Top 10 Promotional Product Trends for 2023 (Including 2021-2022)

Top 10 Promotional Product Trends for 2023

Top 10 Promotional Product Trends for 2023

It’s out with the old & in with the new year promotional product trends! 2023 is the year for growing your business and sales. With that being said, the promo industry is being taken by storm with a new wave of products that will help business executives, marketers, and entrepreneurs reach and retain new customers.

Below, you will find a compilation of new products being introduced to give you that competitive edge against niche competitors. We invite you to explore our top 10 trending promotional products of 2023.

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Promotional Product Trends Recycled Material 2023

1. Recycled Material

Using recycled material for trending promotional products is not a new concept; however, there is a new wave of eco-friendly advocates that have come to life. With the importance of carbon neutrality coming to light, companies are now, more than ever, taking their impact on the world more seriously. Here are a few of our favorite products that make the world just a little bit better.

100% Recycled Paper Ballpoint Pens

Show your brand’s commitment to preserving the planet with eco-friendly retractable pens. The paper barrel is made of 100% recycled material that will help to reduce plastic waste around the world. Because the ballpoint ink provides you with a smooth & fluent writing experience, this is the perfect product to keep around for offices, restaurants, tradeshows, and so much more. In a world full of creatives, here is your opportunity to make your writing vivid and eye-catching.

Recycled Paper Custom Post-it Notes

As promised, we’re giving you the competitive edge that sticks–the adhesive helps, though. If your staff is anything like ours, you probably love notes and love doodles! Post-it notepads provide the perfect form of communication between staff members. Note pads are a quick and easy alternative when you can’t pull up your staff messaging app fast enough or when you simply can’t type as fast as the person on the other line is speaking. Do you see the competitive edge now? Note-taking is timely, accurate, and now guilt-free because you are using Perfect Imprints’ recycled pages.

Reusable Bottles With Bamboo Lids

The office watering hole–a place where staff members like to gather for gossip and personal intel. While this is a fun place to gather and all, managers are now realizing that reusable water bottles are an essential investment for the office.

Office Benefits for Reusable Bottles:

  • Reduce waste by replacing cone paper cups. 
  • Hold more water and allow employees the ease of sipping from their desks.
  • Limits office gossip at the “local” watering hole.
  • They have a clean, beautiful, design.
  • Eco-smart and made from 100% recycled PET material.
  • And because 2023 is the year for growing your business and sales, reusable water bottles actually improve work productivity by limiting time spent at (and going to and from) the office watering hole.

100% Recycled PET Fleece Blanket

Our eco-fleece blankets provide the perfect combination of comfort and care into anyone’s home. The 100% recycled microplush feel ensures comfort and warmth, all while your imprinted personalization shows who cares for the recipient and the world. Each custom fleece blanket also comes with a custom cotton canvas pouch. 

Be one of the first companies to provide social awareness in 2023. Hop on the trend of recycled material promotional products and let’s create a better world together!

Promotional Product Trends Textured Writing Instruments 2023

2. Textured Writing Instruments– Writing with Feeling

We’ve given the saying, “write with feeling,” a whole different meaning! Perfect Imprints would like to introduce to you our Textured Pens collection as one of the newest trending promotional products.

Bowie Softy Laser Engraved Pen

Take your calligraphy Olympic-style with this clean and crisp designed pen. For all the pen aficionados out there, this pen glides on paper like Kristi Yamaguchi used to on ice. 

On the exterior, you see a trendy rubberized finish barrel, allowing you to write in comfort. The pen interior features a high-capacity cartridge to ensure smooth writing quality.

Your logo will garner maximum attention with engraved reflective mirror-finish metal. The Bowie Softy Laser Engraved Pen is the must-have promotional writing utensil.

Eco Cork Barrel Pen

Put a cork in it! No, really–we have a cork pen! Some people are just better writers than they are speakers and that’s okay, but no matter what your preference, you can still find a use for this eco-friendly cork pen in your home or office.This extremely affordable pen is ideal for those trying to be eco-conscious. The pen’s barrel is made from 80% natural cork and 20% paper. The remaining base pen materials (tip, clip, and plunger) are made with 30% recycled wheat husk.
The cork barrel provides a pleasing soft grip for the ultimate writing experience.
Other pen features include your choice of accent colors and optional custom logo imprint.

Bambowie Bamboo Pen

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. Some bamboo species can grow up to 4cm an hour! With that being said, it’s time to elevate your writing just as quickly as bamboo grows. 

