How to Bring Trendy, Retail-Inspired Style to Your Brand

Banner that includes trending products like DIY pen kits, NFC tags, elevated drawstring bags, and a golf ball patterned tumbler.

Promotional products have come a long way from stress balls and keychains. Today, brands are turning to retail trends and lifestyle cues to create merch that people actually want to use and show off.

From soft hair scrunchies and playful dog bandanas to nostalgic beaded friendship bracelets and even custom shoes, these pieces bring a sense of branded style to everyday items. Premium drinkware from brands like Stanley, Swig, and Hydro Flask adds real value, while smart upgrades like NFC-enabled pens and T-shirts bring innovation into everyday items. These trending picks prove that promotional products can be stylish, memorable, and right on the pulse of what’s popular now.

Looking to level up your branded merch game? These trending promotional products are a great place to start. 

Accessorize! Accessorize!

Jumbo Scrunchies

Take your accessory game to the next level with our Jumbo Scrunchies! Made from soft, smooth fabric that’s gentle on hair and stylish on wrists, these oversized scrunchies offer ample space for bold, custom branding. Perfect for making a statement, they combine practicality with flair.

Triangle Pet Bandana

Bandanas are the ultimate versatile accessory for your promo needs! These pet bandanas are a fun and affordable way to showcase your company name, logo, or message. Perfect for getting your brand noticed everywhere, they’re a must-have for both pets and promotions!

Custom Beaded Friendship Bracelet

Create your perfect beaded friendship bracelet, where every detail is a reflection of your unique bond. Choose from a vibrant palette of bead colors to match your style or symbolize special meanings. Personalize the message with names, dates, or heartfelt words, making it a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

Downtown Custom Shoes

These trendy Downtown shoes features a microfiber leather upper that highlights vibrant colors. With durable soles built to withstand harsh weather, these shoes are also easy to break in, offering a perfect combination of style and comfort for everyday wear.

Name-Brand Drinkware

Owala Freesip

Stay refreshed on the go with this 24 oz double-wall stainless steel bottle. Its copper vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold, while the dual-purpose lid features a push-button lock, sip opening, and built-in straw. Finished with a durable powder coat for a sleek, modern look.

Stanley “The Quencher” H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler

This travel tumbler is just what you need for all-day hydration. Take it with you to a high-intensity workout or on an extra-long commute to keep your drink cold for hours. The lid features a rotating cover with three positions: a straw opening, a wide mouth for chugging, and a full-cover top to prevent spills. The larger size even fits comfortably in your vehicle’s cup holder and comes with a rugged handle for carrying.

Hydro Flask “All Around” Travel Tumbler

The Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler is here to hydrate more and refill less. A very comfortable, extremely durable handle takes it to the next level, and the large size can go anywhere, even fitting most cupholders. TempShield double-wall insulation ensures cold stays cold, and the flexible straw is easy to sip any which way.

Swig 22 oz Golf “Partee” Highball Tumbler

Perfect for the golf enthusiast, the dimpled design really looks and feels like a golf ball! Thanks to triple insulation technology, this tumbler keeps drinks cold for up to 12 hours and hot up to 3 hours. The cup holder friendly, tapered shape makes it perfect on the go or at home. From sweet tea to hot toddy’s, this Swig will definitely be your new fave!

Elevated Drawstring Backpacks

American Tourister “Embark” Cinchpack

This bag features a spacious main compartment with a drawstring cinch closure, making it easy to access your essentials. A front pocket with a flap closure adds extra storage, while front webbing details provide a convenient spot to secure an umbrella or jacket. It’s all finished with a top grab handle for easy carrying on the go.

Port Authority Diamond Pocket Cinch

The Port Authority Diamond Pocket Cinch features durable matte diamond polyester, a front zip pocket, and dyed-to-match draw cords, straps, and hardware. A structured base helps it stand upright for easy access.

Rainier Recycled Drawstring Bag

Roomy, practical, and eco-friendly, this drawstring bag is made from recycled 600D polyester with 210D accents. It includes two side mesh pockets for easy-access items like water bottles and a cinch-closure main compartment. Plus, 1% of sales support environmental nonprofits through 1% For The Planet.

Tuscany Backpack Picnic Blanket

Perfect for park days or beach trips, this cozy 60″ x 60″ picnic blanket folds right into an attached 22″ x 16″ backpack. Adjustable shoulder straps make carrying a breeze, while the plaid fleece front and water-resistant, ripstop nylon back keep you comfortable and dry. Bonus: it’s sand-resistant too!

NFC-Tagged Products

NFC Scribe Pen

Modern tech meets executive style in this multifunctional metal pen with built-in NFC technology. Wirelessly share a website link to nearby smartphones or tablets, all while enjoying a smooth writing experience with its soft-touch, oval-shaped barrel. Available in rich jewel tones or matte black with sleek gunmetal trim—plus plenty of space for your custom imprint.

TAP Interactive Sticker

Turn any promo product into an interactive experience with a TAP sticker! Just tap the logo with a smartphone to instantly launch a custom webpage—perfect for events, company stores, or brand promotions. It’s a fun way to engage your audience while collecting data, clicks, visits, and feedback.

TAP Interactive Tag

Interested in a keychain tag instead of a sticker? TAP technology can also be used with this interactive tag, perfect for backpacks, totes and keys!

Threadfast Apparel NFC Tap T-Shirt

Elevate your promo with the Threadfast Ultimate NFC Tap T-Shirt! Tap the NFC chip located in the woven tag to launch a custom website, app, or social media post. Perfect for targeted marketing, it’s easy to program using the Threadfast NFC Connect app. With a soft feel, retail fit, and sustainable cotton from the Better Cotton Initiative, this shirt combines comfort and eco-friendly appeal.

Bonus: Easy Experiences!

Pen Bar Experience in a Box

Create your own custom pens with this kit! It includes parts to make 300 pens, with barrels, clips, and plungers in your choice of colors. Add your branding to the barrels or clips, and even personalize the box with your logo or use our ready-made artwork. Easy-to-follow instructions are included, making it simple to build your own branded pens!

Trendy promotional products are more than just giveaways. They show that your brand is thoughtful, current, and aligned with what people genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s elevated materials, built-in tech, or interactive experiences, these items leave a lasting impression. Adding products with a retail-inspired feel is one way to make your promotions even more memorable and meaningful.

Feeling inspired? Reach out, and let’s turn your marketing vision into a success!

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