Why Novelty and Nostalgia Work in Merch
APPA notes that 79% of people who receive a giveaway go on to research the company behind it, a meaningfully higher engagement rate than most passive advertising formats achieve. Novelty and retro-themed items tend to perform even better on this front, simply because they stand out from the sea of plain pens and generic tote bags most people are used to receiving. A slightly unexpected item creates a small moment of delight, and that moment is what sticks in someone’s memory alongside your brand.
Retro and Nostalgic Merch Ideas
Retro-styled items work by tapping into familiarity. People respond well to designs, colours, and product styles that remind them of an earlier era, even if the memory is more feeling than fact
- Retro-style drink bottles and enamel mugs with vintage colourways
- Throwback stationery, like old-school clipboards, tin pencil cases, or classic notebook covers
- Retro-patterned tote bags or drawstring bags, popular for festivals and casual events
- Classic toy-style items such as branded yo-yos, spinning tops, or puzzle cubes
- Vintage-inspired badges, patches, or enamel pins
These work particularly well for organisations wanting to build a sense of community or shared identity, since nostalgia tends to create warmth toward a brand rather than just recognition of it.
Funny and Quirky Merchandise
Humour-led items work differently. Instead of familiarity, they rely on surprise or a bit of personality to stand out
- Animal-shaped stress toys or novelty desk items with a playful design
- Quirky-shaped drink bottles, coolers, or bag accessories
- Fun, characterful packaging around an otherwise standard item
- Playful colour combinations or unexpected material choices on everyday products
The key with humour is restraint. A subtle, well-executed bit of fun tends to land better than something that tries too hard, and it still needs to feel appropriate for a professional audience.
Where These Themes Work Best
When to Be Careful
Not every audience responds the same way to novelty. A few things worth considering before committing to a theme
- Formal or highly regulated industries, such as legal, finance, or government, generally do better with a subtler take on nostalgia rather than an overtly quirky item
- Client-facing gifts for senior stakeholders usually call for a more restrained, premium version of a theme rather than the most playful option available
- Humour should never risk being misread or exclusionary, so it’s worth testing a design with a few people outside the marketing team before committing to a bulk order
- Novelty items still need to be genuinely useful or well-made, since a gimmick with poor build quality undermines the goodwill it’s meant to create
Shealeigh Keener, one of our account managers who has worked with clients like this, noticed that the organisations getting the best results tend to save the bolder, funnier options for trade shows and staff events, while keeping client gifting a little more understated, retro rather than outright novelty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is humour appropriate for corporate giveaways?
Yes, in the right setting. Trade shows, staff events, and casual brand touchpoints handle humour well. More formal client gifting usually calls for a subtler approach.
What’s the difference between retro and novelty merchandise?
Retro items lean on familiar, nostalgic design cues to create warmth. Novelty or funny items rely on surprise, playful shapes, or humour to stand out. Both aim for memorability, just through different means.
Are quirky items less professional than standard merchandise?
Not necessarily. A well-made, well-designed quirky item can still look professional. The risk comes from poor build quality or humour that doesn’t suit the audience, not from novelty itself.
Can retro and novelty items be used for client gifts?
Yes, though it’s worth leaning toward the more restrained end of the spectrum, retro over outright novelty, for senior or formal client relationships.
Choosing a Theme That Feels Like Your Brand
The best novelty or retro merchandise still connects clearly back to the brand behind it, rather than being fun for its own sake. Before locking in a theme, it’s worth asking whether the item would still make sense to someone who’s never heard of your organisation, and whether it says something true about your brand rather than just being an attention grabber. Get in touch with our team to talk through options for your next campaign.
Sources:
- Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA), Benefits of Promotional Products: https://www.appa.com.au/promotional-products/benefits-of-promotional-products
