By Maranda van Dam
In our last article, we explored how branded items can cut through the noise of internet fatigue, offering tangible touchpoints that resonate in an oversaturated digital world. As we move deeper into 2025, Fancy Inc. is doubling down on this idea, spotlighting how branded merchandise is evolving to meet consumer cravings for authenticity, sustainability, and nostalgia. Drawing on the latest market trends and real-world data, here’s how brands can leverage merchandise to forge meaningful connections in an era of digital detox.
The Rise of the Digital Detox and the Power of Tangible Branding
Consumers are increasingly stepping back from screens, seeking real-world experiences that feel authentic and human. According to Accenture’s Life Trends 2025 report, “social rewilding” is driving demand for screen-free interactions, with brands encouraged to create non-digital touchpoints that align with this shift . Branded merchandise fits perfectly here, offering physical products that carry a brand’s story into everyday life.
For example, 45% of consumers are drawn to environmentally responsible brands, per Printify’s 2025 merchandise insights . Tote bags made from recycled materials or biodegradable packaging not only serve a functional purpose but also signal a brand’s commitment to values that matter. At Fancy Inc., we’ve seen clients like eco-conscious startups boost engagement by distributing sustainable swag at in-person events, turning giveaways into conversation starters.
Trend 1: Sustainability as a Non-Negotiable
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a consumer expectation. In 2025, 62% of Gen Z shoppers prefer brands with genuine sustainability efforts, according to Brevo’s retail marketing trends . Branded merchandise is no exception, with companies moving beyond recycled buzzwords to embrace circular economy models. Take Solgaard’s Carry-On Closet, which cleans up 6 lbs of ocean-bound plastic per purchase, or GOT Bag’s backpacks made from reclaimed plastic []. These products show how merchandise can blend functionality with impact.
Fancy Inc. is helping brands adopt this trend by offering closed-loop apparel and plant-based packaging options. Our recent campaign for a wellness brand featured biodegradable tote bags with seed-embedded tags, allowing recipients to plant wildflowers—a literal and figurative way to “grow” brand affinity. Data from our internal analytics showed a 30% increase in social media mentions when these items were distributed at trade shows, proving sustainability drives engagement.
Trend 2: Personalization That Feels Personal
Today’s consumers expect more than a logo slapped on a t-shirt. Personalization is key, with 71% of shoppers craving tailored experiences, per McKinsey’s retail insights . Branded merchandise in 2025 is about creating bespoke items that reflect individual preferences, turning swag into something recipients actually want to keep.
For instance, our work with a tech client involved curated employee onboarding kits with personalized drinkware (engraved with names) and ergonomic desk accessories. Post-campaign surveys revealed 85% of recipients felt more connected to the company, and 60% used the items daily. Platforms like ours are also seeing a surge in demand for analytics tools to track merchandise performance, with QR codes and CRM integrations helping brands measure ROI . This data-driven approach ensures every item serves a strategic purpose, from customer retention to employee engagement.
Trend 3: Nostalgia as a Marketing Superpower
Nostalgia is a powerful tool in 2025, with consumers craving vintage aesthetics that evoke simpler times. The Solv Group notes that brands are reviving 80s and 90s designs—think bold graphics, retro fonts, and fanny packs—to tap into this trend . These throwback items resonate because they counter the sterile feel of digital culture, offering a playful, human connection.
A real-world example? Our collaboration with a brewery client featured retro-inspired crewnecks and snapbacks with 90s-style logos. Distributed at a summer festival, these items sparked a 25% uptick in Instagram Stories tagged with the brand’s hashtag, as fans proudly showcased their swag. The Branding Journal also highlights retro-inspired packaging as a growing trend, with brands using heritage designs to tell their story . At Fancy Inc., we’re leaning into this by offering customizable vintage merch lines that blend nostalgia with modern functionality.
Trend 4: Experiential Merch for Real-World Connection
As digital fatigue grows, brands are using merchandise to create memorable, in-person experiences. The Influence Agency predicts a rise in social-first content like behind-the-scenes clips and event-based giveaways to foster genuine connections . Merchandise plays a starring role here, turning events into opportunities to deepen brand loyalty.
Consider Target’s car seat trade-in program, which recycled over 3 million car seats while offering sustainable swag as incentives . Fancy Inc. recently partnered with a fitness brand to create wellness journals and yoga mats for a community workout event. Post-event data showed a 40% increase in email sign-ups from attendees, with many citing the branded gifts as a key reason for engaging further. By tying merchandise to real-world moments, brands can amplify their impact.
Looking Ahead: Making Merch Matter
In 2025, branded merchandise is more than a giveaway—it’s a strategic tool for building trust, sparking joy, and standing out in a world weary of digital noise. At Fancy Inc., we’re excited to help brands navigate this landscape with sustainable, personalized, and nostalgic swag that resonates. As Accenture puts it, the brands that win will be those connecting on a human level, creating moments that feel “playful, purposeful, and sometimes a little messy” .
Ready to make your merchandise unforgettable? Let’s craft swag that tells your story and leaves a lasting impression. Contact Fancy Inc. today to explore our 2025 trend-inspired solutions.