded artwork.
- Custom T-shirts, branded hoodies, tote bags and notebooks are timeless merch ideas that are popular year-round, while trendy merch ideas include branded water bottles, pop sockets and tech accessories.
- Creative branded merch ideas like puzzles, to-do list notebooks, custom ice molds, temporary tattoos, playing cards and scratch-off cards engage customers in a fun and memorable way.
Budget-friendly branded merchandise ideas
Some of the most profitable merch ideas are items that cost the least to produce but offer big returns. These easy-to-produce, customizable and practical items make the best budget-friendly branded merchandise to boost your brand’s visibility and bottom line. Plus, affordable merch makes great impulse buys and token gifts, meaning you can turn a small investment into a steady stream of sales.
1. Custom keychains
Keychains are classic merch for a reason. They’re small, practical and always within reach. Whether it’s a simple logo keychain or a unique shape that represents your brand, these affordable promotional items are a great way to keep your brand top of mind.
Because keychains are cheap to produce in bulk, they are the go-to choice for any small business looking for low-risk, high-reward merch.
2. Branded stickers
Custom stickers are one of the most cost-effective merch items out there—and they’re super versatile. You can sell them as single die-cut stickers for a bold statement or offer sticker sheets packed with multiple designs as branded giveaways for even more branding potential.
Whether customers slap the stickers on their laptop, water bottle or notebook, these mini but mighty pieces of merch turn everyday items into small billboards for your brand.
3. Printed socks
There’s no such thing as too many socks—some vanish in the wash, and you’re always hunting for an extra pair. And if they come with a fun tagline, funky pattern or creative design? Instant favorite. Plus, socks are a universal product—everyone needs them and customers love a good novelty pair.
Custom socks with your logo, company slogan or a quirky pattern turn a daily item into a walking ad (literally) for your brand. And because the branding isn’t too obvious, branded socks are easily wearable. They’re lightweight, easy to ship and practically sell themselves, making them a no-brainer for any online business looking for high-return merch ideas.
4. Coasters
Coasters aren’t just for keeping tabletops safe from coffee rings—a well-designed coaster featuring a business logo, witty slogan or eye-catching artwork can turn an everyday item into a subtle but effective marketing tool.
Coasters work particularly well for coffee shops, breweries and other beverage businesses, as customers can use the coaster while drinking your product—win, win! Plus, they’re inexpensive to produce and easy to bundle with other products as giveaways.
5. Fun branded magnets
Magnets are lightweight, affordable and a surprisingly effective branding tool. Branded fridge magnets help bring your brand into customers’ daily lives—seen multiple times a day when they grab milk or make a grocery list.
6. Branded pens
When it comes to affordable custom merch ideas for small businesses, branded pens are simple, effective and always in demand. Pens are a staple for a reason—they get passed around, borrowed and used daily, making them a cost-effective way to keep your brand in front of potential customers.
Choose high-quality pens and your brand will travel far and wide with every note written or form signed.
7. Posters with branded artwork
If your brand has a strong visual appeal or a dedicated fanbase, why not transform that into sellable art? Whether you print bold artwork, a witty slogan or creative designs, custom posters can turn any home office, coffee shop or creative space into an expression of your brand identity.
Drop limited editions, seasonal designs or exclusive prints to create hype and keep customers coming back for more.
Trendy merch ideas
If you’re looking for branded merchandise ideas that fly off the shelves, you’ve got to keep up with current merch and promotional product trends. Trends change fast, and the best-selling merch is about offering something people actually want right now. These ideas are all about the latest trends in merchandise, suggesting cool merch ideas that are in high demand and will cause heads to turn.
8. Mobile phone cases
A custom phone case is prime real estate for bold designs, sleek branding or even a fun phrase that sparks conversation. Whether you go for a minimal logo or a full-color design, this is merchandise that customers will see (and show off) every single day.
