The start of a new year can seem ripe with possibilities. When it comes to sourcing products that will represent your brand, finding out what themes and trends might dominate the year can provide you with good direction in identifying what promotional products to pursue.
Based on conversations with leading vendors, industry experts, and customer inquiries, we have identified the following trends likely to dominate this year. We have also provided some colors, themes, decoration techniques, and products that fit within these trends. If you’d like to delve deeper into 2025 industry trends, please reach out to one of our team members.
Purposeful Promo
Many people want to feel inspired and the start of a new year offers promise of hope and optimism. It is a great time to set goals and embrace positive change. Similarly, the new year offers companies a chance to renew commitment to their values and work towards new goals. After a year of worry and anxiety, promotional products that align with your values and your stakeholders’ visions for a better future will be very popular whether they are seen as being good for the environment, better for their own health, or helpful to the larger community. Under the broad umbrella of Purposeful Promo are two central themes: Sustainability and Wellness.
Sustainability
Sustainability has been a growing theme for the past few years. It will continue to grow in 2025. An increasing amount of people have shown that they value products made with sustainable materials, such as recycled plastics and organic materials, as well as items made from sustainable processes. Furthermore, they value products that can be reused often and/or recycled themselves. Additionally, products from companies that donate proceeds to worthy causes will grow in importance to a wider audience. Purchasing sustainable products will show that your brand is aligned with values that are important to your employees and partners.
Colors: dusk, olive, stone, tree bark
Decoration: Direct-to-garment (DTG), dye sublimation, screen print with water-based ink, UV printing
Products: The North Face® Aim 1/4-Zip Fleece, NBN Recycled Utility Insulated Backpack
Wellness
A renewed commitment to health and well-being may sound like a trite new year’s resolution. However, corporate wellness programs continue to increase and personal wellness goals are very popular. In 2025, promotional products that reflect this commitment can be an integral part of a company’s wellness initiatives. These products can benefit your employees’ health and well-being, positively affect morale and productivity, and reflect positively on your reputation as a place that truly cares for its employees.
Colors: aquatic blue, honey, natural, plum, sage, sky blue
Decoration: embroidery, full-color process, tone on tone laser etch
Products: Personal Wellness Kit, Bucket Bath and Beauty Set - 5pcs
Promoting Shared Experiences
Most people crave connectedness. They want to share their experiences, their joy, nostalgic reflections, and their own personal style. In 2025 we believe promoting shared experiences will trend, as a reaction to increasing levels of social isolation. The need for shared experiences will be a powerful driver behind purchasing decisions. When thinking of products that fit into this trend, think about items that promote togetherness, create lasting memories, are tied to popular hobbies, or reflect important traditions. By focusing on merch that promotes connectedness, you can show that your brand values fun, teamwork, and lasting relationships.
Colors: candy colors, primary colors, animal prints
Decoration: color fill laser engraving, direct to film (DTF), four color process (4CP), patches
Imprint Orientation: Vertical, off-center
Imprint Locations: corner, edge to edge, sleeve, yoke
Products: Giant Four in a Row Game, Spandex Milk Silk Short Sleeve Polo, Grillfriend - Portable Charcoal Grill
Functional Promo
While cute and novelty items can generate curiosity and short-term interest, the products that people really appreciate are those that are highly practical for their lives. In 2025, functional promotional products will be sought after to a greater degree. These products can directly enhance consumer’s daily experiences, streamline tasks, or reduce stress. Companies that invest in functional promotional products show that they are mindful and responsible by providing gifts of meaningful value.
Colors: black, gray, navy, sandstone
Decoration: die cut, full-color wrap, heat transfer, laser etch, pad print, screen print
Products: Cyborg MagSafe Power Bank, 16 oz. MiiR® Vacuum Insulated Travel Tumbler
Branded Luxury
Branded merchandise that has perceived luxuriousness will be popular in 2025. Consumers will be drawn to higher-end retail-quality products, items that feel soft and comfortable (or otherwise have a texture that resonates), and merch that provides a sense of exclusivity. Companies that provide these products will associate their brand with exceptional quality. Employees and others gifted with these items will feel special, acknowledged, and valued.
Colors: butter, camel, cherry, chocolate, cream, gold, silver
Textures: cotton, sueded
Decoration: belly bands, deboss, emboss, embroidery, epoxy dome, laser engraved personalization
Products: Newcastle Sherpa Blanket, Personalized Crystal Photo Frame
