London Olympics merchandise: the design verdict

London 2012 union flag logo pin, £6.50 A zany badge cutting and pasting the wacky, deconstructed and much derided London Olympics logo, designed by Wolff Olins, on to a shredded union flag that looks as it might have been taken from a wartime shipwreck. A “Broken Britain” collector’s item. Deeply satirical. How did it get through the Olympics’ merchandise committee? Well, Tony Blair said the logo would leave people “inspired to make a positive change in their life”. Lord Coe, chairman of the London Games organising committee, said: “We don’t do bland.” And Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, says it is a “truly innovative brand” aimed at young people. Iconic or what? Made in China Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Union flag hoodie, £32 Whether it’s raining during the 2012 Olympics, or you just want to appear mean, moody and mysterious, try this all-British hoodie, a sartorial staple of the nation’s wardrobe. Made in Turkey Photograph: London 2012 shop

Pictogram mug (also available as Paralympic mug), £20 John Lewis might sell mugs for as little as just one of your English pounds, but these are collectors’ items to put on the mantelshelf alongside your coronation and Princess Di memorial mugs. Bone China but made in England rather than China itself. Terrible graphics, wibbly-wobbly lettering, but patriotic, and who’s quibbling at just £20? Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Wenlock limited 1st edition Olympic mascot 30cm soft toy £25.00 (R) and Mandeville (L) One of the “they-came-from-outer-space” (or Stratford) London Olympics mascots. 100% polyester. Recommended age: 3+. Small parts: yes. Made in China. Anyway you’re too late, they're already sold out. Try eBay ...
Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

London 2012 taxi, £6 A 1:64 scale taxi from Corgi available in 40 different colours each representing a different sport and each crowned with a rooftop Olympic logo. Cheaper than a real cab ride up to town from Stratford, this “icon of the host city” might be worth the fare to Heathrow in 2112. “The lasting legacy of London 2012,” say the Olympics marketing people, “will guarantee that this series will be a desirable collection for years to come.” Made in China Photograph: Frank Baron for the Guardian

London 2012 swimming towel, £18 Get yourself nice’n’dry after a dip in the local pool with this iconic dark blue towel depicting line-drawing of athletes winning medals for Britain in – you will have to use your imagination - Zaha Hadid’s iconic aquatics centre. Made in Turkey Photograph: Frank Baron for the Guardian

London 2012 union flag cap, £10 Pretend you’re at a ballpark watching the New York Yankees play the Boston Red Sox, rather than at Stratford watching the Olympics, under the peak of this all-American sports hat. Made in China Photograph: London 2012 shop

London 2012 wallet tools, £10 Bored by the 100-metre sprint? Yawning during the marathon? Then take out one of these recycled stainless steel tools and enjoy yourself opening bottles, screwing things up or using the mirror to reflect on the iconic nature of this rather delightful British design. Yes, made in Britain. Iconically Photograph: Frank Baron for the Guardian