The smooth-writing ballpoint end provides an excellent writing experience and comes available in your choice of black or blue ink. Our stylish, textured, bamboo pens are made of eco-friendly, 100% renewable bamboo–don’t worry, the nose cone and retractor are made with 50% recycled plastic, too. 

Your logo will be precisely cut with laser-engraved techniques so you can continue to stand out and promote your brand in an environmentally-friendly way. 

Zen Eco Wheat Plastic Pen

Zen Eco Wheat Plastic Pen, also known as the Zen Pen. One of the newest additions to our eco-minded product lines. We call it the Zen Pen because when you take that breath of relief for doing your part in the world, you know that you had an impact on the fresh air quality.

The Zen Pen is made with 40% reclaimed wheat straw. This sleek retractable ballpoint pen is a wise choice for any organization looking for an eco-conscious promotional product. Optional customization with a full-color imprint is available.

3. Products as Business Cards

Replacing traditional business cards has had a huge upswing this past year. The use of QR codes has become an alternative when connecting with prospects, but people need a tactile, quality, object to remember your business by. 

Full Color, Stock Color Matches

Looking for an inexpensive alternative to business cards? Look no further than matchbooks and matchboxes. By using matches, you are giving a prospect a reason to reach for your brand time and time again. Matches are functional and elegant. For 15 reasons to customize your matches, check out our informational blog.

Stickers, Decals, & Labels

A brand that sticks around, stays around! Custom business stickers, decals, and labels are functional and engaging. The better fit for your niche, the more likely they are to attract clients and prospects. Make branding fun and unique–especially if you are in a business where professional business cards don’t fit your unique brand theme.

Phone Wallets

Talk about top-of-mind awareness! Get it? TALK–phone wallets… Anyways… branded phone wallets are a fantastic way to replace traditional business cards. Name one person who doesn’t carry their phone on them! Case in point. Get it? Case–PHONE. Okay, enough with the phone puns! We are just really excited for you to get your brand name out into the world and stand out amongst generic competitors!

For additional branding awareness, try our Stainless Steel Credit Card Bottle Opener. Just like any other credit card, the bottle opener fits perfectly in phone wallets.

Magnets 

Customized magnets in replace of business cards are a great way to keep your name in front of customers. 

When your magnet hangs proudly on clients’ refrigerators, psychologists suggest that when they open those doors, you are what they see before and after a boost of serotonin hits–leaving a positive correlation between them and your business.

Psychologists don’t actually say that, but it makes sense to us!

Print on magnets will stick around for years making it one of the most affordable types of advertising. Restaurant magnets work especially well on us!

4. Name Brand Products

Let’s face it, the quality of your promotional item is a direct reflection of your company. Why not choose an established brand to represent what you stand for?

Here at Perfect Imprints, we offer several high-quality, established, brands that have the option of customization.

Leatherman would be a great option for those who aren’t afraid to get their hands a little dirty.

Otterbox is made to withstand the harshest conditions. Otterbox is listed as a trending promotional product for those who are continuously on the go and are ready for the adventures ahead.

Koozie and Tervis are a few of the highest sought-after drinkware brands for promotional item giveaways. They are high-quality and beautifully designed. They are the perfect brand to work in your company if you are looking for performance and details to fit any personality.

Promotional Product Trends Revolutionary Material 2023

5. Revolutionary Material

How to expand the use of revolutionary material? Thinking of ways in which we could use existing materials in new ways was one of our biggest challenges. With that being said, we have listed some of our top trending promotional products that stretch material boundaries. 

Luna Soft Touch Water Bottle

We have added a soft touch to your everyday water bottles. 

While the Luna Soft Touch Water Bottle offers a luxurious body made with a sleek matte black finish that feels great in your hands, the stainless steel interior construction also offers reliable durability. 

The design resembles a modern cylinder body style and provides contemporary hydration.

The bottle comes equipped with a reusable black dust bag with a drawstring cinch at the top for an elevated presentation–small details matter, especially if these are intended to be gifts.

Make a stunning first impression for new customers and employees with our Luna Soft Touch Water Bottle.

Dual Texture Journal

This Dual Textured Journal is made of structured leatherette and comes in different product colors–custom color assortments are available.

The high-quality leatherette provides a rustic feel and does not wear away over time. 

Our revolutionary material provides a structured feel that is both visually aesthetic and long-lasting.

Posh Herringbone Drawstring Bag

While drawstring bags are certainly not new to the promotional product trends, the Posh Herringbone Drawstring bag is! Soft to the touch, check out our revolutionary material drawstring bag. The feeling of suede follows you all through the day. With a posh look and color options to support the visual aesthetic, you cannot go wrong with the new Herringbone Drawstring Bag. 

