Everyone likes getting promotional swag. Who doesn't like free stuff? And it's a great promotion for your business as well.
However, like any industry, there are promotional trends in marketing as well. It's not a good look to be left behind with ballpoint pens when other companies are giving out backpacks and wireless mice.
If you're looking to keep up with the latest promotional trends, look no further. We've put together a handy guide on the latest promotional products. Read on to learn more!/p>
Tote Bags
Tote bags are a classic promotional product. They're handy for users, relatively cheap to make, and can store an entire swag bag of other products.
When you think about tote bags, you're probably thinking of the basic single-pocket canvas bags, right?
There are actually quite a few tote bags available as promotional products, and some of them are a lot more trendy these days.
For example, there are promotional totes specifically for tablet users. These are great to hand out as customer appreciation gifts.
On top of being customizable, they are also a lot more upscale and useful for business people. They have padding and zippers, and high-quality materials that look professional.
Another great style of tote bag is the multi-pocket tote. These function almost more as a small duffle bag or messenger bag than a generic tote. Make a huge impact at the nexttrade expo with one of these tote bags.
Backpacks
Similar to tote bags, backpacks of all styles are an extremely useful and long-lasting promotional product.
These range from basic single-compartment zipper backpacks all the way to camping and rucksack bags. There are even specialized sneaker-toting backpacks for sneakerheads.
A big promotional trend right now is in health-conscious products. That's why hydration packs and hiking packs are great options for promotional products for your brand.
Clear backpacks are also a huge trend. At first, they started as a necessity for security at sporting events and schools. Now they have become a fashion statement in and of themselves.
Drawstring Bags
Drawstring bags have been popular for years. They're simple, lightweight, and easy to store when not in use.
But the basic nylon drawstring bag is no longer the hot promotional trend it used to be. While they're still cost-effective and good for students and athletes, they lack the luxe feel and materials.
Try upping your promotional product game with high-quality cotton, knitted, or woven drawstring bags.
These are a great way to package an entire swag bag for customer appreciation gifts.
Apparel (Shirts, Jackets, and More)
There's a lot to love about your basic promotional t-shirt. They're cheap, easy to produce, and everyone can always use more t-shirts.
However, there is a lot more to promotional apparel than just t-shirts. Let's look a little closer at some of the popular promotional trends.
Socks
This promotional product is definitely outside of the usual box. Customized socks are a fun and interesting item to give as customer or employee appreciation gifts.
Modern printing processes allow for sublimated sock prints. This means high-quality, detailed prints on socks.
Footwear
This is another apparel item that will take your customers, business partners, and employees by surprise.
Custom slip-on sneakers or sandals are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, as well as a unique promotional trend for your business.
Onesies
Onesies are all the rage among Millennials and Generation Z. These make great promotional products for younger people, especially if your brand has a great design.
Hats
There are a ton of hats available as promotional products. But the most on-trend are snapbacks and "dad hats."
Snapback hats generally have a flat brim and an adjustable "snap" strap in the back. They are great for embroidering or printing.
Dad hats are unstructured baseball caps. These are a fantastic option for embroidery.
Other styles of hats that are great promotional trends are knit beanies and 5-panel camper hats.
Jackets and Vests
Sweatshirts have long been the go-to promotional item. But if you want to class things up a little, look into custom embroidered jackets.
There are a variety of styles, such as insulated down jackets, plaid shirt jackets, and microfleece. In addition to jackets, vests are a great promotional trend, especially for a more health-conscious brand. Vests come in similar styles to jackets, but insulated down vests are definitely the most popular style.
Accessories
There are a variety of apparel accessories available as promotional products.
Ties can be a great way to promote your business at trade shows and expos. Think of it as free advertising that you and your employees can wear.
Bandanas are also a popular promotional item. These are great for field days, picnics, and other events.
If you work in the service industry or are having an outdoor cookout event, custom promotional aprons make a great and on-brand promotional item.
Finally, scarves are a useful and always-appreciated promotional product that works for customer or employee gifts.
Drinkware
Drinkware is a fantastic way to promote your brand. People are much more conscious of their environmental impact and looking to replace bottled water and disposable cups.
Washable drinkware comes in many different styles and varieties. If you think outside the box of coffee mugs, there are quite a few promotional trends available.
Reusable straws are all the rage these days. These are available for promotional products in collapsible straws as well as reusable full-size straws.
Insulated water bottles are also a huge trend nowadays. It seems like almost everyone has a Hydroflask or Yeti. Now your business can also provide promotional insulated water bottles to customers and employees.
If you're looking for a classy employee or customer appreciation gift, make sure to check out drinkware gift sets. These are available for whiskey glass sets, whiskey stones, and even wine gift sets.
Lanyards
Lanyards are another classic promotional product that is always a hit. Imprinted lanyards used to be the standard and are still a great cost-effective promotional item.
However, sublimation printing is an advancement that allows for brighter and more intricate printings.
Lanyards are also available in lots of different sizes and styles. There are also lanyards available for more than just keys or ID badges. Sunglasses lanyards are popular and always appreciated.
Other Stationery Items
Pens have been a go-to promotional product for decades. And they're still great! Everyone can always use pens. But if you want to think outside of the box, there are other stationery items that are perfect promotional trends.
Embossed notebooks are a great gift or swag bag item. There are a wide variety of materials, sizes, and paper types available to suit any branding.
Sticky notes and bookmarks are also great items for swag bags. They are always needed, and a great way to get your brand advertised all over town.
For a more luxe promotional gift, check out padfolios. These come in fabric or leather covers, and some have zippers to completely secure their insides. These can be used for years to come.
Work From Home Products
With the pandemic bringing a global shift in how we work, a lot of people now work from home.
If you have employees, customers, or business partners who don't spend a lot of time in the office, consider giving out some awesome products that are great for working from home.
Desk organizers can be a great way to tidy up a messy home office, while also getting your company's branding out into the world.
Mousepads are also a great promotional item. Beyond the regular rubber mats, there are now USB-enabled mouse pads that can charge electronics at the same time.
USB sticks are always a great promotional item. They're infinitely useful and great for bringing work back and forth between home and the office.
Wireless Products
Wireless items are en vogue, from earbuds to mice and keyboards. These make great promotional gift items for employees or customers.
Wireless Bluetooth speakers are always a great item to include in swag bags. They're sure to be a huge hit, as they're one of those items people can always use but never think to bring.
USB power banks and wireless charging pads are another useful promotional trend.
Masks
While most people are experiencing pandemic fatigue at this point, masks are still a ubiquitous fashion accessory.
Why not put your branding on a reusable face mask? Your employees and customers will always appreciate having a free high-quality mask to wear.
Masks are available in disposables, as well. For reusable masks, you can either have them screen printed or sublimation printed.
Promotional Trends for 2022
Staying on top of promotional trends is key to making a big impact. It's important to have the "wow factor" with your swag bags, employee gifts, and customer appreciation packages.
If you're in the market for on-trend promotional products, we offer a full range of items, including everything mentioned in this article.
Be sure to check out our promotional kits for curated packages. And as always, feel free to contact us at 1-800-843-2247 with any questions or to place your order today!
