5 Reasons Why Branded Apparel Is the Secret to a Truly Memorable Event

Discover 5 ways high-quality custom apparel can turn your event swag into lasting marketing magic that people actually wear and love.

Let’s face it: Most event swag is destined for the junk drawer.

You’ve seen it — cheap pens, awkward shirts, stress balls that no one’s actually stressed enough to use.

But every now and then, there’s that one piece of promotional apparel that hits different. It fits right. Feels great. Looks cool.

And boom, you’ve just earned a spot in their weekly rotation. That’s not just merch. That’s marketing magic.

Here are 5 ways high-quality custom apparel turns your event into something memorable.

1. It’s a Physical Reminder of a Great Time

People remember how an event felt. And when you give them something tangible like a soft, stylish tee or a cozy custom hoodie, it becomes a keepsake. Not clutter.

Every time they put it on, they’re transported back to the people, the energy, the vibe. That’s a powerful souvenir.

If they wear it, they remember it.

2. It Instantly Builds a Tribe

Matching shirts. Branded caps. Custom jackets.

Give people gear they want to wear, and they won’t just attend your event—they’ll own it. You’ll see instant community vibes. Strangers high-fiving. Selfies happening. Your brand all over social.

You didn’t just host an event. You created a movement.

3. It Turns Your People into Promo Machines

A killer design + a quality fit = free marketing for months.

When attendees rock your branded apparel out in the wild, they’re not just representing your event, they’re representing your brand to everyone they pass.

No ad spend. No CTA. Just cool people wearing your message like it’s their own.

walking advertisements

4. It Makes Your Brand Feel Something

Anyone can give out a lanyard. But giving someone a well-designed hoodie or shirt that actually feels good? That says: “We see you. We value you. You matter to us.” That emotional touch turns a freebie into a feel-good moment and that’s what creates brand loyalty that sticks.

5. It Lives Way Beyond the Event

The lights go down. The venue clears out. But that promotional hoodie? It’s still going strong. People wear what they love, and post what they love even more.

If your custom apparel makes it into their real life, it’ll end up on their socials, in their stories, and in their everyday lives.

Your event might be over. But your brand? Still showing up.

The Promotional Apparel Playbook

To go from “meh” to “must-have,” here’s the formula:

  • Prioritize Quality — No one wears scratchy, boxy shirts. Invest in soft, durable materials that fit well and feel better. Bonus points for sustainable or ethically made options.
  • Stay On-Brand — Your custom apparel should reflect your brand’s personality. A wellness retreat? Go with soft tones and clean lines. A startup conference? Think bold colors and energetic designs.
  • Add a Personal Touch — Onsite personalization like embroidery, name printing, or custom patches makes your swag feel special. When it’s unique, it’s cherished.
  • Be Seasonal & Practical — A hoodie at a summer beach event won’t cut it. Tailor your items to the season and your audience’s lifestyle. If it’s wearable, it’s shareable.

Promo apparel

Don’t Just Give Swag — Give a Story

When people wear your brand, they carry your story. Not just what you do, but how you made them feel. And that’s the kind of marketing that doesn’t just get remembered, it gets worn, shared, and loved.

Great promotional apparel isn’t just cool. It’s strategic. It’s storytelling you can wear.

Your School’s Merch, Fundraising, and Rewards — All in One Easy Online Store

Your School’s Merch, Fundraising, and Rewards — All in One Easy Online Store

From elementary schools to universities, educational institutions are always looking for ways to build stronger connections within their communities. Spirit wear and branded merchandise do more than put logos on T-shirts — they bring people together, create a sense of pride, and even generate much-needed funding for programs.

That’s where an online company store comes in. By creating a personalized store for your school, you make it simple for students, parents, alumni, and staff to shop for branded items anytime, anywhere — without the hassle of managing in-person sales or tracking down paper order forms.

Here’s how schools can use online company stores to their advantage:

  • Spirit Wear Sales Made Simple
    School pride doesn’t stop after homecoming week. With a year-round online store, families can stock up on school-branded T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, hats, and accessories whenever they like. New students can order gear as soon as they enroll, and alumni can keep supporting their alma mater long after graduation. Best of all, schools don’t need to hold extra inventory or coordinate bulk sales — everything is handled online.

