In today’s competitive café landscape, merchandise is no longer just an extra revenue stream—it’s an essential part of branding, customer loyalty, and marketing. From stylish t-shirts to reusable tumblers, the right café merch not only generates additional income but also turns customers into walking advertisements for your brand.
So, what’s trending in café merchandise in 2025? Here’s a breakdown of the hottest items and how you can leverage them to increase engagement, boost sales, and strengthen your brand identity.
1. Custom T-Shirts That Customers Actually Want to Wear
Why It’s Trending:
Branded t-shirts are a staple of café merchandise, but today’s customers want more than just a simple logo. They’re looking for high-quality, stylish, and comfortable apparel that they can wear beyond their morning coffee run.
How to Make It Work:
- Minimalist & Aesthetic Designs – A simple, artistic logo or a hand-drawn coffee-related illustration works better than an oversized company name.
- Sustainability Matters – Offer eco-friendly materials like organic cotton or recycled fabric to appeal to eco-conscious customers.
- Variety & Fit – Think beyond standard tees. Offer cropped tees, oversized fits, and seasonal variations like hoodies or tank tops.
- Limited Editions – Create seasonal or event-based designs to create demand (e.g., “Holiday Blend Crewneck” or “Summer Cold Brew Tee”).
Your Brand Cafe Tip: Our custom printing services allow you to create soft, stylish, and durable t-shirts that customers will actually want to wear. Plus, with bulk ordering and low minimums, you can test different styles without committing to large runs.
2. Reusable Tumblers & Custom Drinkware
Why It’s Trending:
With sustainability becoming a bigger concern, customers love reusable drinkware that’s stylish, functional, and eco-friendly. Personalized tumblers, reusable cups, and mugs not only reduce waste but also provide daily exposure for your brand.
How to Make It Work:
- Custom Stainless Steel Tumblers – These are durable, keep drinks hot/cold longer, and look sleek.
- Travel-Friendly Insulated Mugs – Great for commuters and coffee lovers on the go.
- Personalized Name Options – Allow customers to add their name or a fun message to their cup.
- Seasonal Limited Editions – Just like t-shirts, exclusive colorways or themed designs make customers want to buy now.
Your Brand Cafe Tip: We offer custom printing on reusable cups, mugs, and tumblers in various materials, including stainless steel, BPA-free plastic, and eco-friendly options. Add your branding or let customers customize their own!
3. Branded Tote Bags for the On-the-Go Coffee Drinker
Why It’s Trending:
Tote bags have taken over the world of casual fashion and sustainability, making them one of the best merchandise options for cafes. Customers love them for grocery runs, work commutes, or just as an everyday carry-all.
How to Make It Work:
- Keep It Simple & Stylish – Think bold typography, small logos, or hand-drawn graphics.
- Offer Different Materials – Cotton canvas is a staple, but lightweight polyester or foldable totes are great for easy storage.
- Create Bundle Deals – Offer a tote with a bag of coffee or a reusable tumbler to encourage multi-product purchases.
- Promote Sustainability – Remind customers that they’re reducing plastic waste by using a reusable tote! make customers want to buy now.
Your Brand Cafe Tip: We offer customizable tote bags in different styles and materials, allowing you to create functional and fashionable merch that represents your brand.
4. Stickers & Collectibles
Why It’s Trending:
Stickers are affordable, fun, and highly shareable, making them a great way to build brand awareness and let customers show off their café loyalty. Many coffee lovers love decorating their laptops, water bottles, or notebooks with stickers that showcase their personality.
How to Make It Work:
- Create Sticker Packs – Offer sets of 3-5 designs that include your logo, fun quotes, or café-themed artwork.
- Go Custom Shape Stickers – Have a funky logo? Get custom die-cut stickers that perfectly
- Include Them in Orders – Freebies make customers feel valued and more likely to return.
Your Brand Cafe Tip: Our custom sticker printing ensures high-quality, waterproof designs that last. Stickers are an easy way to spread brand awareness while giving customers a fun, affordable keepsake.
5. Seasonal & Limited-Edition Merchandise
Why It’s Trending:
Nothing creates excitement like limited-time-only items. Whether it’s a holiday-themed mug or a summer-exclusive t-shirt, limited-edition merchandise drives urgency and makes customers feel like they’re part of something special.
How to Make It Work:
- Holiday-Themed Apparel – Think cozy sweaters in winter or pastel mugs for spring.
- Local Event Collaborations – Partner with local artists to create exclusive merch.
- Small-Batch Releases – Announce drops on social media to create anticipation and drive demand.
Your Brand Cafe Tip: We specialize in custom holiday and seasonal branding, offering a wide range of customizable merchandise with flexible order quantities.
6. Coffee Subscription Boxes & Merch Bundles
Why It’s Trending:
Customers love subscription models because they offer convenience, exclusivity, and a personalized experience. Including branded collectibles like mugs, apparel, or stickers with your coffee subscription can enhance value and keep customers engaged.
How to Make It Work:
- Themed Monthly Boxes – Offer a rotating selection of coffee, a piece of merch, and a surprise gift.
- Gift Subscriptions – Let customers send a subscription as a holiday or birthday gift.
- VIP Perks – Offer discounts on merch for subscribers to increase long-term retention.
Your Brand Cafe Tip: We provide custom branded merchandise with low minimums and free shipping to help you fill on-brand subscription boxes that enhance the unboxing experience.
Final Thoughts: Turning Merchandise Into a Marketing Powerhouse
Café merchandise is more than just an extra revenue stream—it’s an opportunity to deepen customer loyalty, promote sustainability, and expand brand reach. By staying on top of trends like eco-friendly drinkware, stylish apparel, and limited-edition releases, you can create an irresistible lineup of products that customers love to buy and show off.
Whether you’re launching your first merch collection or looking to refresh your lineup, Your Brand Cafe is here to help with custom printing, sustainable packaging, and high-quality materials.
💡 Ready to create best-selling café merchandise? Contact us today to start designing your custom apparel, drinkware, or packaging!
Rebekah
Rebekah is a marketing copywriter who earned her a Master’s degree in Publishing Media from Oxford Brookes University. In her spare time she explores the outdoors and new countries, finds additions to her personal library, and actively defends her claim to the “favorite aunt” title.