New Year, New Swag

It may seem far away, but in the promo world, January is right around the corner. And as the new year approaches, companies everywhere begin to think about how they can kick off the year with some impactful promotional items. But here’s a tip - don’t wait until the last minute to order unique promotional items and conference swag. Instead, plan ahead and place your orders at least 90 days out. Why now, you ask? Because time moves fast and there are many moving parts in promo production. Let’s delve into the challenges and explore some of the best conference swag and unique promotional items you can gift this year.

The Early Bird Gets the Swag: Why 90 Days?

1. Avoid the Rush: The end of the year is a hectic time for everyone. By placing your order 90 days out, you avoid the rush and ensure your gifts and branded merchandise arrive on time. You also skip any supply chain snafus that can crop up. No one wants to receive their New Year's gift in February!
2. Customization Takes Time: Unique promotional items often require customization, which is proven again and again to delight recipients. Whether it’s adding your logo, choosing colors, or creating a bespoke design, these details take time, and for good reason. Ordering early gives you and the supplier ample time to get everything just right.
3. Better Selection: As the year-end approaches, popular items tend to sell out. By ordering early, you have a wider selection of inexpensive promotional items and can avoid settling for whatever’s left in stock.
4. Peace of Mind: Let’s face it, the end of the year is stressful enough. Checking corporate gifts off your to-do list early allows you to focus on other priorities and enter the new year with one less thing to worry about.

Related: Your Survival Guide to Promotional Planning

What’s Popular in Promo Right Now

Now that you understand the importance of ordering early, let’s talk swag. Here are some unique promotional items, and some of the best conference swag ideas, to consider for your new year gifts.

1. Eco-Friendly Swag: Sustainability is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. Show your commitment to the environment with eco-friendly branded merchandise. Consider reusable straws, bamboo cutlery sets, or recycled tote bags. These gifts are not only useful and needed, but also make a positive statement about your company’s climate-conscious values.
2. Tech Gadgets: Everyone loves a cool tech gadget to make life easier (and maybe even spark a conversation). Think about the latest portable phone chargers, Bluetooth speakers, or smart plugs. These items are sure to be used frequently, keeping your brand top-of-mind.
3. Custom Apparel: Branded t-shirts, hoodies, or hats are always a hit. Make sure to choose high-quality materials and fresh, stylish designs recipients will actually want to wear, and they’ll gladly advertise your brand for you. If you’re looking for inexpensive promotional items, custom socks with quirky designs can also be a fun and unexpected choice. You might even combine eco-friendly with apparel for the best of both worlds!
4. Wellness Items: Show you care about your recipients’ well-being with wellness-themed swag. Consider items like yoga mats, essential oil diffusers, or fitness trackers. These gifts promote a healthy lifestyle and show that your company values more than just business. Plus, they’re a joy to use!
5. Desk Accessories: Help your clients and employees spruce up their workspaces with stylish desk accessories. Custom notebooks, elegant pen sets, or branded mouse pads are practical gifts that will be used and appreciated daily.
6. Gourmet Treats: Food is always a crowd-pleaser. Send a beautifully packaged box of gourmet snacks, artisanal chocolates, or a bottle of fine wine. These gifts add a touch of luxury and indulgence. Bonus points for local treats that let recipients bring the flavor of the event locale back home with them.

Related: Top 5 Promotional Items to Spark Your Spring Campaign

The Best Conference Swag for 2025

If you’re gearing up for conferences, trade shows, and other corporate events in the new year, you’ll want to stand out with the best conference swag and branded merchandise. Sometimes, something simple is surprisingly exciting because it fills a need, especially at the event and beyond. By giving giftees something they can use, you’re providing them with what they want, not something you printed just to distribute. Here are some smart, inexpensive promotional items to ensure your booth is the talk of the trade show and the envy of the event:

1. Smartphone Sanitizers: In a post-pandemic world, cleanliness is crucial. Smartphone sanitizers that use UV light to kill germs are both practical and timely — and they travel well.
2. PopSockets and Phone Grips: These little gadgets are incredibly handy and provide a large surface area for your branding.
3. Reusable Water Bottles: Help attendees stay hydrated as they walk the floor and attend meetings with stylish, reusable water bottles. Choose bottles with unique features like built-in filters or infusers to help them stand out above the rest.
4. Branded Tote Bags: Tote bags are a conference staple and another eco-friendly option. Make yours special with high-quality materials, vibrant colors, and useful features like extra pockets or zippers. They travel well and can be used ad infinitum. People can never have enough cool bags.
5. Travel Accessories: Items like luggage tags, travel pouches, or portable neck pillows are perfect for conference-goers who travel frequently — and they’re also appreciated for non-work travel too!

Related: 10 Conference Swag Items Attendees Will Actually Keep

Use This Swag Strategy for Success

Ordering corporate gifts and conference swag 90 days out from the new year ensures you avoid the rush, get ample time for customization, enjoy the best selection, and stay sane in the process. By choosing thoughtful, unique branded merchandise like the items trending above, you can start the year off right with a positive and lasting impact on your recipients.

Want to see which items work best for your brand? Reach out to our expert promo team to see how your company can use the latest branded merchandise to win the hearts and minds of clients, partners, employees, customers, and prospects alike. When you start planning now, your swag will be the start of more beautiful relationships in the new year!