Spirit Wear Sales

  • Fundraising That Works for Everyone
    Booster clubs, PTOs, and student groups are constantly looking for fresh ways to raise money. An online store can become a reliable source of funding by sharing proceeds from every sale. Imagine families knowing that every hoodie or tote bag purchased goes right back into programs for music, art, sports, or classroom technology. It’s an easy, no-pressure way to support the school community while giving people something tangible in return.

Fundraising

  • Event Merchandise Without the Stress
    From dances and plays to graduations and reunions, schools host countless events where custom gear makes the experience even more memorable. An online store lets you offer pre-orders for limited-edition shirts, sweatshirts, or keepsakes, so you know exactly how many to produce. That means no leftover boxes of unsold merch — and no disappointed students who missed out.
  • Recognition and Rewards for Teachers and Staff
    Administrators are always looking for meaningful ways to recognize the hard work of teachers and staff. With an online store, you can give store credit instead of a single, one-size-fits-all gift. This allows staff members to choose something they’ll use and enjoy, whether it’s a cozy jacket, a backpack, or a coffee tumbler with the school logo. It’s a great way to make appreciation feel personal.

Recognition and Rewards

Why Online Stores Are a Smart Solution for Schools

Beyond the convenience and fundraising potential, online stores save schools valuable time. There’s no need to track orders manually, chase down payments, or manage distribution. Everything — from ordering to payment to delivery — is streamlined. And because the store is available year-round, it becomes a central hub for community engagement, spirit wear, and special initiatives.

Launch Your Own Online Company Store

Whether your school is looking to boost pride, simplify event planning, or strengthen fundraising efforts, an online company store is a tool that makes it all possible.

Ready to bring these benefits to your school community? See how easy it is to set up your own online personalized store today.

Launch Your Own Online Company Store

Quick Ideas for Schools

Looking for even more ways to use an online store? Here are some fast, creative ideas schools can put into action:

  • Holiday Gift Shops: Offer parents and students a safe, easy way to buy branded items as gifts for teachers, classmates, or family members
  • Sports Seasons: Launch limited-time collections for each team’s season — football in the fall, basketball in the winter, baseball or softball in the spring
  • Alumni Gear: Create a section just for alumni who want to rep their school pride long after graduation
  • New Student Welcome Packs: Let incoming students or parents purchase bundles with essentials like T-shirts, lanyards, and water bottles
  • Clubs & Activities: Give student organizations and after-school clubs their own custom designs available right in the store

Deck the Halls and Brighten Smiles with Holiday Dental Giveaways

The holidays aren’t just about twinkling lights and festive décor, they’re the perfect time to share warmth, gratitude, and yes, bright, healthy smiles. This season, transform your dental practice into a cheerful hub of community, creativity, and cavity-free fun.

With a bit of holiday spirit (and smart planning), you can deliver giveaways that delight your patients while reinforcing that good oral health doesn’t take a holiday.

From themed dental kits to family-friendly contests and meaningful community partnerships, here’s how to sleigh your dental giveaways this holiday season.

1. Holiday Dental Kits That Feel Like Gifts

Let’s face it, everyone loves freebies, especially when they’re practical and festive. These themed dental kits will make your patients smile (and brush, and floss… you get the idea).

Festive Goodie Bags

Build colorful gift bags with a holiday twist! Fill them with:

  • Soft-bristled toothbrushes in red, green, or sparkly white
  • Holiday-flavored toothpaste (peppermint? yes please!)
  • High-quality floss

Toss in a mini custom water bottle to keep them hydrated and show off your branding in style. Bonus points if it matches your holiday color scheme!

Eco-Friendly Smile Kits

Appeal to your eco-conscious crowd with kits that are good for their teeth and the planet:

  • Bamboo toothbrushes
  • Compostable floss picks
  • Reusable tote bags instead of plastic

Top it off with a seasonal, custom lip balm to help them combat dry winter lips.

2. Turn Your Office into a Winter Wonderland of Giveaways

Who says the dentist’s office can’t be the most festive stop of the season?