This bag makes carrying a bag look fun, stylish, and comfortable–let’s not forget how durable the bag is, too!

6. Explore and Travel

We hope that 2023 is full of wanderlust! For our travel extraordinaires, here are our top picks for trending promotional products of 2023–just don’t forget your sunscreen.

American Giant Campfire Blanket

Talk about a giant opportunity! The Custom Giant Campfire Blanket measures in at 58″ x 48″–leaving plenty of room for imprint impressions. Don’t just stop at campfires, though. Recipients can use this blanket for long car trips, sporting events, and surprising winter weather shifts. The fabric is made from soft, recycled, fleece and is very durable. They are also made in the USA.

Arc Clear Umbrella

When you get caught in a storm, do you embrace the weather or try to outrun it? With the Arc Clear Umbrella, you can now see the true beauty the rain showers bring. Rather than using a typical umbrella and looking down at everyone’s feet splashing in puddles, use the clear Arc Umbrella to look up at the sky.

Personal Comfort Travel Kit

Traveling is stressful enough, so personal travel kits are no short of being useful! Put all your handy gear in one place–toothbrush, shampoo, makeup, and even your ID and ticket information. With this Personal Comfort Travel Kit, traveling will be a breeze–and a lot more enjoyable! The kit includes a customized bag, soft foam earplugs, a satin eyemask, and an inflatable neck pillow.

The Storm

Umbrellas are great to carry around when you are traveling–you never know the next time you will be caught in a sudden shower. With that being said, now you can. We would like to introduce The Storm umbrella with RainAlertz technology. These umbrellas send you an alert straight to your phone every time it is predicted to rain! It also makes trips a lot easier to plan! Check out the video below for more information on how RainAlertz works!

Trending Promotional Products--Comfort and Luxury

7. Comfort and Luxury

Comfort…Luxury…

Both feelings we will continue to strive for in 2023. That being said, here are 3 of our top trending comfort and luxury promotional items that you can use to influence a luxurious feel.

Aromatherapy Candle

The soft-scented candles inspire moments of zen and set the mood for an entire room. Our custom aromatherapy candles are hand-poured here in the USA and are made from sustainable soy blended wax and essential oils. Choose from a variety of scents and customize the decal however you’d like.

Luxury Comfort Flannel Fleece Blanket

Talk about luxury and comfort…it’s even in the product name! Fleece soft to the touch, you’ll never want to move off the couch with this blanket. Perfect as a personal blanket, but certainly big enough to share. Relax with a good book or take a mid-day nap…whatever you do, just spend the day wrapped up in warmth.

Lemon Verbena Bath Salts

Go ahead…splash right into your bathtub, but don’t forget your bath salts! The Lemon Verbena bath salts are made in the USA and crafted with mineral-rich sea salt and all-natural fragrances. The light, invigorating scent, will stimulate your senses for a smooth, clean, and calming bath. Pamper yourself and others when you place your branding on the spill-proof lid.

8. Innovative Items

Everyone is searching for the next big thing! Well, look no further! Here are the top promotional product trends that’ll keep your business fresh and innovative!

CamelBak Eddy–Filtered by Lifestraw

Let’s face it…the water sources we drink from are at risk of toxins, bacteria, viruses, and parasites…

With that being said, it’s pretty crucial to be aware of what you’re putting into your body. With the use of Lifestraw technology, you can be sure that the water you’re drinking is pure and at a much lower risk for impurities. This innovative water bottle is great for outdoors people, travel extraordinaires, and even the regular-old office joe.

Personal Fireplace with Snuffing Lid

Gather your friends, family, or co-worker around this personal, transferrable, fireplace. Cook delightful smores indoors as you sip some wine. It’s the ultimate asset to your charcuterie nights! Don’t forget to personalize them. Add a name or logo on the front of each fireplace for an extra special touch.

Concord Handheld Massage Gun

You have seen these amazing machines everywhere, but now you can customize them! 4 interchangeable heads mean you can target different bodily areas–your aching muscles will thank you.

Massage guns are still just as popular as ever, and aaaAAaaAaare SSsssSSsOOooO WWwwwooOORrrTH….sorry… they are so worth the investment.

Mental Wellness and Stress Relieving Promotional Products

9. Mental Wellness & Stress Relief

Mental health…Peace of mind…Happiness.

2023 is the year that will shed light on the importance of mental health and personal healing. With that in mind, below we have listed some of our personal favorite promotional items that allow you and others around you to decompress and find peace.

