Premium collage of Stanley tumbler, Patagonia jacket, Hydro Flask bottle, and more — featuring the best custom promotional products by ELITE PROMO INC.

20 Best Custom Promotional Products of 2025

 

20 Best Custom Promotional Products of 2025

TL;DR: This article features the 20 best custom promotional products of 2025. It covers top categories such as drinkware, apparel, tech, and lifestyle gifts. It helps businesses choose promotional items that meet their needs. Additionally, it shows how EPI makes procuring premium custom promotional products simple and seamless.

A consumer psychology study published by the Society for Consumer Psychology showed that touch-based experiences create stronger memories and emotional responses than digital ones. That’s exactly why physical promotional products deliver such a lasting impact. They connect with recipients through sight and touch.

And yet, many businesses still default to whatever is easiest to order or cheapest to ship, missing out on an opportunity to make a powerful impression and emotional connection.

Don’t follow the crowd or settle for what everyone else is doing. The choices can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry.

In this guide, we’ll reveal the best custom promotional products of 2025. Co-branded items that make people remember your brand long after receiving them.

HOW WE SELECTED THESE CUSTOM PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

If you’ve ever opened a dozen supplier tabs trying to compare “top-rated” promo items, you know how frustrating the process can be. What’s trending today might feel outdated tomorrow. What looks great online doesn’t always deliver when it’s in hand.

That’s why we didn’t rely on guesswork and what everyone else said.

We combined real-world insights from our Branding Experts™ with industry trend data and verified client feedback. We analyzed what people actually use, keep, and remember across industries, events, and campaigns.

We also studied community discussions, FAQs, and buyer behavior to understand what matters most: quality, utility, and the emotional response recipients experience when interacting with or using a branded item.

The result? A refined collection of co-branded promotional products that consistently earn attention, appreciation, and long-term visibility.

20 BEST CUSTOM PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS FOR 2025

While some promotional products lose their charm over time, there are also evergreen favorites that people love and use for years. They’re practical, attractive, and perfectly suited to carry your logo wherever your recipient goes.

These are the types of custom promotional products featured in this article. These are timeless, functional pieces that continue to impress long after they’re handed out.

DRINKWARE

  1. Stainless Steel Tumblers: Keep beverages hot or cold while keeping your brand in sight every day.
  2. Reusable Water Bottles: Promote wellness and sustainability with branded bottles that travel everywhere.
  3. Travel Mugs: Perfect for commuters and hybrid teams, offering visibility from desk to dashboard.
  4. Smart Mugs: Deliver a touch of innovation. Temperature control meets thoughtful branding.

BAGS AND TOTES

  1. Tote Bags: Functional, stylish, and always useful.
  2. Drawstring Backpacks: Lightweight options for active teams or giveaways that travel far.
  3. Laptop Sleeves: Sleek protection for devices, pairing utility with a professional look.
  4. Duffle Bags: Built for travel and gym use. Durable branding that moves with your audience.
  5. Backpacks: A favorite for hybrid work and travel, balancing comfort, quality, and brand visibility.

WRITING INSTRUMENTS AND OFFICE SUPPLIES

  1. Pens: A timeless classic that keeps your logo in hand and mind every day.
  2. Notebooks and Journals: Perfect companions for meetings and creative sessions, branded with subtle sophistication.
  3. Padfolios: A polished, professional touch for executives and event giveaways alike.

APPAREL

  1. Polo T-Shirts: Everyday staples that blend comfort and brand presence.
  2. Snapback Caps: Trend-forward pieces that extend your reach beyond the office.
  3. Jackets: Layered essentials that keep your logo visible across all seasons.

TECH AND ELECTRONICS

  1. Power Banks: Always appreciated, always useful.
  2. Portable Chargers: Combine convenience and sleek branding for desks and nightstands.
  3. Earbuds and Bluetooth Speakers: Premium sound, portable branding—ideal for client gifts and team incentives.

OUTDOOR AND LIFESTYLE

  1. Umbrellas: A classic yet practical item that showcases your logo in rain or light.
  2. Picnic Blankets and Robes: Cozy, thoughtful, and memorable. Great for family events or employee appreciation days.

Let’s look into these one by one.

