After weathering more than a year of ups and downs, today’s consumers want the brands they support to be present—and real. As brand marketers, it’s our job to respond by articulating and sharing our values and creating authentic, personal relationships with our audience.
One way to make those engaging connections with your audience is through branded promotional products and apparel, whether you manage a B2B or B2C brand. From custom swag kits to milestone gifts to loyalty program promos, branded products and apparel can help make lasting brand impressions. They can also reflect and promote the values central to your brand, like eco-responsibility.
If you’re looking for the branded promotional products and apparel that customers want most right now, we’ve done the legwork for you.
Our Shamrock team just returned from The PPAI Expo 2022 held last week in Las Vegas. The industry’s largest tradeshow, this year’s show did not disappoint. With tens of thousands of promotional products and more than a thousand exhibitors, we got a firsthand look at the latest products and stylish new apparel that can help you promote and drive brand growth this year and well beyond.
Top three trending categories in premium and promotional products for 2022.
The hottest items in the promotional product and apparel industry can loosely be grouped into three main categories:
EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS.
To keep your brand front of mind with your audience, choose everyday items that your customers will reach for again and again. Think water bottles, journals and notebooks, pens and pencils, wireless chargers, and reusable shopping bags and backpacks. In apparel, baseball caps, beanies, and the trendy Shacket tops the list. A smart new that makes sharing your contract info super easy: Popl is the next generation business card. With just a tap, your Popl phone tag instantly shares your digital business card to both iPhone and Android devices.
ECO-RESPONSIBLE ITEMS.
A recent study shows that 70% of consumers feel a brand should be sustainable. So, to build brand trust and loyalty, choose on-trend green gifts. With apparel companies working toward more sustainable business models, there are so many great options at every price point: Solar speakers, bamboo cutlery and straws, insulated and glass drinkware, and reusable paper lunch bags. Wearable items make great brand gifts and giveaways—and t-shirts top the list. For eco-friendly options, choose tees made from recycled materials or apparel from brands revered for their sustainability practices like Patagonia.
WORK FROM HOME.
Whether your team is working fully remote or back in the office part-time, creating a branded WFH swag kit is a great mood-lifter that’s sure to boost your team’s morale and productivity. With lots of new products in this category, some of the top selections include leather-bound notebooks, mousepads and stress-busting wrist rests, coffee mugs, blue light glasses (with a branded carrying case), charging stations, earbuds, and even gourmet snacks. And to help them look fabulous for team video conferences, choose from polos and sweaters or hoodies and cozy sweatpants.
Finally, as we continue to navigate pandemic-related issues at home and work, consider masks and hand sanitizers as thoughtful branded giveaways. These products not only keep your team safe but show your concern for the health and wellbeing of your customers, too.
Again, these are just some of the trending promotional products and apparel on our radar right now for 2022. If you’ve got questions or would like some help selecting branded items for your marketing program, reach out. I’m here to help.