Easy Rest Aromatherapy Sleep Mask

Prioritizing rest is just as important as prioritizing your go-getter attitude–if not more. A healthy balance is necessary, that is why we are excited to share our Aromatherapy Sleep Mask with you! Made with a silky polyester and stuffed with natural lavender, you have never felt relaxation until you have tried this sleep mask. The adjustable strap makes it easy and comfortable to sleep with. Find your comfort with the Easy Rest Aromatherapy Sleep Mask, today!

Aroma Putty

By now, you have seen putty everywhere! Putty sales have been on the uprise amongst millennials. Why? Because putty is fun to stretch, squish, and squeeze! It is relaxing and is even used as a form of ASMR! Aroma Putty stimulates multiple senses making this one of the best products to use for relaxation. Check out our 6 different scents!

Outlet Plug-in Wax Warmer Kit

Fill the room with wonderful aromas that you can control. We offer 2 different soy fragrances: Calm Lavender and Vanilla Sandalwood–both coming in adorable bear-shaped wax. The wax warmer has 3 different settings so that you can control the fragrance intensity…we would hate for the smell to be too over-BEAR-ing.

Customize your wax warmers with a logo, inspirational phrase, or just leave them blank! View options here!

Live Event Trending Promotional Products

10. Live Events

Live events are back and booming! With warm weather approaching us once again, be prepared for live and outdoor events with these trending promotional products.

Adjustable Wristband Bracelets 

Give event-goers a sense of unity with adjustable wristbands. Most people who attend events collect these bracelets and share them all over social media! It is used as an accessory and makes an awesome keepsake.

Matte Laminated Euro Tote Bags

Many events have little giveaways and door prizes. If your event falls under this category, these Matte Laminated Euro Totes Bags are beautiful, elegant, and durable! Customize yours with classic foil print–view color options here!

Recycled Econo Lanyards

VIP coming through! Set a unique identity and make others feel important with these Econo Lanyards. There are endless ways to use these lanyard VIP passes, but here are some ideas:

  • Security personnel
  • Celebrity guests
  • Athletes
  • Backstage passes
  • Entry into concerts
  • Name badges

View the selection!

Round Buttons

Buttons are a low-cost way to personalize an event. They are small collectibles that set you apart from others. The use of lapel pins and buttons are making their way back into the event industry and you do not want to miss out on this opportunity! 

Custom event buttons are great for:

  • Political campaigns
  • New product launches
  • Giveaways/Event memorbilia
  • Small businesses
  • Tradeshows
  • Job fairs

See how you can incorporate round buttons into your live event.

YOU HAVE REACHED THE END OF THE 2023 PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT TRENDS…

Below, you will find the promotional product trends from 2022 and 2021. Enjoy the history lesson.

Top 10 Promotional Product Trends for 2022

Let’s face it, trends are hard to keep up with! 2020s’ social media increase allowed for a huge wave of fads to take over. Promotional items went in and out of style like nobody’s business! However… it was somebody’s business, but was it yours people were buying from? If the answer was no, then maybe you weren’t quick enough to hop on the trend bandwagon, or maybe you weren’t even sure how to keep up.

Here at Perfect Imprints, we get it. One minute products are in high demand, and then next, they’re old news. Stay ahead of the 2022 curve and don’t just focus on the temporary fads. Let’s focus on trending products that offer longevity!

Here are some of our favorite top 10 promotional product trends for 2022:

1. Embossed Apparel and Outerwear 

Time and time again, some type of apparel shows up in our top 10 trending items! I am starting to think that this is no longer just a trend, but rather about longevity. In this year’s trending sector, though, we have found that the incredibly unique imprint method of embossed outerwear has made its way up the fashion ladder.

Promotional Product ownership

What is Embossed Apparel? 

The method of embossing requires high-pressure heat to the surrounding canvas to create a 3D effect on your apparel. Embossing on textile was originated in and around the 1600s– high-quality vintage if you will. It is definitely worth recirculating within the fashion community.

Why is Embossed Apparel Trending?

Apparel is one of the leading categories in promotional products, and for good reason: 

  • Mobile Advertisement

Apparel, in general, is the most valuable promotional product to invest in. The ROI is remarkable. Some apparel may be turned into nightwear, but even those achieve top-of-mind awareness and re-exposure. However, the type of apparel and print method matter! The higher the quality of an item and print method, the higher the return! Not to mention, the embossing method literally stands out amongst all other forms of imprints (it does give a 3D effect, after all). The embossing method is seeing such a high return rate already! Recipients want to show that off, and in turn, they are mobile advocates for your brand! Success!

