--- title: Top 5 Merch Items to Make Your Brand Back to School Ready description: Custom branded packaging for corporate gifts and campaigns. Learn how premium packaging turns good gifts into brand experiences. image: https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hubfs/July%20Blog%20Images-1.png --- [Skip to content](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/top-5-merch-items-to-make-your-brand-back-to-school-ready#main-content) [![](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Hoopla%20soft%20flock-1.png?width=547&height=133&name=Hoopla%20soft%20flock-1.png)](https://www.hooplaboise.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Contact us](mailto:christina@hooplaboise.com) [Contact us](mailto:christina@hooplaboise.com) Jul 21, 2026, 5:11:50 PM # Top 5 Merch Items to Make Your Brand Back to School Ready ![Picture of Christina Maag](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/46b576792ea5091603bdd0c2491189d8) [Christina Maag](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/author/christina-maag) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/top-5-merch-items-to-make-your-brand-back-to-school-ready) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/top-5-merch-items-to-make-your-brand-back-to-school-ready) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/top-5-merch-items-to-make-your-brand-back-to-school-ready) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/top-5-merch-items-to-make-your-brand-back-to-school-ready) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/top-5-merch-items-to-make-your-brand-back-to-school-ready) Back‑to‑school season is one of the biggest branding opportunities of the year. From welcome week to club recruitment or alumni events, the right merch helps students feel connected, excited, and ready for the year ahead. For school administrators and those planning for Fall recruitment and events, we’ve compiled the top five merch items to elevate your brand this fall. ## **For Educators and Administrators** Schools thrive when students feel part of something bigger. Branded education items make everyday learning feel intentional and unified. ![1](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/1.png?width=480&height=310&name=1.png) 1. [Notebooks](https://www.hooplaboise.com/office-desk-items-journals.htm), [highlighter set](https://www.hooplaboise.com/office-writing-highlighters.htm), and [planners](https://www.hooplaboise.com/p/FIQGK-TYLHN/academic-calendar-standard-vertical?ST=26071717233118443672453626&I=10&N=PN) 2. [Memo board](https://www.hooplaboise.com/office-organizational-tools-memo-boards.htm) or [sticky notes](https://www.hooplaboise.com/office-desk-items-sticky-notes.htm) 3. [Branded folders](https://www.hooplaboise.com/office-organizational-tools-folders.htm) 4. [Name badges](https://www.hooplaboise.com/office-tradeshows-events-name-badges.htm) 5. [Water bottles](https://www.hooplaboise.com/drinkware-sports-outdoors-tumblers.htm) and [lunch accessories](https://www.hooplaboise.com/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=lunch+containers) These essentials help students stay organized while reinforcing school identity from day one. ## **For Student Organizations** Clubs, academic groups, and student‑led initiatives need merch that builds visibility and belonging. For those in charge of club recruitment, this section is for you! #### **Sororities & Fraternities![2](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/2.png?width=480&height=310&name=2.png)** 1. [Table tents](https://www.hooplaboise.com/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=table+tent) and [tabling signage](https://www.hooplaboise.com/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=table+signage) 2. [Photo-ops](https://www.hooplaboise.com/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=photo+op) and [lawn games](https://www.hooplaboise.com/fun-outdoors-toys-games-board-games.htm) 3. Bid day swag bags filled with [tumblers](https://www.hooplaboise.com/drinkware-home-office-tumblers.htm), [totes](https://www.hooplaboise.com/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=tote), [clear stadium bags](https://www.hooplaboise.com/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=stadium+bag), custom [trucker hats](https://www.hooplaboise.com/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=trucker+hat)and [beanies](https://www.hooplaboise.com/beanies.htm) 4. Trendy apparel like this [sweat-set](https://www.hooplaboise.com/si/7311663383/ydhok-trgyd/comfort-colors-womens-mid-length-crewneck-sweatshirt) 5. Giveaways and high-touch point items like [pens](https://www.hooplaboise.com/office-writing-pens.htm), [key chains](https://www.hooplaboise.com/need-more-advanced-search.htm) or [wristlets](https://www.hooplaboise.com/p/BHQKC-LZKCD/good-value-wrist-strap-key-holder?ST=26071717493018216516856778&I=26&N=PN), [buttons](https://www.hooplaboise.com/office-tradeshows-events-buttons.htm), or [branded candy or mints](https://www.hooplaboise.com/need-more-advanced-search.htm)   #### **![3](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/3.png?width=480&height=310&name=3.png)** #### **Clubs and On-Campus Organizations** 1. [Branded notebooks](https://www.hooplaboise.com/office-desk-items-journals.htm) 2. [Table tents](https://www.hooplaboise.com/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=table+tent) and [tabling signage](https://www.hooplaboise.com/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=table+signage) 3. [Branded tees](https://www.hooplaboise.com/apparel-short-sleeve-t-shirts.htm) 4. [Giveaway items](https://www.hooplaboise.com/healthcare-selfcare-awareness.htm) like [sunscreen](https://www.hooplaboise.com/healthcare-first-aid-sunscreen.htm) or great [lip balm](https://www.hooplaboise.com/healthcare-selfcare-lip-balm.htm) 5. [Vinyl Stickers](https://www.hooplaboise.com/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=vinyl+stickers) Strong branding gives students that get involved on campus the feeling of connection and encouragement - helping them stay involved longer.   ## **![5](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/5.png?width=480&height=310&name=5.png)For Teams** Designing your team’s annual sweatshirt, or maybe creating the full branded look they’ll be sporting this year…. and hopefully the next five, this list is for you: 1. [Hats and caps](https://www.hooplaboise.com/headwear-caps.htm) 2. [The perfect duffel](https://www.hooplaboise.com/outdoor-fitness-duffle-bags.htm) 3. [Quarter-zips](https://www.hooplaboise.com/:quicksearch.htm?quicksearchbox=quarter+zip) 4. [Sweatshirts and pants](https://www.hooplaboise.com/apparel-outerwear-sweats.htm) 5. [Administrative apparel and uniforms](https://www.hooplaboise.com/apparel-officewear.htm) Handling a large order and want your team to pick their favorite branded favorites without all the back and forth? Our team at Hoopla creates custom Online Stores. Yup, a merch Hub curated by you for your team to choose from. It takes the stress off your shoulders for large orders and gives a variety of styles to a team just as diverse.  ## ![6](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/6.png?width=480&height=310&name=6.png)**Team Spirit** Wherever your sport takes you next semester, this merch brings the team spirit. 1. [Foam hand](https://www.hooplaboise.com/fun-outdoors-sports-team-spirit-foam-hands.htm) 2. [Handheld fan](https://www.hooplaboise.com/fun-outdoors-sports-team-spirit-fans.htm) 3. [Noise makers](https://www.hooplaboise.com/fun-outdoors-sports-team-spirit-noise-makers.htm) 4. [Weather proof bluetooth speaker](https://www.hooplaboise.com/p/MBILB-QCCAU/stark-2.0-bluetooth-speaker?ST=26071717094096817560271262&I=8&N=PN) 5. [First aid kits](https://www.hooplaboise.com/healthcare-first-aid-kits.htm)   Back‑to‑school season is the perfect moment to refresh your brand and show up with merch that builds excitement, connection, and pride. Whether you’re supporting educators, boosting club recruitment, outfitting a team, or rallying school spirit, we hope our top five merch items make it easy to create a memorable start to the year. If you’re ready to simplify ordering, elevate your merch, or build a custom online store for your school or team, Hoopla has you covered. Let’s get your campus geared up for an unforgettable fall. [Let's Start Brainstorming!](https://www.hooplaboise.com/start-a-project.html)   ## Related posts [![](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?height=200&name=1-1.png)](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/the-real-secret-to-crisp-branded-merch?hsLang=en) [Events](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/events), [Trends](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/trends), [School](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/school), [Team](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/team), [College](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/college) ## [Stop Sending JPEGs: The Real Secret to Crisp Branded Merch](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/the-real-secret-to-crisp-branded-merch?hsLang=en) ![Picture of Christina Maag](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/46b576792ea5091603bdd0c2491189d8) [Christina Maag](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/author/christina-maag) Aug 18, 2026, 3:20:07 PM [Read more](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/the-real-secret-to-crisp-branded-merch?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hs-fs/hubfs/June%20blog%20header.png?height=200&name=June%20blog%20header.png)](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/how-premium-packaging-boosts-brand-activations-and-why-it-matters?hsLang=en) [Events](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/events), [Golf](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/golf), [Trends](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/trends), [Packaging](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/packaging) ## [How Premium Packaging Boosts Brand Activations (And Why It Matters)](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/how-premium-packaging-boosts-brand-activations-and-why-it-matters?hsLang=en) ![Picture of Christina Maag](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/46b576792ea5091603bdd0c2491189d8) [Christina Maag](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/author/christina-maag) Jun 1, 2026, 6:30:00 PM Let's be real, in a world where everyone's inbox is overflowing and attention spans are shorter... [Read more](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/how-premium-packaging-boosts-brand-activations-and-why-it-matters?