The 51st State Merch Craze
Hey everyone, what’s up? I just wanted to share a little story about how riding trends has helped me build my online biz — and how you might do the same. Grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s chat about the crazy ride that is online entrepreneurship.
A few years back, I jumped on a trend that, looking back, seems almost hilarious now: fidget spinners. Yep, those little gadgets that everyone couldn’t stop talking about. I wasn’t even planning a business at the time — I just had this wild idea to design some quirky t-shirts and accessories that matched the fun, offbeat vibe of the era. And guess what? It actually worked. Social media lit up with people loving my designs, and I learned a super valuable lesson: if you can tap into what’s hot at the moment, you can really make something happen.
Fast forward to today, and things have shifted dramatically. The buzz isn’t about fidget spinners anymore — it’s all about groundbreaking AI tech and some pretty wild political chatter. I mean, have you heard that OpenAI’s new GPT-5 is coming out free? That kind of news isn’t just a tech update; it’s a signal that the whole game is changing. Free access to next-level AI can seriously level up your creativity and workflow, and it’s making a big splash in how people approach online business.
On the political front, there’s been a ton of buzz around Trump’s recent comments. Remember when he joked about Canada becoming the “51st state”? I couldn’t help but chuckle — and then I started thinking, “Hey, why not use this as inspiration?” Whether you’re into politics or not, these headlines can spark tons of ideas for merchandise. For example, you could design some 51st state bumper stickers that playfully nod at the idea, or even create Governor Trudeau tee shirts that capture the local pride and cheeky commentary of the moment.
Here are a few tips on how you can actually make some cash from these kinds of trending political stories:
How to Make Money with This Trend:
Print-on-Demand Merch: T-shirts with slogans like “Welcome to the 51st State” or “Make Canada American Again” (satirical, not political).
Bumper Stickers: Simple designs like “Official 51st State Resident” or a split U.S./Canadian flag with a funny tagline.
Mugs & Hats: People love a good political joke — especially if it’s timely. Use platforms like Printify, Printful, and Redbubble to sell without holding inventory.
Etsy & eBay Listings: You’d be shocked how quickly funny political merch sells on Etsy. Create a basic design, list it, and watch the reaction. If it sells, double down.
Drop Shipping Niche Products: Source “pro-Trump” and “pro-Canada” novelty items from AliExpress and sell them through a Shopify store.
Affiliate Marketing: If you don’t want to create your own products, you can promote trending 51st state designs from POD marketplaces (like TeeSpring or Zazzle) and earn commissions.
Jump on Memes and Catchphrases: Keep an eye on what’s trending — if a funny phrase or meme is blowing up because of Trump’s news, brainstorm a design around it. A clever bumper sticker or a witty t-shirt slogan can catch on quickly.
Use Subtle Political Commentary: You don’t have to be overly partisan. Sometimes a light, humorous take on the “51st state” idea or a nod to local leaders like Trudeau can appeal to a wide audience. Think of designs that are playful rather than polarizing.
Test the Waters with Print-On-Demand (POD): I’ve tried out several POD platforms over the years — Printful, Teelaunch, and yes, even Printify have been game changers for me. These services let you test new ideas without holding inventory. If your design catches on, great! If not, no harm done.
Leverage Social Media: When you have a timely design, share it on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. This can help gauge interest and even get your design trending further. Social media is where these conversations live, so be part of the chatter.
Create a Cool Online Storefront: A professional-looking website can really boost your brand. I set mine up with Hostinger because it was affordable and super reliable, which is key when you’re starting out. A clean, easy-to-navigate site makes a big difference.
The real win for me has been learning to see trends as opportunities rather than just background noise. Whether it was the fidget spinner craze or the current whirlwind of AI breakthroughs and political headlines, there’s always a chance to create something fresh. For example, I’ve designed some playful, AI-inspired graphics and even a few cheeky political-themed pieces that spark conversation. The key is to add your personal twist — make it something that speaks to your style and connects with your audience.
So, if you’re thinking about diving into online business, here’s a little tip: keep your eyes peeled for what’s hot right now. Trends are everywhere, and they’re not just about making a quick buck. They’re about understanding your audience, being creative, and having fun along the way. And hey, if you need a bit of help getting started with your online store or setting up your POD, check out Printify or even explore other platforms like Printful and Teelaunch. They’ve definitely made my life easier.
Thanks for reading my rambling story. I hope it inspires you to jump on the next big trend, add your unique flair, and maybe even make a bit of money along the way. Stay creative, keep experimenting, and always be ready to pivot when something new comes around.
Happy hustling, and catch you later!