  • Top-of-Mind Awareness

According to an ASI 2019 study, the average length of time a consumer keeps a promotional product is one year! This leaves apparel and outerwear in the promotional product category that sticks around the longest! It is also the promotional product that receives the most impressions! Remember, re-exposure means top-of-mind awareness for your business! 

  • Practical

Outerwear and apparel are everyday items that consumers will use! Digital ads can’t serve as dual forms of advertisement, but apparel can! Even without a promotional aspect, common outerwear clothing is beneficial to a recipient. 

  • Endless Designs

There are endless possibilities for design. A piece of clothing starts as a blank canvas and allows for creative artistry. Each apparel piece can hold something unique. This is extremely beneficial when you are targeting a specific niche, but you can stay more generalized with a classic logo or brand name.

  • Form of Status Enhancement

To successfully market a brand, there has to be desire behind what you’re selling–that is if you decide to sell your promo items. Some desire stems from status enhancement or performance. For example, Gucci and Louis Vuitton have done an excellent job creating desire through status. Even the high fashion industries are using the emboss method of print.

  • Cost-effective

Not only is promotional apparel cost-effective per design, but it is also cost-effective in terms of impression or CPI. The cost of promotional products can be as low as 1/10 of a cent. That means that if you buy a $10 branded t-shirt and it gets 1,000 impressions over time (for one person), the CPI is one cent! Now think about the impressions it could get if it gets thrifted…

  • Trustworthy

Consumers say that most online advertisements make them feel like their privacy is being invaded and that they don’t feel all of them are trustworthy. With branded, physical, promotional products, you are breaking that circle of distrust!

Embossed print works best on cotton, polyester, leather, pleather, fleece, and polar fleece fabrics. It is an extremely upscale look with a fresh alternative to traditional decorating techniques. The best part is that it will not fade or wash away. For more information on outerwear, please visit our Customized Apparel page!

2. Wooden Products and Utensils

Not only do wooden utensils offer a clean, slick design, but they offer many benefits. As aesthetic as they are, they are also preferred over plastic or metal utensils for their functionality. This is why they have ranked as number two in our top 10 trending promotional products! Here are just a few of their benefits:

  • Wooden kitchenware will not heat to scalding temperatures

There is nothing worse than a hot surprise on your hand as you reach for an average kitchen appliance. Fortunately, wooden products do not conduct heat. You can leave your wooden spoon in a boiling pot with no repercussions, for the handle will continue to stay cool. This makes them the superior kitchen appliance whereas metal burns and plastic melts.

  • Wooden appliances will not react chemically with acidic foods

Wood is a stationary material which means that it will not release harmful chemicals into the food you prepare. This being said, wood products will not react chemically with the acids in food and won’t leave a metallic aftertaste. 

  • Wooden utensils will not scratch kitchenware

Let’s face it, scratch-resistant cookware is not always scratch-resistant. Fortunately, we have the solution! Want to take a guess? Yes! It’s wooden utensils! Wooden utensils are soft and gentle on delicate cookware. This is a very dominant advantage in the kitchen, especially when you purchase expensive pots and pans that you expect to last a lifetime!

  • Environmentally friendly

Wood is, obviously, a natural resource, but it is also biodegradable, renewable, and non-toxic. For those who are environmentally conscious, you will have no regrets about purchasing wooden products for your kitchen.

  • Antibacterial properties 

Germs and bacteria emit low production speeds on wood, whereas plastic and metal cookware produce 90% more bacteria. Wood has natural bacteria-killing properties which makes it a hostile environment for bacterial production.

  • Durable

With proper care and maintenance, wooden products will last you for a long while. In terms of strength, they are extremely durable–they are hard to break, can withstand high temperatures, and can handle the toughest foods. 

3. Dyed Caps with Patches

Eye-catching caps with the use of a patch! That is a tongue twister! Nevertheless, it holds true. Dyed caps are thriving for the spring and summer months–but you can’t have these caps bare! Custom hats with high-quality patches are what gets an audience. The bright colors of the hat are what captures the initial attention of others, while your patch advertisement is what holds it! 

Custom patches with removable adhesive are the perfect accessory–a way to add personality and flair to complete your ultimate look. Patches can be made to order in the shape of your choice! Hop on this hot trend now!

For added flair, ask us about our leather and stitch options.

4. Vibrant Drinkware

What is your style? Perhaps you are like many others who have a closet full of neutrals or maybe a neutral color scheme for house decor! While that style is still relatively popular, 2022 is made for the brave and the bold! Not only is a pop of color trending in fashion and interior design, but also drinkware. 

