Stay Ahead of the Curve with Timely and Relevant Marketing

Seasonality plays a crucial role in shaping consumer behavior. Whether it’s the buzz of the holiday season, the excitement of summer vacations, or the back-to-school rush, businesses that align their promotional efforts with seasonal trends can capture attention, drive engagement, and boost sales.

At Bankers Advertising, we know that the right promotional product at the right time can make all the difference. A well-planned seasonal marketing campaign not only enhances brand visibility but also strengthens customer connections by tapping into timely themes and emotions.

But here’s the challenge: many businesses don’t always know when to start thinking about seasonal promotions or what products will be most effective. That’s where we come in—to help you navigate the timing, trends, and best product choices so your brand can maximize every seasonal opportunity.

Why Seasonal Marketing Matters in B2B2C

As a business serving other businesses, we play a key role in helping our clients connect with their customers. Seasonal marketing allows us to help align your promotional efforts with the natural ebb and flow of consumer behavior, empowering you to make a bigger impact.

By planning and selecting the right products, we’re not just giving our clients something to hand out, we’re providing them with tools to build stronger customer relationships, boost brand awareness, and stay relevant during key buying seasons.

Here’s how seasonal promotions help our clients—and strengthen our value as your partner:

• Increased Engagement: Promotional campaigns that align with holidays, events, or seasonal trends help our clients capture their audience’s attention when it matters most.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: By offering timely, useful branded items, our clients enhance their interactions with their customers, whether it’s through in-store promotions, direct mail, events, or loyalty programs.
• Stronger Client Loyalty: When we provide proactive, strategic guidance around seasonal promotions, we become more than a supplier—we strive to become a trusted advisor who understands our clients’ goals and helps them succeed.

When Should You Start Planning for Seasonal Promotions?

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is waiting too long to start thinking about seasonal promotions. It’s easy to assume there’s plenty of time, but ordering last minute can mean missing out on the best products, rushing design decisions, or dealing with inventory shortages.

A general rule of thumb: plan your promotions at least 3-4 months in advance for major seasonal events. Here’s a breakdown:

• 3-4 Months in Advance – Major holidays and peak seasons (e.g., Christmas, summer promotions).
• 2-3 Months in Advance – Mid-sized seasonal events (e.g., back-to-school, company anniversaries).
• 1-2 Months in Advance – Short-term or local events (e.g., community fairs, seasonal sales).

If you’re unsure about when to start, that’s where we can help. Our team can guide you through the planning process, ensuring your promotional products arrive on time and align perfectly with your marketing goals.

Choosing the Right Promotional Products for Each Season

Many businesses also struggle with knowing which promotional products will work best for a given season. Trends change, and consumer preferences shift. The key is selecting items that are not only timely and relevant but also practical and memorable.

Here’s how to align promotional products with seasonal trends:

1. Spring: Renewal and Fresh Starts

Spring is all about new beginnings, making it an excellent time for promotional products that align with outdoor activities, wellness, and sustainability.

• Best Promotional Items: Branded water bottles, eco-friendly tote bags, garden kits, reusable lunch containers, and light apparel like t-shirts and windbreakers.
• Key Opportunities: Earth Day promotions, trade shows, corporate wellness programs, and spring cleaning-themed giveaways.
• Best Time to Start Planning: January – February.

2. Summer: Outdoor Fun & Travel

Summer means vacations, festivals, and outdoor adventures—perfect for promotional campaigns focused on leisure and convenience.

• Best Promotional Items: Custom sunglasses, beach towels, insulated tumblers, picnic sets, and cooling towels.
• Key Opportunities: Independence Day giveaways, company picnics, outdoor events, and travel-themed promotions.
• Best Time to Start Planning: March – April.

3. Fall: Back-to-School & Seasonal Transitions

Fall brings a shift toward productivity, education, and preparation for the colder months ahead. It’s a great time for promotional items that help customers stay organized and cozy.

• Best Promotional Items: Branded planners, backpacks, cozy blankets, insulated mugs, calendars, and tech accessories.
• Key Opportunities: Back-to-school campaigns, corporate training events, and Thanksgiving appreciation gifts.
• Best Time to Start Planning: June – July.

4. Winter: Holiday Cheer & Corporate Gifting

The holiday season is prime time for gift-giving, making it one of the biggest opportunities for promotional campaigns. This is when businesses can show appreciation to clients and employees while strengthening brand relationships.

• Best Promotional Items: Custom gift sets, luxury pens, engraved drinkware, fleece jackets, calendars, and gourmet food baskets.
• Key Opportunities: Corporate holiday gifts, New Year’s resolutions campaigns, and winter trade shows.
• Best Time to Start Planning: August – September.

