What buyers actually stopped for, touched, and talked about
Every year, PPAI Expo in Las Vegas gives us a crystal clear look at where promotional products are heading. This year was less about gimmicks and more about usable, lifestyle-driven items that feel modern, fun, and gift-worthy.
Here are the product categories that stood out on the show floor — and why they matter for your brand.
1. Pickleball Is Still King
Pickleball rackets and accessories were everywhere. It continues to dominate as a corporate-friendly sport that works for events, employee gifts, and customer appreciation. Branded pickleball gear hits the sweet spot of trendy, active, and highly visible.
2. Light-Up and Interactive Products
Products with built-in lighting or movement stopped people in their tracks.
Examples that stood out:
- Ghost-style custom light-up longboards
- Kitchen gadgets with infinity lights
- Night lights and light-up hiking poles
These items photograph well, create social media moments, and feel premium even at approachable price points.
3. Tabletop, Mini Games, and Nostalgia
Tabletop games, mini cornhole, and pocket-sized activities were a big hit. These are perfect for conferences, team building, and giveaways that people actually keep on their desk.
Add in keyboard fidget keychains and fuzzy stickers and you get stress relief meets fun branding.
4. Pet Products That Feel Thoughtful
Pet items continue to grow, especially interactive products like treat games. These feel less like promo and more like a genuine gift — which is exactly why they work.
5. Outdoor and Adventure-Ready
Fold-away hiking hats, collapsible pillow-blanket hoodies, market totes, and lightweight accessories show how promo is leaning into travel, camping, and festivals. These items make sense for events, employee kits, and brand activations.
6. Food and Drink With a Twist
Edible branding was elevated this year.
Standouts included:
- Laser-engraved chocolate
- Custom Rice Krispy treats
- Innovative mint and toothpick containers
Pair these with high-end pitchers, mini premium drinkware, stainless cups, and shot glasses and you have easy-win gift kits.
7. Tech That Blends In
Tech is no longer flashy — it’s discreet and clever.
- Bluetooth speakers with fake plants built in
- NFC-enabled products including challenge coins and pens
- Chargers and cellphone accessories that feel lifestyle-first
These items quietly integrate into daily life, which is exactly what brands want.
8. Fashion, Wearables, and Small Details
Some of the most talked-about items were subtle:
- Clothing made from coffee thread
- Custom-shaped lip balm caps
- Branded jewellery
- Mini backpack charms
- Plastic neck chains and rope phone accessories
Small items. Strong branding moments.
9. Creative Customization Wins
Make-your-own pen bars, custom Lego-style builds, custom costumes, and dry-erase markers show how personalization is becoming expected — not optional.
The Big Takeaway
The strongest products this year were useful, giftable, and fun without trying too hard. If it feels like something you would actually buy for yourself, it’s probably a great promo item.
Browse all of these trends here:
https://thepromoaddict.commonsku.com/shop/16b9ee63-f6ae-4c6d-9570-92109d415b0b/shop
If you want help turning any of these trends into a branded program for your company, event, or campaign, that is exactly what we do.