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Hoopla%20%20March%20Blog%20Header%20Final.png?height=200&name=Hoopla%20%20March%20Blog%20Header%20Final.png)](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/the-best-branded-golf-merch-for-tournaments-sponsors-event-planners?hsLang=en) [Events](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/events), [Golf](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/golf), [Giveaways](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/giveaways) ## [The Best Branded Golf Merch for Tournaments, Sponsors & Event Planners](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/the-best-branded-golf-merch-for-tournaments-sponsors-event-planners?hsLang=en) ![Picture of Christina Maag](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/46b576792ea5091603bdd0c2491189d8) [Christina Maag](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/author/christina-maag) Mar 11, 2026, 11:56:25 AM Golf season is the perfect moment for event planners, tournament sponsors, and marketers to shine.... [Read more](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/the-best-branded-golf-merch-for-tournaments-sponsors-event-planners?hsLang=en) [Events](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/events), [Trends](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/trends), [School](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/school), [Team](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/team), [College](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/college) ## Related posts [![](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1-1.png?height=200&name=1-1.png)](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/the-real-secret-to-crisp-branded-merch?hsLang=en) [Events](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/events), [Trends](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/trends), [School](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/school), [Team](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/team), [College](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/college) ## [Stop Sending JPEGs: The Real Secret to Crisp Branded Merch](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/the-real-secret-to-crisp-branded-merch?hsLang=en) ![Picture of Christina Maag](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/46b576792ea5091603bdd0c2491189d8) [Christina Maag](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/author/christina-maag) Aug 18, 2026, 3:20:07 PM [Read more](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/the-real-secret-to-crisp-branded-merch?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hs-fs/hubfs/June%20blog%20header.png?height=200&name=June%20blog%20header.png)](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/how-premium-packaging-boosts-brand-activations-and-why-it-matters?hsLang=en) [Events](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/events), [Golf](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/golf), [Trends](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/trends), [Packaging](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/packaging) ## [How Premium Packaging Boosts Brand Activations (And Why It Matters)](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/how-premium-packaging-boosts-brand-activations-and-why-it-matters?hsLang=en) ![Picture of Christina Maag](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/46b576792ea5091603bdd0c2491189d8) [Christina Maag](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/author/christina-maag) Jun 1, 2026, 6:30:00 PM Let's be real, in a world where everyone's inbox is overflowing and attention spans are shorter... [Read more](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/how-premium-packaging-boosts-brand-activations-and-why-it-matters?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Hoopla%20%20March%20Blog%20Header%20Final.png?height=200&name=Hoopla%20%20March%20Blog%20Header%20Final.png)](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/the-best-branded-golf-merch-for-tournaments-sponsors-event-planners?hsLang=en) [Events](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/events), [Golf](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/golf), [Giveaways](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/tag/giveaways) ## [The Best Branded Golf Merch for Tournaments, Sponsors & Event Planners](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/the-best-branded-golf-merch-for-tournaments-sponsors-event-planners?hsLang=en) ![Picture of Christina Maag](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/46b576792ea5091603bdd0c2491189d8) [Christina Maag](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/author/christina-maag) Mar 11, 2026, 11:56:25 AM Golf season is the perfect moment for event planners, tournament sponsors, and marketers to shine.... [Read more](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/the-best-branded-golf-merch-for-tournaments-sponsors-event-planners?hsLang=en) [facebook-f icon](https://www.facebook.com/hooplaboise) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hooplaboise) [instagram icon](https://www.instagram.com/hoopla_boise/) --- [![](https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Hoopla%20soft%20flock-1.png?width=547&height=133&name=Hoopla%20soft%20flock-1.png)](https://www.hooplaboise.com) Copyright © 2023, Hoopla ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Christina Maag", "url" : "https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/author/christina-maag" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-21T23:11:50.867Z", "datePublished" : "2026-07-21T23:11:50.000Z", "headline" : "Top 5 Merch Items to Make Your Brand Back to School Ready", "image" : [ "https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hubfs/July%20Blog%20Images-1.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.hooplaboise.com/everythingbranding/top-5-merch-items-to-make-your-brand-back-to-school-ready", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.hooplaboise.com/hubfs/Hoopla%20soft%20flock-1.png" } } } ```