 “Guess the Candy Canes” Contest

Fill a jar with mini candy canes or holiday-themed trinkets and have patients guess how many are inside. The winner scores:

  • A free whitening session
  • An electric toothbrush
  • A deluxe gift basket

This is a low-cost, high-engagement idea that’s fun for kids and adults.

12 Days of Dental Giveaways

Run a “12 Days of Giveaways” campaign either in-office or on your social media. Each day, give away something different like:

It’s an easy way to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Dental apparel

Referral Raffles with Holiday Flair

For every new patient referred during the holiday season, existing patients get an entry into a holiday raffle. The grand prize? Something major, like a high-end dental health basket or even a gift certificate to a local spa.

3. Family-Friendly Freebies

The holidays are all about family — your giveaways should be too!

Kids’ Goodie Bags That Make Brushing Fun

Make kids look forward to their appointments with festive bags filled with:

  • Dental-themed coloring books
  • Tooth-shaped stress balls
  • Brushing timers
  • Stickers and flossers in holiday shapes

It’s a great way to promote lifelong oral health habits and happy little patients.

Family Check-Up Specials

Encourage families to schedule appointments together by offering a free giveaway or raffle entry for any family that books multiple appointments over the holidays. This keeps your calendar full and your patient base engaged.

4. Give Back with Community-Centered Campaigns

Want to make your practice really stand out? Use your platform to do good.

Partner with Local Businesses for Holiday Packages

Team up with local cafes, boutiques, or fitness studios to create co-branded giveaways. Think:

  • Dental gift certificate + coffee shop gift card
  • Whitening kit + mini massage voucher
  • Holiday survival kits in a branded bag or tote

This cross-promotion supports your local community and brings new faces through your doors.

Host a Holiday Donation Drive

Whether you’re collecting toys, food, or winter essentials, a charity drive connects your practice with the community in a meaningful way.

As a thank-you for donations, hand out small branded items like:

It’s goodwill and brand exposure wrapped into one.

5. Add Thoughtful. Personalized Touches

Go beyond the basics with dental gifts that feel extra special.

Luxe Dental Gift Baskets

Curate a premium basket featuring:

  • An electric toothbrush or Waterpik
  • Travel-sized toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash
  • A handwritten thank-you card
  • Branded items like mugs, socks, or candles

Make it feel personal not just promotional.

Waiting Room Comfort Items

Want to improve the patient experience during their holiday visit? Consider offering:

  • Gourmet teas or hot cocoa
  • Magnet calendars for the new year
  • Portable phone chargers
  • Fuzzy socks or blankets with your logo

It’s these little touches that turn routine visits into festive experiences.

Bonus: Don’t Forget the Décor!

Not technically a giveaway but decking your office with lights, wreaths, and holiday cheer creates an atmosphere patients will remember. Pair the decor with your giveaways to make every visit feel like a celebration.

Give More Than a Smile This Season

Holiday-themed dental giveaways aren’t just about spreading joy, they’re powerful tools for building loyalty, encouraging healthy habits, and showing your patients that you care.

Whether it’s a festive toothbrush, a heartwarming contest, or a community-driven campaign, your practice has the opportunity to be a bright spot in your patients’ holiday season.

Want help choosing the perfect giveaways? Browse our curated collection of dental promotional products and make this season your most cheerful (and brandable) yet!

Tips on Choosing a Compelling Mix of Products for Your Online Company Store

Tips for Choosing Promo Products for your Company Store

Building an online company store is one of the smartest ways to boost engagement, celebrate employees, and extend your brand’s reach. But here’s the catch: Your store will only be as strong as the products you stock. If you’re wondering how to select items for a company store, it starts with knowing your audience and finding that perfect mix of practical staples and fun, unexpected finds.

Here are some tips for building a successful company store and making sure your product lineup truly hits the mark:

1. Know Your Audience and Your Brand

Before adding products to your store, ask “who will be shopping here?” Employees, clients, volunteers, students? Understanding their preferences is the key to picking items they’ll actually use. Just as important — make sure each product reflects your company’s culture and values. For example, if sustainability is central to your brand, eco-friendly options like reusable drinkware or recycled tote bags are a natural fit.

