We’d like our clients to consider us to be their experts on all things branded. And, we enjoy searching high and low to find the most suitable promotional item that is functional and valued by your unique recipient. Part of being experts means brushing up on seasonal trends each year. That’s the fun part of our job! Here’s what’s hot this fall and holiday season:
Wood accents
Wood accents are having a moment. With a natural ability to add depth and warmth to a range of stylish interiors, wood has designers branching out and going with the grain when it comes to creating meaningful home details with a fresh, modern look. In an increasingly virtual world, wooden accessories are providing an organic, earthy sense of soul. Easily tailored for style preferences from the rustic and to the refined, it’s no wonder wood finishes appeal to nearly everyone. They’re hitting the promotional products industry in a big way — and we are loving it!
Sources:
BIC Blog
latimes.com/home/la-hm-wood-accents-at-home-20171229-story.html
blog.promotionsnow.com/trend-report-wooden-products-and-wood-grain-finishes
Camo
Camo is back with a vengeance. Urban adventurers everywhere are donning this trend. Givenchy, 
Dries Van Noten and Valentino are major (fashion) designers who want us to be seen (or not seen) in camouflage this year. BIC Graphic added several new products to its camo assortment in 2017. Expanding existing product categories such as koolers and drinkware and moving into new ones such as Captain’s Chairs and backpacks.
Sources:
BIC Blog
www.topman.com/blog/ten-trends-watch-2017
Shades of Gray
Two-tone grays and patterned grays are increasing in popularity and add a new dimension to the 
always classic black and white. The color gray is everywhere these days. It’s one of the hottest neutral colors on the market and design experts predict that it will be around for a long time. As a color, gray encompasses everything from a soft silver to a stark, dark charcoal. It’s the perfect neutral because it’s compatible with almost every other color, and it folds easily into every style of decor. It’s the sort of color that complements a full spectrum of shades, from bold red to mellow ivory.
Sources:
BIC Blog
utrdecorating.com/blog/color-gray-still-trend/
Rachel Manthey
Erica Kelley-Gogel, CAS
their selection, but for the large, full color imprint area. It can make a big impact. The Moderne Stadium Seat #45758, page 17 is a new favorite because I see a need for one in my immediate future with my girls’ sports schedules, I will be attending a lot of games. It is more comfortable than the average stadium seats, and the back is adjustable. The Epic Hydration Holder#3944, page 16 – I like that it’s adjustable for different sized bottles and that it will hold a phone, and has the earbud port. Sabre Umbrella #MFL29, page 17 – just because it’s really cool! I like that the shaft and handle light up. It adds a measure of safety to the item.
Molly Beavers, CAS
Brookstone® Night Light Charger #70274 on page 3. I love this item especially when I travel or even in my bedroom at night. When I travel, I want a light in the room resulting in leaving the bathroom light on. Now I can have a nightlight and charge my phone at the same time. At home, we usually have two phones to charge at the same time, and a night light too. It’s a great multi-function item anyone can use, plus it’s a recognizable brand name. Sound Dome Bluetooth Speaker #ESP-SD17 on page 8. The sound quality is great for an $8.00 speaker. This is a great buy that your customers won’t be disappointed with. Palmero Ceramic Mug on page 12. As an avid coffee drinker, I love coffee mugs like most people love shoes. I especially like the marble look of this mug, it’s so unique and classy. All the colors are sharp. Laser Level with 8’ Tape Measurer #T78LL on page 19. Everyone enjoys receiving items that are useful and they can use around the house. With the growing trend in DIY projects, this item makes a practical gift for anyone.
Brenda Thurness, Sales Manager:
the carrying strap for the additional $0.40 and love being able to throw things over my shoulder when you have to walk a distance. I was impressed with the Tube of Savory Treats on page 13. It is really a nice large item at 18” tall. This is a great Christmas food gift. I also really like the Tech Wrap & Snap Organizers on page 14. I picked one of these up at the Chicago show and I still have it in my purse. I love not having all those cords tangled up in my purse. The other item I was impressed with was the Sabre Umbrella on page 17. I haven’t had a chance to use one, but it looked really neat lit up and I liked the idea of having an umbrella and flashlight all in one.
Melanie Lamb, Sales Manager:
Brian Johnson, Marketing:
with the safety features, flashlight and tire gauge. You’d hope to never have to use the window hammer or seat belt cutter, but it also has utilitarian features like the flashlight and tire gauge.