DRINKWARE

Drinkware is one of the most timeless and effective custom promotional products. It is used every day and everywhere. Premium drinkware keeps your company logo in motion and your brand in view.

Popular promo products in this category include stainless steel tumblers, reusable water bottles, travel mugs, and smart mugs. Each piece pairs utility with exceptional design, ensuring recipients actually use—and love—your promo drinkware.

Lineup of Stanley, Ember, YETI, and Hydro Flask drinkware in assorted colors — premium custom tumblers and bottles.

Popular Brands: Stanley, Ember, YETI, and Hydro Flask.

Popular Products:

Here is what our clients have to say about our drinkware.

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Have been using ELITE PROMO INC from San Mateo, and they are SUPER GREAT. I had some hard design asks and ideas that they put into the finished product. VERY HIGH QUALITY stuff. Used them for all of our promotion items, from Stanley cups to t-shirts.
–MARK BOVENIZER

For more drinkware, check out our range of custom logo drinkware.

BAGS AND TOTES

Few promotional products match the visibility and practicality of branded bags. Whether it’s a tote carried to the office, a backpack on a daily commute, or a duffel packed for a weekend trip, these items travel with your recipients everywhere they go.

This category includes tote bags, drawstring backpacks, laptop sleeves, duffle bags, and backpacks. Each combines durability, style, and function, making them staples that recipients actually rely on.

Collection of Hydro Flask, Nike, Osprey, Carhartt, and Targus custom bags and totes featuring the best custom promotional products.

Popular Brands: Hydro Flask, Nike, Osprey, Carhartt, and Targus.

Popular Products:

Here’s what our customers have to say about our apparel and outerwear:

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“Used this company to create custom branded backpacks for our entire plant. I have just made my THIRD ORDER of bags. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! GREAT QUALITY and GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUPPORT!
–ROLEN MURCHISON

For more premium bags, check out our custom logo bags.

WRITING INSTRUMENTS AND OFFICE SUPPLIES

Some promotional items never lose their appeal. And writing tools and office supplies are among them. These essentials make everyday work feel more intentional while keeping your brand in constant view.

Popular promos in this category include pens, notebooks, journals, and padfolios. Classic, useful, and sophisticated items that always leave a professional impression.

Collection of premium office supplies including Waterman and Parker pens, Moleskine notebook, leather padfolio, and Bose organizer.

Popular Brands: Waterman, Parker, and Moleskine.

Popular Products:

Explore more custom promotional products here.

APPAREL

Company-branded apparel continues to be one of the most effective ways to showcase your brand. Whether it’s for client meetings, events, or everyday office wear, well-branded apparel makes your logo look as good as it feels.

This category includes polo shirts, snapback caps, and custom jackets with logo. Each piece delivers everyday wearability with long-term branding value.

Lineup of Patagonia fleece, Carhartt jacket, Callaway golf shirts, and branded caps showcasing the best custom promotional products in apparel.

Popular Brands: Patagonia, Carhartt, Callaway, Spyder, and Greg Norman.

Popular Products:

Here is what one of our clients has to say about our apparel.

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“VERY HAPPY with our Eddie Bauer rain jackets. ELITE PROMO INC is GREAT to work with. Our first order with them was for jackets with our company logo for each employee in the company. Everyone LOVES them. The 2nd ORDER was for the same jacket and our logo, but needed a quick turnaround. They were able to meet our needs. I would DEFINITELY RECOMMEND ELITE PROMO INC. EASY TO WORK WITH, QUALITY WORK.”
–CVE INFO

TECH AND ELECTRONICS

Few custom promotional items capture attention like cutting-edge tech gadgets. These products are functional, modern, and high-impact tools that people actually use every day.

This category includes power banks, chargers, earbuds , and Bluetooth speakers, each designed to deliver utility, innovation, and unmistakable brand visibility.

Collection of premium tech and electronics including Apple AirPods, Sonos headphones, Anker chargers, and wireless charging docks.

Popular Brands: Apple, Sonos, and ANKER.

Popular Products:

Here’s what one of our customers has to say about our tech products.

