By: Sarah Loula

As pet ownership continues to soar, a growing trend is capturing the hearts of pet owners and marketers alike: pet-centric promotional items offer a unique way for brands to connect with pet lovers, creating lasting impressions through practical and fun products. Personalized leashes, custom bandanas, and even matching apparel for pets and owners add an extra touch of charm. Whether used for giveaways, brand awareness, or customer appreciation, these products not only strengthen brand loyalty but also enhance the bond between pets and their humans. With the pet industry booming, businesses are increasingly leveraging these creative promotional tools to engage their audience in a meaningful and memorable way.

Purr-fect Timing for Pet Promotional Products
Pet ownership has reached new heights in recent years. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), over 70% of U.S. households own a pet, with spending on pet products surpassing $136 billion in 2022 alone. This growing market has paved the way for promotional products targeted at pets and their owners. These items not only cater to a booming demographic but also create a lasting impression by associating brands with joy, care, and companionship.

The ROI of Pet Promotions
Pet promotional products are more than just cute giveaways; they’re a strategic investment. Studies show that 83% of people who receive promotional items can recall the advertiser’s name, and items that provide real value are even more effective. When a brand helps a customer care for their beloved pet, it fosters goodwill and strengthens brand loyalty.

Final Thoughts
As the pet industry continues to thrive, incorporating pet-focused promotional products into your promo toolbox is a smart way to connect with an ever-growing audience. By offering thoughtful, high-quality items, your brand can enjoy the loyalty and love that pets inspire in their owners. So, why not give your brand a “paw-sitive” boost with pet promo products.
After all, when it comes to winning hearts, a wagging tail can do wonders.

Personalization is more than a trend—it’s a powerful strategy for creating meaningful connections with your audience. As an ambassador of your company’s brand, you already know the value of standing out, but what if you could transform a simple promotional item into a lasting memory? Customized promotional products do just that by combining functionality with personal touches that resonate with recipients.

Whether you’re gifting a branded tumbler or handing out logoed notepads at a trade show, personalized promotional items elevate your brand visibility and leave a lasting impression. In this blog, we’ll explore creative ways to personalize your promotional products, the benefits of tailoring your approach to your audience, and some compelling statistics that showcase their impact.

Why Personalization Matters in Promotional Products

Promotional products are already a proven tool for brand recognition. According to a 2022 study by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), 83% of people like receiving promotional products, and 63% keep them for over a year. But when these items are personalized—whether with an individual’s name, targeted messaging, or custom designs—they create an emotional connection that generic items simply can’t match.

Consider these key advantages of personalized promotional products:

1. Enhanced Memorability: Adding a personal touch, such as a recipient’s name or a message tailored to their interests, makes your brand more memorable. A study by Accenture found that 91% of consumers are more likely to shop with brands that provide relevant offers and recommendations—a principle that applies to promotional items too.
2. Stronger Brand Loyalty: Personalization fosters a sense of appreciation, leading to stronger customer relationships. Clients and prospects who feel valued are more likely to engage with your brand.
3. Increased ROI: Customized items are more likely to be used and appreciated, increasing their shelf life and your brand’s exposure. For instance, branded drinkware generates 1,400 impressions during its lifetime, according to ASI.

Creative Ways to Personalize Your Promotional Products

So, how can you harness the power of personalization to make a lasting impact? Here are some strategies to inspire your next campaign:

1. Add a Personal Name

Nothing feels quite as special as seeing your own name on a product. Whether it’s a pen, a journal, or a reusable water bottle, incorporating individual names adds a thoughtful touch. This approach is especially effective for corporate gifts, employee recognition programs, and exclusive customer appreciation events.

2. Tailor the Message to the Occasion

Promotional products can be customized with event-specific messaging, such as “Thank You for Attending Our Annual Conference” or “Celebrating 10 Years of Partnership.” These targeted messages make recipients feel included in the occasion and create positive associations with your brand.

3. Include Industry-Specific Customization

For businesses targeting niche markets, aligning the product design with industry themes can make a big difference. For example, healthcare companies could distribute custom pill organizers, while tech firms might opt for branded power banks or screen cleaners. Personalizing these items with industry-relevant designs ensures they’re not only useful but also aligned with your audience’s interests.

4. Use Vibrant Branding Elements

Your logo is the cornerstone of your brand identity, and incorporating it into unique, eye-catching designs is key. But personalization can go beyond just slapping a logo on an item. Experiment with color palettes, fonts, and taglines that reflect your brand’s personality while resonating with your audience.

5. Offer Customization Options to Recipients

Consider letting your customers or employees choose their preferred color, style, or even the type of product they receive. This not only ensures they’ll love the item but also reflects your commitment to personalization.

