Custom Merch Ideas: Branded Pens That Actually Get Noticed
Pens might be small, but when it comes to brand visibility, they punch way above their weight. They’re affordable, practical, and perfect for events, welcome kits, or everyday giveaways. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of custom pens—featuring Nerds’ favorites: the Metal Pen, Smooth Touch Pen, and Wheat Straw Pen.
1. Pick the Pen That Fits Your Brand Vibe
All pens are not created equal. Whether you’re going for sleek and professional, fun and friendly, or sustainable and tactile, Nerds has a pen that matches your tone and target audience.
🖊️ Metal Pen
Elegant and modern, this pen is made to impress. It’s perfect for engraving—whether it’s a subtle logo, a name, or a slogan. Great for law firms, agencies, or premium gifts. Think client gifts, executive sets, or branded stationery that feels luxe.
🤚 Smooth Touch Pen
It’s all about the feel. This soft-touch pen has a cool texture and can be digitally printed with your full-color design. Great for startups, schools, and event swag where you want to add a pop of color or message. Budget-friendly but still super satisfying to use.
🌾 Wheat Straw Pen
Our best-seller! Made from wheat straw plastic, this eco-conscious pen feels great in the hand and has a unique speckled texture. It screams sustainability without being boring. Perfect for eco-focused brands, green events, or just showing that you care.
2. Match the Design to the Medium
Each pen type offers different print possibilities. Our team at Nerds will guide you on the best option based on your design and desired effect—but here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- ✨ Metal Pen: Best for engraving — durable and subtle.
- 🎨 Smooth Touch Pen: Great for digital printing in full color.
- 🌱 Wheat Straw Pen: Usually pad printed with simple logos/text.
3. Make It Memorable
Don't settle for boring. Your pen should carry your brand personality. Here are some quick ideas to get the creativity flowing:
- 🖋 Add a witty phrase or call-to-action ("Sign here, dream big!")
- 🪶 Combine your logo with an icon, like a star or mascot
- 📦 Package it with a custom notebook or sticker sheet
- 📅 Use it as part of a new employee welcome pack
4. Think Beyond Giveaways
Pens aren’t just for trade shows. They're smart tools for everyday branding. At Nerds, we’ve helped clients use pens for:
- ✍️ Workshop and event kits
- 🛍 Retail add-ons
- 💼 Internal team swag
- 🎓 School or university promotions
5. Keep It Sustainable
Today’s merch buyers want things that feel good—and do good. The Wheat Straw Pen is a great example of sustainability and affordability combined. It’s proof that thoughtful design doesn’t have to cost more or compromise on looks.
Small Merch, Big Impact
Custom pens are proof that small things can leave a big impression. When done right, they’re more than just a pen—they’re a brand touchpoint people actually use (and often keep). Whether you’re going sleek with Metal, fun with Smooth Touch, or green with Wheat Straw, Nerds helps you design pens that stand out and stay useful.
Let’s make something awesome together ✍️
