Conducted by the Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA), the results of the latest promotional products industry survey are in, and the results are clear: tangible marketing works harder than ever.
The new research, relevant to consumers and businesses in both Australia and New Zealand, provides a comprehensive look at how promotional products influence consumer behaviour.
The results confirm what the industry has always believed: when merchandise is thoughtful, it becomes a powerful driver for loyalty and commercial growth.
The survey data underscores just how effective a physical touchpoint can be. Unlike a digital ad that disappears with a scroll, promotional products create sustained engagement.
Key insights from the survey include:
86% of recipients rank “usefulness” as the most important factor when determining the value of a promotional product, proving that high-utility items avoid the bin.
8 out of 10 recipients can name the brand on a promotional product, far outperforming the average recall of digital or print advertising.
84% of of Australians and New Zealanders feel more positive about a brand that gives them a promotional gift.
77% of people have purchased a product or service from a brand after receiving a promotional item.
66% of recipients are driven to visit a brand’s website or connect on social media immediately after receiving a physical gift.
The Impact of Tangible Marketing
The study also highlighted a shift in recipient expectations, with today’s consumer more sophisticated and much more likely to value quality over quantity. There is also now a clear mandate for businesses to move away from “landfill” items like flimsy plastics or novelty trinkets, which can actually trigger negative brand associations.
Ultimately, the research proves that thoughtful, unexpected “gifts” are the number one driver for creating an emotional connection with consumers. By choosing items that align with your audience’s needs and values, you aren’t just giving away merchandise- you’re building a bridge to a long-term relationship.
Diana O’Cobhthaigh, Owner and Founder of TurnKey Promotions, has been elected to serve on the Board of the Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA) as Vice President in 2026.
This appointment is a testament to the dedication and passion Diana holds for the promotional products industry, and marks an exciting opportunity to drive the future of the industry.
APPA has been the promotional products industry authority for more than 35 years, and promotes the development, integrity and creativity of industry suppliers and distributors.
The Association is a respected and highly regarded authority, and election to the board is one of the highest acknowledgements of respect in the entire industry.
“Assuming the Vice Presidency allows me to contribute to the long-term vision of APPA and guide the strategic direction of an industry I have always been passionate about,” said Diana.
“In collaboration with President Greg Sandrey and other members of the Board, I look forward to supporting APPA initiatives that work towards building a more sustainable, future-focused promotional products industry. I am thrilled to represent the interests of our clients and peers on the Board, and thank APPA members for their trust in me.”
Carbon Neutral, a longstanding partner of TurnKey Promotions, recently announced the successful planting of a remarkable 1,760,000 seedlings across Australia in 2025.
This massive achievement supports vital local reforestation efforts and ensures the world is left a better place for future generations.
We are extremely proud to have played a direct role in contributing to this amazing milestone.
Thanks to our wonderful clients, we have proudly planted more than 1,500 native trees and shrubs since 2021, when our partnership with Carbon Neutral first began.
At the heart of this partnership is a simple commitment: for every order of 50 notebooks, TurnKey Promotions commits to planting one native tree or shrub. An order of 500 notebooks, for instance, results in the planting of ten trees.
By actively supporting Carbon Neutral’s Plant-A-Tree Program, we are directly working toward the UN Sustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land. This goal highlights that nature is critical to our survival, providing us with our oxygen, regulating our weather patterns, pollinating our crops, and producing our food, feed, and fibre.
Thank you to all of our clients for helping us grow a greener future!
As the industry’s leading and longest-running trade show, PPAI Expo is the cornerstone of the global promotional products market.
Held annually in Las Vegas Nevada, the four-day conference/trade show sees thousands of established brands and suppliers converge to showcase new product collections and cutting-edge innovations to thousands of prospective distributors from around the world.
The show is a true mecca for promotional product distributors, suppliers and marketing professionals, and is known for forecasting product trends for the upcoming year.
What was trending on the show floor in 2025?
Magsafe Tech Magsafe integration is poised to be a dominant trend in 2025, revolutionising promo tech with seamless, magnetic functionality.
Pickleball Pickleball’s popularity translated into a flood of branded paddles, bags, and accessories, marking it as a standout trend at the show.
Travel and On-the-Go Travel-themed promo products, from branded luggage tags to portable chargers reflected the industry’s focus on experiences and on-the-go solutions.
Pets Pet products, including bowls and leashes, were a staple throughout the show, highlighting the industry’s embrace of the booming pet market.
Crocs & Accessories Crocs-style footwear and accessories were a major hit, proving the power of personalised comfort in promotional products.
Puffer Accessories & Apparel Comfortable and warm merchandise, including puffer blankets, continued to be a big theme on the show floor in 2025.
Sherpa-lined Bags and Accessories Unique sherpa-lined items, including backpacks, showcased the industry’s love for standout textures and materials.
Stanley Cups and Accessories Stanley cups and compatible accessories highlighted the strong demand for premium, customisable drinkware.
Shop TurnKey Promotions’ curated collection of new products and trends, as seen at PPAI Expo 2025, here.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