The Impact of Custom Branding: Facts and Figures

Promotional products have long been a staple in marketing strategies, but their effectiveness is amplified when personalization comes into play. Here are some compelling statistics to consider:

• 83% of consumers can recall the advertiser of a promotional product they received in the past two years (ASI).
• 53% of people use promotional products weekly, and 89% can recall the advertiser even two years later (PPAI Research).
• Personalized items are more likely to be kept and used, increasing the number of impressions they generate for your brand.

These numbers highlight the incredible potential of promotional products to boost your brand recognition and foster customer loyalty.

How Bankers Advertising Can Help

At Bankers Advertising, we specialize in crafting promotional products that leave a lasting impression. With over 125 years of expertise in the industry, we combine tradition with innovation to deliver high-quality, customized solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking to personalize a product for a specific campaign or need guidance on selecting the perfect items, our team is here to help.

Let us partner with you to create promotional products that stand out, engage your audience, and drive results. From concept to delivery, our commitment to quality ensures that your brand shines with every piece.

Conclusion: Make Your Mark with Personalization

Personalized promotional products are more than giveaways—they’re powerful tools for building meaningful connections with your audience. By incorporating names, tailoring messages, or offering industry-specific designs, you can elevate your marketing strategy and ensure your brand stays top of mind.

Ready to explore how personalized promotional products can amplify your brand? Contact us today to discuss your ideas and discover how Bankers Advertising can bring them to life. Together, we’ll create products that your recipients will cherish—and your brand will reap the rewards. Let’s get started!

By: Sarah Loula

Creating Culture, Conversation, and Cash

The Super Bowl isn’t just a game—it’s an event. With 123.7 million viewers tuning in for the 2024 game, that number doesn’t even account for those watching at parties, bars, tailgates, and with family. That’s over a third of the U.S. population! Whether you’re there for the action, the commercials, or just to keep up with the Monday water cooler talk, the Super Bowl is a spectacle that captures attention across the country.

As a Bears fan, I’ve learned to embrace the excitement in other ways—either by picking a team to root for or simply flipping a coin to decide who gets my temporary loyalty. But no matter who’s playing, the buzz surrounding the game is undeniable.

The Power of Super Bowl Ads

Super Bowl commercials have evolved into a cultural phenomenon. From humble beginnings in 1967, when a 30-second ad cost just $37,500, to a staggering $7 to $8 million price tag in 2025, brands are willing to pay top dollar for a moment in the spotlight. Why? Because they know they have a massive, engaged audience hanging onto every second.

Beyond Commercials—Innovative Brand Strategies

However, brands don’t have to buy a multi-million-dollar ad to be part of the conversation. Smart marketers are finding creative ways to insert themselves into the Super Bowl experience through social media engagement, contests, and giveaways.

• Supercuts is offering free haircuts to fans who register in advance—if the combined final score reaches 75.
• Jif Peanut Butter is running a playful campaign called “Save the Celery,” encouraging consumers to enter for a chance to win free peanut butter, highlighting the often-neglected celery that comes with wing platters.
• Dunkin’® made waves in 2024 with its “DunKings” merch line, promoted in a Super Bowl ad starring Ben Affleck. The collection sold out in under 20 minutes, proving that well-designed branded merch can be just as impactful as an expensive ad.

How Brands Can Win the Super Bowl—Without an Ad Spot

If your brand wants to make an impact without spending millions on an ad, here’s what they need to know:

• Merch is King – Well-designed, buzzworthy merch can turn fans into walking billboards.
• Make People Talk – Find creative ways to start conversations, whether through humor, nostalgia, or surprise giveaways.
• Think Outside the Box – Engage audiences in unexpected ways, like interactive social media campaigns or real-world experiences.
• Have Fun – The Super Bowl is all about entertainment. The more fun your brand brings to the experience, the more memorable you’ll be.

The Super Bowl is more than just a game; it’s a massive opportunity for brands to connect with consumers in fun and creative ways. Whether through merch, social campaigns, or engaging activations, the key is to get people talking. And who knows? Your brand might just become the MVP of the conversation.

The PPAI Expo 2025, is the promotional products industry’s largest and longest-running trade show.

This year’s expo highlighted cutting-edge promotional items, sustainable products, and the latest industry trends.

Our marketing team curated a list of standout products that made an impact at the show. From innovative tech gadgets to eco-friendly merchandise, these items set new standards in the promotional products space.

Branded merch is a powerful marketing tool that helps businesses increase brand awareness, build customer loyalty, and generate additional revenue. Whether through giveaways or sales, well-designed merch keeps your brand visible, fosters a sense of community, and provides cost-effective, long-term exposure. People use and want your merch.