Still not sure which products to choose? We can help. With our industry expertise, we’ll guide you toward products that align with both your seasonal goals and your brand identity.

Partner with Bankers Advertising to Plan Your Seasonal Promotions

Seasonal trends create a natural opportunity to engage customers in a meaningful way, and promotional products are the perfect tool to make your marketing campaigns memorable.

But we get it—figuring out the right timing and the best products isn’t always easy. That’s why we’re here to help. Whether you’re preparing for holiday gifting, launching a summer campaign, or celebrating an industry event, our team can provide expert recommendations to ensure your promotions are timely, effective, and impactful.

At Bankers Advertising, we provide a suite of valuable tools and resources to make seasonal planning easier, like our curated Promotional Guides, monthly web specials, National Day calendar of seasonal days/weeks and months along with trend-forward product spotlights. These resources are designed to spark inspiration, highlight timely items, and keep your marketing aligned with the calendar. It’s just one more way we demonstrate our commitment to your success, helping you stay proactive, informed, and ahead of seasonal trends.

Let’s make your next seasonal campaign a success! Contact Bankers Advertising today to start planning your promotional strategy.

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National Day Calendars

By: Sarah Loula

I recently received a wedding invitation that included a QR code for RSVPs. Scanning it led me to a form where I could enter my name, list additional guests, select food preferences, and even view the wedding registry. I thought this was a fantastic experience for both sides! As a guest, I had all the information I needed in one spot, and my cousin, the bride, could easily access all the details she needed to plan her wedding smoothly. It was a win-win!

In today’s fast-evolving marketing landscape, QR codes have become a powerful tool for bridging the gap between physical products and digital experiences. Incorporating QR codes into promotional products not only enhances engagement but also offers a measurable way to track interactions. Here are five creative ways to integrate QR codes into your promotional merchandise strategy:

1. Interactive Product Tutorials

QR codes can turn ordinary promotional items into engaging, interactive tools. For example, if you’re giving away branded kitchen utensils, include a QR code that links to cooking tutorials or recipe videos. This added value will make customers more likely to keep the product.

Example: A branded water bottle with a QR code that leads to hydration tips, workout routines, or sustainability advice can build a deeper connection with the consumer.

2. Exclusive Discounts and Promotions

QR codes are a great way to unlock special discounts or offers. By scanning the code, customers can access exclusive deals, seasonal discounts, or loyalty rewards directly through your website or app. This strategy encourages repeat purchases while driving conversions.

Example: A branded tote bag with a QR code leading to a 10% off coupon for a future purchase can encourage users to return to your store.

3. Gamified Experiences and Contests

Gamification is an effective way to boost engagement. Add a QR code that directs users to a contest entry form, a digital scratch-off game, or a trivia challenge. This approach is especially effective at trade shows, events, or product launches.

Example: A custom T-shirt featuring a QR code that unlocks a “spin-the-wheel” prize drawing encourages instant interaction and brand recall.

4. Instant Access to Digital Business Cards

Networking events present an excellent opportunity to integrate QR codes. Instead of handing out traditional business cards, promotional items like keychains, pens, or notebooks can feature QR codes that link directly to your digital business card or LinkedIn profile. This method is eco-friendly, memorable, and convenient for busy professionals.

Example: A sleek, branded notebook with a QR code inside the front cover linking to your digital profile makes networking efficient and impactful.

5. Personalized Experiences

Consumers love personalized experiences. By adding QR codes that lead to tailored content, brands can create meaningful connections. For example, QR codes can link to thank-you videos, personalized recommendations, or customized landing pages with the recipient’s name.

Example: Adding a QR code to a calendar enhances its functionality, access to company information, and user experience, while also offering a cost-effective brand builder.

Tips for Maximizing QR Code Effectiveness:

• Design Thoughtfully: Ensure QR codes blend seamlessly with your product’s design, while still being noticeable and easy to scan.
• Add a Call-to-Action (CTA): Include clear instructions like “Scan for a Special Offer” to guide users.
• Track and Analyze: Use dynamic QR codes to track scans, measure engagement, and update content without reprinting the code.

By integrating QR codes into promotional products creatively and functionally, businesses can build stronger connections with their audience, enhance brand visibility, and achieve measurable results. With the right strategy, QR codes can elevate even the simplest items into powerful marketing tools.

