The coming of COVID-19 pandemic last year was unprecedented in our lifetime that rapidly changed the world. It has fundamentally redefined all spectrums of our daily life—from the way we eat, work, and travel among other things. Remarkably, digital platforms are now being used in order to carry out these everyday routines with the very purpose of reducing human contact to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
In the same manner, the pandemic has forever changed the online shopping behaviors as we quickly shifted to digitalization. Consumers resorted to e-commerce and digital solutions when buying products. Naturally, trends in the promotional gifts industry follow the consumer need, so it’s no surprise the effects of the pandemic also show here.
You might have witnessed the cool and chic promotional swags a year before the world was hit by the pandemic. However, have you been checking on the latest promotional craze nowadays? Worry no more because we got you fresh information at your fingertips! Here is a handy compilation of trendy items that are perfect for individual or business giveaways this year.
Personal safety and wellness items
Obviously on top of the list, as we all need to be protected against the coronavirus. Facemasks and disinfection products are the new fashion necessities that everybody has to bring and wear in public for some time.
Facemask is the most essential barrier to reduce the virus transmission that is simple, cheap and highly effective. It comes in various types of materials and configurations including disposable medical mask, KN95/FFP2 mask, and reusable cotton protective mask. To make it more attractive and stylish, these cotton or polyester masks can be personalized with print.
Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are complementary to get rid of germs in the most convenient way when soap and water are not readily accessible. They come in different sizes and shapes that can be customized with print, to ensure better brand recognition or an effective promotion of it.
For extra protection, one can take the advantage of using the droplet or splash protection pet glasses whenever in public or in close group activities. For those particular and considerably diligent, the no touch or contactless door opener and wet wipes to go are genius inventions that can give you peace of mind against contracting the virus.
Lastly, a first aid box, which is truly a valuable and life-saving item that holds essential supplies to treat small injuries.
Sports and fitness items
The long period of quarantine and work from home set up are taking a toll on our physical shape apart from our mental health. In the comforts of our home, eating and sleeping have been our favorite routines, sometimes over excessively. Because health is wealth, the demand for fitness supplies in doing home workouts is on the rise.
For those into mind and body exercises, the yogi set composed of slip resistant mat is a perfect companion to explore and deepen the yoga practice while ensuring safety in performing yoga poses and other movements. On the other hand, sporty and active individuals may like the fitness band made of rubber and plastic materials and durable jumping rope ideal for daily workout to build muscles and improve cardiovascular health.
Indoor or home workouts are intense activities that will surely use up your energy and get you sweating. A fast-drying sport towel is an essential piece that will help you stay dry and prevent dripping of sweat to your workout equipment. Adding a Tritan water bottle will complete your daily regimen to ensure rehydration and replenishment of water lost during work out. Tritan plastic is a recommended choice among water bottles because it is free from toxic chemicals and known for its light but tough material that doesn’t break easily.
Lastly, wearable technology is increasingly popular especially in our digital era. Pairing smart wireless watches in your daily workout routine is not only stylish and techy but it allows you to view and monitor health and fitness information such as sedentary reminder, blood pressure, heart rate including incoming call and social media notifications.
Eco-friendly products
The impact of pandemic to us humans is undeniably negative, especially on the increasing death tolls affected by the virus. On one hand however, the situation is a positive moment for our planet, to have a break because human activities have lessened, which means lower emission of carbon footprints. Since the pandemic outbreak, people are getting inspired to embrace eco-friendly habits and live more sustainably, which is considered the “new future” of lifestyle in the new normal.
The sales and purchases of environmentally friendly products have increased recently. Products made of bamboo are becoming trendy because it offers a lot of benefits for the environment compared to plastic, rubber or other man-made materials used in production. Bamboo is considered sustainable material as it is 100% biodegradable, easy to grow, and has antibacterial properties.
Reusable bamboo travel cutlery set is one example of an eco-friendly product that reduces plastic waste. The set includes spoon, fork, knives, straw and brush that can be used wherever you go. Plus, this bamboo cutlery set is an exceptional kitchen utensil because it is light, scratch and heat-resistant and has natural anti-microbial elements.
The bamboo craze is everywhere. It’s even being used as a fashion statement of eco-friendly manufactured materials because its color gives a minimalist, classic neutral, earthy and warm ambiance. Examples of these eco-friendly items include power bank with bamboo casing, bamboo phone stand-amplifier, thermos flask with bamboo cover, bamboo wireless charging pad, bamboo toothbrush, bamboo pen and pencil set, bamboo stationery set and many more!
Reusable bag is another eco-friendly product that is continuously being promoted to consumers, especially in shopping and buying groceries. This type of bag can be used multiple times in contrast to single-use paper or plastic shopping bags. Examples are drawstring and tote bags made of fabric like canvas and jute bags woven from natural fibres.
