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The Masters: One of the Biggest Networking Weeks in Business (And It Happens Off the Course)

Most people think The Masters is just a golf tournament. They’re wrong. I'm going for the week and have no tickets and given the crackdown this year on admissions, likely...

The relative cost of swag

The best swag starts with a desired outcome, not a catalog.Everyone has access to the same products.Different swag companies may send you the same catalogs. The same drinkware. The same...

Why does my logo look different on a hat vs. a hoodie?

Why does my logo look different on a hat vs. a hoodie? You’ve spent weeks perfecting your brand’s color palette and logo. But when your box of custom gear arrives,...

How do I prevent 'Swag Waste'?

Reduce swag waste with branded webstores and expert merch guidance. Give people swag they’ll actually wear, use, and appreciate.

How to Choose the Right Decoration Method?

Choosing the right decoration method matters. Learn the pros and best uses for embroidery, screen printing, laser engraving, transfers, and other popular branding techniques. How to Choose the Right Decoration...

What to include in a welcome kit?

What should go in a welcome kit? Learn how to build a simple, intentional onboarding kit employees actually like and use. What to include in a welcome kit? A...

5 Mistakes to Avoid in Company Merch

Five common mistakes companies make with branded merch, and how to avoid wasting budget. Smarter picks, better swag.

What is the best material to print shirts on?

What’s the Best Material to Print Shirts On? We talk about custom shirts a lot, but choosing the right fabric is still one of the biggest things people overlook. It’s...

What to bring to a trade show?

What to bring to a trade show? Trade shows are crowded. Everyone is shouting for attention, but only a few booths actually pull people in. The trick is being intentional...

The 10 Most On-Trend Brand Giveaways This Holiday Season (Non-Apparel)

If you want to win the holidays (really win them) start by giving people something they actually want. Not something that checks a box. Not something that gets tossed in...

How do I start a Webstore?

A custom webstore keeps all your promotional products organized, on-brand, and easy to order. Here’s how we build them and why you should have one.

Are promotional products worth it?

Are promotional products worth it? You’ve probably asked yourself: Are promo products worth the investment? If I weren’t in the industry, I probably would have asked myself that too. The...

10 Years of Ink’d Stores

Ink’d started with an idea and willingness to keep showing up. Long before we had a warehouse, or clients like Crocs or DoorDash, it was just a printer, a lot...

What is the best type of branded merch?

Branded merchandise in 2025 is more than just a promotional tool, it's a reflection of your brand's values and an extension of your identity. To stand out, it's essential to...

Fall 2025: Gift Trends

As fall comes, gifting shifts toward items that are warm, useful, and built to last. This season, the focus is on versatile pieces that blend everyday practicality with premium comfort....

Team Apparel Trends for Fall 2025

Fall isn’t just about cooler weather; it’s about teams looking polished, staying comfortable, and being equipped for the season ahead.

Custom Apparel Trends for Fall 2025

This fall, custom apparel is all about blending function, comfort, and modern style. Fall 2025 trends bring fresh takes on fabrics, silhouettes, and finishes that work as hard as they...

Gift Ideas for New Hires

Labor Day’s almost here. The last long weekend before fall hits, kids go back to school, and business cranks back up.

What is company swag?

We talk a lot about swag at Ink’d Stores. But let’s back up, what actually is company swag?

Best school swag ideas

You’ve seen it happen, the tee that gets worn twice, the pen that barely writes. The greatest swag? It’s high quality. It’s keepable. It’s loved.

The Story of Commun-A-Tee

When the world shut down in March 2020, we felt it hard. Orders stopped. Events dried up. Our machines were quiet. I spent the first week just trying to make...

Our longest-time client

When Ink'd first opened, we had retail hours. I mean 9a-9p 6 days a week and 12p-6p Sunday retail hours.

The Making of Ink’d

I've written a few times on how Ink'd Stores was created and each of those stories focused on the hard facts of "what happened" and "when". The facts. If you'd...

Why We Priced Our Millionth Tee at $3

At Ink’d Stores, we just crossed a big milestone: our one-millionth printed shirt. That’s a number I never imagined when we started pressing shirts one at a time, order by...

Summer swag ideas

It’s already hot out. People are outside again. Events are on. Teams are gathering. This is your chance to show up with swag that actually gets used.

Ink’d Stores Celebrates One Millionth Print Milestone with $3 Tee Promotion

From pop-up shop to promo powerhouse, Massachusetts-based Ink’d Stores hits a major manufacturing milestone, and says thank you the only way they know how.

The Psychology of Gifting is Real

It's gift giving season again and love it or hate it, we're wired as humans to both desire to give and receive gifts. So in case you need more motivation...