Eco-Friendly Promotional Products: Going Green with Your Brand

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. As consumers become more eco-conscious, they expect the brands they support to share their values. A recent study found that 78% of consumers feel sustainability is important when choosing a brand, and many are even willing to pay more for products that align with their environmental beliefs.

For businesses, this shift presents a powerful opportunity: incorporating eco-friendly promotional products into your marketing strategy not only highlights your commitment to sustainability but also strengthens brand loyalty. At Bankers Advertising, we help businesses make an impression with promotional products that reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality branding.

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of sustainable promotional products, highlight popular eco-friendly options, and share tips for integrating green branding into your marketing strategy.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Promotional Products?

1. Align with Consumer Expectations

Today’s consumers want to support brands that prioritize sustainability. By choosing eco-friendly promotional products, your business demonstrates a commitment to responsible practices. This can enhance brand perception, build customer trust, and even attract new business from like-minded consumers.

2. Reduce Environmental Impact

Traditional promotional products often rely on plastic and other materials that contribute to waste and pollution. Sustainable options are made from recycled, biodegradable, or renewable resources, helping to reduce landfill waste and lower your carbon footprint.

3. Create Long-Lasting Brand Impressions

Eco-friendly products are typically high-quality and reusable, meaning recipients keep and use them for longer. A well-designed, sustainable tote bag, bamboo pen, or stainless-steel water bottle keeps your brand in front of customers while minimizing waste.

4. Comply with Corporate Sustainability Goals

Many companies have established corporate social responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Choosing sustainable promotional products supports these efforts, making it easier to meet company-wide sustainability goals while maintaining a strong marketing presence.

Top Eco-Friendly Promotional Products

Reusable Drinkware

Single-use plastic bottles and cups contribute significantly to pollution. Stainless steel tumblers, glass water bottles, and recycled plastic drinkware offer stylish and sustainable alternatives. Plus, every time a customer refills their bottle, they promote your brand!

Sustainable Bags

Plastic bags are being phased out worldwide, making reusable totes, backpacks, and drawstring bags a sought-after alternative. Options made from organic cotton, recycled PET (rPET), or jute are durable, practical, and eco-friendly.

Eco-Friendly Writing Instruments

Pens and pencils are classic promotional giveaways, but they don’t have to be disposable. Opt for bamboo, recycled paper, or refillable pens to offer a greener choice without sacrificing style or functionality.

The Green Benefits of Printed Calendars 

Ask yourself, “What is the greenest promotional product?” The answer is calendars. Calendars and other dated materials are a sustainable choice because they are designed for long-term use, reducing waste compared to disposable or single-use products. Calendars can be made from recycled materials and can be completely recycled. And because calendars are created to be used over and over, their advertising message is very seldom wasted. This benefit creates a very low cost per impression and is often considered the greenest promotional product.

Recycled & Biodegradable Office Supplies

Office essentials like notebooks, sticky notes, made from recycled materials or FSC-certified paper help businesses stay sustainable while keeping your brand top of mind.

Seed Paper & Plantable Promotions

Looking for a unique, waste-free option? Seed paper products, such as business cards, bookmarks, and greeting cards, can be planted after use, growing into wildflowers or herbs. This not only reduces waste but also symbolizes your brand’s commitment to growth and sustainability.

Eco-Friendly Apparel

Branded clothing made from organic cotton, recycled polyester, and sustainable blends provides a stylish, comfortable way to promote your business while supporting ethical production practices.

How to Incorporate Green Branding into Your Marketing Strategy

Make Sustainability a Core Value

Your promotional products should align with your brand’s sustainability message. Communicate why you choose eco-friendly options and how they reflect your company’s mission.

Educate & Engage Your Audience

Use promotional products to spread awareness. Include a sustainability message on your items or provide information on how they are made and why they are eco-friendly.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

Rather than handing out mass-produced plastic items, invest in fewer, higher-quality, sustainable products that offer real value to recipients. A well-made product is used more often, keeping your brand visible for longer.

Partner with a Trusted Supplier

Not all “eco-friendly” products are created equal. Working with a trusted promotional product partner like Bankers Advertising ensures you’re getting truly sustainable products that meet high-quality and ethical standards.

Go Green with Bankers Advertising

Switching to eco-friendly promotional products is a smart, sustainable way to market your brand while making a positive impact on the environment. Whether you’re looking for recycled materials, biodegradable options, or reusable items, Bankers Advertising has a wide selection of sustainable promotional solutions to fit your needs.

Ready to make a greener impact with your branding? Contact us today to explore eco-friendly promotional products that align with your values and business goals!

Let’s build a more sustainable future—one branded product at a time.

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