Top Trends in Promotional Products for 2024
The year 2024 saw a mix of classic categories and rising trends in the promotional products industry, according to new data from ASI Research. Traditional items like pens, tumblers, and tote bags remained popular, while social media crazes like “ducking” and the growing popularity of pickleball influenced searches for related items.
One notable change was the disappearance of “Stanley” from the top 10 searches, after a surge in popularity in 2023. However, staple items like pens, tumblers, water bottles, lanyards, and tote bags continued to dominate the search charts for 2024. Warm-weather items like koozies and sunglasses also maintained their popularity.
The fourth quarter saw a spike in searches for cold-weather and holiday items such as blankets and coffee mugs, reflecting seasonal buying patterns. Additionally, the brand Owala experienced significant growth in 2024, with its 24-oz. Freesip becoming the retail “it bottle” of the year.
Other search terms that saw notable growth included rubber ducks, which increased by 34% due to the social media trend of “ducking,” and pickleball, which remained popular with a 28% increase in searches. On the other hand, search terms for fanny packs and PopSockets declined in popularity.
As the sun sets later each day and spring campaigns approach, warm-weather items and activities are expected to spike in search rankings for Q1 2025. Overall, the promotional products industry in 2024 showcased a mix of enduring classics and emerging trends, reflecting the dynamic nature of consumer preferences.
