The list is extensive and the simplest way to navigate the wide range of available merchandise is to browse the various categories online for a generalised feel of what is out there. You can also benefit from physical and online catalogues which often cherry pick products of different categories and condense them. Some of the broader categories of merchandise include but are most certainly not limited to:
Clothing: T-Shirts, Shirts, Polos, Jackets, Jumpers, Gilets, Hi Viz, Scarfs, Hats, Gloves, Aprons
Office: Desk Accessories, Diaries, Notebooks, Sticky Notes, Stationary, Pens, Pencils, Calendars, Folders
Drinkware: Mugs, Travel Mugs, Cups, Sports Bottles
Bags: Drawstring, Laptop, Conference, Carry Bags, Totes, Backpacks, Travel, Toiletry
Technology: Charging cables, Wireless Chargers, Power Banks, USB, Earphones, Phone and Computer accessories
Outdoors and Events: Umbrellas, Keyring Torches, Display items, Lanyards, Name Badges, Wristbands, Balloons, Thermometers
Sport and Leisure: Bike and Car Accessories, Footballs, Golf Balls, Summer, Fitness, Reflective
Giftware: Awards, Confectionary, Food and Drink, Crystal Glassware, Executive Giftsets
Promotional: Keyrings, Badges, Magnets, Bookmarks, Bottle Openers, Stickers, Stress Balls, Logo bugs, Teddy Bears
Health and Wellbeing: First Aid, Cosmetics, Facemasks, PPE, Hand Sanitiser
Many products lend themselves to specific sectors of Business, Health, Education, or Charity etc and as such you can find these grouped together under specific Themes online. This also applies to trends and annual events, taking the guesswork out of finding the right products for you. Popular Themed and Trend categories include:
Industry Professionals Recommendations
You will often find Best Sellers lists which indicate the more popular products within the Promotional Merchandise space, these often include highly sought-after products for their Price point, Quality and Value for money or Popular products which are trending. In theory this can allude to an endorsement from Industry Professionals, and oftentimes justifiably so. However, experience of production processes, seeing trends come and go, regularly collaborating with different audiences, industries and our endless samples and delivery/shipping experience gives us the ability to consider your unique individual needs and make key recommendations which can support your decision making.
New to the space or a seasoned professional buyer – you can all benefit from fresh and new ideas. Many of our suppliers like to innovate and produce new solutions and as such add to the list of products you can consider. As always, the type of product you ultimately choose should meet your goals and suit your budget however there are always products for you - it’s a case of knowing where to find them. As industry experts it is our role to continue to be relevant and move with the times, so if there is something new in the industry that fits your campaign or needs you will find it is recommended to you at the point of enquiry or during consultation. Want to keep abreast of changes beyond this? The most commonplace to find new and updated ideas is on company socials or by signing up to newsletters.
We are exposed to products and trends across different mediums of entertainment – Radio, Television and social media, all of which offer us insight into what is valued by different target audiences. Pay attention to the types of adverts you are hearing and seeing, would they also appeal to your target audience? What kind of product or service are they offering? Have you noticed a new product trending or a celebrity endorsement making its way through socials? Perhaps a recent Tik Tok or Youtuber has offered insight which demonstrates a new cultural phenomenon.
In conclusion, there are many options available when it comes to promotional merchandise. Writing instruments, drinkware, tech accessories, tote bags, and apparel are just a few examples of the many options available. By choosing the right item and ensuring that it is high-quality and useful, you can create a positive association with your brand and drive leads or sales.
