2025 Holiday Trends in Promotional Products: What’s Hot This Gifting Season

2025 Holiday Trends in Promotional Products: What’s Hot This Gifting Season

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

Trending tech gifts

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

Wellness holiday gifts

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

 

Why Online Company Stores Are the Secret to Stronger Employee Engagement and Morale

Why Online Company Stores Are the Secret to Stronger Employee Engagement and Morale

In today’s fast-paced workplace, keeping employees engaged and connected to your brand can be a challenge. One increasingly popular solution is an online company store — an easy-to-manage platform where employees can access branded merchandise, rewards, and company essentials.

An online company store isn’t just about handing out customized gear — it’s about creating a branded experience that makes employees feel valued, recognized, and part of something bigger. Here’s how this simple tool can have a big impact on your team.

1. Builds Company Pride

 When employees wear or use branded gear, it reinforces their sense of belonging. Whether it’s a cozy hoodie, a travel mug, or a sleek notebook, company-branded items help employees feel part of the team, no matter where they’re working. A store filled with high-quality, on-brand merchandise turns everyday items into symbols of company pride.

2. Makes Recognition Effortless

Celebrating achievements and milestones is key to keeping morale high, but coordinating gifts or rewards can be time-consuming. An online company store streamlines the process, allowing managers or HR teams to instantly send gift credits or select items for birthdays, anniversaries, or performance awards. Employees enjoy the freedom to choose what they really want, making recognition more personal and impactful.

Did You Know?
Employees who feel well-recognized are 45% less likely to quit over the next two years*. A well-run online company store can help support your recognition and retention efforts. *Source: Gallup.com

Custom swag for employee stores

3. Simplifies Swag Distribution

Planning a company event or onboarding new hires? Instead of stockpiling t-shirts and tumblers in a supply closet, use your company store to easily manage inventory and fulfillment. Everything is ordered, shipped, and tracked in one place — saving time and reducing stress. Plus, employees can order their sizes and preferences directly, minimizing waste and ensuring a perfect fit (literally).

4. Strengthens Culture and Connection

A branded store helps maintain a sense of connection, especially for hybrid or remote teams. It’s a space where employees can explore and engage with your brand on their own terms. From seasonal items to limited-edition gear tied to company milestones, the store becomes a fun, ongoing reminder of your shared mission and values.

Promo swag for employee stores

Ready to Create Your Own Company Store?

With Amsterdam’s Online Company Store platform, it’s easier than ever to design a customized store that fits your brand and budget. From setup to fulfillment, everything is managed for you, so you can focus on what matters most: Keeping your employees engaged, appreciated, and proud to represent your company.

5 Reasons Why Branded Apparel Is the Secret to a Truly Memorable Event

Discover 5 ways high-quality custom apparel can turn your event swag into lasting marketing magic that people actually wear and love.

Let’s face it: Most event swag is destined for the junk drawer.

You’ve seen it — cheap pens, awkward shirts, stress balls that no one’s actually stressed enough to use.

But every now and then, there’s that one piece of promotional apparel that hits different. It fits right. Feels great. Looks cool.

And boom, you’ve just earned a spot in their weekly rotation. That’s not just merch. That’s marketing magic.

Here are 5 ways high-quality custom apparel turns your event into something memorable.

1. It’s a Physical Reminder of a Great Time

People remember how an event felt. And when you give them something tangible like a soft, stylish tee or a cozy custom hoodie, it becomes a keepsake. Not clutter.

Every time they put it on, they’re transported back to the people, the energy, the vibe. That’s a powerful souvenir.

If they wear it, they remember it.

2. It Instantly Builds a Tribe

Matching shirts. Branded caps. Custom jackets.

Give people gear they want to wear, and they won’t just attend your event—they’ll own it. You’ll see instant community vibes. Strangers high-fiving. Selfies happening. Your brand all over social.

You didn’t just host an event. You created a movement.

3. It Turns Your People into Promo Machines

A killer design + a quality fit = free marketing for months.

When attendees rock your branded apparel out in the wild, they’re not just representing your event, they’re representing your brand to everyone they pass.

No ad spend. No CTA. Just cool people wearing your message like it’s their own.

walking advertisements

4. It Makes Your Brand Feel Something

Anyone can give out a lanyard. But giving someone a well-designed hoodie or shirt that actually feels good? That says: “We see you. We value you. You matter to us.” That emotional touch turns a freebie into a feel-good moment and that’s what creates brand loyalty that sticks.

5. It Lives Way Beyond the Event

The lights go down. The venue clears out. But that promotional hoodie? It’s still going strong. People wear what they love, and post what they love even more.

If your custom apparel makes it into their real life, it’ll end up on their socials, in their stories, and in their everyday lives.

Your event might be over. But your brand? Still showing up.

