Kids, Teens & Elders: Merch Ideas for Every Age Group

 


Kids, Teens & Elders: Merch Ideas for Every Age Group

Part of our Top 5 Merchandise Ideas for Community Events in 2025 Series
Estimated Reading Time: 5–6 minutes

Introduction: One Event, Many Audiences

Designing merch for community events isn’t one-size-fits-all.
You might be organizing a family fun day, a multigenerational health fair, or a community BBQ where kids, teens, and older adults all show up for different reasons — and leave with different impressions.

If your merch doesn’t reflect that diversity, you risk missing valuable connection points with key parts of your audience.

That’s why this blog is all about segment-specific merchandise — thoughtful ideas that engage different age groups meaningfully, while staying within budget and staying on brand.

For Kids (Ages 5–12): Make It Fun & Functional

What works best:
Kids love things they can play with, personalize, or carry around proudly. Parents appreciate items that are safe, practical, and don’t cause clutter.

Here are our favourite kid-friendly merch ideas:

  • Stickers: Custom sticker sheets with your logo, mascots, or affirmations like “I Belong Here!”

  • Mini colouring books: Add a community message or event theme to simple pages

  • Drawstring bags: Lightweight, colourful, and easy to print in bulk

  • Water bottles: BPA-free, kid-sized with bright logos or character graphics

  • Pencils + erasers: Simple, useful, and affordable

Budget note: As we shared in Blog #6: Budget-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Boring, small items like stickers and bags offer a huge visual impact at a low cost.

For Teens (Ages 13–18): Give Them Something to Flex

What works best:
Teens want merch that’s useful, stylish, and gives them a way to express themselves. This age group is your word-of-mouth powerhouse — they’ll proudly post, wear, and tag your brand when it speaks their language.

Top picks for teens:

  • Custom notebooks or journals: With inspiring quotes or mission-based graphics

  • Enamel pins or button packs: These feel exclusive and work great on backpacks or jackets

  • Graphic tees: Use bold, inclusive designs that feel wearable and current

  • Phone grips or lanyards: Popular, practical, and low-cost

  • Tote bags with purpose: Teens appreciate eco-messaging and activism — design bags with short slogans or causes they can relate to

Design tip: In Blog #5: Beyond the Logo, we talked about using clean, bold designs that appeal across generations — teens especially respond to smart visual storytelling.

For Older Adults (50+): Keep It Practical & Comfortable

What works best:
Elders tend to favour merchandise that’s both useful and comforting. Prioritize accessibility (large print, easy-to-carry items), quality over quantity, and sentimental value.

Here’s what we recommend:

  • Ceramic mugs or travel tumblers: Great for community centers, health fairs, or cultural programs

  • Large-print notebooks or calendars: Branded notepads with space for appointments or wellness tips

  • Tote bags with soft handles: Thicker straps for easier carrying

  • Blankets or hand towels: Embroidered with your event or organization name

  • Pill organizers or bookmarks: Perfect for wellness initiatives or literacy programs

Budget-friendly idea: Combine practical merch with service delivery — for example, include a mug inside a small self-care package with tea or a wellness flyer. See Blog #4: What’s in the Bag? for more creative bundle ideas.

Cross-Generational Merch That Works for Everyone

If you’re looking for merch that can cross all age groups, stick to universal, practical items:

  • Reusable water bottles

  • Simple t-shirts (offered in youth, adult, and unisex sizes)

  • Drawstring or canvas tote bags

  • Stickers and buttons (always fun, no matter your age!)

  • Event-specific keepsakes like postcards or magnets

Pair these items with clear messaging or a unifying theme — like “Together We Rise” or “Building Our Community.” These statements create emotional impact across generations.

Tips for Multi-Age Event Planning

When preparing for a diverse crowd:

  • Offer 2–3 merch options at your booth or registration table

  • Let people choose what suits them (kids will gravitate toward the fun stuff!)

  • Use color coding or signage to guide people to the right items

  • Bundle family-friendly merch packs for parents with children

  • Consider accessibility — is the print readable, the design inclusive, the product easy to carry?

As shared in Blog #6, staying intentional with your merch budget — and planning for variety — ensures everyone leaves with something they’ll use, wear, or remember.

Final Thought

No matter your budget, audience, or event size, inclusive and age-appropriate merch makes a difference.

It tells your guests:
"We see you. We made something just for you."

That small moment of recognition can be the start of a much bigger relationship between your brand and your community.

Explore how Strategic DesignTs can customize for all your guests — kids, teens, and elders alike.
📥 Download our free guide: Top 5 Merchandise Ideas for Community Events in 2025
👉 Get it now or visit www.strategicdesignts.ca to get started.

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