9. Branded water bottles
Thanks to the viral Stanley Cup craze, reusable branded water bottles have become a must-have accessory, and customers are always on the lookout for the next best option. We offer a selection of customizable Stanley drinkware as well as other water bottle brands, so you can put your brand front and center on a trendy product that people will love to use.
10. Laptop sleeves
With remote work and digital nomad lifestyles becoming more common, protecting tech is more important than ever. Branded laptop bags and sleeves make stylish, practical and high-demand merch that people carry and use when commuting, traveling or setting up shop at their favorite café. Plus, custom business bags offer a large canvas for branding.
11. Branded gym bags
For fitness lovers, a solid gym bag is as essential as their water bottle and workout playlist. So, if getting fit is one of your target audience’s common interests, design and sell custom duffle and gym bags!
Go for a durable, lightweight branded gym bag design with plenty of storage, and you’ve got a piece of merch that’s both practical and high-impact for brand visibility.
12. Wireless chargers and portable power banks
Low battery anxiety is real, and a portable charger is the modern-day survival kit essential. That’s why custom chargers and power banks are a great merch idea for any business! Your branded power bank saves the day while keeping your business top of mind.
13. Phone wallets
Custom cell phone accessories are a popular choice of trendy merch. Handy smartphone wallets hold cards, IDs and cash on the back of phones. Add your branding to the mix, and suddenly your business is attached to the one thing customers never leave home without.
14. Branded pop sockets
From keeping a firm grip during scrolling to doubling as a mini stand for video calls, pop sockets are the fun phone accessory people don’t realize they need—until they have one. That’s what makes them a genius branding opportunity. Slap your logo on a pop socket and your brand will become part of every text, selfie and late-night doomscroll.
Timeless merch ideas
Some merch just never goes out of style. These are the staples—products people always want and use, and never get tired of. Whether launching your first branded merch collection or expanding an existing merchandise line, these merch classics are a safe bet for boosting your business.
15. Custom T-shirts
There’s a reason custom T-shirts are the backbone of branded merch—they’re wearable and versatile custom apparel, and most T-shirt fits and styles offer the perfect canvas for branding.
But don’t just place your design on the T-shirt and call it a day. A branded T-shirt design should be something people want to wear, using soft fabrics, vibrant colors, flattering fits, different styles and eye-catching designs. Why wait? Learn how to design a T-shirt and create timeless merch for your brand!
16. Branded hoodies
Branded hoodies and sweatshirts are the go-to when the weather cools or customers want comfortable, cozy wearable merch. Looking for some inspiration? Stunning and effective hoodie design ideas keep your brand in rotation all year long!
Choose embroidery or high-quality prints that last, and you’ve got premium merch that builds brand loyalty with every wear.
17. Mugs
Mornings are non-negotiable, and so are your customers’ favorite coffee mugs. The right mug design becomes a permanent fixture on an office desk and kitchen counter. That’s why custom mugs make brilliant branded merch—they don’t just get used, they become part of people’s daily routine.
18. Tote bags
Whether stuffed with work essentials or groceries, a custom tote bag is the kind of company merch that gets used daily. A bold unique design or clever slogan turns a simple tote bag into a statement piece that gets carried everywhere. Plus, with the rise of reusable tote bags, people on the go are always looking for one that’s stylish and sturdy.
19. Branded notebooks
Nothing quite beats putting pen to paper, especially when the stationery looks so good you want to carry it around wherever you go! A well-designed branded notebook has a way of sticking around—filled with ideas, notes and random scribbles.
Unique merch ideas
Want your brand to stand out? Then your merch should, too. While T-shirts and mugs are classics, sometimes it pays to go beyond customers’ expectations and offer custom items more tailored to your business. Unique promotional products not only grab attention but make your brand more memorable.
20. To-do list notepads
Few things are more satisfying than checking off a to-do list. A branded notepad keeps your business top of mind every time someone scribbles down their daily tasks or grocery lists. If you’re looking for a truly unique idea, print a to-do list with tasks that are aligned with your offerings, such as steps on a skincare routine for a beauty brand.
