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Promotional Products Trends to Watch in 2025
As we enter a new year, we’re excited to share our insights into the trends that are predicted to shape the world of promo in 2025.
These are the products and strategies that will stretch your marketing budget further and get your brand noticed.
Minimalist branding
Clean aesthetics, understated logos, and subtle branding will be paramount for brands looking to win over customers in 2025. Minimalist branding cuts through this clutter, offering a clean and focused message that’s easier to process and remember.
Hyper-personalisation
The era of generic branded merchandise is fading fast. In 2025, hyper-personalisation will be the cornerstone of effective promotional strategies.
Hyper-personalisation represents a granular level of personalisation, fostering an almost unprecedented sense of exclusivity and strengthening the consumer-brand relationship. Imagine custom-designed items created on-the-spot using advanced printing technology, or a custom-blended tea set with flavours tailored to individual tastes- this is hyper-personalisation.
Luxury self-care
The focus on wellness isn’t going anywhere. In 2025, expect a surge in premium self-care promotional products. Think high-quality essential oil diffusers, luxurious bathrobes, and mindfulness journals. These aren’t just giveaways; they represent an investment in the recipient’s well-being and associate your brand with positive lifestyle choices.
Eco-friendly homewares
The demand for eco-friendly, branded homewares will continue its upward trajectory in 2025, as sustainability becomes more of a global imperative than ever before.
Expect to see more and more homewares crafted from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled glass, and organic cotton. A set of elegantly designed, reusable beeswax food wraps, for example, or a stylish planter crafted from recycled ocean plastic communicates a powerful message of corporate social responsibility.
Top Promotional Products of 2024
The year 2024 proved to be a dynamic one for promotional products, with a surge of exciting new items and industry trends emerging from start to finish.
Sustainability, technology, and a focus on employee and customer well-being defined the top promotional products of the year. Companies moved beyond traditional choices, opting for eco-conscious products and experiential gifts that fostered stronger brand loyalty and employee engagement.
While so many products caught our eye throughout the year, there were a handful of extraordinary standouts:
Thule Organisers
Thule is a renowned brand known for its high-quality and innovative travel gear, and their organisers are no exception.
We particularly love the Thule Subterra PowerShuttle, an organiser specifically designed for electronics, with dedicated compartments for laptops, chargers, cables, and other accessories.
If you’re looking for a well-made, functional travel organiser that is perfect for co-branding, Thule is definitely a brand worth considering.
Karst Stone Paper Notebooks
Made primarily from calcium carbonate (ground limestone), Karst stone paper notebooks gained popularity in 2024 due to their unique properties and environmental benefits.
Their waterproof and tear-resistant properties make them ideal for outdoor use and travel, while the smooth surface ensures a pleasant writing experience with minimal ink bleed-through. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, these versatile notebooks cater to diverse needs and preferences, making them a popular choice among environmentally conscious clients seeking a sustainable and high-quality writing experience.
Rollink Luggage
Rollink manufacture collapsible suitcases and travel bags, and some of the most exciting, original products we have seen in years.
The innovative, collapsible design sets Rollink products apart from traditional luggage, making them a unique and memorable promotional gift that stands out from the crowd.
Keepsake Collection
Launched recently, Keepsake Collection is a curated selection of homewares and gifts emphasising natural materials and minimalist design.
The range includes wine coolers, coffee plungers, carafes, serving boards, candles, glassware and so much more.
The timeless design of their products ensures they will remain relevant and stylish for years to come.
Click here to view the 2024-25 Keepsake Collection catalogue.
Exploring New Ideas at Skucamp in Nashville, USA
September was all about Skucamp for TurnKey Promotions this year.
For the first time, TurnKey Promotions founder Diana travelled to Nashville, USA to attend the global industry event, coordinated by respected service provider Commonsku.
Skucamp is a business boot camp of sorts, tailored specifically for professionals in the promotional products industry. Here, industry experts converge to share insights, best practices, and innovative strategies and connect with one another for the purpose of learning and growing.
The event featured a lineup of industry and thought leaders who delivered insightful presentations on various topics, from marketing trends to sales techniques. Beyond the educational aspect, the event provided ample creative inspiration, with Diana learning about and testing a huge range of unique products that aren’t often seen in Australia.
“The world of promo in the US is so diverse- the scale of the industry is extraordinary and the creativity is truly unparalleled! We loved exploring some of the most unique and different products we have seen in years and learning invaluable, industry-specific lessons from experts like Stephen Shedletzky, author of Speak-Up Culture and Benji Bearman, co-founder of Liquid Screen Design,” said Diana.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out in the promotional products industry, Skucamp provides a valuable platform for professional development and growth. It’s a chance to gain fresh perspectives, learn from industry experts, and stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic field.
Thank you Commonsku for organising such a fantastic, inclusive event and for invoking a genuine sense of community among all attendees.
Look What’s New at TurnKey Promotions! Highlights from Roadshow 2024
Autumn at TurnKey Promotions means APPA Roadshow, and this year we levelled up our trade show game by attending both Sydney and Brisbane legs of the event.