Desktop and computer accessories
As much as it provides numerous benefits, working at home comes with some challenges that affect work productivity. The home office set up is prone to frequent distractions and online connectivity issues. Thus, equipping oneself with home-office accessories and other essentials are definitely lifesavers to promote an efficient work atmosphere.
For instance, noise canceling headphones help you focus and avoid distracting sounds during zoom meetings and audio calls. Wireless headphones and Bluetooth earphones are becoming hot items in the age of wireless technology because they are fashionable and convenient compared to wired devices. In addition, such wireless tools provide cool benefits while working from home. Because they are cordless and hassle free, they enable you to walk as you talk or simply facilitate the work while doing house chores. Aren’t they one of the coolest gadgets ever?
Ergonomic products are another most-sought after office and home essentials to boost work productivity and promote comfort and efficient interactions with technology tools. The curvy wireless mouse is one example that reduces the load from your keyboard and relieves the thumb and index finger from the heavy pounding they usually do. The ergonomic experience is taken to the next level if the mouse is paired with a waterproof polyurethane mousepad that is integrated with wireless charging technology to lay down all mobile devices that support wireless charging.
Multiple port USB hub is an indispensable item when all the demands of online work are piling up and most of our gadgets in our office work need USB connection in some way or another. This item is definitely a work-hack that allows charging of multiple devices at once and increases the number of USB ports on a laptop especially when all available built-in ports are simultaneously being used. Plus, it enables you to transfer loads of data between USB devices if you are in a situation requiring movement of files frequently.
As we speak about promoting a productive environment while working at home, a product like aroma diffuser is a bonus item that will definitely get you in the mood for work. Diffusers simply function through the process of oil diffusion which utilizes heat to turn oil into a vapor that is released into the atmosphere. Having a steady and pleasant scent while working can relieve stress, maintain your focus, and energize you during an afternoon slump. So, with these useful and efficient tools, plus the refreshing aroma in the air, would you even need to go back to the office?
Kitchen utensils and cooking accessories
As people are getting used to lockdowns and home confinement, more meals are being made at home to opt for healthy food and experiment new flavors through home cooking. Would-be foodies and chefs are now spending more on kitchen paraphernalia to learn new skills and indulge the practicality of preparing their own meals.
Let’s begin with the most important arsenal in the kitchen—the knife. Without it, the cooking experience will almost be impossible. It serves as the right-handed tool, whether you are a home chef or a pro, in transforming food into its proper and desired forms to produce an appealing and delectable food menu on the table. Popular among many people and professional chefs are Japanese knife sets known for their high quality. They are thin and lightweight and considered the sharpest knives in the world made of high-carbon steel and other elements which keep their shape and sharpness for a long time.
Of course, the knife experience is not complete without the humble chopping board which allows clean slicing, prevents contact and damage to the surface underneath. There are various cutting boards out there, but which one is the latest trend? Bamboo products are increasingly recommended as an alternative for wooden cutting boards. It’s not too expensive and made of renewable material that minimizes the wear and tear on the edges of your knife. Alongside, it has extra functions where you could maximize its flat surface as serving and cheese trays and can even be used to cut bread or cheese on it!
Once equipped with the needed kitchen armory, additional protection for your clothes would be recommended, to enjoy the cooking activities at home without the drama of ruining your favourite sweater. Or pajamas. Aprons are an unsung hero in the kitchen. They have become an important piece in cooking that prevents your clothes from coming in contact with the food and helps avoid mess in the kitchen. Potholders and oven mitts are similar heroes, protecting the hand from heat and burning. They come in different sizes and designs that are insulated and surrounded with cotton fabrics.
So, which items are best suited for giveaways or promotions?
All products compiled above are the latest trends that will surely be valued and will delight your customers or prospects. Each product conveys a unique message and functionality. Eco-friendly items are the best way to convey care about the environment or promote sustainability. Computer accessories are prefect tech-savvy tools that can make your work efficient and productive at home. Fitness equipment is an important reminder that health should be our top priority amidst the pandemic. Meanwhile, a kitchen promotional item encourages someone to prepare their own meals at home because they are healthier and bring the family together.
At the individual level, it’s important to bear in mind that factors such as the personality and interest of the person receiving the present must be considered. In corporate settings, it is best to think of giveaways that represent the values and mission of the company. In addition, it makes a difference if promotional gifts are relevant to your customers and to current issues and challenges in the society, like climate change and the environment. They help, not just the bottom line, but also social responsibility and advocacy towards making the world a better place to live in.
Lastly, the practicality and usefulness of a promotional item are an essential criteria that will leave a lasting impression and appreciation with the recipient.
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