2021 marks the year of our "return to normalcy" – and that means the return of traditional promo products like pens, drinkware, notebooks and more. Don't take our word for it: ESP search data speaks for itself. Discover the most popular hard goods taking over ESP searches, plus our recommendations of retail-approved products to present right now.
Pens are currently the #2 most searched product on ESP, and they're closing the gap with PPE to reclaim their rightful place at the top of searches. In 2020, masks received a whopping 60% more searches than pens, yet in Q1 2021, that percentage dropped to just 20%. It's only a matter of time before pens become the #1 promo product once more, which speaks to end-buyer demand for traditional hard goods of the "before times." If you haven't been presenting pens to your clients in lieu of only PPE and safety items, make sure they have a top spot in your sales calls moving forward.
With a brass cap and barrel, chrome clip, and carbon fiber trims, this high-end pen is sure to impress.
Is it a ruler, a pen or a screwdriver? This innovative and versatile promo is all of those things and more!
Each click changes the facial expression on this funky pen, allowing end-users to express their feelings without saying a word.
There's a huge demand for drinkware. In fact, 17 out of the top 100 ESP searches are all drinkware search terms, including "mugs/steins" (#5), "water bottles" (#8) and "tumblers" (#9). With the weather getting hot, now's the perfect time to present drinkware items that will help end-users to stay hydrated and end-buyers to promote their brand. Maximize your sales success by presenting items from multiple drinkware categories to cover your bases on every type your clients are looking for.
This premium water bottle keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours, making it excellent for students and commuters.
Perfect for sports, the gym or a long day out, this larger-than-life water bottle will keep end-users healthy and hydrated.
With its double-wall 18/18 stainless-steel, vacuum-insulated design, this water bottle provides retail quality at a fraction of the price.
This tumbler’s push-in slider lid will keep drinks safe from spills, while its slim design means it fits in most cup holders for mass appeal.
Do good with your drinkware orders, as a portion of all proceeds from this mug are donated to Shelter to Soldier™, a nonprofit organization that rescues dogs to train as service animals for veterans in need.
There’s plenty of room on this tumbler for your client’s company name, logo and/or marketing messages.
Bags, backpacks and carrying containers are usually popular search terms in ESP, but they dropped last year due to store closures and reduced in-person shopping. Thankfully, that's already changing fast. Bags and tote bags have returned to #3 and #4 of top ESP searches, respectively, while seasonal favorites like coolers jumped up to #11. Don't forget about backpacks (#14) either – not only are they trendy for commuters, back-to-school season will be here before you know it. It's wise to reach out to clients early for their educational needs, so plan your sales presentations well in advance.
This tech backpack doesn’t just have storage for laptops and tablets, it also features an external USB port for on-the-go versatility.
Designed with the business traveler in mind, this backpack is equipped with a unique flexible suspension system to distribute weight evenly and increase comfort.
This backpack boasts all the bells and whistles consumers want, such as 210D lining, padded storage compartments and even a built-in bottle opener.
With room for 24 cans and featuring foam insulation, this portable cooler is perfect for hiking, camping or road trips.
Made with durable 600D polyester, heat-sealed PEVA lining and foam insulation, this travel cooler is ready for any adventure for years to come.
This stylish insulated lunch bag is just the thing for corporate clients, schools and colleges.
On the corporate front, businesses are welcoming employees back in-person, which has led to a boom in desk and office supplies, as well as corporate gifts. For instance, notebooks jumped up to #29 with journals following suit at #39. Also, awards leaped to #18, suggesting an increasing need for recognition and appreciation items. Help your clients get creative with promos that their staff can use and enjoy right away as we get back into the swing of things at work.
With 80 lined pages and a magnetic pen that clicks into place, this gift set provides double the branding opportunities for the price of one promo.
Padfolios are a must for any corporate office. They also make great gifts for important clients and visitors.
Thanks to its unique 3D vertical pattern, this journal catches the light and will draw the eye to your client’s branding.
Stylish yet functional, this desk organizer includes a pen holder, two paper clip/accessory compartments and a 100-page memo pad.
Photo frames make great giveaways, gifts, awards, you name it! Take advantage of the demand for recognition items by including this promo in your sales calls.
Sometimes promos really are all fun and games! Help your clients delight and entertain end-users with this unique and interactive gift.