
The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you’re a marketer, business owner, or brand strategist, it’s time to start planning your promotional gifting strategy. But here’s the thing, your clients, employees, and partners don’t want just another water bottle or generic calendar. They want gifts that align with their values, reflect the times, and actually bring value to their everyday lives.
In 2025, the landscape of promotional products is evolving faster than ever, shaped by growing consumer awareness, technology, wellness, and a desire for deeper personalization.
If you’re looking to make your holiday promo gifts stand out (and stay out of the junk drawer), here are the biggest trends shaping the season. Spoiler alert: the bar is higher than ever and that’s a good thing.
1. Sustainability Isn’t Just Trendy … It’s Expected
Once a “nice-to-have,” eco-conscious gifting is now a non-negotiable.
- 78% of companies say they’re upping their spend on sustainable promo items this year. [1].
- And 90% of consumers say sustainability directly influenceswhether they keep a promotional product. [2].
So, what’s making waves in eco-friendly gifting? Think:
- Tote bags made from rPET (a fancy way of saying recycled plastic bottles)
- Bamboo-fiber apparel that’s soft, stylish, and Earth-approved
- Compostable packaging that says, “We care about the planet”
- Soy-based inks for prints that pop without pollution
When your holiday gifts align with your brand values and consumer expectations, you’re not just gifting, you’re building trust.
*Pro tip: Add a note about your product’s eco-story. People love to know they’re using something that’s making a difference.
2. Tech-Integrated Swag = Daily Use (and Daily Brand Visibility)
We’re living in a digital world, and people want gear that keeps up.
- 45% of buyers now say they prefer promo items with a digital or tech component. [2].
- And the top gifts? They’re smart, stylish, and surprisingly affordable.
Top trending tech gifts this season:
- Wireless chargers (because outlets are so last season)
- Smart notebooks that digitize your handwritten notes
- Bluetooth trackers for the always-losing-their-keys crowd
- High-performance gaming headsets built for serious play and all-day comfort

Interactive swag is also stepping up. QR codes and AR-enabled packaging turn ordinary gifts into branded experiences — think games, how-to videos, or holiday messages. It’s an instant wow factor that goes beyond the gift itself.
3. Wellness Is the New Luxury (and It’s What Everyone Wants)
More than ever, people are prioritizing their health — mental, physical, emotional. And brands that recognize that? They win.
- 82% of consumers now say wellness is a key part of their daily routine. [2]
- Gifting products that support that lifestyle doesn’t just feel good, it makes you look good.
Top wellness promotional product trends this holiday:
- Stress-relief kits with cozy socks, calming teas, or mini journals
- Yoga mats, sleep masks, and hydration bottles
- Aromatherapy rollers (bonus if they’re locally made!)
- Even pickleball sets and golf gear for the sporty crowd

Gifts that promote self-care are no longer “nice-to-have” extras, they’re essentials that show your brand understands what really matters.
4. Personalization + Local = Thoughtful, Memorable, and Totally On-Brand
Let’s talk personalization.
A hoodie with your logo? Nice.
A hoodie with your recipient’s initials, favorite color, and a soft-touch finish? Exceptional.
People are craving experiences that feel tailored not templated. Custom-branded swag that reflects individual preferences (or team identities) goes further, sticks around longer, and generates way more goodwill.
But here’s the real magic touch: local sourcing. Locally made gift like small-batch candles, gourmet snacks, hand-poured soaps, bring authenticity, tell a story, and support small businesses. Bonus: they often come with lower shipping footprints, which ties back to the sustainability trend.
Wrap It Up: This Year’s Best Gifts Make People Feel Something
Let’s recap: In 2025, the best promo gifts are:
- Sustainable
- Smart (literally)
- Focused on wellness
- Personal
- Locally inspired
That means it’s time to move beyond the basic merch and start gifting with purpose.
Whether it’s a Bluetooth tracker that saves someone’s day, a bamboo hoodie that becomes a go-to favorite, or a personalized yoga mat that helps someone unwind, your holiday promotional items should reflect your values and your audience’s lifestyle.
Don’t just give. Connect.
Don’t just promote. Wow
Don’t just check a box. Build loyalty.
In 2025, the best branded holiday gifts don’t just say who you are — they show it.
References
[1] Promotional Products Statistics Statistics: Market Data Report 2025
[2] 2025 Promotional Products Trend Report | Perfect Imprints



















