It’s 2026. The economy sucks. Bands aren’t selling physical media the way they used to, so merch sales matter more than ever. At the same time, venues want bigger cuts, and production costs keep rising.
This has led to fans staring down $50 t-shirts, $100 hoodies. And as much as I love supporting artists… I can only own so many $100 hoodies.
So, what SHOULD merch look like in 2026?
I think the answer is a shift away from expensive clothing, and toward smaller, more affordable items. Things that fans could spend $15-20 on without overthinking it. Items that are useful, novel, and still feel personal.
Here are 10 ideas for merch that just make sense.
Nail Polish, Press-Ons, or Nail Stickers: How many times have you seen fans do their nails inspired by bands? Why not meet them there? I think it would be SO cool to have a collection of nail polish that reminds me of my favorite bands and their albums.
Hygiene Products: I recently saw that band Poison The Well was selling a toothbrush & travel holder. Honestly, how many times have we complained about crowds having bad breath or BO? This gives fans a solution to smell better right in the moment AND support the band they’re there to see!
Jewelry: A subtle way to represent your favorite band. @Honey Revenge made earplug earrings that I am obsessed with, and I think more bands could take their lead in creating small, wearable pieces.
Water Bottles: We all know the “emotional support water bottle” is real. Now imagine one tied to your favorite band. Even better if they sell it at a festival and I can then use it to fill up at a free water fill station.
Coloring Books: Unexpected, but hear me out. Coloring can be quite relaxing, and coloring album art or lyric-inspired designs would make this feel like a therapeutic extension of the music.
Bandanas: Perfect for festivals. One size fits all, easy to design, and actually useful. Wear it, tie it to your bag, use it in the heat. Merch that works with the environment!
Postcard Sets: Instead of one large poster, offer a small postcard set of 3-5 photos and designs. Easy to display, easier to carry, and more flexible for fans.
Sticker Sets/Stationery: In 2006 I bought Decemberunderground inspired notebook paper from Hot Topic. I still have it and treasure it. Bands just don’t often make stationery, but they should. Pens, notebooks, sticker packs. Small, usable items that fans will keep for years, and can help them represent their favorite band at the office.
Keychains: One of the easiest wins. I have a Waterparks frog keychain that gets more compliments than any band shirt I own. These are a great way to show off support for your favorite band as part of your daily routine.
Festival survival: This might be the biggest missed opportunity. Fans often show up to a festival and realize they need sunscreen, hand sanitizer, or something to help cool down. I once bought a handheld fan from a band at a 100-degree festival, and it ended up being the best purchase I made all day.
These are just a starting point. There’s so much more that could be done. Makeup, puzzles, temporary tattoos, socks, and beyond.
At the end of the day, fans WANT to support bands. Bands NEED merch sales.
But the traditional merch booth might be due for an upgrade.
Which one of these items would you buy? And what bands have done out-of-the-box merch well?