Beat the summer heat with cool summer promo items

By Jessica Martin

From beaches and barbecues to festivals and farmers markets, summer is the season for being seen. That goes for brands too. When consumers are out and about—engaging in travel, social activities and experiences opens in new window—there are countless opportunities to get noticed. Make a splash with summer promo items that tap into what’s trending and keep your brand hot all season long.

On-the-go summertime essentials

Connecting your logo with the products and styles people are drawn to is a smart way to boost brand awareness. In fact, research shows brands that align with cultural trends foster deeper emotional connections opens in new window with consumers. That means more visibility and staying power for your brand. Lean into that idea and give crossbody bags—a must have accessory for summer events and everyday errands—as a welcome gift for new clients or customers. Tuck in charging cables so recipients can keep their devices powered and waterproof phone pouches to keep their tech protected at the pool, beach or lake.

Capture summer style and offer shield sunglasses for customers who sign up to receive newsletters or join a loyalty program. This sporty and trendy promo item shields their eyes while helping your brand stand out.

Summer promo products for fun in the sun

For many, summer is about getting outside and enjoying the weather. And when it comes to trending activities, few sports are hotter than pickleball. Fun fact: Participation has soared nearly 500% in just five years opens in new window. Serve up your brand where the fun is in full swing! Branded pickleball sets make a perfect giveaway or raffle prize at fundraising events.

If your audience prefers to kick back and soak up the sun with some R&R, make your brand part of their chill session by offering outdoor coolers or picnic blankets as customer loyalty rewards. Or launch a “Soundtrack of Summer” giveaway: Invite people to share a favorite summer song, then enter them into a drawing to win a Bluetooth^® speaker featuring a custom playlist accessible via a QR code. It’s a simple way to connect your brand to feel-good moments—and keep the good vibes going all season long.

Trendy promo items to beat the heat

When temperatures rise, it can be your brand people reach for to find relief. Hand out sunscreen and sport towels for an outdoor fitness boot camp, community yoga session or sports tournament. If your outdoor event is also a fundraiser, consider trendy bucket hats as an Instagram^®-ready donation incentive. Want to encourage early registrations? Offer one of the “it” drinkware items of the year opens in new window—an owala^® water bottle—for those who sign up before a specified date.

Outdoor adventure and activity staples

When your audience hits the trails or sets up their campsites, the right gear can keep your brand front of mind. Insulated camp mugs are the perfect companion for sunrise coffee by the lake or an iced beverage after a mountain bike ride. Rechargeable headlamps are a bright idea for those who love early morning or after-dark exploring. Give as a social media contest prize, whether for the best summer sunset photo or another outdoorsy accomplishment.

Paisley bandanas are versatile accessories for a range of summertime adventures. They’re a great bonus gift with a purchase or bundled as part of a new employee welcome kit. And don’t forget their furry friends: collapsible pet bowls are perfect event giveaways or thoughtful donor gifts for animal rescues.

On-trend promos for sunny season

When people are out and about, summer promo items help your brand stay visible, relevant and memorable. By being part of trending activities and seasonal adventures, you create lasting connections—turning simple prizes, gifts and giveaways into experiences people will share and remember.

Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin is 4imprint’s merchandising planning manager with over 20 years of retail experience, 15 years of merchandising expertise and more than a decade in the promotional products industry. She ensures the right products get into customers’ hands through deep customer insight, trend awareness and seasonal analysis. Jessica is a key connection point between vendor relations, purchasing, and 4imprint’s end users, supporting programs across the Blue Box^® sample program, digital marketing, print and TV campaigns.

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