4 promotional products trends we saw at the PPAI Expo

We just attended PPAI’s annual conference in Las Vegas, host to thousands of promo products distributors and suppliers. Among the myriad swag items on display, our merch experts noticed 4 interesting promotional products trends — check them out!

1. Bomber jackets

Of the tens of thousands of apparel items displayed at the show, we were particularly impressed by the array of bomber jackets.

These timeless, stylish, hip and durable classics make great gifts for employees and customers.

Below are a few we like:

Wingover bomber

Made from 100% polyester, this one rocks an outer shell, lining, and insulation.

The shell resists both water and wind, and the lightweight polyfill provides great insulation.

It also comes with pockets galore: an interior one for valuables storage, nap button side pockets, and one accessed via zipper along the arm.

Port Authority soft shell bomber

Here you have the classic bomber reimagined in modern bonded soft shell technology to keep you warm and dry.

Our merch experts like the microfleece interior, 1000MM fabric waterproof rating, and the full-length interior storm flap.

Me personally? I love the colors — like battleship grey (I’m a nerd and think it sounds cool.)

Independent Trading Co. lightweight bomber jacket

For a more svelte option, this light windbreaker bomber packs easily and is great for all weather conditions.

It weighs in at just 2.9 ounces utilizing a 100% polyester fabric with interior water resistant coating.

2. Wireless chargers

One of the neatest promotional products trends at PPAI, we battle-tested these ourselves recently at the SaaStr Annual conference in San Jose.

The conclusion? They were a hit.

They’re useful, stylish, and many engraving options enable your logo to shine superbly.

Here’s a handful to try:

Quake wireless charging pad

This clean, sleek, and very affordable charge pad will still work with most plastic phone cases.

Large qi mouse pad

A slightly pricier item, office warriors will love it since it combines both a mouse pad and smart phone charger in one.

Ozone wireless charging pad with dual outputs

This incredibly versatile pad allows you to simultaneously charge your smartphone as well as other devices with two output ports!

We’re trying to keep our summary of promotional products trends somewhat brief, but you can find additional charge pad options in our swag catalog.

3. Drinking straws

Drinking straws made a big splash in the news last year for their negative impact on the environment. The promotional products space took notice.

Reusable straws made their presence known as one of several eco-friendly swag trends.

We wrote a post some time ago talking about the core tenets of what makes swag great — and usefulness ranks high on that list.

Combine that trait with saving the environment and you’ve got a winning ticket!

Here are 3 options worth considering:

Reusable straw with wire brush

Stylish and relatively inexpensive, these are perfect for Giveaway campaigns & corporate gifting programs.

And particularly if your audience is environmentally conscious.

This product also solves the issue of cleaning them — they come with a handy wire brush!

For another option, check out the Forever Straw.

This great reusable straw is designed to collapse into a palm-sized travel case. It measures 2.87″ W x 1.30″ W x 1.06″ H.

Crafted from durable stainless steel and medical grade silicone, cleanup is simple using the provided squeegee.

Sip ‘N Store reusable silicone straw

We really liked this inexpensive and unique twist on the reusable straw category.

The Sip N’ Store silicone straw sports FDA-approved materials at 10” in height. It also features a wide mouth opening.

To clean it, just pop it in the dishwasher!

4. Dopp Kits / bags

I won’t lie – the first time I heard the word ‘dopp kit,’ I pictured a shabby little house elf warning Harry Potter not to return to Hogwarts.

Though I suppose that’d have to be a ‘dobb kit’ in that case, wouldn’t it? Alas, I digress.

One of the most useful of our promotional products trends, yet many people don’t regularly purchase dopp bags for themselves.

This further renders them a great gift since they’re not likely to have one already.

There’s myriad options – here are our top picks, and keep in mind, we can do just about anything.

Heathered toiletry bag

I love this one because of the modern muted colors, light leather details, and large interior pocket.

It measures 9″ W x 4.5″ H x 4″ D and features a zippered main compartment, front leatherette patch, and a trendy silver accent zipper.

The next time I travel to the airport, I’ll know my deodorant and toothbrush will be encased in style.

Diggins dopp toiletry kit

We like the durable, water-resistant wool & polyester blend exterior and spacious interior.

To clean it, just wipe it down. It measures 9.5″ W x 3.5″ L x 4.5″ D

Safari vanity bag

Cotton canvas fabric and polyurethane with 210D polyester lining forms the backbone of this convenient dopp.

It also sports a zippered main compartment and a leatherette trim and handle for easy carrying. If it gets dirty, just spot clean and air dry.

Want to learn about other promotional products trends?

If you want more product suggestions or swag campaign ideas, contact us.

Or hit up your dedicated success manager if you’re already a customer!

So, what do you think? What products would you be willing to try? Let us know in the comments!