Kids are probably one of the hardest markets to advertise in because they have a short attention span. However, gaining their curiosity can give your brand a huge increase in engagement. For that reason and more, we’ll be tackling, custom kids merchandise today! And why it’s a great promotional product you should include in your next marketing campaign.
In this blog, we will feature two kids marketing ideas we saw in the market — one from Tbilisi Duty-Free and another one by Projeto Tartarugas Marinhas. So. let’s get started!
Kids Merchandise from Tbilisi Duty-Free
The items we found in the duty-free section include custom backpacks designed with different superheroes and cartoon characters. There are also free plush toys offered for every pack of baby products.
Moreover, a custom-designed water bottle for kids is being sold along with a baby spray product.
Projeto Tamar’s Custom Kids Merchandise
Projeto Tartarugas Marinhas (TAMAR) is a Brazilian organization established in 1980. Its first purpose is to study the sea turtles dwelling on the coast of the country. However, as they conduct more research, they found out these sea turtle species are on the verge of extinction. Eventually, the organisation started taking care of all wildlife in the sea.
To further this conservation, one of their marketing campaigns is through custom kids merchandise. The kids can colour these drawstring bags, wearables like aprons and shirts, and the traditional colouring book however they want.
What Are The Benefits of Custom Kids Merchandise?
Engaging young consumers requires more than just conventional advertising. Custom kids’ merchandise presents many benefits for brands aiming to connect authentically with this demographic.
1. Establish brand loyalty from an early age
Customised merchandise creates a sense of belonging and attachment to a brand from the formative years. Children often develop strong preferences early on, and personalised items solidify this connection, fostering long-term loyalty.
2. Create memorable experiences through personalised items.
Custom merchandise goes beyond a mere product; it becomes a part of a child’s experience, evoking emotions and memories. In addition, personalisation adds value by making the merchandise unique and special, ensuring it stands out in a sea of generic products.
3. Encourage engagement and interaction with the brand.
Custom promotional gifts for children can potentially engage young consumers actively, sparking curiosity and interaction. Interactive features, creative designs, or customization options prompt kids to participate with the brand actively, leading to deeper engagement.
4. Strengthen brand recognition and recall.
Custom merchandise serves as a constant reminder of the brand, reinforcing its image and values in the child’s mind. Strong brand recognition established in childhood can significantly influence future purchasing decisions as children grow into consumers.
12 Tips for Creating Captivating Custom Kids Merchandise
Choosing which ideas to offer the new generation of consumers is certainly challenging. However, implementing these tips can help in designing merchandise that not only captures attention but also fosters a strong connection between the brand and its young audience.
1. Understanding Your Audience
Begin by comprehensively understanding the age group you’re targeting.
Consider their interests, hobbies, and developmental stage.
Tailor the merchandise to resonate with their preferences and sensibilities.
2. Storytelling through Design
Develop a storyline or a theme for the merchandise that captures children’s imagination.
Incorporate elements that tell a story or create a connection, making the product more than just an item but an experience.
3. Colourful and Engaging Designs
Vibrant and lively colours attract kids’ attention.
Use a palette that’s appealing and eye-catching.
Employ whimsical and playful designs that stimulate their creativity and imagination.
4. Interactive and Engaging Features
Incorporate interactive elements that encourage engagement.
This could range from tactile features like buttons, sliders, or flaps to more tech-savvy elements such as augmented reality components, fostering a hands-on experience.
5. Personalization Options
Offer customization choices where kids can personalize their merchandise.
Whether adding their names, choosing colours, or customizing features, this personal touch creates a sense of ownership and uniqueness.
6. Safety and Durability
Ensure that the merchandise is safe for children to use.
Use non-toxic materials and ensure products meet safety standards.
Moreover, make them durable to withstand the rough handling common with kids.
7. Appeal to Parents/Guardians
Recognize the role of parents or guardians in the purchasing decision.
Emphasize the educational or developmental benefits, safety measures, and value for money to assure them of the merchandise’s quality.
8. Tapping into Trends and Characters
Stay updated on current trends, and popular characters from movies, TV shows, or games that are capturing children’s attention.
Incorporating these into your merchandise can greatly increase its appeal.
9. Multi-functional and Educational Value
Develop items that serve multiple functions or have educational value.
Products that entertain while imparting knowledge or skill-building activities tend to gain popularity among parents.
10. Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Consider using eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices.
Parents are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of products they buy for their children.
11. Involving Kids in the Process
Engage children in the design process or gather feedback from them.
Their insights can provide valuable guidance in creating merchandise that resonates with their interests and preferences.
12. Attractive Packaging
The packaging is the first interaction a child has with the product.
Make it engaging, interactive, and aligned with the merchandise. An appealing unboxing experience adds to the overall allure.
More colouring custom kids merchandise for you:
For more colouring ideas and design inspiration that captures the interests of the little ones, check out the blog below featuring custom fans, aprons and bags!
To celebrate the National Crayon Day, our team pulled up a colouring merchandise checklist to ensure your brand covered all the necessary pointers in marketing to kids and listed them in the blog below for your convenience!
A more specific type of bag for a wider target market of boys and girls, this custom cinch or drawstring bag is really flexible and durable! Find out more here:
Never lose your colour pencil in this colouring book our team spiced up into tri-fold! The first panel serves a s a cover, the second as a colour pencil organiser and the third as te colouring book itself!
Personalization is a huge factor that influences purchases nowadays. Hence, custom DIY colouring merchandise like this school bag guarantees increased sales!
Discover how other brands utilise kids’ merchandise in marketing:
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To Sum It All Up,
The Projeto TAMAR successfully got its market’s attention and engagement since it allowed kids to personalise their branded merchandise. Having seen their finished products, the kids would no doubt use them proudly and expose the brand on the ground.
If you’re interested in more custom merchandise, ODM can assist you! We’re a promotional product development company since 2003. We have a creative team, Mindsparkz, who are experts in the customisation of branded merchandise and promotional displays. They will closely work with your business from product brainstorming to production to ensure quality. Contact us!
For more of our services, check out the list below:
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