Roadshow is the biggest exhibition in the local promotional products industry and a staple in our events calendar every year. This is where we get the chance to touch, feel, and critique hundreds of newly released products before bringing them to you, our valued clients.
Here’s a sneak peak at the hottest new products in the industry right now:
Which of these is is your favourite and why?
We are loving the Rollink Flex Earth Suitcase, touted as the “world’s smallest suitcase” for its capacity to fold into an incredibly compact 5cm (9.5cm including wheels) when not in use. Wow!
To enquire about any of the above products, please contact TurnKey Promotions at diana@turnkeypromotions.com.au.
TurnKey Promotions Owner Elected to Serve as Director on the APPA Board
TurnKey Promotions founder and owner Diana O’Cobhthaigh has been elected to serve as a Director on the Board of the Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA).
APPA is the professional association for the promotional products industry in Australia and New Zealand, and represents the interests of more than 650 businesses who distribute, supply or decorate promotional products.
A seat on the APPA Board is a highly coveted, distinguished role, and is a testament to Diana’s standing among her peers and her professional accomplishments.
“I believe that APPA plays a pivotal role in the growth and success of the promotional products industry and needs to be led by passionate industry professionals,” said Diana.
“I am excited about the prospect of joining the Board to provide a fresh perspective on matters and to represent the extraordinary women who work within the industry.”
Diana was elected to the APPA Board of Directors by way of a preferential vote among current APPA members. She will commence her first full term (three years) on Thursday the 23rd of November when the APPA Board reconvenes.
TurnKey Promotions Wins Two Awards at the 2023 APPA Awards
We are thrilled to announce that the team at TurnKey Promotions have been recognised for their hard work and creativity at the 2023 APPA Awards, taking home the top prize in the Business to Business and Made in Australia award categories.
The APPA Awards, renowned for celebrating innovation, creativity, and outstanding achievements, bring together the best and brightest in our industry. The competition was fierce, with numerous exceptional finalists pushing the boundaries of what is possible. To be selected as winners amongst such remarkable talent is truly an honor.
The Business to Business award is a testament to the exceptional quality and impact of our promotional products and services. We take great pride in our ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of our B2B clients, helping them enhance their brand visibility, engage with their target audience, and achieve their marketing goals.
TurnKey Promotions received this award for our work with Entegra Signature Structures, a leading shed manufacturer in Australia, who approached our team with a brief for a unique promotional product to be gifted to some of their biggest clients. After extensive research we suggested the Meat Branding Iron as the perfect promotional gift, aligning with the livestock industry and aimed at keeping the Entegra brand in the minds of their most important clients.
TurnKey Promotions received the Made in Australia award for our work with Rabobank Australia to design and produce custom playing cards. This award in particular means a lot to the team and highlights our efforts to source, produce, and promote promotional products that are proudly made right here in Australia.
Thank you to both Entegra Signature Structures and Rabobank Australia for choosing TurnKey Promotions to help bring their ideas to life. We are extremely grateful for the collaborative relationships we have built and the shared vision we have with each of you. We look forward to continuing our journey with both of these valued clients to deliver extraordinary results.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to APPA for this incredible honor and to all our team members, clients, and partners who have played an integral part in our success. We cannot wait to see what the future holds as we continue on this remarkable journey.
Here’s to celebrating our successes together!
Recycled clothing, bags, headwear and more …
There is an increasing desire from consumers to act responsibly. As such, conscious consumers want to see products that are made from eco friendly resources like sustainable and recycled materials. Take a look at some of the incredible options below that are created from recycled materials.
Plastic bottles and other recyclable materials are collected and sorted. Materials are then broken down into smaller elements and cleaned to remove impurities. At which point they are blended into pellets which are then stretched into yarn. Some products are spun to include additional materials like organic cotton. The yarn is then weaved into specialized fabric depending on the product and/or garment style. Fabric is then cut, trimmed and sewn in finishing and once the process is complete you have a beautiful final product made from recycled materials.
Is Branded Merch the New Luxury?
I wanted to take a moment and explore the evolution of branded merchandise over the past three years. Seems like such a funny thing to consider with much of the time being spent in lockdown and having events restricted on a global level. But the way businesses and brands are seeking out merchandise has undergone some interesting changes.
Did you know that the term “Promotional Products” and “SWAG” headed the search charts 10 years ago? These were the go to words and phrases businesses were using to find custom branded opportunities. With a focus on freebies, giveaways and tchokies that ultimately got the organisation’s name out there, at the lowest cost possible and more often than not ending up in landfill. Stepping into 2022 and reviewing the same top trending search terms, we now see that “branded merchandise” or “branded merch” is taking the lead. At first glance the terms may seem interchangeable, but a promotional product may not hold the same perception of longevity as a piece of custom branded merchandise. A promotional product sounds temporary, where as branded merchandise sounds intentional, thought out and connected back to the business or brand releasing it … making the item coveted, sought after and ultimately more sustainable as it will be kept and used.
