Trending promotional products for 2026

By Laurie Frees

Research shows a promotional product has five seconds opens in new window to win over a recipient. That’s not long—but a carefully chosen and trending promotional product can make a lasting impression in that short amount of time! By embracing styles and fads, you make your promo a must-have in the moment. It’s one of the best ways to connect with your audience opens in new window while also promoting your brand story. Put these trending promo items to use to get noticed—and remembered.

Top apparel promotional items

When it comes to promotional items people want, apparel reigns supreme. It is the number one most-desired promo product among Gen X opens in new window, millennials and Gen Z. T-shirts remain a foundational favorite for all generations, and the softness of ringspun cotton and triblends brings extra appeal to young and old alike. Tees made from heavier fabrics—like the American Apparel^® Super Heavyweight T-Shirt—are predicted to be a top promo item in 2026.

If sustainability is a priority for your audience, the lightweight Port & Company Core Blend Recycled T-Shirt won’t disappoint. It’s made from recycled materials and is considered carbon neutral.

Dressing in layers maintains popularity, especially in areas with chilly winters. The Fleet Performance Pro Long Sleeve Hooded T-Shirt is a useful base layer, with moisture-wicking fabric to help keep athletes and workers comfortable. When greater protection from the elements is needed, outfit employees or volunteers in Carhartt^® jackets or hoodies. Carhartt hasn’t just been a trusted brand for decades—it’s Gen Z’s favorite brand for winter gear opens in new window.

Trendy headwear and accessories

Fifty-six percent of people opens in new window will keep and wear a promotional hat for at least a year. So whether you give customers a Crossland^® Cuff Beanie or Halftime Heather Pom Beanie as a winter loyalty program incentive, you’re harnessing the power of one of the top promotional products on the market.

56%

of people will keep and wear
a promotional hat for at least a year

When it comes to caps, a few on-trend styles are riding high into 2026. The Richardson^® Trucker Snapback Cap can drive impressions across industries and among team members, customers or other audiences. Bucket hats opens in new window have already made their comeback—so fun varieties like the Under Armour^® Sportstyle Bucket Hat, made of bouclé fleece, should be in for a big year. And both the Five Panel Poly Rope Cap and the Relaxed Dad Cap are trending promo items that have shown staying power.

Crossbody bags and fanny packs are once again in vogue, keeping phones, wallets, keys and other belongings organized without added bulk. Add the branded Wherever Belt Bag to your team store or gift shop for a boost of excitement and visibility.

Trending promo items in tech

A recent survey showed 57% of consumers recently kept a promo product because it was useful. That’s why tech will remain a top promotional product category for 2026. Provide new employees with an All Over Braided Charging Cable to ensure their devices stay powered up, and the connectors fit a variety of devices. For those who travel, merchandiser Michelle recommends the Berkeley Wireless Power Bank and the Tech Travel Bag. They make fantastic employee welcome and anniversary gifts and are endlessly useful.

We depend on technology for work—but also play. Americans stream music an average of 75 minutes per day opens in new window. This puts ear buds and Bluetooth^® speakers among the top promo items for prizes and gifts in 2026. Give your team members a Mighty Mini Wireless Speaker to celebrate a company milestone or achievement, or make a Blackwater Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker a raffle prize at a fundraising event. Both offer the durability people will be looking for in convenient, on-the-go speakers.

Top promotional items in drinkware

Reusable drinkware will likely be a continued go-to for marketers in the new year. Stylish water bottles, mugs and tumblers are not only great for gift-giving and giveaways but also they’re a lifestyle staple. One promotional drinkware item averages more than 3,100 impressions opens in new window. That’s true promo power!

One promotional drinkware item
averages more than 3,100
impressions

Stanley^® vacuum mugs and similar styles are expected to extend their status as top promotional products in 2026. The Intrepid Vacuum Mug with Straw is a more affordable alternative to the big-name brand with the same thirst-quenching capacity. The same holds true for the Yowie Vacuum Tumbler, which features a trendy matte powder-coated finish. And now 4imprint proudly carries YETI^® water bottles and tumblers for powerful co-branding visibility!

The wave of demand for reusable water bottles works in favor of promoters. Whether giving the Halcyon Water Bottle to sporting event participants or the Patriot Vacuum Bottle to recognize employee or donor contributions, the branding opportunities of water bottles never run dry.

Silicone-over-glass drinkware styles have grown in demand and will likely continue to be hot in the new year. Put your logo on an h2go^® Dawn Glass Bottle—featuring a silicone sleeve and bamboo lid—to get people reaching for your brand. Or opt for a powerful color trend by choosing the Gradient Color Aluminum Sport Bottle.

Top promo items for trade shows and other events

Whether included in swag bags or handed out as booth giveaways, CustomCut Full Color Stickers help get your logo applied to everything from water bottles to laptops to coolers. Millennial and Gen Z audiences especially love these versatile promos. Branded stickers are low-cost giveaways at trade shows, farmers’ markets and your front reception area! For more ideas on how to make your message stick, read how custom sticker giveaways can take your brand anywhere.

Other trending promotional items put a fun twist on a traditional favorite. Merchandiser Michelle said a Push Pop Fidget Wrist Strap Keychain gives the recipient something tactile and soothing, while the Knox Keychain with Phone Holder performs double duty, functioning as a bottle opener and phone stand. Both are among her top product picks for 2026.

Put trending promo items to work for your brand

Staying on top of trends—and making your move when an opportunity arises—can lead to big wins for your brand. Put these trending promotional products in your marketing plans and make 2026 your best year yet!

Laurie Frees

Laurie Frees is a merchandising category manager at 4imprint who specializes in apparel. With over 25 years of experience in merchandising and product development—plus four years in the promotional products industry—she brings deep expertise in fabric construction and logo application. Laurie manages the product assortment across all apparel categories, including T-shirts, polos, outerwear, dress shirts, sweatshirts and more. Her role includes tracking trends, building supplier partnerships and analyzing data to guide decisions. With a strong focus on products made from sustainable materials, Laurie helps drive innovation in core apparel offerings that customers rely on to showcase their brands.

Trademarks & Sources