Also consider how the product pairs with your logo. Does it fit your brand colors and style? Decide whether a traditional imprint or a more creative decoration works best — and whether the branding should stand out or remain subtle.

2. Balance the Staples With the Standouts

Every store needs a mix of must-haves and conversation-starters. Think of the staples first — custom pens, water bottles, polos, and notebooks — products everyone can use on the job or at home. Then layer in standout pieces like tech gadgets, wellness kits, or seasonal gear that add variety and excitement. This combination keeps your store fresh and encourages repeat visits.

3. Pay Attention to Quality and Longevity

Cheap giveaways may save money upfront, but they can weaken your brand’s reputation. Choose products that last, prioritizing items people will reach for again and again. High-quality branded apparel, durable bags, and tech accessories are all great examples of products that continue to promote your brand long after checkout.

4. Keep an Eye on Trends

Product trends evolve quickly. Maybe it’s insulated tumblers one season, pickleball gear the next. Staying up to date ensures your store feels modern and relevant. You don’t have to overhaul your entire catalog each season — just add a few on-trend items to keep things interesting.

5. Partner With the Right Supplier

Your company store should run smoothly from design to delivery. That’s why it’s important to work with a supplier that can handle customization, inventory, and fulfillment without headaches. A reliable partner helps you focus on building your brand while they manage the details behind the scenes. Here are six reasons your business needs an online company store if you’d like to dive deeper.

Keep Your Company Store Fresh and Effective

A successful store isn’t about offering everything — It’s about offering the right things. By knowing your audience, balancing practical staples with fresh finds, and prioritizing quality, you’ll create a shop that keeps employees, customers, or students excited to wear, use, and share your brand.

Ready to start? Explore the online company store options here and see how easy it is to bring your brand to life.

Quick Checklist for Choosing Company Store Products

Checklist for Choosing Company Store Products

  • Audience First– Who’s shopping? Tailor your picks to the needs and interests of employees, clients, or students
  • Brand Alignment– Make sure every item reflects your culture and values, from sustainable options to professional staples
  • Decoration & Design – Choose imprint methods and product colors that complement your logo and brand aesthetic
  • Practicality Wins– Go for useful, long-lasting products people will reach for often
  • Trend Watch– Sprinkle in on-trend items to keep the store feeling current
  • Competitive Edge– Look at what others offer, then find ways to stand out
  • Unique Value– Select products that add something fresh, distinctive, or better in quality

Why an Online Company Store Might Be the Smartest Move You Make This Year

Why an Online Company Store Might Be the Smartest Move You Make This Yea

An online company store isn’t just a convenient way to hand out branded merchandise — it can be the behind-the-scenes engine that boosts your brand, keeps operations running smoothly, and makes your employees, customers, and supporters feel more connected to your mission.

Whether you’re running a business, nonprofit, school, or community group, the right store setup can deliver benefits you might not have even considered. Here’s how.

1. Consistent Branding and Stronger Recognition

When all your merchandise — from cozy hoodies to branded drinkware — comes from one place, you get full control over quality, design, and messaging. That means every piece matches your logo, colors, and vibe. Over time, those items become mini billboards out in the world.

Tip: Choose a few “evergreen” best-sellers for your store that showcase your brand at its best. This ensures people always have access to your most recognizable items.

Consistent Branding and Stronger Recognition

2. Streamlined Ordering and Cost Savings

Coordinating with multiple vendors for every T-shirt order or pen restock? That’s time you could be spending elsewhere. A company store centralizes everything — one ordering system, one inventory tracker, fewer headaches. You’ll always know what’s in stock, and you can avoid paying rush fees or ordering extras you don’t need.

Tip: Set up automatic low-stock alerts so popular items never run out during key events or busy seasons.

3. Boosted Employee Engagement and Morale

A store isn’t just about merch, but about moments. Give team members the chance to “shop” for rewards after hitting milestones — or let them pick their own welcome gift on day one. Wearing or using branded gear builds a shared sense of pride and belonging.

Tip: Rotate in seasonal or event-specific items to keep the selection fresh and fun for employees.