With all the darkness these past couple of years have brought, we need a splash of color! Coming in at number 4, our trending products for 2022 include vibrant drinkware!

For a detailed look at how to make a purchase decision for drinkware, be sure to check out our Guide.

5. Lounging

In past years, it was everything fitness that was seemingly trending. This year, however, we have seen a significant increase in lounge items. The people just want to relax, and I can honestly say that I do not blame them! This year, we actually have 4 trending lounge items for you to choose from. 

  • Wearable blankets–What started as a huge TikTok trend turned into a huge fashion trend! I remember when snuggies used to be a big deal, but designers have taken this wearable blanket one step further! An oversized hoodie with a pocket in the middle, all made from blanket material! Now, I would be lying if I said I didn’t have one! And I would definitely be lying if I said it wasn’t worth every penny!

 

  • Weighted blankets–Weighted blankets are extremely nice and have seen a popularity wave before, however, many people now are experiencing a lot of anxiety with the way the world is now. With a weighted blanket, you feel many different emotions. The warmth of the blanket gives you reassurance, the weight of the blanket relieves you of stress (because it feels like a never-ending hug), and the softness of the blanket supports you.

 

  • Socks–First of all, you can never go wrong with socks! Especially personalized ones! But socks are comforting and give your feet a little cuddle. They are perfect for walking indoors on hard, cold flooring, but obviously, they are good for day-to-day use, as well.

 

  • Spa kits–Beauty and spa nights will never go out of style. This coming from a woman herself. Of course, different products will come and go, however, there is nothing better than a nice bath bomb, bath salts, and some essential oils.

6. Seed paper 

Let’s talk. Anything you say grows! No, really! We’re talking about seed paper. Seed paper is diligently crafted with a number of different seeds. Even while the seeds are embedded into your paper, they still have the ability to germinate. Our seed paper is 100% post-industrial, recycled paper and dyed with all-natural vegetable-based pigments. The products are printed with water-based ink, and when included, use corn-based packaging.

If one thing good came out of COVID, it’s the realization that the world can be restored! It just takes a little bit of change.

While paper is recyclable, it doesn’t always end up there! With this unique invention, you can guarantee that you will help the world be just a little bit better of a place. It starts with you!

7. Personal Protectant

Personal protectant comes in all forms and looks different to everyone, but it is all universally useful! PPE and healthcare items are taking the lead for the third year in a row, but we can’t forget the other items–custom pepper sprayguardian angels, and emergency alarms.

It’s an unfortunate reality that these are trending, however, with the uprise of true-crime podcasts/shows, TikTok trends, and victims who are voicing their experiences, it has been apparent that we cannot forget to protect ourselves! Even in situations where you would never expect something like that to happen.

Protect yourself and protect your recipients! 

8. Packaging and PR Boxes

PR boxes are custom packages put together by a business to send to clients and influencers in hopes they will share, interact, and entice other potential customers. Your PR package is a representation of your brand–it displays products that will engage an audience and the recipient. It is so important that your box or packaging is aesthetically pleasing–that way the recipients are easily persuaded to post or spread awareness. It also helps to add some type of personalization–whether that be a note for them to read or the ability for them to pick the items that come in it.

PR boxes are trending due to the expansion of social media and e-commerce. They can become an extremely important form of marketing, especially in the world we live in today. With ever-changing trends, it is vital for your business to have top-of-mind awareness. The best part of this marketing technique is that the products often get regifted, reused, and recycled–it leaves for infinite impressions. This is the strategy to take. Not only is this crucial for your business, but the packaging industry has the potential and exponential growth to be a trillion-dollar industry! Do not miss your chance! Hop on the trend now! 

How can we help with this process? Well, we can help your business design the packaging that best suits your company! This could include anything from mailing packages to store bags. While we do offer premade gift packages that you can choose to dropship, we also allow you to custom make your own packaging design that we send to you. That way you can fill the case with the items you wish to promote.

9. Active

I know, I know, lounge items are great, but I can’t help what’s trending in 2022! This section is for those who enjoy an active lifestyle–and boy, are there some fun, new items trending this year! Check it out:

  • Esports–Oh, yes. We are counting this under the active lifestyle category. Did you know that schools are starting to incorporate this in their sports programs? That is awesome! This is such a huge market to incorporate into your business. Anywhere from Esports to Virtual Reality are great sectors to push in your business! To learn more about Esports, check out our blog!
  • Sports–Sports are back, baby! That means so are the crazy cowbellsthundersticks, and foam fingers! Get back in the game with all the proper equipment to cheer on your team. You won’t regret it, but the losing opposing team will! Go, team! 
  • Resistance bands–Resistance bands are still in! They are perfect for a gym workout and a simple desk workout, too! Their versatility is what keeps them around, and that is exactly what you want out of a promotional product–items that will have longevity and create multiple impressions! For more information on resistance bands, check out our buying guide for resistance bands blog.

