The Hottest New Promotional Items of the Year

A new year – plus a new decade – equals the perfect opportunity to stay ahead of the trends. For advertisers, marketers and trade show enthusiasts, this means outworking and outthinking the competition to acquire the best new promotional items for 2022. While this may seem daunting, we have a simple list to help you on your way. Promotional items should be an investment, not a costly expense, so rather than focusing on gimmicky items that will lose their appeal once the next big fad hits, look for the ones that will be meaningful (and useful) for decades to come. Start by finding your recipe for growth, making a plan to win over customers and stocking up on all the best new promotional items.

Develop a Recipe for Growth-Watch the Trends
The nature of trends is that they keep growing until something else gets in their way, which is also very true with marketing promotional products. According to the Advertising Specialty Institute, the top predictions for buyer trends in 2022 will be focused on social responsibility, high-quality brands and products, and memorable experiences.

Be Kind to Our Planet AND Gain New Customers
Whether your company supports climate change activism or recognizes the impact our individual actions have on the planet, eco-friendly promotional products are here to stay. What started as a bold ban of plastic straws in the city of Seattle became a movement, and now many restaurants and organizations throughout the U.S. are following suit. This has led to the explosion of reusable straws including stainless steel straws, silicone drinking straws and expandable straws. Hand out these hot new promotional items to potential customers at special events and you’ll join the growing green movement, making a larger impact on your prospects and the environment.

Another way to hop on the eco-friendly bandwagon this year is by giving out promotional items that are made with recycled and renewable products. Custom promotional products that can be used for more than one occasion provide value to your customers over and over again. Can prospects carry their promo items from a trade show with a canvas tote bag? You bet! Can they carry their books, groceries and other everyday necessities with an environmentally friendly shopping bag? Most definitely. Choose from hundreds of different bag styles that can be used again and again. Each time your prospects reuse them, they’ll be toting your brand name out in public for additional exposure, too.

Alternatively, you can use technology yourself to demonstrate and showcase your brand as well. Consider attending a trade show or event where you can unveil your products through virtual reality headsets. Or, give away virtual reality glasses to set up your business as a trendsetter.

Score with Meaningful Experiences and Products
For experience-focused brands, the non-techy options may be more appropriate. Consider campfire mugs, so customers can plug into their human networks, sit by a crackling campfire and snuggle up for warmth under an embroidered fleece blanket. Keep prospects hydrated on their next adventure with customized drinkware options – another useful hot promotional item to encourage meaningful experiences. Think outside the box for other evergreen products. And new pens, bags and clothing items, which are all used frequently, are great options to help your brand leave a lasting impression.

Whichever buyer trend you focus on for your 2022 marketing goals – social responsibility, giving high-quality products or providing memorable experiences – we want you to start your new year off with the best new promotional items and help you find greater ways to connect with your target audience. Plan the year you have envisioned with MARCO Promos as your one-stop-shop for all your marketing needs, products and accessories.