Promotional Product Trends to Get Into
Last Updated:20 July 2025
Promotional products, from stress balls and fridge magnets, have come a long way. Nowadays, it’s all about choosing items people genuinely like, use, and keep. If your brand invests in giveaways or merch, the goal should be simple: make it count.
Here’s a look at what’s working right now in the world of promotional gear—and why these trends are resonating.
What’s Hot in Promo Right Now? Here’s What People Want
1. Sustainability That Feels Genuine
A purple folder labeled our reputation matters highlights key promotional product trends inside.
We’re more aware of what we consume, including the freebies we’re handed at events or in gift bags. People are drawn to products that feel responsible—reusable, recycled, or made from natural materials.
What’s working:
- Reusable totes and produce bags
- Pens made from bamboo or cardboard
- Notebooks with recycled paper
- Compostable packaging
Pro tip: If it’s eco-friendly, tell the story. Include a note about the material or production—people appreciate the context.
2. Work-from-Anywhere Ready
With hybrid and remote work now the norm, gear that helps people stay organised on the go is more useful than ever. Think practical over flashy. Items that slide easily into a bag and make work-life smoother are hitting the mark.
Popular choices:
- Laptop sleeves
- Cable organisers
- Webcam covers
- Phone stands
- Compact notebooks or planners
These products aren’t just appreciated—they get used regularly, which is what you want.
3. Health & Wellness Is Here to Stay
Wellness isn’t a buzzword anymore—it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s a branded yoga mat or a calming essential oil roller, products that support well-being, show that your brand sees the bigger picture.
Useful ideas:
- Reusable drink bottles (especially with time markings)
- Resistance bands
- Aromatherapy rollers
- Meditation or gratitude journals
- Sleep masks or herbal teas
This category works particularly well for team packs, corporate gifts, and community-focused campaigns.
4. Apparel That Doesn’t Scream “Promo”
Nobody wants another oversized t-shirt with a huge logo. But give people something they’d wear—and now you’ve got a walking advertisement.
What works now:
- Clean, minimal designs
- Subtle logo placement
- Quality fabrics (organic cotton is a bonus)
- Bucket hats, beanies, or simple caps
- Gender-neutral cuts and classic colours
Make it feel more like merch from a brand they’d choose to wear, not something they feel obligated to accept.
5. Tech That’s Useful
Green pen with GREENBANK STATE SCHOOL, silver accents, clip
Promo tech has matured. People no longer want gimmicks—they want things that work. The best part? They’ll probably keep using it for months, maybe years.
Best-sellers:
- Power banks with fast charge
- Bluetooth trackers
- Charging cables with multiple ports
- Screen cleaners or phone wallets
- Foldable laptop stands
Stick to clean design and good packaging—it makes even a simple product feel more premium.
6. Products That Feel Personal
We’re in the age of personalised everything. Whether it’s a name on a bottle or a product tied to someone’s interests, people want to feel like the item was chosen for them.
What’s trending:
- Custom-printed journals with a name or quote
- Personalised stationery
- QR code add-ons that link to exclusive content
- DIY kits or interactive elements
When something feels personal, people are more likely to hold onto it and associate it with a positive experience.
7. Local, Handmade, or Artisan
This one’s growing fast. Instead of mass-produced keyrings or plastic gadgets, more brands are choosing to work with local makers. It feels intentional, thoughtful, and unique.
Think:
- Handmade soaps
- Locally roasted coffee or snacks
- Branded candles or ceramics
- Australian-made goods with a story
When done right, these items feel more like gifts than promos, and that makes all the difference.
Final Thought
The best promotional products today aren’t loud or flashy. They’re thoughtful, helpful, and aligned with how people live. If your brand wants to be remembered, it starts with picking the right kind of product—something that reflects who you are and what you value.
Need help putting together something that fits your audience? At Cubic Promote, we’re here to help you source and customise products that get real results—without feeling like “just another giveaway.”