The Promotional Apparel Playbook

To go from “meh” to “must-have,” here’s the formula:

  • Prioritize Quality — No one wears scratchy, boxy shirts. Invest in soft, durable materials that fit well and feel better. Bonus points for sustainable or ethically made options.
  • Stay On-Brand — Your custom apparel should reflect your brand’s personality. A wellness retreat? Go with soft tones and clean lines. A startup conference? Think bold colors and energetic designs.
  • Add a Personal Touch — Onsite personalization like embroidery, name printing, or custom patches makes your swag feel special. When it’s unique, it’s cherished.
  • Be Seasonal & Practical — A hoodie at a summer beach event won’t cut it. Tailor your items to the season and your audience’s lifestyle. If it’s wearable, it’s shareable.

Promo apparel

Don’t Just Give Swag — Give a Story

When people wear your brand, they carry your story. Not just what you do, but how you made them feel. And that’s the kind of marketing that doesn’t just get remembered, it gets worn, shared, and loved.

Great promotional apparel isn’t just cool. It’s strategic. It’s storytelling you can wear.

Your School’s Merch, Fundraising, and Rewards — All in One Easy Online Store

Your School’s Merch, Fundraising, and Rewards — All in One Easy Online Store

From elementary schools to universities, educational institutions are always looking for ways to build stronger connections within their communities. Spirit wear and branded merchandise do more than put logos on T-shirts — they bring people together, create a sense of pride, and even generate much-needed funding for programs.

That’s where an online company store comes in. By creating a personalized store for your school, you make it simple for students, parents, alumni, and staff to shop for branded items anytime, anywhere — without the hassle of managing in-person sales or tracking down paper order forms.

Here’s how schools can use online company stores to their advantage:

  • Spirit Wear Sales Made Simple
    School pride doesn’t stop after homecoming week. With a year-round online store, families can stock up on school-branded T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, hats, and accessories whenever they like. New students can order gear as soon as they enroll, and alumni can keep supporting their alma mater long after graduation. Best of all, schools don’t need to hold extra inventory or coordinate bulk sales — everything is handled online.

Spirit Wear Sales

  • Fundraising That Works for Everyone
    Booster clubs, PTOs, and student groups are constantly looking for fresh ways to raise money. An online store can become a reliable source of funding by sharing proceeds from every sale. Imagine families knowing that every hoodie or tote bag purchased goes right back into programs for music, art, sports, or classroom technology. It’s an easy, no-pressure way to support the school community while giving people something tangible in return.

Fundraising

  • Event Merchandise Without the Stress
    From dances and plays to graduations and reunions, schools host countless events where custom gear makes the experience even more memorable. An online store lets you offer pre-orders for limited-edition shirts, sweatshirts, or keepsakes, so you know exactly how many to produce. That means no leftover boxes of unsold merch — and no disappointed students who missed out.
  • Recognition and Rewards for Teachers and Staff
    Administrators are always looking for meaningful ways to recognize the hard work of teachers and staff. With an online store, you can give store credit instead of a single, one-size-fits-all gift. This allows staff members to choose something they’ll use and enjoy, whether it’s a cozy jacket, a backpack, or a coffee tumbler with the school logo. It’s a great way to make appreciation feel personal.

Recognition and Rewards

Why Online Stores Are a Smart Solution for Schools

Beyond the convenience and fundraising potential, online stores save schools valuable time. There’s no need to track orders manually, chase down payments, or manage distribution. Everything — from ordering to payment to delivery — is streamlined. And because the store is available year-round, it becomes a central hub for community engagement, spirit wear, and special initiatives.

Launch Your Own Online Company Store

Whether your school is looking to boost pride, simplify event planning, or strengthen fundraising efforts, an online company store is a tool that makes it all possible.

Ready to bring these benefits to your school community? See how easy it is to set up your own online personalized store today.

Launch Your Own Online Company Store

Quick Ideas for Schools

Looking for even more ways to use an online store? Here are some fast, creative ideas schools can put into action:

  • Holiday Gift Shops: Offer parents and students a safe, easy way to buy branded items as gifts for teachers, classmates, or family members
  • Sports Seasons: Launch limited-time collections for each team’s season — football in the fall, basketball in the winter, baseball or softball in the spring
  • Alumni Gear: Create a section just for alumni who want to rep their school pride long after graduation
  • New Student Welcome Packs: Let incoming students or parents purchase bundles with essentials like T-shirts, lanyards, and water bottles
  • Clubs & Activities: Give student organizations and after-school clubs their own custom designs available right in the store

Tips on Choosing a Compelling Mix of Products for Your Online Company Store

Tips for Choosing Promo Products for your Company Store

Building an online company store is one of the smartest ways to boost engagement, celebrate employees, and extend your brand’s reach. But here’s the catch: Your store will only be as strong as the products you stock. If you’re wondering how to select items for a company store, it starts with knowing your audience and finding that perfect mix of practical staples and fun, unexpected finds.

