July Fourth has passed, and we're heading into the hottest months of the year. Don't get me started on that. I have climate science deniers in my family. Meanwhile, I am sweating like Scott Pruitt after someone yells out "HEY, where's my wallet?" Okay, I don't really sweat. I am blessed in that for some reason, I don't sweat much. But I don't like the extreme heat anyway. Because, you know, it's hot. This doesn't stop them from calling me up in January to gloat about snow.
"Did you notice it's snowing?"
"Um, yeah. It's January. In the Northeast."
"So much for your global warming, hahhahaha"
This happens every January. But you know, some people don't have families so I try to remember how lucky they...um, I am.
Luckily, my younger family members seem to have smartened up fast. My not-yet three year old niece refused to get into my car on July 4th, yelling "too hot cappy, too hot!".
I assured her it would cool off fast, but she was having none of that. I had to precool it before she would agree to get into it. She doesn't let herself get pushed around. I like that in a girl. She does push me around though. A lot. Basically, she is the boss of me. She's really cute though:
Anyway, you probably don't want to hear more about my family and their antics. I like to save most of my family stories for holiday corporate gift time anyway. Oh, I have some doozies. You'll see.
So, speaking of heat, now that we are more than half way through 2018, what are the hottest promotional products right now? What's new and trending in swag?
Lanyards with connectors built in were introduced in January, and have trended fast. Here are some of our favorites. You may click on the pictures for item details:
Next up are very new to the promotional industry, and have taken off fast. Imprinted Stainless Steel Straws. Seattle is the first major city to ban plastic straws. Considering that our oceans are being clogged with plastic, and it is endangering marine life, we can expect this to be a long term trend. And a great way for your brand to Go Green. You can find a wide selection of stainless steel straws in our eco-friendly showroom.
Speaking of heat - phone fans! I love them! One of our biggest best sellers, and people stop and ask me about it all of the time when I am out and using my own. You can't go wrong giving these out this summer.
This model below is brand new and includes a "C" connector for the new Androids.
My favorite stainless steel water bottle of summer 2018 is below. I carry this everywhere I go. I have the optional flip straw cap, which makes this bottle absolutely perfect. I literally can't live without it. I have to have cold water with me at all times. I am one of those annoying people who needs to stay hydrated or I get lightheaded in the heat. I take it biking with me too. It is amazing and my water stays COLD. It's also by Basecamp and a portion of their sales goes to the Warrior Spirit Retreat for veterans.
General trends right now: with Millenials moving into marketing and buying positions in a big way, we continue to see their impact in this industry, and every other industry. Vivid colors, textures, and eco-friendly products are trending across the board. Products that look good, but also do good, are huge. Millenials don't only buy these, it's what they want to receive. This generation is far more interested in socially conscious brands and products. Doing good is good business - plus, it's good for the planet! It is wise to keep in mind changing demographics when making choices on how you want to brand your company. It's the future.
So that's what is trending hard right now in swag. Don't forget to visit our Hottest Trade Show Giveaways of 2018 showroom, here. Constantly updated with trending new products. We keep you in the loop! And my favorite, the top 30 eco-friendly giveaways of 2018, here.
Check out our new showroom, The Hottest Trade Show Giveaways of 2019 here.