Tip: Rotate in seasonal or event-specific items to keep the selection fresh and fun for employees.

4. Revenue and Marketing Opportunities

Your store can double as a marketing tool. Launch a new product? Create a limited-edition tee to go with it. Planning a fundraiser? Offer exclusive merch for donors. Fans and supporters will love the chance to get something special — and you’ll strengthen your connection with them in the process.

Tip: Use your store’s analytics to see which items are most popular and plan future campaigns around those hits.

5. Quality Control and Brand Protection

By sourcing all items through one approved channel, you can guarantee consistent quality and make sure everything aligns with your brand guidelines. No off-brand colors, no awkward logo placement — just the polished, professional look you want.

Tip: Review your store’s product line at least once a year to retire dated designs and keep your offerings current.

Turn Branded Merch into a Strategic Asset

An online company store is more than a place to buy swag — it’s a way to unify your brand, reward your people, reach your audience, and even generate new revenue. With the right setup and a few smart strategies, it can become one of the most valuable tools in your business toolkit.

Need help getting started? Check out our Company Store Launch Checklist and contact us today!

Your step-by-step guide to getting started:

  • Define Your Goals: Determine if your store will be for employees, customers, fundraising, or all of the above.
  • Pick Your Product Mix: Choose a balance of “evergreen” staples and seasonal or event-specific items.
  • Set Branding Guidelines: Lock in logo versions, brand colors, and approved design styles before launch.
  • Plan Your Ordering Rules: Decide who can order, payment options, and how orders will be approved or fulfilled.
  • Organize Your Inventory System: Use built-in tracking to set low-stock alerts and plan restocks in advance.
  • Create a Launch Campaign: Announce your store with email, social media, and internal communications (and include a special promo or freebie for early shoppers).
  • Track, Review, and Refresh: Review store analytics every few months to update popular products and retire slow movers.

Beyond Swag: 15 Creative Ways to Use an Online Company Store

Beyond Swag: 15 Creative Ways to Use an Online Company Store

Think your online company store is just for t-shirts and pens? Think again.

From strengthening team culture to surprising your top clients, a branded company store opens all kinds of possibilities. Whether you’re a business, nonprofit, school, or community organization, your store can do way more than just deliver swag — it can become a powerful tool for connection, recognition, and even fundraising.

Here are 15 creative ways to put your company store to work:

For Employees & Internal Culture

1. Welcome & Onboarding Kits
Make new hires feel at home with curated welcome boxes straight from your store. Include branded apparel, tech accessories, notebooks, mugs — or even a local snack or two — to create a warm first impression and a sense of belonging.

2. Employee Recognition & Rewards
Tired of one-size-fits-all trophies? Let employees choose their own reward. Whether it’s a high-quality backpack or cozy hoodie, store credit lets you recognize performance, milestones, or service anniversaries in a more personal and meaningful way.

Employee Recognition Gifts

3. Wellness & Self-Care Initiatives
Your store can support employee wellness, too. Stock it with yoga mats, water bottles, mindfulness tools, and more. Then tie rewards to fitness challenges, wellness goals, or participation in health-focused programs.

4. Work-From-Home & Remote Work Perks
Support your remote and hybrid teams with branded essentials like laptop stands, soft sweatshirts, or even ring lights. A company store makes it easy to deliver practical and morale-boosting items, wherever your team logs in.

5. Team Building & Culture Events
Planning a virtual trivia night or charity fun run? Use your store to distribute matching t-shirts, accessories, or event kits so everyone feels part of the action — even from afar.

6. Milestone & Birthday Celebrations
Birthdays, work anniversaries, and team wins are the perfect chance to surprise employees with personalized gifts — or simply let them pick something they’ll actually use from the store.

Employee Milestone Gifts

7. Professional Development & Learning Incentives
Turn growth into a win-win. Offer store credit for completing trainings, earning certifications, or participating in leadership development. Learning feels even more rewarding when it comes with branded goodies.

8. Gamification & Challenges
Launch fun internal contests — like innovation challenges, referral drives, or wellness goals — and let the winners redeem points for merchandise. Your store becomes the prize table.