Here are some tips for building a successful company store and making sure your product lineup truly hits the mark:

1. Know Your Audience and Your Brand

Before adding products to your store, ask “who will be shopping here?” Employees, clients, volunteers, students? Understanding their preferences is the key to picking items they’ll actually use. Just as important — make sure each product reflects your company’s culture and values. For example, if sustainability is central to your brand, eco-friendly options like reusable drinkware or recycled tote bags are a natural fit.

Also consider how the product pairs with your logo. Does it fit your brand colors and style? Decide whether a traditional imprint or a more creative decoration works best — and whether the branding should stand out or remain subtle.

2. Balance the Staples With the Standouts

Every store needs a mix of must-haves and conversation-starters. Think of the staples first — custom pens, water bottles, polos, and notebooks — products everyone can use on the job or at home. Then layer in standout pieces like tech gadgets, wellness kits, or seasonal gear that add variety and excitement. This combination keeps your store fresh and encourages repeat visits.

3. Pay Attention to Quality and Longevity

Cheap giveaways may save money upfront, but they can weaken your brand’s reputation. Choose products that last, prioritizing items people will reach for again and again. High-quality branded apparel, durable bags, and tech accessories are all great examples of products that continue to promote your brand long after checkout.

4. Keep an Eye on Trends

Product trends evolve quickly. Maybe it’s insulated tumblers one season, pickleball gear the next. Staying up to date ensures your store feels modern and relevant. You don’t have to overhaul your entire catalog each season — just add a few on-trend items to keep things interesting.

5. Partner With the Right Supplier

Your company store should run smoothly from design to delivery. That’s why it’s important to work with a supplier that can handle customization, inventory, and fulfillment without headaches. A reliable partner helps you focus on building your brand while they manage the details behind the scenes. Here are six reasons your business needs an online company store if you’d like to dive deeper.

Keep Your Company Store Fresh and Effective

A successful store isn’t about offering everything — It’s about offering the right things. By knowing your audience, balancing practical staples with fresh finds, and prioritizing quality, you’ll create a shop that keeps employees, customers, or students excited to wear, use, and share your brand.

Ready to start? Explore the online company store options here and see how easy it is to bring your brand to life.

Quick Checklist for Choosing Company Store Products

Checklist for Choosing Company Store Products

  • Audience First– Who’s shopping? Tailor your picks to the needs and interests of employees, clients, or students
  • Brand Alignment– Make sure every item reflects your culture and values, from sustainable options to professional staples
  • Decoration & Design – Choose imprint methods and product colors that complement your logo and brand aesthetic
  • Practicality Wins– Go for useful, long-lasting products people will reach for often
  • Trend Watch– Sprinkle in on-trend items to keep the store feeling current
  • Competitive Edge– Look at what others offer, then find ways to stand out
  • Unique Value– Select products that add something fresh, distinctive, or better in quality

From Souvenirs to Staff Gear — Why Tourism Organizations Need an Online Company Store

From Souvenirs to Staff Gear — Why Tourism Organizations Need an Online Company Store

Picture this: A family just finished an incredible day exploring your museum. As they head to the gift shop, their 8-year-old spots the perfect dinosaur t-shirt — but it’s not in her size. Disappointed, they leave empty-handed. Three weeks later, back home, she’s still talking about those “awesome dinosaurs” but has nothing to show her friends.

What if that story had a different ending?

The $4.2 Billion Opportunity Tourism Businesses Are Missing

American tourists spend over $4.2 billion annually on souvenirs and keepsakes. Yet most attractions struggle with inventory headaches, inconsistent branding across locations, and lost sales when popular items sell out.

The solution isn’t bigger gift shops — it’s smarter ones. A branded online company store transforms how tourism organizations connect with guests, turning a single visit into ongoing engagement and revenue.

Beyond Souvenirs: 5 Game-Changing Ways Tourism Companies Use Online Stores

1. Extend the Shopping Experience Beyond Closing Time

Your visitors don’t stop wanting that perfect memento when they leave your gates. An online store captures those “I wish I had bought that” moments, letting guests order from home while the memories are still fresh. Plus, parents can surprise kids with that sold-out t-shirt as a special delivery.

Extend the Shopping Experience

2. Create a Professional, Cohesive Team Presence

Nothing says “amateur operation” like mismatched staff uniforms. Centralized ordering ensures every tour guide, from your flagship location to satellite sites, represents your brand consistently. Your team looks professional, visitors notice, and staff feel pride in their appearance.

3. Master Seasonal Events Without the Chaos

Festival season coming up? Instead of scrambling with last-minute vendors and inventory guesswork, pre-launch your event merchandise online. Accept pre-orders, gauge demand accurately, and have happy customers picking up their gear instead of discovering everything’s sold out.