“A bag handed out with magazine subscriptions has become a favorite accessory for cultural elites” – The New Yorker. (Read Article Here)
This story caught my attention, and I wanted to share it with everyone. A canvas tote bag given out to new subscribers of The New Yorker has now become a piece of “Cultural Currency.” People are so dedicated to the symbol and brand of The New Yorker, that this tote bag, a beautiful piece of branded merchandise, has sky rocketed to one of New York’s “must have” tote bags, with over half a million units released to date.
So what did The New Yorker do differently? They made the merchandise an extension of their own brand. A way for advocates and readers to be part of their community. They could have created a low cost, centre logo printed bag, but chose to create something that meant more, and belonged uniquely to them. It’s an incredible example of how branded merchandise can become a luxury we didn’t know we needed.
This doesn’t mean the end to the giveaways and freebies handed out at events or trade shows. But I do believe that brands and businesses are starting to understand just how powerful, sought after, and impactful custom branded merchandise can be. It could very well be the new luxury our advocates and teams are searching for.
What do you think? Is there an opportunity for your business to create a luxury experience with branded merchandise?
Many retail brands have now lent their names to the beautiful world of branded merchandise. Did you know that you can co-brand with UA, Nike, Puma, Moleskine and many others? These highly regarded retail brands have released exclusive products for co-branding opportunities. In response the promotional sector and industry as a whole has also stepped up to the plate. We still have good value sustainable products available, but due to increased demand we also now have practical, retail quality items with advancements in decoration capabilities, perfect for creative branding opportunities. Businesses much like yours now have more control over how you can create coveted branded merchandise.
It’s easy to remember that sometimes the experience is in the details. As we see a shift in creating longer lasting, more memorable merchandise, decoration methods begin to play a larger role. The difference between a plastic cup with a single colour imprint or sticker has a much different impact than a glass with permanent laser etching. One item says “here take this with you” and the other says “here is a piece you can have forever.” It all depends on the message and experience you want to create, but decoration methods like embroidery, debossing, laser engraving and glass etching are built to last and to grab attention.
Product Safety
We wanted to take a moment and talk about product safety and how it impacts the industry of branded merchandise. For years there has been a focus on retail products where the local and national governments have helped create regulations on what is safe and what is not. But did you know that this also applies to the promotional products we hand out every day?
There are no industries excluded when it comes to product safety, which means that brands need supply partners that are going to help keep them protected. There have been dozens of recalls over the last three years where branded merchandise (promotional products) were outside of the required safety regulations. This ends up turning an opportunity to promote yourself into a Public Relations nightmare as the brand distributing the products often finds their name in the news as part of recall efforts.
Turnkey Promotions cares, and is dedicated to providing safe products that adhere to all applicable regulations. We’ve outlined a couple of the regulations below connected to the majority of recalls in recent years.
Button Batteries
Mandatory Safety Standards for Button Batteries was passed in December 2020 to help protect Australian Children. Changes in safety regulations need to be kept in mind when producing products from overseas.
Sunscreen
Sunscreens must be manufactured by a TGA approved manufacturing facility, and can only include TGA approved ingredients – each of which has been assessed for safety.
Read More Here
The Product Safety Awareness Program is part of a larger Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) initiative to create confidence in promotional products as an advertising medium at every level. In conjunction with Promotional Products Work! Week and PPAI’s End Buyer/User Research, the Product Safety Awareness Program helps position the medium as a powerful and safe marketing strategy. The Product Safety Awareness Program is currently focused on education. Turnkey Promotions is proud to be PPAI certified and we are committed to ongoing education in the product safety sector.
Hand Sanitisers can fall into a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulated product as well, and it’s important to keep an eye on what the product is claiming, as this defines if TGA approval is required.
For instance, since COVID-19 hand sanitisers that are regulated as therapeutic goods must be approved by the TGA before they are supplied, while hand sanitisers that are excluded from TGA regulation (either because they meet the specified requirements or because they are cosmetics) do not require TGA approval before they are supplied. If the hand sanitiser makes a claim that it’s effective against viruses’ or ‘helps to reduce the transmission of COVID-19’ are all therapeutic use claims and will require TGA approval.
TGA APPROVAL – SUNSCREEN & HAND SANITISER
Therapeutic goods are broadly defined as products for use in humans in connection with:
- preventing, diagnosing, curing or alleviating a disease, ailment, defect or injury
- influencing, inhibiting or modifying a physiological process
- testing the susceptibility of persons to a disease or ailment
- influencing, controlling or preventing conception
- testing for pregnancy.
Promotional products that require TGA approval can change over time, so at TurnKey Promotions, we aim to stay up to date with this regulation.
Keeping up with all of the regulations can seem daunting at times, so we always recommend having supply partners you trust and can count on to stay up-to-date. Staying informed, learning and adhering to product safety regulations has always been (and will continue to be) part of the service we provide to our clients.
We also recommend adopting product safety into your procurement education policies, because anyone who is purchasing product with an intent to sell or distribute becomes part of the supply chain and liable for the safety of the products they procure.