Trends change with time. Do you remember when lace-up jeans were a thing in the early 2000s? Yeah, we bet you erased those from your memory the day you threw them out of your wardrobe.
Just how trends naturally fizzle out over time (RIP Heelys, you were a blast…sort of), new trends emerge — whether it’s because of fashion, science, or necessity. Over the last two years, our lives have changed dramatically.
The way we work, where we spend most of our time, and the way we think is now different than it’s ever been before. Of course, with changes like these, we can only assume the things we find valuable will change as well, and new inventions to help us cope with difficult changes will emerge.
It’s no surprise that the majority of new trending promotional products are geared toward tech, stress, organization, and the environment. These are the giants we as people face daily. In this post, we’ll introduce you to 10 New Trending Promotional Products to help you stay on top of the curve and give your customers something they can actually use.
1. Webcam Cover
With staff meetings and classes moving virtually, we’ve all witnessed our fair share of webcam blunders. Help keep your clients and customers in check with this simple gadget. Small, but always around when it’s time to work, these cost-effective covers can be imprinted with your logo.
2. Eco-friendly Tote Bag
Eco-friendly trends are huge, and they’re only going to increase. With a rise in awareness of how plastic is ruining our planet, choosing earth-friendly products is something that 85% of folks from around the world say they’re done more of in the past 5 years.
When it comes to choosing a tote, make it as eco-friendly as possible. Don’t just stop at cotton, choose something that makes a real impact, like a bag made from recycled ocean plastic. The higher in value that your promotional item is, the more likely someone is to use it again and again.
3. Stress Ball
Stress is higher than it’s ever been before, with 50% of Canadians in 2021 reporting their stress levels were greater than they were in 2019. Giving people a tool to alleviate that stress is smart and comes in handy during frustrating Zoom meetings and power-hour brainstorms.
Not only does it help people in the moment, but it’s a positive association for your brand, linking your name to something that makes them feel better. A cost-effective handout, since people are tactile, a squishy freebie is hard to resist.
4. Name Brand Items
People love a name they can recognize. Associated with quality, giving away a shirt with a name people know is something they’re not only going to grab quickly, but will be something they likely wear often.
You’ll, of course, pay a higher price for these items, but they make a bigger impact on your clients too. Think: Yeti Rambler versus one from the Dollar Store. Which one do you associate with higher quality?
5. Reusable Face Masks
Hand Sanitizer is great and all, but it lives in your customer’s pocket. Plus, the small-sized bottles that brands give out don’t last long these days.
Reusable face masks are a company’s dream promotional product really. Worn out and about throughout the day, they’re seen by a lot of people. If it’s comfortable, the mask will quickly become something the wearer treasures, considering that over the past two years we’ve all had our fair share of uncomfortable masks.
Even if mask mandates aren’t in effect in years to come, many people may still choose to wear them, making this item a current trend going through 2022.
6. PopSockets / Phone Grips
Phone grips are a tool that anyone who uses a phone regularly treasures. Making it easier to hold the phone and prevent it from dropping, a pop-on grip has proven itself time and time again to work.
There are tons of options when it comes to phone grips in terms of color and pattern. Get creative and choose a modern color your customers will love.
7. Bucket Hats
Instead of opting for the traditional cap, if your brand has a younger audience, consider a bucket hat. A trend among Gen Z’ers, these hats are perfect for spring and summer and can be made in fun, modern colors and prints. Add your logo in a convenient spot, et voila! the perfect walking ad amongst the “in” crowd.
8. Power Banks
You brought your charger to work at the cafe, now, if only you had a plug nearby. Power banks solve the problem of tracking down an outlet when your phone is at a low battery. Compact and cost-effective, power banks are treasured by people who know the woes of a dying phone — aka literally everyone.
9. Candles & Self-care Products
Since stress is high, items that help lower it are currently trending. A popular item for home and office, a great-smelling candle makes for a highly-coveted promotional product.
Consider choosing a range of scents so that your customers can pick the one they like best. This way, they’ll feel like they’re getting something they chose, rather than you handing them a generic scent.
10. Tumblers
If it’s in your budget, choose a tumbler from a reputable brand. A top choice for both the summer and winter seasons, these travel-friendly cups are great for road trips, picnics, and walks to the office. They can always be enjoyed at home too.
The higher the quality of the tumbler, the better. You want something that’s going to be spillproof and do a great job at insulating. No one is going to use a cup that doesn’t work. Remember, functionality is key.
Takeaways
There’s a lot of variety in the top 10 New Trending Promotional items. Some are very cost-effective, while with others, you should be prepared for higher prices.
From what we’ve learned from the items on this list, quality and function are a must. People want something they can use as well as items that last a long time. In the grand scheme of things, that’s exactly what you want from giving our promotional products too. Need help selecting promotional products that suit your business? Contact us today!