Promotional products will never go out of style!
Brands love them because they are a powerful marketing strategy, while consumers like that they’re cool, practical, and free.
However, if you’re just starting out and want to launch a successful promo items marketing campaign, there’s a lot you should know.
In our guide, you’ll find all the insights into some of the most popular promotional products and the benefits they bring.
Let’s begin!
Table of Contents
What are Promotional Products?
Why Is Promotional Swag Important for Business?
What are the Most Popular Promotional Products?
How to Elevate Your Brand With Luxury Swag?
Engage Students With School Promotional Products
Heat up Your Marketing With Summer Giveaways
How Can Bars and Restaurants Use Promotional Items?
Promote Wellness With Fitness Swag
Caring for Your Community With Healthcare Promotional Products
On-The-Go Branding: Travel Promotional Products
Eco-Friendly Branding: Sustainable Promotional Products
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Promotional Products?
Promotional products are items that a business hands out to prospects, clients, and employees for advertising purposes.
Usually, promotional materials are personalized with the brand name and logo to enhance brand recognition.
These products are known under many different names, including company swag, promo items, advertising specialty, and branded products.
Everything from apparel and office supplies to food and beverages can constitute branded merchandise.
Businesses can offer these promo items in various contexts, such as:
- Promotional Christmas gifts for clients and employees;
- Trade show giveaways;
- Conference swag;
- Employee Appreciation Day gifts;
- Customer appreciation gifts;
- Grand opening gifts.
The success of the promotional products industry is undeniable if we look at the numbers.
According to a Statista survey, the industry registered a total annual sales revenue of $26.1 billion in 2023 in the US alone.
Keep reading to discover the reasons behind its success.
Why Is Promotional Swag Important for Business?
Branded products are a highly effective marketing strategy offering loads of benefits to big and small businesses.
Here are four of the most important reasons to invest in promotional merchandise.
Increase brand awareness
The main reason our clients love promo products so much is their ability to generate a lot of brand exposure.
You can start by offering them as event giveaways to introduce potential customers to your brand.
Then, every time those recipients use or wear your swag in public, others will notice your company logo and become aware of your brand.
The same goes for employee and client gifts.
However, to make the most of this marketing strategy, you have to choose eye-catching, practical, and high-quality corporate gifts.
In fact, according to a BPMA report, customers who receive premium branded merchandise can increase brand awareness by over 96%.
Enhance brand recall through repeated brand marketing
By constantly exposing consumers to your brand name, logo, and message through personalized products, you help them remember your brand.
According to an ASI report, globally, 85% of people who receive a promotional gift remember the brand that gave it to them.
Likewise, according to a Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) report, 66% of consumers can name the brand on a logoed product they’ve received in the past 12 months.
Still, when using repeated brand marketing, you should always mix things up and pick new promotional gifts for each marketing campaign.
Otherwise, repetition can become boring.
Keep your audience engaged and loyal
According to the 2023 State of Corporate Gifting Report, 42% of businesses use corporate gifts to nurture client relationships.
These businesses have clearly understood that closing your existing clients is even more important than attracting new ones.
After all, no business can survive solely from one-time purchases.
The loyal, recurring clients drive sales and help your business grow.
According to the Loyalty Big Picture report, as cited by Business Wire, 60% of companies reported that loyalty program members spend two to three times more annually than non-members.
Occasionally surprising your old clients with promotional gifts is a nice way to show appreciation for their contribution and support.
This simple gesture will make them feel valued, strengthen your bond and build brand loyalty.
In fact, a Sendoso survey found that 83% of customers who received a corporate gift said it made them feel closer to the company.
Connect with your employees
Never forget that your employees are fundamental to your business’s success.
Therefore, keeping them happy is just as important as keeping your clients happy.
The best way to do that is by publicly recognizing your team members’ hard work and offering them meaningful gifts.
According to a BR Printers report, 25.8% of employees feel appreciated by their employer when given a promo item.
Likewise, a Nectar survey found that 71% of employees would be less likely to leave their organization if recognized more frequently.
Moreover, employee gifts can help create an inclusive work environment that increases job satisfaction.
The same BR Printers report found that 24.3% of employees feel included in the team when they receive promotional products from their employer.
Now, let’s explore some of the most popular promo products you can use for your next marketing campaign.
What are the Most Popular Promotional Products?
While any customizable item can be turned into a promotional product, some classics will never go out of style.
Our clients suggest that you start with these and then gradually build up.
This way, you can be sure you’ll start on the right foot.
1. Jackets
According to a 2023 ASI report, outerwear is the most influential promo product for men and women.
The only problem is that branded jackets don’t come cheap, so you should save them for special occasions.
We recommend the Toba jacket if you’re looking for a more affordable yet high-quality product.
It’s lightweight and water-resistant and you can pack it away into its lower left pocket.
