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Playbook for Accessible Gaming Events Guideline 109: SWAG and Merch

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Stuff we all get ("SWAG") is a staple of most events. Similarly, many events will offer merch for purchase. In both cases, having items that many people can enjoy will help attendees feel more included and may help boost excitement and sales as well.

Scoping questions

If you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions, this guideline applies to your event:

  • Are you giving away free items (e.g., tchotchkes, pens, notebooks, buttons, stickers, shirts, etc.) at your event?

  • Are you selling any items (e.g., shirts, hats, stickers, figurines, pins, etc.) at your event?

Implementation guidelines

Consider implementing the following guidelines for your event.

General Guidelines

  • Variety

    • It is best to have a variety of different types of swag and merch available for customers.

    • Offerings should include "passive" items (e.g., stickers, posters, figurines, etc.) that don't need to be actively used (e.g., pens, mini-fans, squishy balls, etc.).

    • Offerings should include tactile items (e.g., figurines, action figures, squishy balls, etc.) for those with little or no vision.

  • Safety

    • Items should not have sharp edges (e.g., pocket knives).

    • Items that are put in one's mouth (e.g., whistles) should be avoided.

    • Items should avoid having artificial fragrances.

  • Tactile and Braille

    • When possible, text and iconography on items should be tactile (raised or etched) for those with low vision.

    • When possible, braille on rigid items is advised. Due to the size of braille, all text may not be able to be fitted. In these cases, a simple product name would suffice.

    • It is worth considering whether grips (such as rubber grips on pens) can be applied to make it easier to hold the item.

  • Catalogs

    • For merch that may be hard to see from a specific vantage point, or for people with low vision, offer a catalog of merch with large pictures of the merch (one per page) along with large, high contrast text stating the name of the item and the price.

    • When possible, include a braille catalog or short URL to an accessible website that describes each object in detail and provides pricing information.

  • Purchasing

    • Ensure multiple forms of payment are accepted including cash, credit card, and Tap-to-Pay.

Wearables

  • Sizes / Styles

    • For shirts, jackets, sweatpants, etc. ensure a wide variety of sizes are available, including XS through 3XL (or larger).

  • Materials

    • Materials, whenever possible, should be natural (avoid polyester, rayon, nylon, spandex, latex, etc.).

    • Avoid the use of feathers in merch and SWAG.

    • For objects like rings or necklaces, make sure information is available on the type(s) of metal used (e.g., stainless steel, silver, gold, etc.).

Resources and tools

None currently.