9. Sustainable Living Incentives
Encourage eco-friendly habits by offering reusable items, sustainable apparel, or plant-based kits. You can even set up a “green points” system to reward choices that support your organization’s sustainability goals.

10. Support for Hobbies & Family Life
Show employees you care about life outside work. Stock hobby-related items like journals, fitness gear, or branded goods for kids and pets. It’s a simple way to support the whole person — not just the professional.

Gifts that support hobbies

For Clients, Partners & External Audiences

11. Client Gifting & Appreciation
Say thank you with style. Offer curated gift options through your store for client milestones, end-of-year appreciation, or big project wins. You can even let them choose the gift that suits them best.

Holiday Gifts

12. Customer Loyalty Programs
Turn your store into a loyalty destination. Offer exclusive merch or limited-edition items to your most loyal customers — or send surprise thank-you gifts that keep your brand top of mind.

13. Promotional Events & Marketing Campaigns
Simplify your trade show planning and marketing rollouts. Pre-stock your store with giveaway items, branded kits, and promotional gear so everything’s ready to ship and share when you need it.

14. Partner & Channel Support
Make it easy for resellers, affiliates, or franchise locations to access approved merchandise. With a centralized store, you can ensure your brand stays consistent across campaigns, channels, and geographies.

Operations, Uniforms & Merch Sales

15. Uniforms, Supplies & Merchandise Sales
Keep staff looking sharp with consistent uniforms ordered through your store. Need to distribute office supplies or branded gear to multiple locations? Your store can handle that, too. And for nonprofits, schools, and clubs — it’s also a great tool for fundraising or offering exclusive merch to supporters.

One Store. Endless Possibilities

With your very own branded company store, the opportunities go far beyond swag. You’ll simplify operations, boost morale, strengthen relationships, and maybe even generate a little buzz along the way.

Ready to see what your store can do?
Explore Company Promo Stores by Amsterdam Printing

Raise a Stein, Boost Your Brand: Top 6 Oktoberfest Giveaway Ideas

Raise a Stein, Boost Your Brand: Top 6 Oktoberfest Giveaway Ideas

Oktoberfest isn’t just for beer lovers — it’s a golden opportunity for businesses, non-profits, and community groups to make a splash with their brand. From bustling beer tents to neighborhood festivals, Oktoberfest events attract crowds that are festive, social, and ready to engage. That makes it the perfect time to hand out promotional items that people will use, love, and remember long after the last stein is raised.

Whether you’re a local brewery, a corporate sponsor, or a community group looking to promote your cause, having the right Oktoberfest party favors on hand can turn an event into a branding bonanza. Here are our top picks for Oktoberfest gifts that combine function, fun, and flair.

“O’zapft is!” — The traditional phrase shouted when the first keg is tapped, meaning “It’s tapped!”

Top 6 Oktoberfest Giveaway Ideas

1. Custom Barware: Cheers with Style

Few promo items get as much love at Oktoberfest as custom barware. From classic pint glasses to engraved beer steins, customized barware brings a level of class and utility that people appreciate. Plus, they’re Instagram-worthy — making them ideal for social sharing during the event.

Imagine a branded glass stein featuring your company logo clinking alongside a bratwurst and pretzel photo. It’s marketing gold! Whether you’re hosting a VIP lounge or setting up a branded booth, offering high-quality custom barware helps your brand feel premium and festive.

Pro Tip: Choose for dishwasher-safe prints or etching so your logo lasts longer than the foam on a lager.

DID YOU KNOW?

Drinkware is the #1 most-used promotional item in the U.S., generating an average of 1,400 impressions per item over its lifespan.

Oktoberfest barware

2. Personalized Bottle Openers: Functional & Festive

It’s hard to beat the custom bottle opener when it comes to practical, pocket-sized promos. These small items pack big branding power. Whether you’re handing out keychain openers, magnetic fridge styles, or novelty shapes with a Bavarian twist, your audience will thank you every time they pop a cap.

Bottle openers are great giveaways for brewery tours, tasting stations, or as part of a swag bag for event participants. They’re lightweight, budget-friendly, and easy to distribute.

Why it works: People use them year-round, keeping your brand top-of-mind well beyond Oktoberfest season.

