Here it is – our rushIMPRINT 2022 promotional product trend report! We’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. These are the hottest promotional marketing trends around and you can jump on these trendy items with the suggested promotional products or find your own marketing opportunities. It’s a great way to make sure you’re aiming your marketing efforts in the right direction and making the most of your investments.
Eco-Repurposing
There is an environmental or ecological angle to just about every category in some way, shape, or form and often with bamboo. Right now, we have everything from bamboo pens to a bamboo wireless charging desk clock. Since this is a super-hot trend for 2022, we expect to keep getting fresh options that have an eco-attitude and even more of them that feature bamboo. This is a great time to capture the excitement for eco marketing and start creating some buzz for your brand.
Suggested promotional product: While I love a lot of these items I’m seeing, something that stands out to me for its ability to appeal to a wide audience and on many levels is the bamboo utensil set. I see this as an interesting eco marketing giveaway that’s going to be something your future customers are going to want and they’re going to hold onto.
Boxes and Kits
Everybody likes opening a present, which is probably why a boxes with gifts or promotional items or specialty kits are so hot for 2022 and probably will be for a long time after. Part of the fun for the recipient is that inside the box is not just one item, but several themed items. Some companies are offering regular boxes that arrive monthly or quarterly to keep the excitement and momentum for their brand going and this has been a huge success. I have to admit, this is really one of my favorite trends because I’m not ashamed to say that I, too, enjoy getting a box full of surprises.
Suggested promotional product: This was difficult to narrow down to just one item because there are so many exciting ones that I’ve already seen, and I happen to know that even more exciting options are coming. That said, I have to go with the Godiva Blanket Snuggle Kit. A soft Sherpa blanket, stemless wine tumblers and Godiva chocolates makes this just the right amount of cozy and comforting. Coming in a close second, almost tied, was one of our auto safety kits. The practical nature of these corporate gifts combined with the ensured appreciation factor makes them a great idea.
Charcuterie
If pressured to pick one trend that’s going to be the biggest this year for the savvy promotional marketer, I’d have to lean into the charcuterie trend. Have you noticed how many charcuterie boards you’re seeing on social media and all of the classes cropping up? Now imagine, what if all of those social posts featured a cutting board or a cheese board with your company’s logo on them? There are a lot of ways to capture the excitement here. You could even go beyond the board and include artisanal cheeses, cutting utensils, a custom-made book featuring charcuterie boards from your company, or hold a contest – the ideas are almost limitless and it’s best if you hop on that bandwagon right away to make the most of it.
Suggested promotional product: We’re getting more cutting boards coming but right now my favorite is this Slate Cheese Board Set because it’s hitting on a few trends with bamboo as an eco-friendly option and it’s a kit that includes more than just one item. It’s ideal for a large-scale charcuterie competition social media blitz.
Outdoor Hobbies
Don’t worry, I’m not playing it safe here. I know that sports and outdoor activities are huge every year, especially when the warm weather hits but this year is going to be a little different. There’s no getting around the fact that all of the Covid restrictions have been hard on everyone, so people are very excited to get out and start doing stuff outside again. This has turned outdoor hobbies into the coolest trend around. These activities are no longer for seasoned veterans or the semi-serious athlete, going outside is now for everyone and even weekend dabblers can get in on the game. That said, the opportunities for promotional marketing for outdoor gear are huge. You can find everything from safe and simple sunglasses to a top-of-the-line Comfortsmart Suspension Chair.
Suggested promotional product: There are a couple reasons I’ve selected the BBQ Set with Cooler Bag as my outdoor marketing giveaway of choice. First of all, it’s got two-in-one charm with the cooler bag and two BBQ utensils for use at home or on the go. Secondly, the cooler bag boldly displays your logo and shows it off to everyone around. Finally, it works for the seasoned outdoor aficionado and it’s also a useful gift for people who are trying something new.
Self-Care and Mindfulness
It’s can’t be overstated how important self-care and mindfulness have become as just about everyone is trying to find a way to feel healthier and happier. This trend has hit the branded merchandise market in a big way this year and that’s a good thing. Not only are these items designed to lift, boost, and sometimes pamper your potential customers, but the end result is making people feel good which encourages a positive association with your brand. Now, that’s a win/win for everyone involved.
So, what counts as self-care or mindfulness when it comes to marketing giveaways? There are quite a few options ranging from something very straightforward like a simple massager to something like our top-quality Mission Pack loaded with customized items that you select. This could include a yoga mat, beverage mug, stress relievers, blankets, and more. This category is totally open to interpretation and can be simple or outstanding.
Suggested promotional product: My recommendation in this category takes a staple marketing giveaway and makes it just a little bit healthier and more interesting. I’m suggesting an infuser water bottle. I personally love mine and feel good about adding a little fruit to my daily water intake. It feels a little luxurious and special and it’s something that gets a lot of attention when you’re out and about. And of course, that’s optimal when the object getting attention has your logo on it.
Keep in mind that we have many, many different options for each of these 2022 promotional item trend categories and our team of friendly customer service agents are always here, ready to take your order. They’re even available to help you pick out something if you’re just not sure what you want. Give us a call at 1 (866) 277-7874 or pop over to our rushIMPRINT website for a live chat.
In addition to his work as CEO of rushIMPRINT, Dan contributes content to our blog. He’s been with us for more than two decades and has a real passion for helping customers grow their business by enhancing their branding and marketing. The power of branded merchandise is his area of expertise and he’s happy to bring you industry news so you can discover the best way to make an impression.