It’s hard to keep up with the latest trends. Especially when it comes to promotional products. One minute a product is in high demand, and the next, it’s out of style.
So what products should we have on our radar for 2021? After a bit of research, I found that the most popular promotional products fall into the following nine trending categories, representing what we can expect this year. The most sought-after items are a combination of stylish, useful and forward-thinking.
So, what are the top promotional product trends in 2021?
1. Virtual Event Giveaways
As virtual events are expected to continue well into the future, event organizers are trying to come up with creative ways to still personalize their conferences. Virtual event giveaways have helped bridge that gap.
By building up excitement, creating brand ambassadors, and even driving online engagement, giveaways have been a valuable tool for making virtual events a success.
Virtual event giveaways also play an even bigger role in humanizing a brand, while helping customers connect personally with them. When used to say thank you for being part of your event and brand’s community, you're creating a connection that customers crave. Keep in mind, 83% of consumers admit to paying as much attention to how brands treat them, as on the product they sell.
Trending Virtual Event Giveaways:
- Council Journal with Phone and Pen Holder
- Custom Beanie
- Bluetooth Headphones
2. Work from Home Products
The pandemic has led many large corporations to see value in allowing their employees to work from home. Companies like Google and Facebook have extended their work from home policies well into 2021, while Twitter and Square say their employees can work remotely forever.
Businesses everywhere are expected to follow suit. Which means more and more employees will be in need of work from home products to help them stay productive even from their home offices. Consider items that make work easier, keep employees connected, and offer much needed moments of de-stress - because working from home can be crazy.
Trending Work from Home Products:
- Private Eye/Ear™ Webcam Cover
- Wireless Charging Mouse Pads
3. Eco-Friendly Items
It turns out, sustainability sells. According to ASI’s 2020 Ad Impressions study, 46% of consumers have a more favorable opinion of an advertiser if the promotional product they received was environmentally friendly.
Consumers are searching for more than just quality products and services these days. They are looking for brands that align with their personal values. So giving an eco-friendly promotional item as a gift will not only help showcase your company’s ethics, but make your brand more credible and thus likable.
Trending Eco-Friendly Items:
- Reclaim Recycled Computer Backpack
- Bamboo Fiber Lunch Box with Cutting Board Lid
4. Return to the Office Items
When employees do go back into the office, they are going to want to be protected. You can limit risk and boost employee morale by giving your teams everything they need to stay healthy and safe. Essential sanitation supplies that not only keep employee work areas clean, but help them stay productive are sure to be a popular promotional product trend this year.
Smart marketers will think outside the box. Of course the PPE essentials like masks, gloves and sanitizers are critical. But think about products that people can’t just get anywhere. For instance, someone might have a stock load of hand sanitizing wipes. But a UV sanitizing wireless charger? That’s a game changer.
Return to the Office items that are versatile and offer a dual purpose will be in high demand this year.
Trending Return to the Office Items:
- Mask Keeper Lanyard
- Sanitizing Water Bottle
- Pure Pack UV Sanitizing Pack
5. Wireless Products
Connectivity is always trending. And as home and work life clash together, wireless products will be in higher demand than ever before. The remote office has fueled the need for flexibility in work spaces, and a decrease in cord clutter.
Plus, as our world becomes firmly planted in the digital space, the need for wireless products will continue to grow. Everything - from our meetings to our holiday celebrations - seems to be online these days. No one wants to be tied down to an outlet while they’re in the middle of a video call.
Help keep remote employees happy and customers impressed with the latest trending wireless products.
Trending Wireless Products:
- Wireless Charging Desk Organizer
- Luna Wireless Speaker
- Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard
6. Unique, bespoke,New and Latest Items
The constant need for the latest, newest and hottest items will never disappear. Consumers are always drawn to what they don’t already have. So products that they’ve never heard of before will always be a hit. Chances are, if you look closely enough, you’ll notice most of the new and latest promotional items on the market are born from some of the trends we mentioned above.
So when looking for promotional product trends, sometimes the easiest place to start is with the new and latest items.
New and Latest Trending Products:
- Crumbee
- Wearable Blanket
- Slim Can Cooler
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5 Tips For Deciding The Best Promotional Item For You:
- Quality — Is it made of durable, top-notch material?
- Usefulness — Is it practical?
- Uniqueness — Does it show thoughtfulness?
- Swagger — Does it look good and feel good?
- Affordability — Is it a good value?
