Unlock success with 2026’s 13 best promotional product trends

With a new year comes new trends in the promotional product sphere. Brands will be looking to make sure their money is going to the right trends to make the most of the available budget.

Trend 1: Sustainability

This has been trending for many years and it appears it won’t stop anytime soon. People on the receiving end of branded merchandise want to look for more eco-friendly products. Audiences are tired of receiving disposable plastic products that break after one use.

💡 Why it matters:

From a company’s side - It is better to spend money on products people actually want and will keep over time. This stretches the money spent on the product. It also increases brand awareness and recognition.

From the environment’s side - The more eco-friendly promotional items are designed and created, the less products will be thrown in the bin.

🎯 How to unlock success:

Skip poorly made plastic products, invest in more sustainable products. Many of these options are similar in price, especially when you consider the quality will be much higher than simple products.

👍 Best products to choose:

The green gifting category is a great place to start. Find a wide variety of products made from recycled or natural materials. With options ranging from organic cotton and cork to jute and wheat straw, there is a wide selection of unique items for every occasion.

Trend 2: Practicality & functionality

Long gone are the days when silly promotional items could be created, distributed, and thrown away. Nowadays, customers are looking for products that can be used over and over. This is great for the companies handing out these products as that me

💡 Why it matters:

This is great for the companies handing out these products. This means that potential customers and clients will see these products over time. Employees might use these products every day. Both of these interactions means brands are in the minds’ of their target audience for longer

🎯 How to unlock success:

In many cases, practicality is not about being flashy. These are the tried and true items that people love. Stick with the classic, everyday items people can use over time. 

👍 Best products to choose:

The classic items that everyone has, but also secretly always wants too, are items like reusable water bottles, notebooks, pens, and lanyards. Then of course, a stylish and practical tote bag is a must to hold everything else.

Trend 3: Technology

As people are on their phones more and more, these products are essential for today’s digital world. For a modern marketing strategy, consider choosing tech gadgets for the tech savvy target audience.

💡 Why it matters:

The world is only getting more and more digitised. Stay ahead of the curve by choosing products people need to stay online and connected.

🎯 How to unlock success:

Focus on products that can be used in the professional setting as well. Any item to make the recipient's life easier is exactly what technology can do for them.

👍 Best products to choose:

Choose items that can be used for work and private, including products like:

• Power banks - perfect for business travel or everyday use
• USBs - great for transferring business documents
• Phone accessories - affordable options everyone can benefit from
• Headphones - ideal for daily commutes or business calls
• Mouse mats - works for every kind of office all over the world
• Wireless chargers - makes it easy to charge a variety of devices

Trend 4: Premium products

Recipients are tired of receiving low-quality products they don’t want. In the long run, cheap products can only hurt brands if that is the only type of product they buy and hand out.

💡 Why it matters:

Premium gifts are perfect for clients, customers, and employees. Choosing high-quality products shows that companies are not afraid of spending money on promotional gifts for better brand visibility.

🎯 How to unlock success:

Many times, choosing a middle-priced item is more beneficial. Low cost often means low quality. But choosing a product at the middle price point, means you get higher quality, but at the right price.

👍 Best products to choose:

The best products to choose for employees

• Laptop bags and backpacks
• Apparel
• Lunch boxes

For external partners, clients, or clients

• Mugs
• Stationery
• Umbrellas

Trend 5: Uniqueness

In a world full of promotional pens, be a fondue pot, a karaoke machine, a mini break maker, or a mini fridge. The world of promotional items is a lot larger than the classic items most companies buy year after year. Consider choosing something more unique to give the extra edge needed to stick out from the crowd.

💡 Why it matters:

People are looking for products that have the wow-effect. In the age of social media, companies and brands need to stand out. Finding the right balance between items that are practical and relevant, but are also different can lead to excellent results.

🎯 How to unlock success:

As long as the logo or corporate design is included on the product, anything can be a promotional item. Craft the perfect wow moment for employees, clients, and customers to get reposted, shared, and liked across all social media platforms.

👍 Best products to choose:

allbranded has so many options to choose from, it is hard to list out one example. Brands will find many unique promotional items for every occasion. These products need to be seen to be believed. Choose from products such as:

• Dancing robot speaker
• Treadmill
• Cheese wheel cutter
• Laptops, tablets
• Turn tables, vinyl players, record players
• Massage guns
• Projectors
• Drones
• Sewing machines
• Gaming sets
• Espresso machines

Trend 6: Storytelling

A simple product will not be enough to make any headway in 2026. Storytelling through promotional products will be important. Brands can pass along bits of themselves to connect more deeply with the recipients.

💡 Why it matters:

Brand loyalty will strengthen when customers or clients feel they can empathise with a brand. When a brand understands their target audience, the target audience, in turn, can connect more deeply with the brand. This circle that is important to modern marketing and branding.

🎯 How to unlock success:

Brands that give a piece of themselves with each promotional product, will be able to connect more with their target audience. Companies should think deeply about their message, their morals, and what makes them unique. These unique selling points are what catch the attention of potential customers - bringing them in from strangers to close personal friends.

👍 Best products to choose:

Any product can be chosen for storytelling. What is important here, is that brands and companies focus on what makes them unique and showcase those aspects.

Trend 7: Creativity in messaging

With more advanced branding methods, the days of only printing a logo on a tote bag are gone. Brands should think outside the box when thinking about what to print. Many products offer larger printing areas, giving companies more room to play and expand their branding messages.

