2023 will be another interesting year for businesses, particularly with employee engagement and client management. A review of the past three years will give us an idea of what 2023 will be like in terms of the way businesses choose corporate gifts and promotional giveaways to market and strengthen their brand.
2020 to 2022 Promotional Trends: In Review
The aftermath of the pandemic has shifted the way businesses built professional relationships with clients — with 2020 being the year of video conferences to the revival of traditional client relations management in 2022 — to balance out the remoteness of the past two years. We saw a surge of remote work items like ring lights, computer accessories, and branded direct mail products that companies can ship to clients or employees via USPS.
The great resignation of 2021 was a huge learning opportunity for both employers and workers, with the spotlight on work-life balance and the re-evaluation of personal priorities. This movement caused a positive change in the work environment where mental health and better benefits were on the table for negotiation. Many employers took notes and provided what their workers needed, with better work hours and wellness programs becoming part of company standards. That’s why we also saw health and wellness-themed corporate gifts make the rounds.
Climate change also took center stage in 2022, which is why many of the year’s promotional product trends catered to more options for eco-friendly ways to market and operate as a business. This trend will continue in the foreseeable future.
The past three years was a time for businesses to examine the way they operated — change what wasn’t working and upgrade what was outdated. Of course, major world events undoubtedly fast-tracked everything. One can look at that as a positive side effect because it gave way to new innovations and strategies when it came to professional relationship building and employee engagement.
You can have a look back at all these trends on this blog: 22 Branded Promotional Gift Ideas for 2022
What to expect in 2023
The dust has settled and we can expect 2023 to be less volatile when it comes to corporate gifts and promotional trends. For this year, we foresee the following:
- Materials matter – eco-friendly products made from sustainable materials will continue to be on-demand (e.g. RPET, bamboo, wheat)
- The rise of AI-integrated products at home and the workplace signals a massive tech-driven trend in 2023
- Personalized and 100% unique corporate gifts and promotional products will give a better return on investment
- Items that promote wellness, stress management, and work-life balance will continue to be on-trend
- Practical items for every day will make effective brand awareness giveaways
- Lifestyle items from major retail brands, when co-branded, will leave a bigger impression on potential partners in business
- Retro items will still have the same novelty for people in managerial and executive positions (Millenials and Gen X)
- Wearables like outerwear, shirts, and caps are evergreen and fail-safe choices for any type of campaign
Now that we know what to expect, let’s get down to the actual products that you can potentially brand, customize, and use as corporate gifts and promotional giveaways. Let’s get started:
ECO-FRIENDLY ITEMS
1. 16 oz. Wheat Straw Mug
The by-product of wheat creates a great alternative to plastic. They also have a matte silky feel, making these reusable coffee cups perfect for employee onboarding gifts or promotional giveaways at events. Use them for both hot and cold beverages! We even have them at Brand Spirit! Check them out here.
2. Silipint™ Redesigned Wine Glass – 12 oz.
Silicone is a sustainable and long-lasting material. Integrate that with something fun like a wine ‘glass,’ and you have this cool drinkware that they can use at picnics and backyard parties! Their low-cost yet memorable.
3. Nature hard journal pen combo
Deboss or screenprint a custom cover on this soft touch, non-refillable, perfect bound journal. It includes 160 ivory-lined pages, perforated, with a date feature, and made of 100% recycled paper.
3. Aft Recycled rPET 12 Can Cooler
Fully insulated inside compartment with zipper closure. The main body material is recycled and through a partnership with 1% For The Planet one percent of sales of this and all EcoSmart products will be donated to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet.
4. Sunrise Alarm Clock with Himalayan Salt Lamp + Wireless Charger
This corporate gift checks so many boxes! It’s made from bamboo, promotes wellness (because of the salt lamp), and is techy with a wireless charging surface. It’s perfect, period.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-INTEGRATED ITEMS & OTHER TECH
5. Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen
Have your brand logo displayed on one of the most sought out smart tech devices in homes and offices across the nation. Comes in white and black with QuickShip delivery.
6. Overland 17″ TSA Computer Backpack w/ USB Port
This backpack has a built-in USB port that you can connect to charge your phone. No more hassle of rummaging through your bag while traveling. It comes in beautiful graphite color ways with padded back and shoulder straps. It’s the ideal digital nomad companion. More computer bags here.
7. Easel Adjustable Phone Stand
Whether you’re working from home or in the office, this little guy will come in handy when you need to take a call or scroll through your phone. It’s light, packable, and a unique promotional idea for any brand. We even have phone stands with wireless charging pads here!
8. 3-IN-1 Folded Travel Charger
Charge Phone, Earbuds, and Smart Watch simultaneously and it folds neatly in a compact square. Great for travel.
