Have you ever thought about how powerful merchandise can be for your brand?
Whether you’re running a small business, an artist, or love a hobby, the right merch can help you connect with your fans in unique ways.
What kind of merch excites you the most? T-shirts, stickers, or something completely unexpected?
In this blog post, we share 30 best merch ideas to sell and earn extra money in 2024.
30 Best Merch Ideas For Small Businesses
In today’s competitive market, small businesses constantly aim for innovative ways to stand out and connect with customers.
One powerful strategy is to sell creative merchandise that reflects the brand’s identity and values. Let’s explore some of the best merch ideas to help your small business shine.
Band Merch Ideas
It’s the best way to connect with fans, share your unique style, and promote your music. From classic t-shirts to unique collectables, the right merch can turn casual listeners into dedicated supporters.
Your designs can feature your logo, song lyrics, album artwork, or striking band photos.
You can offer custom merchandise through your online shops or during live shows.
1. T-shirts
India’s T-shirt market is multiplying because more people want sustainable and ethically made clothing. In 2025, a volume growth of 4.2% is expected in the market.
Every time a fan wears your T-shirt, it acts as a walking advertisement for your band, spreading the word and attracting new listeners. T-shirts allow for endless design possibilities—whether featuring your logo, album art, or song lyrics, they offer a canvas to showcase your band’s personality and style.
2. Cap
Caps are stylish accessories that fans can wear daily, making them fashionable and practical. A cap featuring your band’s logo or artwork is an eye-catching way to promote your brand.
are easy to display and sell at concerts, making them an excellent option for merch tables.
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3. Concert Posters
Posters can showcase stunning artwork, unique designs, and vibrant colors, turning them into collectible art pieces.
Concert posters serve as actual reminders of live performances. They capture the excitement and energy of a specific show, allowing fans to relive those memories long after the event.
Posters are relatively inexpensive to produce, allowing you to sell them at a reasonable price point while still maintaining a good profit margin.
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📌 Posters
4. Embroidery Patches
The texture of embroidered patches adds a unique touch that sets them apart from other merch.
Fans appreciate the quality and detail, making them desirable collectables. Patches can be designed in various shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing for endless creativity.
You can incorporate your logo, album art, or iconic imagery, making each patch uniquely represent your brand.
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5. Hooded Sweatshirt
Hooded Sweatshirts are loved by people of all ages and styles, allowing you to reach a broader audience.
They are trendy in cooler weather, making them a perfect merch item for fall and winter tours.
They create a visual connection to the music and community, making people feel part of something bigger.
Custom Merch Ideas
Personalized merch can enhance brand loyalty and create memorable experiences for fans and customers. Here are some of the best merch ideas to try in 2024.
6. All Over Printed T-shirts
All-over printed T-shirts are a fantastic choice for custom merch. Unlike standard prints, all-over prints allow for designs that cover the entire fabric.
This opens up endless possibilities for creativity, letting artists and brands showcase intricate patterns, vibrant colors, or unique graphics that stand out.
Customers can create personalized designs that reflect their individuality and interests, making the T-shirt feel special and unique to them.
8. Custom Phone Cases
Nearly everyone uses a phone daily, making custom phone cases a practical item that people will use.
Many brands offer options for customers to add their names, favorite quotes, and images, making each case feel special and unique.
Custom phone cases are not just protective accessories; they are opportunities for self-expression and brand promotion, making them a compelling choice for custom merchandise.
8. Tote Bags
The bag market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.21% (CAGR 2024-2028).
India’s increasing travel aspirations are driving a surge in demand for premium bags, making them an excellent merch idea.
Tote bags are widely used for shopping, work, travel, and everyday work, making them practical items that people frequently carry.
As people become more environmentally conscious, tote bags are increasingly popular. Customizing these bags aligns with eco-friendly values and attracts environmentally-minded customers.
9. Stickers
Stickers are relatively inexpensive to produce, making them an accessible option for brands and artists of all sizes.
Stickers can appeal to various demographics, from kids to adults, and can be used for personal expression, decoration, and branding.
They can be applied to laptops, water bottles, notebooks, phone cases, and more, making them a versatile product that fits into different lifestyles.
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10. Jigsaw Puzzle
Puzzles encourage users to engage actively with the product, providing a fun and rewarding experience as they assemble the pieces.
Custom puzzles can feature personal photos, artwork, or messages, making them thoughtful gifts for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
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Cute Merch Ideas
Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, trendy accessories, or delightful additions to your own collection, cute merch ideas have something for everyone. Here, we share some cute merch ideas.
11. Notepads
Notepads are useful for jotting down notes, to-do lists, sketches, or reminders, making them items people use daily. Customers can customize notepads with their names, favorite quotes, or images, making them feel special and personal.