💡 Why it matters:

If someone only gets one impression of a company, make sure to make it a good one. Logos are great, but adding a little something extra can take the logo from bland to amazing.

🎯 How to unlock success:

Choosing the right product is important, however, choosing the right messaging can make or break a campaign. Get creative when choosing what to brand. Consider adding a logo and a catchy slogan.

👍 Best products to choose:

Any product can be elevated with an additional text, image, or slogan. Consider printing on a larger surface area, which works well for bags like a drawstring bag. Full-colour printing is easiest with digital printing, pad printing, screen printing, and more. For a full breakdown of the printing methods, be sure to check out the Glossary. 

Trend 8: Curated gifts & sets

With the idea that each gift should be customised to the recipient or the generic audience, this is where gift sets come into play. As a brand, be sure to showcase that these gifts are meant for a specific person, not the mass population.

💡 Why it matters:

Try to make each customer, employees, client, or generic recipient feel special. This can be done through curated gifts.

🎯 How to unlock success:

For new hires, consider crafting onboarding boxes that are filled with everything needed for a day on the job. For clients and employees, create a memorable experience with a variety of products instead of a one-off product.

👍 Best products to choose:

Choose from many product bundles and gift sets. Many are gifts for modern professionals, such as stationery sets. Beauty and wellness sets are great to promote better work-life balance. Glasses, mugs, and games are perfect home items for those working remotely.

Trend 9: Themed items

Christmas and seasonal items are not the only times brands can make use of themed items. Industries can greatly benefit from industry-specific products to better drive home results and overall brand impressions.

💡 Why it matters:

Themed items are an additional way to leave an impression on people. When the product matches the sector, then the recipient will be reminded more easily at first glance. This also provides a unique item for each sector, so recipients aren’t left with the same product from everyone.

🎯 How to unlock success:

Skip the boring pens for the tenth year in a row. Choose a product specific to the company’s industry sector. By choosing something specific to an industry, the product can send a better signal to the recipient and therefore, making a longer lasting impression over time.

👍 Best products to choose:

Many products can be selected, depending on the industry sector. However, some highlights and examples can include:

• Agriculture - choose animal or food themed products
• Healthcare - a doctor shaped stress ball is a great association
• Real estate and estate agents - find house-shaped in almost every category
• Tourism - order things for luggage or as accessories
• Beauty and wellness - Find everything clients and employees need to rest and relax

Trend 10: Playfulness

No one wants to be reminded of the dull and lifeless everyday. Choose to invest in playful promotional products for audiences of all ages. 

💡 Why it matters:

Keep things light and fun this year. Not all promotional products need to serve a specific and professional purpose. Recipients will enjoy a break from their daily reality.

🎯 How to unlock success:

Find the right balance between practical and a bit of whimsy. This could be in the product itself, or choose a more child-like branding design. Choose bright colours for the product itself with a more muted branding colour for the logo.

👍 Best products to choose:

Who says kids promotional products are only for kids? This category offers a wide collection of items that are for kids of all ages.

Trend 11: Personalisation & full customisation

Custom-products are more likely to be remembered because of the branding. Don’t waste the opportunity to showcase what makes the brand special. Add these special touches to the products for a more memorable experience.

💡 Why it matters:

Without special customisation, a corporate gift can be lifeless. Products that work best have a well designed product based on their corporate identity. Mix corporate identity and recipient wishes to create the perfect gift.

🎯 How to unlock success:

Now that the perfect product has been chosen, it is time to make the product as unique and memorable as possible. Take advantage of the full customisation options available at allbranded to create the perfect and most memorable product possible.

👍 Best products to choose:

Any product in the allbranded shop can be fully customised to the brand’s exact needs. Options for personalisation include:

• Product and branding colour
• Artwork for branding
• Full-colour printing
• Pantone colour match
• Special production

Trend 12: Celebrating employees

2026 will be the year that employees get the full appreciation they deserve. Employees can be rewarded for their efforts at different occasions. Make the most of celebrating colleagues, as this creates an important culture.

💡 Why it matters:

Appreciate those who make the magic happen. Creating a positive and encouraging environment will be more important than ever. Curate a workplace where people want to stay instead of where they were somewhere else.

🎯 How to unlock success:

Celebrate the small moments and anniversaries throughout the year. Show employee appreciation by curating a welcoming environment.

👍 Best products to choose:

Any product would be a great option for employees. For anniversaries, consider choosing awards or plaques. For onboarding, any office supplies would be perfect. For Christmas, choose a larger item like a brand name item.

Trend 13: Small batches

With budgeting tightening, ordering small amounts is becoming crucial. However, the small orders can also increase hype.

💡 Why it matters:

Marketing budgets are being slashed. But that doesn’t mean companies need to stop promotional marketing completely. These small batches are perfect for topping off older campaigns. Small batches are also great for promoting exclusivity.

🎯 How to unlock success:

Small batches allow more flexibility. Test out different campaigns in small amounts until the right one is found. Try out different products, branding methods, distributions, and more to find what works best.

👍 Best products to choose:

allbranded offers a wide range of products with low minimum order amounts. Choose any of these small quantity promotional products to use.

2026 is around the corner

With this guide, brands are now equipped to have the most influential year in 2026. No matter what goals are defined, there are promotional products to help companies reach those goals. Combining these trends can also help to increase the impact as well.