What’s one of the best ways to get your business’s name in front of potential customers and keep it there? Sure, you can use digital marketing or go old school with billboards or direct mail campaigns, but the single best performer across most industries might surprise you: promotional products.
Don’t take our word for it, though.
- Almost 100% of customers want to know if a company offers promotional products.
- The average promotional product is kept for around 5 months, but it can be up to 10 years.
- 90% of people who receive a promotional product remember the company’s brand.
Of course, not all promotional products are worth your time and money. Apparel and drinkware continue to be some of the most popular promotional products, with hats/caps and bags also consistently ranking among the best sellers. Here are the most popular promotional products ordered.
Branded Apparel
T-shirts are among the most popular promotional products because they are simple, visible, and easy to size for big groups. However, pay attention to quality, fit, and branding method (silk screening vs. vinyl applique, for instance).
- Best for: events, employee kits, brand ambassadors, and customer loyalty programs.
Drinkware
Drinkware keeps selling because it follows people around. Tumblers, water bottles, and mugs are daily-use items, meaning your logo gets daily impressions. Pick a style your audience already loves (think commuter tumblers, gym-friendly bottles, or office mugs), then keep the imprint clean and durable.
- Best for: corporate gifting, wellness campaigns, conferences, and subscription box inserts.
Bags of All Kinds
Tote bags, backpacks, and drawstring bags are popular promotional items because they’re both useful and visible. If you choose a bag with a sturdy handle, a decent fabric weight, and a design that doesn’t scream “freebie,” it’ll stay in circulation longer.
- Best for: trade shows, retail promos, community events, campus marketing.
Hats And Caps
Hats and caps are always among the most popular promotional items. Give someone a hat that looks like a real brand, and they’ll wear it even when they forget where it came from (which is kind of the point).
- Best for: outdoor events, sports sponsorships, field teams, and influencer-style merch.
Pens And Small Desk Items
Pens might not be the trendiest, but they remain one of the most popular promo items in consumer-facing surveys. If your audience is office-heavy, add notebooks or desk accessories to the mix.
- Best for: banks, clinics, service businesses, front desks, and direct mail.
Finding the Most Popular Promotional Products for You
If you’re planning your next campaign and want the most popular promotional products picked for your audience (then stored, kitted, and shipped without headaches), JM Field can help. Get in touch and tell us your budget, your timeline, and who you’re trying to reach, and we’ll recommend items that people will actually keep (and get your fulfillment dialed in from day one).