10. Outdoor and Leisure

Products tailored to outdoor and leisure are expected to skyrocket in 2022. With many people cooped up inside working or staying in from the cold, the summer months will create a desire to be back outside again! Here are the top trending items for outdoor and leisure:

  • Koozies–Koozies are the ultimate beverage insulator. Can insulators have been around for awhile, yet always stay relevant in the promotional industry! Of course, they are perfect for on the go cans and bottles, but they are even better for promotions! Grab your custom koozies, now!
  • Coolers–As we continue to adjust to the rules and regulations of COVID, spending time outdoors is the perfect way to gather with family and friends. However, you cannot have a get-together without nice, cold beverages. Customized coolers are the focal point of any event. With people opening and closing them multiple times a day, it is the best way you can advertise your company outdoors and get repeat exposure.
  • Matchbooks–There is nothing better than gathering around in a cozy setting. Whether people are camping or just having a friendly get-together, matchbooks are perfect for setting a mood. They are great for indoor fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, and even a classy way to light candles. Discover more ideas on how to incorporate matchboxes into your business, today!

For order details or even product inquiries that weren’t listed on our top 10 promotional product trends for 2022, contact us, anyways! We have an abundance of different items you can choose from–and we want to be sure that your promotional products suit your company the best they can! Let’s work together to reach your company goals!

Top 10 Promotional Products Trends for 2021

To our fellow marketers, business owners, professionals-

We made it through 2020. Through hard work, chaotic days, and stressful evenings. But, together. They say it takes a village to raise a family. We are here to tell you- it takes a village to build a successful business. I’m sure many of you all faced similar challenges this year, and like us, you likely look forward to the plans and promise of 2021. 

Our fellow small businesses- local and across the nation- banded together, and we cannot thank you all enough for the support we have received. We only hope we can share that support back with you in the coming year. To help you plan your promotional efforts for this year- we have prepared this list of top 10 trends for promotional products & recommendations within each category. 

If you need help with certain campaigns or reaching your employees or clients via dropshipping, fill out the contact form on our website & one of our account managers will be in touch shortly.

1. Exercise Items

Promotional Exercise BandsSo quarantine wasn’t exactly great for our physical shape, but our 2021 resolutions are getting us back on track! I’m sure many of your clients & employees are also working on their resolutions and would appreciate supplies to help them get in shape. 

Every year, January is a great month for exercise promo items, but this year is going to be different. This year- the resolutions stick around & the home workouts will continue well past even when quarantines (hopefully) end! To effectively use exercise promos, you want to ensure you pick items that are desirable and quality so that recipients will keep them long-term. 

Some of our favorite exercise promotional items are exercise bands, yoga mats, and jump ropes. 

Exercise bands are great promotional items for gyms, physical therapists, health brands, and employers promoting health for insurance purposes. While there are many different types, styles, and strengths of bands, we’ve tried to simplify the buying process in our Guide to Exercise Bands. 

Yoga mats & sets are great items to send to employees or clients who may be working from home. As many gyms have converted to hosting online classes, yoga mats can be a wonderful mailer to send to your annual membership clients. 

Or, if you’re hosting socially distant classes, we recommend having yoga mats that allow members to easily communicate their comfort level with distancing. If someone wants to heavily distance themselves with no physical contact, they can use a red mat. If the client doesn’t mind being near others but does not appreciate instructors being within 6 feet, they can use a yellow mat. If your client is comfortable with close proximity and physical contact with masks, a green mat can be used. Of course, these colors can be adjusted for your branding and we can help you design flyers to hang on class doors to explain the process to your clients. 

Jump ropes are a great option for mailers, due to their size and weight. They are the perfect fitness item for all ages, as they are used in a variety of exercise classes and workouts. For more inspiration on how to best use promotional fitness items, check out our blog on building brand awareness with gym equipment.

2. Organizational Items 

Whether we like it or not, a lot of our work-from-home culture is continuing. While we may be going back to the office, we are still hosting fewer in-person meetings and sometimes spend our afternoons in home offices. With that said, the organization has become paramount. 

Now that all of our meetings happen over video conference, we can no longer simply close the office door behind us and hide our messy desk. Keep your employees put together with these desk organization products. 

