There’s no denying that 2017 could be dubbed the Year of the Fidget Spinner, but what promotional item will step in to fill the void in 2018? Counselor Magazine’s John Corrigan has some ideas.
Read on to learn more about promo product trends for this year, or jump to the full article here.
Crowdfunded Tech
Sites like Kickstarter are full of new and emerging trends, especially in the tech space. Currently garnering attention on the crowdfunding platform is Inspero Inc.’s Vinci 2.0, which is set to debut this summer. The compact wireless headphones contain a Quad-Core ARM Cortex A-7 processor and offer Bluetooth connectivity and access to Wi-Fi and cellular networks. “Basically, it allows you to make calls, listen to music, track your fitness or perform any other task you’d normally do on your phone. But it’s totally hands free – you simply ask Vinci to do the task…” writes Corrigan.
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Technology has long been a popular category when it comes to promotional products. Tech sub-categories where growth is most likely in 2018 are wearable tech, smart speakers, virtual reality, drones, smart home products, and voice-activated products, according to industry experts from the Consumer Technology Association and Retail Minded Magazine.
Apparel and Drinkware Trends
The aptly named category of “functional apparel” is becoming popular as consumers look for wearable items that serve more than one purpose. The SHOLDIT Infinity Scarf has already been featured in O Magazine, and on The View and Good Morning America, and features a zippered pocket for storage of personal items. Along with functionality, sustainability is gaining importance for apparel consumers, and apparel made from sustainable fibers such as hemp should see a rise in popularity in 2018.
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Another Kickstarter campaign that saw major success (exceeding its funding goal of $30,000 by over $1M) was the QUARTZ Bottle, an insulated water bottle that sanitizes itself and the water in it using UV-C LED technology. The success of the campaign highlights consumers’ growing desire for products that are good for health while being good for the environment.
Cause-based Promotions
Look for thoughtfully designed items in packaging that loads meaning in with the product. An example of this is another Kickstarter project that exceeded its funding goal: The Pin Project. The Pin Project “gives refugees in Afghanistan, Jordan and Turkey the tools and training to achieve long-term self-reliance. They craft sterling silver or brass pins shaped as a kite.” Corrigan writes. The pins are then packaged with a card that lists the country where it was made, the date, and features the signature of the person who made it.
image source: www.asicentral.com
To view the full article that inspired this post, visit the Advertising Specialty Institute’s website here. What items do you think will be trending in the promotional products world in 2018? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!