OnFulfillment Blog | Riley's Picks

Spring has sprung. Warmer weather is on the way. People are shifting their social activities outdoors. And that means one thing: it’s time to start thinking about your spring and summer promotional campaigns.

Seasonal gifts and giveaways are available in all sorts of price ranges, from under $5 to more than $100. No matter what your budget, there are plenty of warm-weather items to choose from that will make your brand stand out.

Here are some of our favorite spring and summer giveaways, organized by price point, to help you rise above the competition.

There might still be snow on the ground in many areas, but it won’t be long before golfers start dusting off their clubs and hitting links. And golf season means opportunities for companies to host or sponsor tournaments, whether to raise money for charity or attract new prospects and customers.

No matter the reason, there is a lot to consider when participating in a golf tournament. Like any outdoor event, tournaments must be treated differently than the typical indoor trade show or seminar. Signage must be designed to withstand the elements. Giveaways should be tailored to the event and activity. Golf tournaments also generate a high level of energy and friendly competition, all of which present unique and memorable branding opportunities for a highly targeted audience.

At the recent Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Expo, held in January in Las Vegas, we got a peak at the popular trends experts believe will influence purchasing decisions by marketing organizations and fulfillment vendors for the year to come.

Your company is celebrating a major milestone, and you’ve been asked to find a nice brand-name gift for employees. Unfortunately, the budget doesn’t cover the projected costs.

Or imagine your department is hosting a large meeting and you’d like to present attendees with a high-quality branded polo shirt, but the price tag for a recognized brand means you’d have to cut corners elsewhere.

Or you want to find a memorable giveaway for an upcoming event, but don’t want to break the bank. What do you do?

It’s time to consider dupes.

Every year, the most popular trends in fulfillment and merchandise seem to skew ever younger. Or, more accurately, the generation driving trends remains constant, while the rest of us grow older and farther away from what is currently “hip.”

This year, as one might expect, popular trends are being largely determined by social media influencers and the millennial/Gen Z lifestyle. For these consumers, products must look good enough—and be socially conscious enough—to be included as part of their story. For the companies who understand the process, these postings become free advertising to the most coveted demographic.

So what are the trends to look for in 2024? What issues are making these influencers sit up and pay attention while making them feel good about their purchases?