Ideal for: A client and employee Christmas gift that will leave a lasting impression.
Why we recommend it: The same 2023 ASI report found that outerwear generates 7,856 impressions over its lifetime.
2. Hoodies
Custom hoodies are beloved clothing items that men and women will highly appreciate.
Our clients love the incredibly soft fleece of the Cypress hoodie that will keep you warm and comfy all day long.
Ideal for: You can include hoodies in your new hire welcome kits to create a sense of unity in the workplace.
Why we recommend it: Your recipients can wear the hoodie in any setting: at home, at work, at an outing with friends and on vacation.
3. Backpacks
Branded backpacks are versatile promo products because they come in all shapes and sizes.
The Trek computer backpack is one of our best-selling, high-quality, low-cost swag items.
Ideal for: You can offer it as a trade show giveaway to attract potential customers and spark up a conversation.
Why we recommend it: Its unique, U-shaped-opening design will grab everyone’s attention, making it a powerful marketing tool.
4. Drinkware
According to a Vistaprint survey, 31% of consumers would like to receive coffee mugs as promotional items.
However, this doesn’t mean you should only stick to custom mugs.
You can also opt for custom tumblers, water bottles, wine cups, and more.
The Carmel tumbler features a modern, sleek design that will impress your recipients.
Ideal for: You can offer drinkware as job fair giveaways to attract attendees to your booth.
Why we recommend it: According to an ASI report, 63% of U.S. consumers would keep and use promo drinkware for 1 year or longer.
5. Pens
Branded pens are among the most effective marketing tools because they are indispensable in our daily lives.
Since you never know when you need to write something down, keeping a pen in your bag can come in handy.
To add a touch of sophistication to your giveaways, you can opt for the SoBe ballpoint pen made from lacquer-coated brass.
Ideal for: You can hand out branded pens to new customers so they’ll have something to remember your company by.
Why we recommend it: A Vistaprint survey found that 38% of consumers would like to receive pens as promo items.
6. T-shirts
T-shirts have long been one of the most popular branded apparel items because they are low-cost and visible.
In fact, marketing experts often say t-shirts can turn people into walking billboards.
The Bodie short sleeve tee is one of our clients’ favorites because it comes in 12 different colors that will match virtually any brand colors.
Ideal for: Small businesses that need to create brand exposure should offer branded t-shirts to employees and clients.
Why we recommend it: According to the ASI report, 47% of Americans would keep and wear a promo t-shirt for 2 years or longer.
7. Earbuds
People enjoy listening to music on their way to work, office, home, or exercising.
Therefore, anyone will appreciate a pair of high-quality earbuds.
Our Skullcandy Bluetooth earbuds are perfect for listening to music while working out because they are sweat-resistant.
Ideal for: Since earbuds are a bit pricey, you can offer them to important clients to build customer loyalty.
Why we recommend it: Research shows that employees who listen to music while working perform better than those who work without music.
8. Power banks
Power banks and flash drives are the most frequently used tech swag items due to their practicality.
However, if we had to choose between these two, we would opt for power banks, as they are indispensable.
The Jolt 2,200 mAh power bank is compact, so you can carry it in your bag daily and never worry about forgetting your chargers ever again.
Ideal for: Power banks make thoughtful corporate gifts for employees, prospects, and clients.
Why we recommend it: According to an ASI report, 40% of Americans are more likely to do business with a marketer who gives them a power bank.
9. Bluetooth speakers
Bluetooth speakers encourage your recipients to unwind and have some fun while listening to their favorite tunes.
Because our Blackwater Bluetooth speaker is waterproof, you can take the fun outside, to the backyard, or at the pool.
Ideal for: This is the perfect gift for business owners and other busy professionals, as it reminds them to take a break every now and then.
Why we recommend it: According to a 2023 research study, listening to music can lower stress levels and improve one’s mood.
10. Tote bags
Tote bags have become trendy promo merch items in recent years.
Consumers no longer use them just to carry their groceries. They are now fashion accessories.
Our clients love the natural look of this cotton twill tote bag made from recycled materials.
Ideal for: You can turn these branded items into swag bags full of goodies and hand them out at corporate events.
Why we recommend it: The Vistaprint survey found that 31% of consumers would like to receive tote bags as promo items.
From the most popular promotional merchandise, we’ll move on to the most luxurious.
How to Elevate Your Brand With Luxury Swag?
Luxury swag are high-end branded items characterized by uniqueness and beautiful aesthetics.
Like all deluxe products out there, these promo items are quite expensive.
Therefore, you should only use them as gifts for VIP clients or as employee rewards for outstanding results.
Either way, luxury swag is worth the investment as it will enhance your brand image and make it stand out.
According to a PPAI survey, 70% of consumers associate the quality of a promo product they receive with the reputation of the company that gave it to them.
