This podcast is brought to you by ColDesi

In Episode 138 of the CAS Podcast, we’re challenging you to go beyond the blank tee. The custom apparel world is evolving fast—and more and more successful business owners are expanding their product lines to include high-demand, high-margin personalized goods that aren’t clothing.

From UV-printed whiskey glasses to embroidered table runners and holiday oven mitts, this episode dives into the creative—and profitable—ways you can grow your business by thinking outside the t-shirt.

The Shift Is Real: Apparel Is Just the Beginning

This year, ColDesi has seen a clear trend across trade shows, industry publications, and customer feedback: decorators and printers are branching out. Custom businesses that once focused solely on t-shirts are now adding new machines and capabilities to meet the rising demand for personalized products across categories.

Why?

● Increased revenue per order

● Better margins on hard goods

● Broader seasonal and promotional opportunities

And the tools to make it happen—like the DigitalHeat FX, UV printers, embroidery machines, and spangle systems—are more accessible than ever.

Most Popular Non-Apparel Custom Products

If you’re looking to diversify your offerings, here are some of the most in-demand items custom decorators are producing right now:

Everyday Essentials:

● Mugs & Tumblers

● Can Cookers

● Backpacks & Lunch Bags

● Hip Packs / Fanny Packs

● Blankets

● Aprons

Event & Lifestyle Favorites:

● Custom Whiskey Glasses

● Picture Frames

● Coasters

Seasonal and Holiday Hot Sellers:

● Embroidered Stockings

● Table Runners (Thanksgiving & Christmas)

● Tree Skirts

● Holiday Aprons & Oven Mitts

● Personalized Ornaments

These items aren’t just novel—they’re profitable.

Real Product Examples with Profit Potential

Thinking about the return on these products? Here are a few standout examples from Colman and Company and ColDesi’s UV printer pages:

● Custom Aprons

Cost: $5.60 | Retail: $17–$31

● Custom Hip Packs

Cost: $4.78 | Retail: $15.99

● Stone Coasters with UV Printing

Cost: $1.84 | Retail: ~$23

These types of products are often bought in multiples, gifted during holidays, or used for branding—meaning bigger orders and more repeat business.

What Equipment Is Driving This Shift?

● DigitalHeat FX: Great for hard goods like whiskey glasses, frames, and ornaments.

● Embroidery Machines (especially with the Embroidery Grip): Perfect for irregular items like mitts, stockings, and tree skirts.

● Spangle Machines: Ideal for dazzling designs on home goods and holiday decor.

● UV Printers: The most versatile for non-apparel printing—rocks glasses, coasters, signs, and more.

These tools give you the flexibility to go after different markets, different seasons, and new customer types—all without abandoning apparel.

Holiday Selling Ideas by Technology

✳️ Embroidery

● Christmas stockings

● Tree skirts

● Holiday aprons

● Table runners

● Oven mitts

● Backpacks and bags

● Ornaments

✳️ DigitalHeat FX

● Whiskey glasses

● Holiday mugs

● Personalized picture frames

● Ornaments

✳️ Spangles

● Everything embroidery can do—plus some sparkle!

Now’s the time to plan ahead for holiday orders, bundle ideas, and in-person events or pop-up booths.

Dive Deeper with These Related Resources

🎧 Episodes:

● Episode 125 – The White Toner Revolution with Randy Rickert

● Episode 129 – UV Printing BOOM

🎥 Videos:

● What is Kitting?

● Custom Rocks Glasses

These resources will help you explore how these products are made—and how other businesses are already profiting from them.