Top Summer Promotional Items That Actually Work: A Guide to Standing Out in Summer of 2025
Top Summer Promotional Items That Actually Work: A Guide to Standing Out in Summer of 2025
If you're a brand trying to stay top-of-mind during the summer season, you're likely asking yourself: What are the best summer promotional items that people actually use? Or better yet: How can I offer something different than a water bottle or sunglasses, but still stay practical and on-trend? You're not alone.
Summer is a high-opportunity season for branded merchandise. Events are plentiful, travel is up, and consumers are spending time outdoors—all ideal conditions for the right branded item to become a walking billboard. But the truth is, the same old giveaways aren't cutting it anymore.
This is also a prime season for influencer kits—curated collections of branded products designed to be photographed, shared, and talked about. A well-crafted kit can create dozens of impressions before a single event even begins
We dug into the data and curated a list of unique, sustainable, and on-brand best promo items for summer 2025 that are designed to:
- Spark conversation
- Increase brand recall
- Offer utility beyond the event
Here's what your brand should consider:
1. Eco-Friendly Cooling Accessories
Think beyond the standard fan. Items like the Mini Travel Fan or the Iced Coffee Cooler Sleeve are practical, portable, and get noticed. These are great for outdoor events, music festivals, or employee appreciation kits.
Pro Tip: Choose a full-color wrap for maximum brand visibility. With most people documenting their summer experiences online, design matters.
2. Sustainable Swag with a Story
Items made from recycled or repurposed materials are not only on-trend, they also reflect your brand values. Consider:
- Recycled Milk Carton Notebooks for events or internal culture kits
- Beach Towels with vibrant full-bleed branding
- Kraft Insulated Grocery Totes (way more useful than you think!)
These aren’t just good-looking items—they’re functional pieces that say, "We care."
3. Interactive and Share-Worthy
Want to generate buzz? Opt for products that are inherently fun and social:
- Record Coaster Sets that scream vintage cool
- Friendship Bracelet Sets with custom messaging
- 3-in-1 NFC Coolers that connect to a digital experience
The NFC EcoConnect Can Cooler is a great example. This item combines sustainability with technology by using over 80% recycled materials and embedded NFC chips that connect users directly to your brand’s digital content. Great for measuring ROI and creating engagement beyond the event.
Products that encourage sharing—whether it’s in person or online—can double your reach without doubling your spend.
4. Thoughtful Food & Beverage Merch
Food-related swag is always a winner, but think outside the snack bar. Consider:
- Custom Bento Boxes for meal preppers and wellness-oriented audiences
- Luxury Bath Bomb Kits paired with a branded tea tumbler for spa-themed giveaways
- Jelly Belly Samplers or Prosecco Gummies for summer tasting kits
Pair with a QR code that unlocks a recipe, Spotify playlist, or brand video.
5. Utility Meets Style
Today's swag needs to multitask. Items like the Crossbody Bag, Camp Mugs, and Adjustable Phone Stands hit that sweet spot between style and functionality.
Consumers are smarter and more selective than ever. They don’t want junk—they want experiences, quality, and storytelling. Your summer promotional products should reflect that.
Check out our full May 2025 Inspiration Board here to see all the products featured (and a few bonus ones too). Each item includes images, pricing, and customization options.
Want help curating a summer merch kit that actually works? Let our team at eXpo Branders help you make your brand unforgettable.
