One of the first things we do on the show floor at the PPAI Expo is check out the new products area. Not only are we like kids pressing our faces up against the glass at the toy store to see the newest action figures, it also helps us get a sense for some of the larger trends and branding stories within the industry.
By seeing what suppliers are working on and releasing each year, we can see what end-users are asking for, how suppliers are responding to customer habits in the retail space and replicating them for their own business (or offering premium brands), and how creative some suppliers can be to solve needs that people might not have even knew they had.
Essentially, it’s like a little runway for the promotional product fashion show.
So, see below for some of our favorite new products from this year’s PPAI Expo in Las Vegas.
Paper Shoot Camera
It’s really cool to see how eco-friendliness extends beyond just packaging, bags, apparel, and drinkware. This is a really interesting twist on photography. And in our phone-camera world, it’s neat to see actual camera innovation. With so many people interested in retro photography, either through actual film or a good filter, this appeals to both young and old shutterbugs. It’s also a good way for end-users to really engage with a product and the brand in an interesting way. It’s a motivation to keep using a product repeatedly, and maybe even turn it into a new hobby.
Hand Warmer Power Bank from Cosmo Promos
Every time a new Polar Vortex or other unfairly cold weather system moves in, we understand the value and power of a good set of gloves or hand-warmers. This not only fits nicely in your palms, it also fits nicely into the trend of multi-faceted products, charging your devices (which will die faster in cold weather), and keeping you warm in the process. Also, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to the single-use hand warmers that you’d throw away after a few hours on the slopes or shoveling the driveway.
Oversized Lounge Zip-Up Hoodie from Terry Town
This sort of bridges the gap between a sweatshirt you’d wear out on the street and something like a Snuggie or other wearable blanket, which you most likely would not wear to the grocery store. (No judgment if you do, though. Nothing wrong with living a comfy life). This has the all-encompassing comfort of a blanket with the functionality of a hoodie, and a prominent logo placement for your customers.
Lucen from Rupt
Rupt is a new venture from Jason Lucash and Mike Szymczak that specializes in products ranging from drinkware to tech and home goods, but with an especially eco-friendly twist. The packaging, which they say is designed for a long life after the product is delivered. Water bottle boxes can be turned into fully functional little greenhouses, or folded and filled with seeds to turn into a bird feeder. It’s a creative take on eco-friendliness, and super-trendy and modern products across highly sought-after product categories with eye-catching decoration.
Reversible Sherpa Jacket from Hexa Custom
Speaking of multi-use products, by getting a good reversible jacket you essentially get two jackets for the price of one spot in your closet. By incorporating the sherpa interior to use as the exterior on the other side, you have two very distinct styles of jacket for different looks. The colors play off each other nicely, too, incorporating the branding, which in this case is the green Starbucks logo.
Ringo 24 Oz. Water Bottle from Ball Pro & Diversified Quality Kitchenware
If you’re a golfer, you have filmed your swings. It’s OK. We’ve all done it. You have to see if you’re dropping your shoulder, not keeping that front arm straight, or pulling your head. Also, if you really get a hold of a shot, you want to relive it and send it to your friends. Who knows? Maybe that’s when you film your first hole-in-one. This water bottle has an attachment that holds a smartphone for easy hydration and tripod-quality filming. Swing away!
Stay tuned for more coverage from the PPAI Expo.