The Stanley Mug has become a cultural phenomena.

Don't believe me? Google it - you'll get no less than 13m results and it seems everyone - and when I write, it means everyone - has weighed in on...

Product of the Day: POCKET ME SHIRTS

This holiday season, try something your team would never image. POCKET ME SHIRTS "We Go Where No Pocket Shirt Has Gone Before!" I first saw this company at Impressions Expo...

5 Things You Should Know About US-Made Apparel Products

Made in the USA products can be a hornets' nest of deception and if you don't know the right questions to ask, will leave you disappointed in the end result. ...

Product of the Day: Carhartt Detroit Duck Jacket - Legendary Toughness and Timeless Style

Carhartt is the best. It commands respect and admiration among both workwear and fashion mavens alike. Founded in a small loft in Detroit, at age 34, Hamilton Carhartt moto was...

Unleashing the Marketing Magic: 5 Things You Should Know About Promotional Products

Do you like free things? Everyone does, so know that there's a reason the promotional marketing industry is $70b and growing. Promotional products work. . From startups to multinational corporations,...

The 5 Best Apparel Gifts for Memorable Golf Outings

The Fall is golf outing season. Clients are back focused on work. The weather is perfect in most of the country. Not all events are 100+ players, some are more...

Product of the Day: Moleskine Notebooks - Where Ideas Come to Life

} In a world of digital screens and constant connectivity, there's something truly magical about putting pen to paper. Enter Moleskine, a name synonymous with craftsmanship, creativity, and the art...

The 5 Best Apparel Gifts to Elevate Your Employees' Style and Comfort

A common attribute of successful companies is their desire to wear the company brand. When you love where you work and times are good, employees want to 'represent'. Thoughtful apparel...

Eco-Friendly Apparel Products: The Need To Know List

Environmental consciousness is at the forefront of our national conversation and it's good business to pay attention. When it comes to fashion, the rise of eco-friendly apparel products is transforming...

Gifts to Impress Your Clients and Strengthen Business Relationships

You like to get gifts, right? Gifting is a thoughtful gesture that can express appreciation, gratitude, and the desire to maintain a lasting connection. Finding the perfect gift for your...

Product of the Day: Mophie® Power Bank

In a world that thrives on connectivity, staying charged up and ready to go has become a necessity. Whether you're constantly on the move or just want that extra assurance,...

5 Things You Should Know About Tank Tops

Are you thinking a tank top may be good for your brand or perhaps not appropriate for work? The tank top may not be for everyday office wear, but for...

5 Things You Should Know About The North Face

The North Face The North Face has become one of the most popular brands for corporate gifting. Their retail presence, fair pricepoint, and bright stylings make their products popular with...

Best Swag for Employess

Finding the perfect swag for your employees can be a daunting task, especially with the overwhelming number of options available. But don't worry – we've got your back! In this...

Most Surprising Company Swag

Company swag refers to promotional items or merchandise branded with a company logo or slogan. They are often given away to clients, customers, and employees as a form of advertising...

Company Swag on Social Media – Best Examples

Using social media to promote your business is a powerful tool you shouldn't ignore. One creative way to do it is showcasing your company swag. In this article, we'll explore...

Do you want to get the best deal on company swag?

Be a great client. Here's how: A key element, don't waste time. Ask the right questions up front and demonstrate to the provider that you're not just “quote-seeking” from everyone...

Getting the Most ROI from Company Swag

Effective budget planning is key to getting the most ROI from company swag. Here’s a quick way to turn company swag from expense to investment: 1. The first step in...

The Ultimate Guide to Corporate Swag that Makes Your Brand Prominent

Corporate swag, also known as branded merchandise, is a powerful tool for companies to promote their brand and build brand recognition. Whether you're looking to give away freebies at trade...

The 7.5-year-old pop-up store

On October 15, 2015, I unlocked the door at 280 School Street, unit D145 with 2-weeks to ready what I was told would be a holiday tee shirt pop-up store....

Corporate Gift Ideas: Thoughtful and Memorable Presents for Your Clients and Employees

As a business owner or manager, you know that showing appreciation to your clients and employees is essential for building strong relationships and boosting morale. However, finding the right corporate...

Eco-Friendly More Popular Than Ever in 2023

In 2023, eco-friendly promotional products are becoming increasingly popular as consumers and businesses alike become more conscious of their impact on the environment. You may see rPET as a descriptor...

Company Holiday Gift Ideas: Swag Gifts Your Employees Will Love

Holiday swag gifts can be the best part of the season, but they can also be an incredibly stressful part of the season, especially if you’re giving out more than...

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