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“We are VERY HAPPY with our logo on the JBL Clip3 speakers. We were concerned some of our small type would not print well, but it did, just as Carlos assured us it would. Carlos was GREAT TO WORK WITH. He went ABOVE AND BEYOND to make sure our order was handled correctly and smoothly.”
— KAREN PAROT

Check out our range of corporate tech gadgets here.

OUTDOOR AND LIFESTYLE

Outdoor and lifestyle promo products extend your brand’s visibility beyond the office. It makes your company logo visible in moments of leisure and comfort. Whether it’s staying dry on a rainy day or relaxing at a weekend picnic, these promotional products deliver both function and feel-good value.

This category includes umbrellas, custom blankets, and robes. Thoughtful items that make your brand part of everyday life.

Assortment of ShedRain umbrellas, Carhartt and Marine Layer blankets, and Tumi lifestyle gear featuring the best custom promotional products for outdoor use.

Popular Brands: ShedRain, Tumi, and Marine Layer.

Popular Products:

Popular Promotional Product Sets

Sometimes, one promotional product alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Curated promotional sets go a step further.

Based on our decades of experience with premium corporate gifting, we have paired complementary items into thoughtful, high-impact gift bundles.

  • Executive Essentials Set: A premium pen, notebook, and backpack. Perfect for conferences, executive onboarding, or leadership gifting.
  • Wellness Kit: A reusable water bottle, Bluetooth speaker, and lightweight duffle bag. Ideal for health initiatives, retreats, or employee appreciation.
  • Corporate Event Bundle: A branded polo, travel tumbler, and drawstring backpack. An easy, high-visibility trio for trade shows or company events.
  • Travel Set: A smart mug, laptop sleeve, and durable duffle. Made for professionals on the move who value comfort and quality.
  • Boardroom Collection: A stylish pen, a Moleskine notebook, and a smart mug. A modern take on classic corporate sophistication.
  • Apparel Duo: A polo shirt and snapback cap. Everyday pieces that boost brand recognition on and off the clock.
  • Tech Pack: A power bank, wireless charger, and earbuds. A sleek bundle that keeps your brand connected, literally.

Choosing a bundle makes your job simpler, and your impact stronger. Instead of sourcing from multiple vendors, you get a ready-to-go solution. Plus, bundles often deliver more value for the same budget.

When you connect with our Branding Experts™, we’ll tailor a set that fits your goals, theme, and timeline. Call us at 650.513.1037 or request samples today to see how effortless branded perfection can be.

When Should You Give Custom Promotional Products

Pairing the right promo product with the right occasion makes your gesture feel intentional and impactful.

Here’s a breakdown of key occasions and recommended items:

Occasion Recommended Gifts
New Hire Welcome Backpack, polo shirt, and reusable water bottle
Board Gift Premium pen, Moleskine notebook, and smart mug
Employee Milestone Stainless steel tumbler, duffle bag, and Bluetooth speaker
Client Appreciation Travel mug, tote bag, and power bank
Sales Incentive Performance jacket, earbuds, and wireless charger
Gala or Event Giveaway Drawstring backpack, tumbler, and snapback cap
Executive Recognition Smart mug, notebook, and Carhartt jacket
Wellness Program Water bottle, duffle bag, and Bluetooth speaker
Holiday Gift Picnic blanket, smart mug, and eco tote
Retirement Gift Luxury pen, travel bag, and cozy robe gift set

If you’re looking for inspiration for specific events, check out these guides:

MAKE PROCURING THE BEST CUSTOM PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS EFFORTLESS WITH EPI

If you’re investing in promotional items, make sure they represent your brand with quality and purpose. The best custom promotional products make an impression that lasts, and we make sure that happens.

Set of Tumi backpacks customized with corporate logos displayed on a coastal background, highlighting the best custom promotional products by ELITE PROMO INC.

Recognized nationwide as one of the top promotional product companies, we specialize in premium, retail-grade promotional products that help brands stand out. Our clients include HR leads, marketing teams, and operations professionals who trust us to deliver thoughtful, high-quality branded products on time.

Our record speaks for itself: a 4.9-star Google rating, a long list of repeat clients, and glowing feedback like this:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Working with ELITE PROMO INC and Ryan Tacconi was such a SEAMLESS and GREAT EXPERIENCE. Ryan worked with us every step of the way and delivered exactly what we wanted. We are HAPPY with our product and will be working with ELITE PROMO INC in the future.

