
Safe in the sun: Summer promo items to help beat the heat
By Laurie Frees
4 min read
Posted: May 30, 2025
For many of us, summer is all about outdoor fun. But it’s important to enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures safely. That’s especially true now as summer heat records opens in new window continue to be broken year after year. Whether your audience is kicking back at the beach, playing outdoor sports or working in the yard, summer promo items shine bright, helping them stay cool, hydrated and protected.
Summertime apparel to look and feel cool
When a heat wave hits, the right clothing can help people enjoy the weather responsibly. If your team has work to do in the elements—maybe on the beach, at a resort or in a park—provide hooded shirts made from moisture-wicking, UPF 50-plus fabric. Or outfit them in performance tees for a casual and stylish look with UV protection.
Gearing up your squad for a golf outing? If they’re sporting polos that provide UV protection and feature side vents, they’ll be well-equipped for a warm-weather round. If long-sleeves are in order, that same UPF protection is available in quarter-zip pullovers. They’re great on the links and versatile enough to be worn to a variety of events.
Sun care items that protect and promote
If your employees or volunteers are heading to an outdoor festival, farmers market or other gathering, summer promo items that offer protection from the sun’s UV rays can help draw a crowd. Raise brand awareness and pass out spray sunscreen. Those who forget theirs at home will be especially thankful. Or give carabiner sunscreen that recipients can clip on a belt or backpack.
All-day festivities might call for more than just sunscreen. A race, sporting event or other fitness activity, for example, is a great place to offer sun care kits. Along with sunscreen, the kit includes bandages for minor scrapes or cuts. Or get conversations started by offering cinch-bag care kits as an incentive to register for an event or sign up for a newsletter. It includes bandages, first-aid cream, lip balm, sunscreen and an antiseptic towelette. And just a reminder: Protection from UV rays is important year-round. That means these summer promotional products come in handy during all seasons.
Promo products made for shade
A little extra shade can go a long way on a sunny day. If you run an outdoor attraction or host an event, include booney hats in your gift shop or at your merchandise stand. If preparing an outdoor work crew, provide shade caps. Both headwear options will keep the sun out of their eyes—and get eyes on your logo.
A more everyday hat, like a performance cap, can do wonders in a full-sun setting. Its combination of moisture-wicking technology and 50-plus UPF mean it will be a go-to for those working in the garden, chilling at the pool or simply running errands. When an audience is in need of extra shade, golf umbrellas can provide necessary relief. That’s especially true the event also comes with a chance of rain.
Sun-ready swag to shield and satisfy
Looking for a fun yet functional gift for your team? Branded sunglasses help protect their eyes from the sun’s rays (and look cool too). If it fits your audience, shield sunglasses are a trendy choice that provide even more coverage.
Hydration is another key to summer comfort. Water helps regulate our body temperature opens in new window, supports our immune system, promotes healthy digestion and more. Keep your customers feeling good with a mood bottle as a summer promotional giveaway. Its color-changing feature is fun for all ages and the built-in handle is especially helpful if recipients will be on the move. Or make hydration bottle slings an option for those whose summer activities require them to take their hydration up a level.
Hot temps, cool promos
Whether it's employees, volunteers, customers or clients, your key audiences are bound to soak up some serious sun in the months ahead. With the right strategy, your summer promo items can boost your brand while keeping them cool, comfortable and protected.
“How to stay hydrated over the summer.” Mayo Clinic, n.d., diet.mayoclinic.org/us/blog/2022/how-to-stay-hydrated-over-the-summer opens in new window
Iqbal, Saima S. “Summer 2024 Was the Hottest Ever Measured, Beating Last Year.” Scientific American, 13 Sept. 2024, scientificamerican.com/article/summer-2024-was-the-hottest-ever-measured-beating-last-year opens in new window