100% UNIQUE PROMO ITEM
9. Puzzle Small Particle 3D Building Blocks Series
Design a 100% unique building block set complete with illustration instructions and packaging. Showcase your brand mascot or a 3D version of your product! Design mock-ups offered. Get creative!
HEALTH & WELLNESS THEMED ITEMS
10. Mindfulness (A Day and Night Reflection Journal)
This journal is specifically designed with prompts to promote calm and mindfulness. While most often associated with meditation, mindfulness can be so much more: an intentionally drawn breath to calm your heart rate, This would make a great gift for clients or new employees. Customize the belly band to make it your own.
Related: CASE HISTORY | Staffing Agency Gives Away Relaxing Face Sheet Masks to Relate to Clients
11. Kneado Handheld Massage Gun
These handheld massage gun will be a huge hit. Prolonged hours in front of a computer can have long-term physical effects and one of the ways to recover from muscle pain is regular stimulation. Add your logo on this travel-sized massage gun to remind them ab out your company.
12. 25 oz. LARQ Filtered Water Bottle
This special drinkware doesn’t just promote hydration. It also filters out your water. It even includes a flip-top straw. It’s a revolutionary portable water filtration system that combines high-performance Nano Zero filter technology with zero-valent iron providing a seamless, low-pressure drinking experience. Add your logo on the bottle.
PRACTICAL EVERYDAY ITEMS FOR PROMOTIONS
13. Silicone Jar Opener
It’s a small item that packs a lot of power! This jar opener is another winning swag or trade show giveaway that’s guaranteed to win points for your businesses. Other colors offered.
14. Frost Buddy® Universal Buddy 2.0
This isn’t JUST a can cooler. It’s a universal can cooler that can snugly fit a bottle, stubbies, tall boys, and slim cans! Plus, use it as is for coffee or iced beverage. It comes in over a dozen designs with laser engraving for your logo. It’s a practical and amazing corporate gift.
LIFESTYLE ITEMS FROM BIG RETAIL BRANDS
15. Tumi Alpha 3 Large Laptop Bag
Tumi is a well-known lifestyle brand and a lot of professionals use their backpacks and computer bags to complete their whole ensemble. This high-end retail brand that lets you add your business logo on the faux leather patch is perfect for your VIPs.
16. Hydro Flask® Wide Mouth With Flex Cap 32oz
Here’s another popular retail brand that make fantastic promotional items and corporate gifts for clients and employees. Reduce single plastic use and always have your choice of beverage with you in a easy travel bottle. Stays hot or cold for hours. Why not add it to your mech store too?
17. JBL Tune 660NC Wireless On-Ear Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Audio accessories are a huge trend in 2023. With the rise of podcasts, gaming, virtual conferences, and internet content, having quality headphones has become essential. JBL is one of the top brands in the market. Add your logo on one side of the headphone and give this as an appreciation gift for clients or the team.
Check out this JBL Speaker project we did for a Netflix show.
RETRO & NOVELTY
18. Solar Crank AM/FM Weather Radio w/ LED Flashlight + 1000mAh Power Bank
Now this packs a lot of power, literally! These crank radios were everywhere decades ago, and now, they’re making a comeback. It combines the old and the new with its 1000 mAH power bank for emergency charging for your phone. It charges power via crank, solar, and USB charge. Also available in blue and yellow.
You may like: CASE HISTORY | Univision’s Memory-Making Branded Instax Kit for Telenovela’s Premiere
19. Spiral Gumball Machine
Add fun and whimsy to your promotional gifts with something novel and retro like this gumball machine. Have several of these in your office, or customize them for parties. These would make interesting centerpieces for sure! Add your logo for brand awareness. (Gumballs not included)
APPAREL/WEARABLES
20. 1580 Comfort Colors ® Ring Spun 1/4-Zip Sweatshirt
Merch will always be on-trend all year round. A quarter zip is great for casual days at work or jus at home. Embroider your company logo on this 3-end garment-dyed soft ring spun fleece with a 100% cotton face.
21. The North Face® Tech Stretch Soft Shell Jacket
Can’t go wrong with a soft shell jacket. The Tech Stretch Soft Shell by TNF is great for hiking, biking, or commuting. It’s is a weather-protective, breathable layer with a four-way stretch for ease of movement. Add this to your company uniform option! Available in men’s and women’s sizes. Screen print your logo to customize.
22. Richardson #112FP Snapback Trucker Hat w/ Leatherette Adhesive Patches
A cap is so simple yet so effective when it comes to brand awareness, merchandising, or corporate gifting. This Richardson cap is available in various colors with great customization options for the patch. A cap is a must-have for any kind of promotion.
23. Custom Knitted Dress Sock
Help your customers add style and flair to their promotions with these custom knitted dress socks! Great for fundraisers or giveaways at an event, employee stores, trade shows or just to have some sweet swag. PMS color matching included.
Need more trendy promotional products and corporate gifts?
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