21. Branded aprons
A custom apron makes great merch for businesses whose target customer likes to spend time in the kitchen. Embroider your logo or slogan, or print a unique design, and you’ve got branded merch that’s practical and stylish—something people will actually use. Branded aprons make great merch for food-related businesses.
22. Branded blankets
Soft, stylish and endlessly cozy, a well-made custom blanket turns your brand into a comforting presence in customers’ lives. Whether it’s a sleek embroidered throw or a printed fleece blanket, this is the kind of merch that sticks around in someone’s home for years to come.
23. Bottle openers
A custom bottle opener makes sure your brand is there when the good times start—whether it’s popping a soda or cracking open a cold one. Bottle openers are an especially great merch idea for beverage brands.
24. Scented candles
The right candle can transport you somewhere else. That’s the magic of candles, and it’s why they make incredible merch. If your business is about health and wellness or beauty and bath products, consider branded candle merch idea.
25. Branded cocktail kits
Perfect for happy hour enthusiasts, cocktail kits—custom glassware, shakers and stirrers—turn your brand into the life of the party, offering all the essentials for mixing up the perfect branded drink.
Creative merch ideas
Sometimes, the bestselling merch isn’t just useful—it’s fun. If you want to create business merchandise that sparks curiosity and encourages interaction, take a look at these creative merch items.
26. Branded playing cards
Compact and endlessly entertaining, a deck of branded playing cards is the kind of merch that will always be popular. Whether used for game nights or travel entertainment, playing cards with your logo printed on means brand exposure in a way that feels fun and effortless.
27. Custom ice molds
Custom ice cubes in unique shapes are a fun and clever way to elevate beverages, perfect for bars, coffee brands or businesses looking to leave a cool impression. Create ice molds in the shape of your logo, mascot or a symbol that represents your brand.
Source: via Depositphotos
28. Custom temporary tattoos
Not everyone wants to wear a company logo on their skin—even temporarily. Instead, create a set of temporary tattoos inspired by your business—think fun illustrations, clever phrases or unique designs that tie into what you’re about. These mini pieces of merch are easy to distribute, great for events and perfect for customers to show off on social media.
29. Branded puzzle sets
Who doesn’t love the challenge of a good puzzle? Whether you print a unique design or a hidden message that is slowly revealed as each piece is placed, custom puzzles make for fun, interactive merch. Puzzles are a great option for businesses with strong visuals and eye-catching logos.
Ready to bring your merch ideas to life?
Great branded merchandise ideas don’t just get your name out there—they turn customers into fans, create extra revenue streams and keep your business in the spotlight. Whether you’re all about the classics, chasing trends or looking for something unexpected, the secret to successful merch is simple: create quality items people actually want.
Bestselling merch ideas FAQs
What is merch?
Merch is any branded product a business sells to promote its brand and increase revenue. This can be anything from custom apparel like T-shirts and tote bags to stickers and mugs.
What kind of merch sells best?
The bestselling merch is practical, well-designed and something people actually want to use. T-shirts, hoodies and tote bags are always top sellers because they’re wearable and useful. Trendy custom merch like branded water bottles and tech accessories are also in high demand.
What are affordable merch ideas for small businesses?
If you’re on a budget, smaller items like stickers, keychains and pens offer great profit margins and make easy impulse buys. Ultimately, the best merch for your business depends on your audience—think about what they’d love, not just what’s easy to produce.
Is it OK to make your own merch?
Absolutely! Whether you’re a small business, a local artist or just someone with a great idea, selling your own merch is a great way to grow your brand and bring in extra revenue.
How do I start a merch line?
First, find your target audience and choose products they’ll love—whether custom apparel, tech accessories or fun novelty items. Next, produce creative designs that reflect your brand. Find a reliable printing service that offers high-quality products and customization options. Start with a small batch to test demand or use a print-on-demand service to avoid upfront costs. Finally, market and sell your merch via an online store, social media or in person at events.