–CHANEL LOPEZ.

Working with us means partnering with Branding Experts™ who get it right the first time.

Ready to make procuring custom promotional products simple and impactful? Call us at 650.513.1037 or request samples today. Be prepared to be impressed!

FAQ: BEST CUSTOM PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

Still have a few questions before moving forward? We’ve put together this FAQ section to give you clear, straightforward answers and help you make informed decisions about the best custom promotional products.

And if your question is not here, call us at 650.513.1037. We are only one call away.

1.) WHAT PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS ARE MOST EFFECTIVE?

The most effective promotional products are practical and frequently used items like pens, tote bags, T-shirts, and drinkware because they are often kept for extended periods.

Popular and effective categories also include tech gadgets like wireless chargers and office supplies such as notebooks. Ultimately, the best custom promotional product depends on your target audience and the kind of impact you want to create.

2.) HOW TO GET MERCHANDISE FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

To get merchandise for your business, start by defining your brand and audience. Ask questions like what you stand for and who you’re trying to reach. Then, choose products that align with your brand identity and your recipients’ daily use.

Once your selection is clear, partner with a trusted provider like EPI, who can expertly customize and procure your products in bulk.

3.) WHO BUYS PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS?

Businesses and organizations across nearly every industry invest in promotional products as part of their branding initiatives.

Common buyers include companies in business services, healthcare, finance, education, and non-profit sectors. These organizations typically purchase customized items to share with customers, clients, employees, and event attendees.

4.) CAN POOR-QUALITY PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS HURT BRAND IMAGE?

Absolutely. Poor-quality custom promotional products can backfire and leave a lasting negative impression. Quality directly influences how people perceive your company, and a cheap or poorly made product can erode trust and credibility faster than you think.

That’s why it’s crucial to collaborate with a trusted partner like EPI. We’ve built a stellar record of delivering only premium, retail-grade promotional products that reflect your brand at its best.

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“My company has USED ELITE PROMO INC for YEARS for several different types of promotional items. We are ALWAYS HAPPY with the QUALITY of the goods and even HAPPIER with the AMAZING customer service. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND them.”

–ALISON HATCH

5.) HOW DOES DESIGN CUSTOMIZATION IMPACT THE EMOTIONAL VALUE OF PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS?

Design customization plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional impact of promotional products. Thoughtful use of color, logo placement, and packaging helps evoke positive feelings.

When you connect with our Branding Experts™, they’ll guide you through every detail.

6.) HOW DO HYBRID WORK TRENDS AFFECT THE MOST RELEVANT PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS?

Trends in hybrid and remote work have redefined what makes a promotional item valuable. Instead of traditional, office-centric giveaways, recipients now appreciate practical, versatile products that fit their flexible lifestyles.

7.) ARE THERE ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN BRANDED GIFTING?

Yes. Ethical considerations play a vital role in branded gifting. Companies should always account for inclusivity, accessibility, and recipient preferences when selecting promotional products. A poorly planned or tone-deaf gift can alienate recipients, create unintended bias, or even harm a company’s reputation.

8.) CAN EPI SUPPORT LARGE PROMO PRODUCTS PROJECTS?

Absolutely. Whether you need bulk custom promotional products for employees, executives, or clients, we have the logistical expertise and supplier network to deliver without breaking a sweat.

Larger projects also benefit from exclusive volume-based discounts. When you connect with us, we discuss custom pricing based on your project.

9.) HOW DOES EPI HANDLE WARRANTY OR REPLACEMENT ISSUES FOR FAULTY TECH PRODUCTS?

Most tech products come with the manufacturer’s warranty. However, if a defect occurs, we coordinate repairs or replacements directly with the relevant supplier. And because we vet every vendor carefully, such issues are rare.

10.) HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS?

Turn-around times depend on product and quantity, but we always provide clear timelines upfront. Most promo projects take 10–15 business days, with rush options available for urgent deadlines.

11.) HOW DO I PROCURE THE BEST CUSTOM PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS FROM EPI?

Send us your project details and logo files, and one of our Branding Experts™ will immediately get in touch with you and handle the rest.

Call 650.513.1037 or request samples to procure your promotional items.