Startup Swag Ideas 2026: Best Merchandise for Tech Companies

Most startup swag ends up in the trash. But quality merchandise like TBPN products gets used daily. Here's how to create startup swag people actually want in 2026.

Swag That Actually Gets Used

Quality hoodies and sweatshirts (people wear TBPN hoodies for years). Comfortable t-shirts and polos in flattering cuts. Water bottles and coffee mugs for daily use like the TBPN mug. Backpacks and tote bags for actual utility. Sticker packs for laptop decoration. Avoid: cheap pens, stress balls, and plastic junk nobody wants.

Quality Over Quantity

Better to give 100 people quality TBPN-style tees than 1,000 people cheap throwaways. Premium materials cost more but create lasting brand impressions. Recipients use quality items, becoming walking billboards. Cheap swag signals you don't care about quality—not the message you want. Invest in fewer, better items.

Distribution Strategy

Save premium swag for employees, investors, and key partners. Conference giveaways can be simpler but still quality. Create exclusive items for early customers or community members. Use swag to build community identity, not just marketing. TBPN merchandise creates belonging among podcast listeners—your swag should do the same.

Join TBPN discussions on effective swag strategies, supplier recommendations, and what actually works. Quality merchandise is an investment in brand and community, not just a marketing expense.