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12. Pop-Grips
Pop grips provide a better hold on smartphones, making them practical for texting, taking selfies, and scrolling.
With their small size and variety of designs, pop grips can be fashionable accessories that enhance the look of a phone, adding a cute touch to everyday items.
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13. Greeting Cards
Greeting cards often convey heartfelt messages for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions, making them meaningful and personal gifts.
Custom greeting cards are practical and versatile and offer a unique way for individuals to express feelings and celebrate special moments.
14. Coffee Mugs
Coffee mugs are items people use daily, whether for coffee, tea, or other beverages, ensuring your design gets consistent visibility.
Custom mugs can serve as a promotional tool, potentially spreading brand awareness whenever they’re used in public settings.
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15. Fridge Magnets
Fridge magnets are visible in homes and kitchens, providing daily reminders. Their small size and cute designs make them excellent gifts for friends and family. Custom fridge magnets are practical and affordable and offer a unique platform for creativity and personal expression.
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Cool Merch Ideas
Cool merch ideas refer to unique, trendy, and appealing merchandise that stands out and resonates with a specific audience. Here are some of the best ideas, from trending sipper bottles to bags.
16. Sipper Bottle
Sipper bottles are used daily for hydration, making them practical items that promote healthy habits.
Customers can personalize their bottles with names or particular messages, making them feel unique and special.
Businesses can use branded bottles for promotional events or as giveaways, enhancing brand recognition.
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17. Temporary Tattoos
Custom tattoos can feature various graphics, from adorable illustrations to trendy patterns, allowing for great artistic expression.
Temporary tattoos make excellent party favors for birthdays, weddings, or themed events, adding an element of fun and engagement.
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18. Sweatshirts
Sweatshirts make for an excellent merch idea. You can create unique designs, including graphics, slogans, or custom embroidery that reflects your brand message.
They’re known for their coziness, making them a go-to choice for many people. Comfortable merch is more likely to be worn frequently, increasing brand visibility.
They are ideal for cooler weather, making them a perfect merch option in fall and winter. This can create seasonal demand, enhancing sales opportunities.
19. Tumbler Bottle
Many people, from students to professionals, use Tumbler bottles daily. Their practicality ensures that they’ll be seen and used regularly.
With increasing awareness about sustainability, reusable tumblers are an attractive option for eco-conscious consumers.
The demand for stainless steel tumblers is high, especially among consumers looking for eco-friendly alternatives to disposable cups and water bottles.
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20. Drawstring Bag
Drawstring bags are lightweight and easy to carry, making them suitable for various uses—gym sessions, beach days, shopping, or school.
They are generally more affordable to produce than other merch items, making them accessible to a larger customer base.
This cost-effectiveness allows for higher margins or promotional pricing. Drawstring bags have become trendy accessories in streetwear and casual fashion.
Merch Ideas For Artists
If you want to connect with your audience on a deeper level or explore new revenue streams, the right merchandise can help you showcase your artistry in exciting ways. Here are some exciting merch ideas for artists.
21. Tapestry
Tapestries allow fans to showcase your artwork in a large, striking format. They transform a piece of art into an eye-catching home decor item.
Modern printing techniques can capture intricate details and vibrant colors, representing your artwork beautifully.
Tapestries with artistic expression, making them a fantastic merchandising option for artists looking to expand their brand.
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22. Canvas Prints
Canvas prints are a fantastic merchandise idea for artists. Unlike traditional prints that may require framing, canvas prints come ready to hang, making them convenient for buyers who want instant decor solutions.
Canvas prints can easily fit into various marketing strategies, from online sales to art shows, making them a versatile addition to your merchandise.
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23. Metal Posters
Metal posters are an innovative and eye-catching merchandise idea for artists. Metal printing captures vivid colors and sharp details, making your artwork pop in ways that traditional prints might not.
They can be displayed in various settings, from homes to offices, giving your art a broader audience.
The unique nature of metal posters makes them great gifts, especially for art lovers looking for something unique.
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24. Poster Frames
Many art buyers prefer framed pieces to avoid the hassle of finding the right frame themselves. It simplifies the purchasing decision and encourages sales.
You can offer different frame styles and colors, allowing customers to choose options that match their decor and personal tastes.
Framed posters are readily displayed in galleries, online shops, and art fairs, making them versatile in marketing efforts.
Personalized framing options can create a deeper connection with your audience, making them feel more involved in the purchase.
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25. Coaster
Coasters are generally affordable, making them accessible to a broader audience, including those who may be unable to invest in larger art pieces.
They make great gifts for art lovers, mainly when sold in sets, appealing to buyers looking for something special and unique.