Now, when choosing deluxe merch, don’t focus only on aesthetics.
These products should also be practical. Otherwise, your recipients will place them in a drawer and forget about them.
Here are some of our clients’ top choices:
- The Moleskine smart writing set makes a digital copy of everything you write in the notebook.
Therefore, you’ll have access to your notes no matter where you are and can search, edit, and share them.
- The Easton wireless charging mouse pads allow you to keep your phone close and charged while you work.
This desk accessory will enhance any office decor with its elegant, simulated leather exterior.
- The Ember temperature-control smart mug lets you set your desired beverage temperature using a phone app and signals when your drink has reached that temperature.
Then, the mug maintains your desired drink temperature until you finish.
Next, we’re going back to school.
Engage Students With School Promotional Products
School promotional products are items personalized with an educational institution’s name, logo, or message.
These promotional materials can be used as student welcome gifts, awards for outstanding results, alumni gifts, or fundraiser giveaways.
Generally, school promo products help reinforce your educational institution’s culture and values.
They also create a sense of inclusivity and belonging that makes students more eager to attend your classes and learn.
While you can use everything from personalized stickers to lanyards, we suggest you go the extra mile for your students.
Check out these practical ideas:
- The Colorized manual inversion umbrella will keep your students dry on rainy days, which shows thoughtfulness.
We like that it opens and closes ‘inside-out’, making it easy to use.
- The Associate padfolio includes a refillable notepad for students to take notes during classes.
It also features an inside front panel with a flap pocket and three horizontal pockets for storing paperwork.
- The Lunar box cooler will encourage students to bring home-cooked meals at school instead of eating junk food.
This cooler has a seven-can capacity and a side mesh pocket, but it’s compact enough to carry.
That’s enough about school, as we’re still on vacation.
Let’s look at some summer swag instead.
Heat up Your Marketing With Summer Giveaways
Summer giveaways are promotional merchandise you offer during your summer marketing campaigns.
You can use this marketing strategy for different purposes, like:
- Organizing summer contests on social media to boost engagement and attract new customers with eye-catching summer swag;
- Thanking existing clients for their contribution and enhancing their summer holiday experience;
- Boosting employee morale and encouraging them to have some fun during summer.
To make the most of this advertising specialty, pick summer-relevant items.
Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- The Slowtide pocket beach towel comes in six fun colors to grab your audience’s attention.
Our clients also like that it’s made from super soft and absorbent, sustainably sourced cotton.
- The Sebago packable hammock is made from breathable, quick-drying nylon, perfect for hot summer days.
You can easily set it up and then pack it away in the small storage pouch to take it with you even on mountain hikes.
- The Bottle Bash game set is a fun gift that your recipients can enjoy with their friends and family.
Moreover, it will pique your audience’s interest more than a classic inflatable beach ball.
We’ve had our summer fun; now it’s time to get down to the bar and restaurant business.
How Can Bars and Restaurants Use Promotional Items?
Bar and restaurant promotional items can include personalized napkins and branded paper bags.
However, you shouldn’t focus solely on single-use products.
Multi-use branded merchandise can generate more brand exposure and help you stand out in a sea of competitors.
Our clients suggest you pick one-of-a-kind gifts because your customers will rave about them to their friends and on social media.
According to a Vistaprint survey, 43% of consumers are more likely to make brand referrals to others after receiving promotional products from a business.
Some of our bestsellers include:
- The Bamboo fiber lunch box will accompany your clients to work every day, reminding them of their favorite restaurant.
Its best feature is the customizable bamboo lid that doubles as a cutting board.
- The W&P Peak single-sphere ice mold is quite an uncommon giveaway due to its unique design.
It features a sloped internal mold that creates a seamless ice sphere, perfect for a glass of liquor.
- The Bamboo coaster set is a beautiful, eco-friendly addition to any home decor.
Your clients can use the branded coasters while entertaining guests so that others will notice your bar’s name and logo.
While we enjoy going out for drinks and food, we must also stay fit.
Promote Wellness With Fitness Swag
Promotional fitness products are swag items that encourage your audience to stay active and healthy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise is important for:
- Combating physical and mental health conditions and diseases;
- Improving your mood;
- Increasing your energy levels;
- Improving your sleep.
Therefore, your clients and employees benefit greatly from these thoughtful promotional gifts.
Check out some of our beloved fitness swag:
- The Home studio set includes all the yoga essentials for a perfect workout at home or a studio.
Also, the yoga mat, quick-dry towel, and yoga block all come in an elegant duffel bag.
- The iLive outdoor lantern will be a much better hiking companion for your recipients than any regular flashlight.
Besides lighting up the trails, this lantern also doubles as a power bank for charging your devices.
- The jump rope is not just a fun gift for kids, but also a highly effective fitness item for adults.