4. Reward Your VIPs (And Make Them Feel Special)

Annual pass holders and membership program participants want recognition. Exclusive merchandise access makes them feel valued while encouraging renewals. “Members Only” items become conversation starters that naturally promote your organization.

Reward your VIPS

5. Support Local While Standing Out

Partner with regional artists and craftspeople for co-branded items that communicate “you can only get this here.” Visitors get truly unique souvenirs, local businesses gain exposure, and you differentiate from generic, forgettable merchandise.

The Real Win: Turning Tourists Into Brand Ambassadors

Here’s what happens when you get this right: That family from our opening story? The daughter gets her dinosaur shirt delivered two weeks later. She wears it to school, tells friends about her amazing museum adventure, and suddenly you’re reaching potential visitors you never could have advertised to.

Every purchase becomes marketing. Every satisfied customer becomes a conversation starter. Your brand travels the world, one happy visitor at a time.

Ready to Transform Your Tourism Business?

The question isn’t whether you need a branded company store — it’s how quickly you can launch one. While your competitors wrestle with inventory spreadsheets and disappointed customers, you could be building lasting connections that drive repeat visits and referrals.

Discover how a customized company store can boost your visitor engagement and revenue. Contact us today to explore solutions tailored specifically for tourism and attraction businesses.

 

The ROI of an Online Company Store: Why Financial Institutions Are Buying In

The ROI of an Online Company Store: Why Financial Institutions Are Buying In

Let’s face it: the financial industry isn’t exactly known for being flashy. But in a world where brand experience and employee engagement matter more than ever, even banks, credit unions, and wealth management firms are realizing that how you show up — internally and externally — makes a big impact.

That’s where the online company store comes in.

More than just a hub for branded swag, a thoughtfully designed online store can become a strategic asset — streamlining logistics, strengthening culture, and reinforcing your brand in ways you might not expect.

Here’s how financial institutions are putting their online company stores to work:

1. Branch Branding: Consistency You Can See

In finance, trust is everything — and consistency builds trust. Whether a client walks into a branch in Chicago or chats with a rep from your Denver office, the look, feel, and professionalism should be the same. That means matching branded polos, professional name tags, and cohesive desk signage.

An online company store lets you distribute these essentials to every branch, without playing phone tag between departments or chasing down suppliers. Marketing can ensure everything is brand-approved, while branch managers get exactly what they need — when they need it.

No more mismatched logos or DIY desk signs. Just clean, cohesive branding that quietly says, “You’re in good hands.”

Consistency You Can See

2. Client Gifts: Make “Wow” Moments Happen (Without the Hassle)

In a relationship-driven business like finance, the little things go a long way. A thoughtful, well-timed gift can turn a good relationship into a loyal one.

But coordinating gifts — especially for high-value clients or top prospects — can quickly turn into a logistical nightmare.

With an online store, your client-facing teams can quickly send branded gifts like mugs, tech accessories, or notebooks — without ordering from scratch or dealing with shipping themselves. Want to make it even easier? Set up pre-approved gift bundles that reps can send with just a few clicks.

Need ideas for impactful, industry-relevant gifts? Check out our curated selection of financial promotional products designed specifically for client engagement in the finance world.

It’s a smarter, more scalable way to show appreciation — and keep your brand top of mind with the people who matter most.

Make WOW Moments Happen

3. New Hire Kits: Welcome with Style

First impressions aren’t just for clients. The way you welcome new employees can shape how they feel about your company long-term.

Whether you’re hiring remote analysts or in-office loan officers, an online company store helps you create and send onboarding kits that actually feel special — think branded notebooks, quality apparel, and sleek tech tools.

You can automate it, customize it, or even give new hires credit to pick their own items. It’s easy for HR, exciting for new employees, and totally on-brand.

Pro tip: Include a welcome note and some company values to make it personal.

4. Internal Culture: Recognize, Reward, Repeat

Here’s the truth: when employees feel appreciated, they perform better. But recognition doesn’t have to mean cash bonuses or formal awards.

With an online company store, you can turn internal challenges, milestones, or team wins into something tangible — like reward points or credits employees can use to choose their own swag.

It’s perfect for wellness challenges, anniversary celebrations, peer shout-outs —you name it. Best part? They get something they actually want, and your brand stays front and center.

Everyone loves rewards. Even better when they’re wrapped in your company’s values and identity.

Not Just a Company Store — A Strategy

Financial institutions are evolving. You’re already investing in digital transformation, customer experience, and employee engagement — so why not have a tool that supports all three?

An online company store makes it easier to show up the right way, every time —whether you’re serving clients, welcoming new talent, or celebrating your team.

Because in a world where relationships matter more than ever, the little details aren’t little at all.