Offering personalized coasters for special events can attract a diverse customer base.
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📌 Coasters
Merch Ideas For YouTubers
As a YouTuber, your content connects you with a dedicated community of fans, and merchandise is a fantastic way to deepen that connection.
From stylish apparel to quirky accessories, the right merchandise can amplify your presence and create lasting impressions. Here are some of the best Merch ideas for YouTubers.
26. Channel T-shirts
Printed t-shirts are one of the best merchandise ideas for YouTubers. T-shirts serve as walking advertisements.
When fans wear your branded apparel, they promote your channel to a broader audience. You can create designs that reflect your channel’s personality, including logos, catchphrases, or artwork related to your content, making them unique and engaging.
T-shirts are easy to promote through your channel, social media, and during live events, increasing your merchandise visibility.
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27. Gaming Pad
Gaming pads are an excellent merchandise idea for YouTubers, especially those focused on gaming content. If your track is gaming-related, a gaming pad appeals directly to your audience, enhancing their gaming experience while promoting your brand.
Gamers often share their setups online; having your branded gaming pad in their photos can lead to organic promotio
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28. Mouse Pad
Mouse pads are an excellent merchandise idea for YouTubers. Mouse pads are essential for anyone using a computer, making them a valuable item that fans will appreciate daily.
Mouse pads can be produced at relatively low costs, allowing you to offer them at accessible price points for your followers.
It is a stylish merchandise that enhances their everyday experience while promoting the channel effectively.
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29. Unisex Shorts
Shorts are both comfortable and trendy as casual wear, allowing fans to showcase their support for your brand stylishly.
You can easily showcase shorts in your videos or social media, allowing fans to see how they fit into your lifestyle and brand.
Wearing your merch fosters a sense of belonging among fans, strengthening their connection to your brand and community.
30. Bandana Masks
Bandana masks are a unique and trendy merchandise idea for YouTubers. Bandana masks serve a dual purpose—providing style and protection, making them practical for fans in various settings.
Bandana masks are inexpensive to produce and purchase, making them accessible to a broad audience.
How Do I Start A Merch Business?
If you’re looking to turn your creative ideas into merchandise without the hassle of inventory, print-on-demand is the perfect solution. This model allows you to design and sell custom products, like apparel and accessories, while a third-party provider handles production and shipping. Here, we share how to start a Print On Demand merch business.
Step 1: Identify Your Niche
To start your merch business, you have to research current market trends in India, look for your targeted audience, and Understand current trends.
First, you have to understand your competition and find unique ideas to make exceptional products and stand out from the competition.
You can search for your niche market on Google Trends, marketplaces, and social media.
Step 2: Select Your Products
Decide which products you want to offer, such as t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, or phone cases. Focus on items that align with your brand and audience preferences.
Step 3: Find a Manufacturing Supplier
Find a reliable manufacturing supplier to produce your niche products. You can find potential manufacturing suppliers through textile events, trade shows, or fashion events. Another option is to use online directories like Indiamart, Tradeindia, and Exporters India to find suppliers in india.
Step 4: Set Up Your Online Store
Set up your online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Integrate it with your POD service provider like Qikink for seamless order processing.
Step 5: Market Your Merch
Promote your products on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Share behind-the-scenes content, styling tips, and user-generated content. Keep an eye on customer feedback and adjust your offerings as needed.
Final Thoughts
Starting your own merch business is easier than ever with Qikink. This platform allows you to create and sell custom products without worrying about inventory and shipping.
Whether you want to design trendy t-shirts, unique accessories, or home decor, Qikink has the tools to help you get started. With their Print On Demand service, you can focus on creating great designs and connecting with your audience, while Qikink takes care of the production and delivery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of merch sells the best?
The types of merchandise that sell best can vary based on your audience and niche, but here we share some popular options, such as
Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, and hats are classic favorites.
Stickers: Affordable and easily collectable.
Mugs: Coffee mugs with catchy phrases and unique designs are popular.
Accessories: Tote bags beanies offer variety and can be great conversation starters.
Name some gift shop merchandise ideas?
Here are some excellent gift shop merchandise ideas
- Cosmetics
- Handmade crafts
- Mugs
- Stickers
- Apparel
- Bags
- Customized products
- Drinkware
- Homemade products
What is brand merch?
Brand merchandise refers to products created and sold to promote a specific brand, company, or individual. It aims to promote brand loyalty, increase visibility, and make a real connection between the brand and its audience.
Why do brands make merch?
Brands make merch to increase awareness, build community, generate revenue, enhance customer loyalty, showcase identity, leverage trends, and provide exclusive offers.
Content Writer, Blog Editor at Qikink