Your recipients can take it with them wherever they go and stay active without needing a gym membership.
Since we’re on the topic of wellness, we want to introduce you to healthcare promo items as well.
Caring for Your Community With Healthcare Promotional Products
Healthcare promotional products are branded merchandise that promote physical and mental health.
Healthcare products are effective marketing tools because they show your team members, clients, and prospects that your brand cares about their well-being.
This humanizes your brand by proving to the audience that you are interested in the financial gains and the people who help your business thrive.
By promoting corporate wellness, you can strengthen your business relationships and build brand loyalty.
Interesting fact: According to an ASI report, health products are the second most influential promo product for women.
Our clients often opt for these healthcare promo products:
- The Royal Fleet smart fitness tracker will help your audience stay fit by keeping track of their steps and calories.
However, it will also monitor their heart rate, blood pressure, and sleep to ensure overall health.
- The Clip-N-Go hand sanitizer will help your recipients maintain hand hygiene wherever they are.
This hand sanitizer comes in a small, refillable bottle with a mini carabiner to attach to your keychain, bag, or pants.
- The UV desktop phone sanitizer kills 99% of the tested microorganisms.
You can use it to sanitize your phone and any other item that fits inside, like jewelry, keys, or credit cards.
Since these last two products are useful while traveling, let’s explore additional travel swag.
On-The-Go Branding: Travel Promotional Products
Travel promotional products are items that come in handy on business trips and vacations.
Therefore, they make great gifts for business owners, sales reps, and team members who frequently travel for work or pleasure.
Travel swag has a very good reputation in the promotional products industry because of its practicality and visibility.
If you think about it, these items can actually travel the world and expose your company logo and name to a huge consumer pool.
Some of our favorite travel companions include:
- The E-Z comfort set includes a polyester eye mask and two foam earplugs for restful sleep on any means of transport.
The comfort items come in a zip-top, resealable pouch that protects them from dirt.
- The Weekender deluxe duffel bag offers plenty of space to pack for a short trip.
Besides the large main compartment, it also features a front media pocket with an earbud port, a mesh pocket, and a pouch.
- The JanSport Fifth Avenue waist pack is perfect for keeping your passport, phone, earbuds, and other small essentials within close reach when traveling.
Finally, we’ll show you how to promote sustainability to reduce the carbon footprint generated by all that traveling.
Eco-Friendly Branding: Sustainable Promotional Products
Sustainable swag are items either made from eco-friendly materials or that encourage eco-friendly practices.
Usually, this category includes reusable promotional products that help cut down on waste.
However, besides helping the planet, offering sustainable swag can also improve your brand’s reputation.
According to an ASI report, 46% of U.S. consumers would have a better opinion about a brand if it gave them an eco-friendly promotional item.
Our most sought-after sustainable promo items include:
- The Speckled Thor water bottle has a double-wall stainless steel vacuum construction with copper insulation that keeps beverages cold for 48 hours and hot for 12 hours.
Since it is reusable, this promo item can encourage your recipients to give up plastic water bottles and reduce waste.
According to a research study, Americans throw away more than 60 million plastic water bottles every day.
- The recycled PET-bound notebook features a recycled PET hardcover and 80 sheets of recycled paper.
According to The World Counts, recycling one tonne of paper saves around 1400 liters of oil, 26,500 liters of water, and 17 trees.
- The Reclaim recycled computer backpack has a 100% recycled PET exterior, and 1% of each sale goes to environmental nonprofits.
Your recipients can even use it to carry their groceries, thus reducing plastic bag waste.
The time has come to wrap things up.
Tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
Over To You!
As you can see, promotional products are highly effective marketing tools.
They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and can bring loads of benefits to your business.
So, don’t waste any more time and start planning your promotional products marketing campaign.
Browse our SwagDrop shop for more swag inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the questions our clients frequently ask us:
What are good promotional products for employees?
Some good promotional products for employees include:
- Cool office supplies;
- Coffee mugs and tumblers;
- Branded backpacks;
- Earbuds;
- Personalized t-shirts.
What are good promotional products for clients?
Some good promotional products for clients include:
- Branded jackets;
- Smart notebooks;
- Smart mugs;
- Waterproof Bluetooth speakers;
- Yoga sets.
What are good promotional products for growing companies?
Growing companies should gradually give up low-cost promotional products and focus more on high quality and functionality. These items can include:
- Innovative tech swag;
- Luxury swag;
- Fitness promo items;
- Healthcare promotional products.
What are the most cost-effective promotional products?
The most cost-effective promotional products are:
- Pens and notebooks;
- Coffee mugs;
- Tote bags;
- T-shirts;
- Baseball caps.
What are the most popular promotional products in Canada?
The most popular promotional products in Canada include:
- T-shirts;
- Stickers;
- Shirts;
- Polo shirts;
- Mugs.