The Promotional Products industry is growing steadily, thanks to a strong economy and rising business profits. More and more companies are using creative, high-quality items—like branded merchandise, to help people remember their brand and stay loyal to it.
These promotional items with a logo are a practical way for businesses to connect with customers and stand out from the competition.
Over the past five years, the industry has grown by about 3.3% each year and is expected to reach $20.8 billion in 2025, with a smaller growth of 0.8% that year. This growth is also being driven by more businesses wanting to build their brand in today’s fast-changing market.
With the industry evolving quickly, it’s important to stay ahead. Here are the top promotional product trends to watch in 2025.
Key Takeaways Promotional products continue to prove their worth as powerful marketing tools. According to a recent study:
|
1. Personalization and Customization
In 2025, one-size-fits-all no longer applies. Customized promotional apparel resonates more effectively with recipients. Options include:
- Customized Polo Shirts: Embroidered with names or departments for corporate team-building events.
- Personalized Caps: Add individual names or initials for a personal touch.
- Sublimation Imprintables: Allow for intricate, full-color designs on hoodies, jackets, and activewear.
Did You Know? Personalized promotional items have a 70% higher retention rate than generic products.
2 . Functional Apparel for Remote Work
With the rise of hybrid work models, functional yet personalized promo products are trending. Companies are investing in comfortable yet professional wearables, including:
- Quarter-Zip Sweatshirts: Cozy for remote work but professional enough for video calls.
- Long Sleeve Button Downs: Versatile for both in-office and virtual meetings.
- Activewear Sets: Perfect for wellness initiatives or employee fitness challenges.
3. Lifestyle-Inspired Merchandise
In 2025, promotional giveaway items extend beyond the office. Brands are creating lifestyle-oriented items that recipients use daily:
- Stadium Seats: Branded seating for sports events.
- Under Garments & Socks: Comfortable yet brandable.
- Bibs & Aprons: Perfect for food & beverage industry promotions.
People Love Promotional Products—Even More Than Last Year!
Good news for businesses: promotional products are more popular than ever. In 2025, 83% of consumers are actually using the branded items they get, up from just 54% in 2024!
Why the jump? Companies are focusing on useful items people really want, like wireless headphones, reusable water bottles, and phone accessories.
Instead of being tossed aside, these practical products are becoming part of everyday life, especially with more people working from home or in shared spaces.
From pens and tote bags to stylish desk gear, these items are helping people stay organized and comfortable while keeping your brand front and center.
Even better, 58% of consumers now say they remember a brand after getting a promotional item—a 9% increase from last year. That means giving away the right swag can keep your business fresh in customers’ minds for a long time.
Promotional Products Really Work
Branded promotional products aren’t just memorable—they influence behavior too. After receiving a branded item:
- 40% of people say they’re more likely to come back to your business
- 39% say they’d buy from you again
- 58% say the item actually improved how they feel about your brand
That’s pretty powerful for something as simple as a branded T-shirt or mug!
On top of that, 44% of consumers say promotional products are more memorable than traditional ads like commercials or online banners. It turns out that holding something in your hand really does leave a lasting impression.
Consumers Want Useful Swag (But Unique Still Wins)
Not all promotional items are created equal. In 2025, the top priority for consumers is practicality—80% said they want swag they’ll actually use (up from 53% in 2024).
Classic items still lead the way:
- Pens: 55% use them regularly
- T-shirts: 26%
- Tote bags: 25%
But that doesn’t mean you have to stick to the basics. While usefulness is key, 41% of consumers also want something unique. This gives businesses a chance to stand out by choosing products that are both helpful and different. So, the best promotional items are both practical and eye-catching.
What Your Swag Says About Your Business?
Your promotional marketing giveaways send a message. People don’t just care about what the product is—they also care about how it looks. In 2025, 60% of consumers said they’re drawn to promotional products with good design (an 11% increase from last year).
This goes beyond looks. Thoughtfully chosen swag tells your audience that you understand their needs and interests. In fact, 31% of people said the right promo product shows a brand really “gets” them.
So before you place that next merch order, ask yourself: What does this say about our brand?
The Branding Details Matter
When it comes to the branding itself, everyone has different preferences:
- 25% like items with a logo and a tagline
- 24% prefer a clear brand name
- 20% like just the logo
These preferences vary by generation:
- Boomers and Millennials lean toward products with a clear brand name
- Gen X and Millennials favor a logo + tagline
- Gen Z prefers simple logo-only designs
Different People Like Different Swag
Men and women have different favorites:
- Women love tote bags (53%) and pens (54%)
- Men prefer T-shirts (50%) and mugs (39%)
Generational preferences vary too:
- Gen Z loves hoodies (41%) and unique items they can keep
- Boomers and Gen X prefer practical items like pens and calendars
Knowing your audience helps you pick the perfect promotional giveaways to connect with them.
Where and When to Hand Out Swag?
So, where should you give out your branded products? The top places are:
- At work (34%)
- Trade shows (27%)
- Sports events and venue openings (24% each)
As for timing, most people (67%) want to receive swag throughout the year, not just during events or holidays. But a few do have seasonal preferences: 9% prefer spring, 7% summer, and 4% love receiving gifts around the holidays.
To Wrap Up
As we’ve seen, promotional products are still one of the best ways to connect with customers and make your brand memorable. In 2025, people love items that are both useful and unique, and they notice when your designs and branding are thoughtful.
To stand out in a crowded market, choosing products your audience will actually use and enjoy is important. By choosing high-quality, practical items that match your brand, you can boost recognition, build trust, and keep customers coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Most Popular Promotional Products in 2025?
In 2025, the most popular promotional products are practical, everyday items that people actually use—like pens, tote bags, and T-shirts. These items are still favorites because they’re useful and help keep brands top of mind.
What Is Promotional Merchandise?
Promotional merchandise (or promo products) are items that have a company’s logo or slogan on them. They’re usually given away for free to help promote a business, brand, or event.
How Long Do People Keep Promotional Products?
On average, people keep promotional products for about five months. That means your brand gets seen again and again during that time. Plus, since people hold onto these items longer, it’s worth thinking about eco-friendly options that are better for the environment.
