When it comes to controversial music merchandise, KISS knows how to do it! Forget all of the promotional t-shirts and customized posters you’ve ever seen. The KISS Kasket is a scary, but very interesting piece of merchandise. It can be used for the obvious reason or as a customized cooler for sodas and beer. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought beers and sodas belonged in actual customized coolers, not places of eternal rest. The KISS Kasket has been off the market since 2006, but I’m sure the lucky few consumers have enjoyed its use.

The King has left the building, but not our memories. His memorable smile, voice, and moves make him one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Although times have certainly changed since Elvis was alive, this tote tin is a excellent piece of music merchandise. Customized lunch bags have replaced tins in terms of how people carry their lunch, but the customized tote can be used for anything. It can be used for storage of valuables, lunch, or just as a collectible.

Metallica fans are a unique group of individuals (in a good way), and they know it. Show off your Metallica love with this stylish choker necklace. And if you like customizable jewelry, check out this.

Band buttons have been a staple of the music merch scene for quite some time. But what’s so appealing about a simple promotional button? Well, the question sort of answers itself. Buttons are a simple and inexpensive way for fans to show support for their favorite groups. The bands themselves can easily carry a lot of buttons with them while on tour, which is especially helpful for smaller bands that don’t have the luxury of tour buses to store tons of merch in. Fans of all ages can afford these cheap items, and they still give the band a chance to express their creativity despite a small imprint area. Take a look at these band buttons to see how some of today’s most popular musicians are putting these miniature merch minions to use at concerts around the world.

(photo via Flickr)

Here’s a lunchbox I found in the office today.  The image of the Ramones immortalized so generations can enjoy their PB&J with a side of Punk.  The lunchbox is a classic as far as Merch goes.  If you’re ever in Columbus, Georgia make sure to check out the River Market Antiques and Lunchbox Museum.  It’s the largest lunchbox museum in the world. 

…beer guitars? Neon beer sign, meet guitar. Guitar, meet neon beer sign. An undeniable classic is born!

Here’s  a phenomenal classic bit of music schwag: a full set of ABBA buttons. Not the kind that you pin on your jacket, but the kind you use to button it up. The cheesy possibilities are endless!

So cynical and British, The Kinks have merch like this self-proclaimed Low Budget Ash Tray. Meanwhile, I’m starting the classic merch preservation society. Anyone wanna join?

Okay, so here is perhaps the best piece of music merch OF ALL TIME. No kidding, it’s a Kraftwerk calculator. When you press down a special key does it play a little melody? I don’t know, because I’ve never gotten my hands on it, but I would hope so. (via Everybody Loves Free Stuff)