Here are some standout products we are excited about to help your brand grow!

Mini “5 Gallon” Bucket

Custom Beaded Friendship Bracelet

Collapsible Picnic Basket Cooler

CHUG & SIP 24 OZ. DOUBLE-WALLED STAINLESS BOTTLE

Swissdigital Design® Uptown Backpack

Stone Blossom Kit

Are you eager to discover more? Take a look at our flipbook, which features over 100 additional items!

Bankers Vegas Show Favs 2025_CF 

Part 2 is here! As a quick recap, we asked our office team for their top promo products of 2024. They gave so many great suggestions we had to break their favorites into two parts. This is part two of the top 2024 promos.

Home Sweet Home

R137 Ice Cream Scoop

EBY20 Sealy® Color Changing LED Humidifier

CL02 Power Clip

F1417 Top Tail Can Cover

102168-214 La Cuisine Sous Chef’ Recipe Holder

101749-774 Parkview Insulated Dual Food Carrier

F1415 Swedish Dishcloth

Personal Must Haves

SS60TTG Tide® to Go Instant Stain Remover

OTHER-ATRS Aromatherapy Room Spray

SR04PS Pearl Swirl Stress Ball

Write This Way

STL740 Stella Stylus

445 Savvy Gel Stylus

Gifts To Repeat

MAGGY Magnetic Golf Towel

25164 5-In-1 Charging Cable

As we look ahead to 2025, the promotional products landscape is rapidly evolving, shaped by new consumer expectations and industry shifts. One thing is clear: sustainability is no longer just a trend—it’s a necessity. It serves as the backbone of most forward-thinking promotional product strategies, with brands increasingly adopting eco-conscious, socially responsible, and purpose-driven approaches. Let’s explore the key trends to watch in promotional products for 2025 and how they align with this growing demand for sustainability and purpose.

Products with a Purpose

Consumers are more conscious than ever about the impact of their purchases, making products with a purpose a top priority. Whether it’s through sustainable materials, B Corp certifications, or initiatives that give back to the community, promotional items that contribute to positive social or environmental outcomes will be in high demand. Brands that focus on inclusion, diversity, and social impact can expect to resonate with a generation of consumers looking for authenticity and ethical responsibility. Products that support sustainability initiatives or charitable causes will not only promote a brand but also foster a deeper connection with audiences who value purpose over profit.

Recognizable Brands

In 2025, brand recognition will play a crucial role in promotional products. Partnering with well-known, reputable brands for promotional products ensures that items are not only of high quality but are trusted by consumers. These partnerships lend credibility and status to the promotional campaigns, allowing companies to align with brands that reflect their own values—whether that’s sustainability, innovation, or reliability. As people gravitate toward items they already know and love, incorporating recognizable brands into promotional strategies can elevate a brand’s image and increase consumer loyalty.

Influencers Inspire

Influencers will continue to shape consumer preferences in 2025, but their role will evolve to focus more on popularizing products and lifestyles rather than simple brand endorsements. Promotional products will increasingly rely on influencer presence to highlight the usefulness, sustainability, and design of products in real-life settings. Whether it’s through unboxing videos, event sponsorships, or curated collections, influencers will help elevate promotional products by demonstrating their value in ways that resonate with target audiences. Authentic storytelling, lifestyle integration, and trusted recommendations will inspire consumer engagement more than ever.

Budget-Friendly Solutions

In an increasingly competitive market, businesses will need to offer promotional items that provide more value for the money. As companies seek cost-effective marketing solutions, budget-friendly promotional products that don’t compromise on quality will take center stage. Brands will prioritize items that offer both functionality and durability—like reusable bags, sustainable drinkware, and multipurpose tech accessories. These products will not only stretch marketing dollars further but also resonate with consumers who are more inclined to support brands that demonstrate thoughtful spending and smart, long-lasting choices.

Shared Experiences

In 2025, promotional products won’t just be about individual use—they’ll be about shared experiences. Whether it’s travel gear, work-from-home essentials, or entertainment-focused items, promotional products that enhance shared moments will become increasingly popular. Think branded products that support weekend getaways, work retreats, or virtual entertainment experiences. The rise of hybrid work models and experience-driven consumerism will lead to demand for products that promote connection and community, whether through travel, remote work solutions, or entertainment gear.

As we move into 2025, promotional products will be defined by sustainability, purpose, and meaningful experiences. Consumers want to engage with brands that reflect their values and contribute positively to the world. By embracing these trends — from sustainability-focused products to influencer-driven promotions — companies can stay ahead of the curve and connect with their audience in more authentic, impactful ways. It’s not just about giving away products; it’s about giving with purpose and making every touchpoint meaningful.