Whether your team has always been traveling, or you’re adjusting to rotating office spaces, make sure your employees never forget the things they need. Just because you spend every other day at home doesn’t excuse forgetting a computer charger or important document, right? Make the travel easier for your team, so that productivity and efficiency don’t suffer. We recommend looking at these promotional briefcases and laptop backpacks.

3. Kitchen Items & Charcuterie

With restaurants and bars still at lowered capacities in many states, more people are enjoying (or trying to enjoy) cooking at home. With that in mind, kitchen promotional products are bound to be a hit this year! With the increased use of kitchen products, the cost per impression of these promotional items has decreased significantly in the past year. 

When choosing kitchen promotional products, we recommend that you keep in mind your target market. If marketing to families with young children we suggest using plastic or steel tumblers

If you’re looking to reach an adult crowd, particularly those who may still be hosting small gatherings, we recommend looking into charcuterie and wood cutting boards. These boards are gaining popularity quickly. Not sure what to include in a charcuterie board? Check out this article from Food Network about preparing a charcuterie board. Sending a small cookbook about appetizers and cocktails could be a great item to pair with this mailer. We are happy to help you find the exact book you need, just reach out to us.  

If you’re looking to promote small or virtual gatherings within your company, we recommend sending a mailer of food or drink items, as well as a kitchen promotional product. This can encourage virtual happy hours or small lunch gatherings of employees. 

4. Bluetooth Speakers & Headphones

The dog is barking, there’s a kid crying, there’s a school teacher on the computer that’s now taking up the dining room table and you’re hosting a virtual meeting at your kitchen counter. We’ve all been there. On the upside, the coffee maker is nearby! 

But what your team needs to stay productive in these situations is quality, noise-canceling headphones. By sending your team the supplies they need to stay productive, you not only decrease distractions, but you make staying productive that much easier for your team. 

If you’re worried about mailing headphones because of size, we also recommend noise-canceling earbuds.

5. Water Bottles 

While 2020 may be behind us, unfortunately, Coronavirus is not yet. With many people battling normal colds, the flu, and coronavirus, health is a primary concern for lots of people. As an employer, keeping your employees healthy is an important initiative. Show your employees you care with a promotional water bottle. 

If you’re looking for a trade show giveaway or an item to give to students, this is the perfect health-conscious item that is sure to stay useful well after Covid. 

There are many different options and price ranges of custom water bottles– including budget bottles and stainless steel bottles. 

6. Athleisure 

Athleisure is something that, as companies, we should embrace… Says the business that functions primarily in the eCommerce industry. 

But truly, we believe that as a company, especially in these changing times, embracing a little comfort during working hours. While your joggers may not be appropriate for the office, we support companies using comfortable promotional t-shirts and outerwear

For those in an industry that enables it- we are all about promotional joggers & sweatpants. If your industry doesn’t allow for that, then consider comfortable polo shirts and workwear

7. Journals 

Somehow, journals end up on our top product lists almost every year. These are a product that people consistently use and keep for months. Journals are a great annual product to give out to clients, recruits, employees, and potential clients. They can become a staple product that people look forward to receiving year after year. 

Not to mention, journals are a great value for your investment. Usually, people keep them on their desk long term, meaning your logo gets seen multiple times per day. And, when they take that journal to a meeting, everyone along the halls and in that meeting will see the logo on that high-quality journal. 

8. Portable Chargers (Power Banks)

With vaccinations on the horizon, life on-the-go will soon be resuming (or at least, we hope it will). Sales teams will be back out and about. Networking events will resume. Your office team will be able to get back to larger in-person meetings. Unfortunately, being back to normal work conditions doesn’t mean we are spending more time away from our phones– just the chargers.

And with that comes the need for portable phone chargers once again. Make sure your team is equipped with the tools they need to maintain their success as life begins to speed up again. 

9. Healthcare items

This year, we have all taken time to focus on ourselves. For some of us, that looked like strict quarantine for months. For others, it looked like self-protection and self-care while working in essential functions. 

Your employees and clients are focused on taking care of themselves, as we’ve seen this societal shift over the last few months. These wellness and safety products are sure to support your clients’ and employees’ new efforts. 

10. Personal Safety Items/Hand Sanitizer

As much as we are looking forward to the days when coronavirus is behind us, it is likely to have lasting effects on the way we consider our health. While we will be past the days of being required to wear a mask, we may never be past the day where you immediately put on hand sanitizer after walking out of the grocery store. 

While we hate that we know it, we can’t unlearn all of the places bacteria were hiding from us. I don’t think we can ever put our phones to our faces again. So, with that, make sure you and your team maintain their health for years to come with these personal safety items and hand sanitizer.

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