3. Personalized Can Coolers: Keep It Cold, Keep It Custom

Oktoberfest might be known for beer steins, but canned beverages (including craft brews, sodas, and hard seltzers) are hugely popular at events. That’s where branded can coolers — or “koozies” — come in.

With endless customization options, you can design them with your logo, a cheeky Oktoberfest pun, or event-specific graphics. They’re colorful, collapsible, and crowd-pleasing. Plus, they’re a cost-effective item people are likely to reuse at tailgates, BBQs, or beach days.

Pro Tip: Choose foam or neoprene for better insulation and a higher-quality feel.

DID YOU KNOW?

8 out of 10 people keep promotional products for over a year, especially practical items like drinkware, t-shirts, and bottle openers.

4. Custom T-Shirts: Turn Attendees into Walking Billboards

Everyone loves a good t-shirt, especially when it’s clever, comfortable, and tied to a fun event like Oktoberfest. Custom t-shirts make fantastic merchandise or staff uniforms, and they help extend your brand presence far beyond the beer tent.

From cheeky sayings like “Prost, Y’all!” to classic Oktoberfest designs with your logo front and center, custom t-shirts are a creative canvas for your brand’s personality.

Ideas to consider:

  • Matching shirts for event staff or volunteers
  • Limited-edition tees for VIP ticket holders
  • Shirts designed with QR codes linking to promotions or social pages

Fact: People wear t-shirts long after the event is over, making them one of the most powerful promo investments you can make.

Oktoberfest clothing

5. Custom Hats: Top It Off in Style

Want your brand to be front and center in every Oktoberfest group photo? Put it on a hat.

Whether it’s a snapback with your brewery’s logo, or a comfy beanie for a fall evening festival, custom hats are always a hit. They serve both style and function — offering sun protection during the day and warmth as the temperature drops.

Hats are perfect for prize giveaways, volunteer gear, or as part of a themed costume contest.

Pro Tip: Limited-edition designs can boost perceived value and encourage guests to hang onto them.

6. Personalized Plastic Cups & Tumblers: Drinkware That Doubles as a Souvenir

If you’re serving drinks at your event, skip the disposable cups and go for something more memorable: branded stadium cups, plastic beer steins, or reusable tumblers.

These cups are not only more sustainable, but they also give your guests something to take home — and reuse. They’re perfect for general admission drink service, sponsor booths, or even as an add-on with ticket packages.

Design Tip: Match your artwork to the event theme — think traditional blue-and-white Bavarian patterns with your logo tucked in.

Oktoberfest plastic cups

Choosing the Right Promo Items for Your Oktoberfest Event

So how do you pick the perfect promo mix? Here are a few quick tips:

  • Know your audience: Are they beer aficionados, families, college students, or corporate teams?
  • Think function first: Items like personalized bottle openers, cups, and coolers get used — and reused.
  • Plan ahead: Custom items take time to produce. Start early to avoid rush fees and ensure availability.
  • Balance quality and quantity: Premium items like barware are great for VIPs, while can coolers and hats work well for broader distribution.

Prost to Your Brand!

Oktoberfest events are about bringing people together — and what better way to join the celebration than by offering fun, useful, and memorable promotional items? From personalized drinkware to custom apparel, the right swag can boost your presence, build goodwill, and turn festival-goers into your biggest hype squad.

So dust off those lederhosen (or at least rock a fun logo tee), and get ready to make your mark this Oktoberfest season.

Ready to amp up our brand and join the fun? Check out our full lineup of Oktoberfest-themed promotional items and start planning your perfect party package today!

Oktoberfest by the Numbers

6 Million+
Attendees at Munich’s official Oktoberfest every year

2 Million
The number of people attending U.S. Oktoberfest events

200+ Events
Local Oktoberfests held across the U.S.

7.3 Million Liters
Beer consumed annually in Munich during the festival

$1.5 Billion+
Economic impact of Oktoberfest in Munich alone

67%
Share of U.S. beer sales in September and October attributed to Oktoberfest-themed brews

1810
The year the first Oktoberfest was held, celebrating a royal Bavarian wedding