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2026 Branded Merchandise Forecast: Australia’s Leading Categories

Every year, the industry publishes forecasts about what might trend next in promotional merchandise. Instead of adding another prediction to the pile, we’ve taken a closer look at what is actually moving at scale. We’ve based our forecast on our 2025 order data to determine which categories are likely to remain on top and which new ones may emerge in 2026.

Colorful branded merchandise water bottles with metal clips, arranged on a white surface.Colorful water bottles with metal lids, part of the latest branded merchandise forecast.

Setting the Baseline: Top 3 Categories by Unit Volume

To forecast 2026 accurately, we start with the three highest-volume product categories from last year.

Rank Category Quantity Supplied in 2025
1 Pens 90,560
2 Tote Bags 89,000
3 Chocolates 65,000
This data shows that Australian organisations focused on purchasing giveaways that are practical and easy to hand out.

Five metal mugs—perfect as branded merchandise—are arranged on a white surface.A wooden bottle, a Vodafone notebook, and pens suggest a branded merchandise forecast.

What Will Stay On Top This 2026

The categories we think will stay on our best-sellers list this year are these items:
  • Pens: Remain on top because they will be used daily, assuring your brand of the visibility you need.
  • Tote Bags: Because you can use them as loot bags for event packs, in retail, and even as giveaways to clients, they will be a top category.
  • T-Shirts: Apparel like t-shirts make great crew uniforms during events, and as giveaways. Both help boost visibility and make your team look sharp and unified.
  • Reusable Water Bottles: Because they can be brought anywhere, they will remain a top option for brands in 2026. But we can see brands leaning more on metal bottles.

A branded merchandise forecast set: black folder, yellow notebook, pen set, and cup on a white desk.Open notepad, pens, notebooks, and forecast branded merchandise on a round white office table.

What New Categories Will Emerge

We also see new categories that could possibly emerge as part of our top 10 best sellers in 2026.
  • Power Banks – As professionals rely heavily on mobile devices during travel and events, portable chargers will be a helpful giveaway you can try.
  • Cables – Modern laptops require external connectivity support, making branded hubs a great giveaway.
  • Phone Stands – Video calls and mobile multitasking keep phone stands in daily use, ensuring exposure in both office and remote settings.
  • Hand Sanitisers – This item is perfect for events where attendees need antibacterial products to stay safe and sanitised.
  • Branded Socks – Socks can be given out to employees as part of their uniform or to clients. You can either customise them with minimal logos or choose colourful options.

What to Do with This Insight

With the list of categories we’ve included, you have the option to you can choose to lean into proven favourites or explore emerging categories. The key is not simply what is popular, but what makes sense for your audience and reflects your brand identity.

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About the Author

Charles Liu

Owner

Charles Liu is the Founder and a recognised authority in the promotional products and uniforms industry in Australia. With over 19 years of experience, he has guided Cubic Promote to work with over 15,000 Australian organisations. His specialty is helping Aussie companies select the right products that stay within their budget. He also specialises in sourcing and assisting brands and government agencies in selecting corporate gifts for VIPs and high-profile clients. A regular contributor to industry blogs, Charles shares his expert insights on using branded merchandise to achieve business goals. Charles’s deep understanding of industry trends and strong supplier relationships make him a trusted figure in the sector, continually influencing the development of both products and uniforms that deliver tangible, measurable results.

charles liu

charles liu

Charles Liu is the Founder and a recognised authority in the promotional products and uniforms industry in Australia. With over 19 years of experience, he has guided Cubic Promote to work with over 15,000 Australian organisations. His specialty is helping Aussie companies select the right products that stay within their budget. He also specialises in sourcing and assisting brands and government agencies in selecting corporate gifts for VIPs and high-profile clients. A regular contributor to industry blogs, Charles shares his expert insights on using branded merchandise to achieve business goals. Charles’s deep understanding of industry trends and strong supplier relationships make him a trusted figure in the sector, continually influencing the development of both products and uniforms that deliver tangible, measurable results.

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