Customised promotional merchandise remains a powerful marketing tool for businesses looking to increase brand exposure and customer engagement.
According to the Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA), certain promotional items dominated search trends in 2024. Understanding these trends can help businesses make smarter branding choices and maximise their return on investment (ROI).
Promotional merchandise continues to deliver exceptional ROI, with studies showing that 89% of consumers can recall the advertiser on a promotional product they received (Source). Custom-branded items provide ongoing brand visibility, making them more effective than many digital ads that disappear after a single view.
The 10 Most Searched Promotional Products in 2024
1. Sunscreen (Top Searched)
With increasing awareness of year-round sun protection, branded sunscreen has become a top pick for outdoor events and corporate giveaways. In fact, it ranks as the number one most searched promotional product of 2024 on APPA’s Product Search tool. Businesses can take advantage of SPF-rated sunscreen with custom branding to maximise brand visibility at events.
Available in various sizes—some even featuring a handy carabiner—these sunscreens offer both convenience and impact.
Pro tip: Some options are even refillable, making them a sustainable choice!
2. Fans
Portable and rechargeable fans have become a must-have promotional item. Whether used at festivals or corporate events, branded fans keep customers cool while keeping your brand top of mind.
3. Aprons
Custom aprons continue to gain traction, especially for hospitality, food-related businesses, and home improvement brands. With the rise of social media cooking trends, branded aprons make an excellent marketing giveaway.
In recent years, apron designs have evolved beyond pure function—offering stylish and customisable options any brand could be proud of. From cafés to corporate cooking events, branded aprons are making their mark in both hospitality and lifestyle settings.
Available in a variety of fabrics, colours, and cuts, they allow businesses to reflect their unique identity while providing practical value. Plus, with a generous print area, they serve as a standout branding canvas that’s visible in every snap, story, or event photo.
4. Umbrellas
A timeless promotional staple, custom-branded umbrellas offer year-round brand exposure. Whether it’s rain or shine, they’re a practical gift that recipients will actually use—at events, on commutes, or even during sports days. Their large surface area also makes them a walking billboard, turning everyday moments into high-impact branding opportunities.
Here at Honeycomb Agency, we are not surprised that umbrellas made it to APPA’s most searched promotional products list: with large imprint areas and high usability, they are perfect for corporate gifts and event giveaways and remain a much-loved client request.
5. Custom Cubes
Branded cubes, including fidget cubes and customisable storage cubes, have gained popularity due to their versatility in marketing and branding. These innovative products offer interactive engagement with the brand.
6. Caps
Promotional caps remain a go-to branding tool, thanks to their fashion appeal and practicality.
Caps are available in a host of colours, textures and styles to suit any taste, and can be worn by people of all ages and professions.
Businesses looking to expand visibility can customise high-quality caps with embroidered or printed logos, or branded patches.
7. Notebooks
With eco-conscious marketing on the rise, sustainable notebooks have become a sought-after and much-loved corporate gift. Made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials, they offer a practical way to align your brand with sustainability values.
Their usefulness in everyday settings whether at the office, in meetings, or on-the-go ensures your logo stays front and centre. Plus, their minimal environmental impact makes them a thoughtful choice for brands that want to promote both purpose and professionalism.
Over 60% of consumers prefer eco-friendly promotional items (Source), making recycled and refillable notebooks a logical addition to this year’s top 10 most searched promotional products.
8. Sunglasses
Custom-branded sunglasses blend style with functionality—making them one of the most searched promotional products for 2024.
As a top pick for outdoor events and festivals, they offer high visibility and practical use, making them a powerful promotional product. And at eye level you are guaranteed to have all eyes on your brand.
Their unisex appeal and seasonal relevance make them a smart choice for a wide range of audiences. Many styles come with UV protection, combining safety with style. Plus, their reusability means your brand stays visible long after the event ends.
9. Scarves
Scarves are emerging as a fashionable yet functional promotional accessory. With seasonal versatility and a large branding area, they are becoming a preferred choice for corporate gifting.
Scarves can be offered as a staple for your corporate wardrobe or alternatively used in pop up or fundraising events.
Their flexibility makes them ideal for year-round promotions, whether you’re aiming for warmth in winter or a stylish accent in spring. With the right design, they can elevate a brand’s image while offering recipients something they’ll actually want to wear.
10. Singlets
Branded singlets have quickly become one of the most searched promotional products—especially among businesses looking to tap into the booming activewear market. Their lightweight feel and wide print area make them ideal for high-energy branding that moves with your audience.
Sports teams, fitness brands, and summer campaigns have all fueled the demand for these lightweight, breathable pieces. Perfect for workouts, fun runs, or lifestyle giveaways, singlets help brands stay relevant in the world of health, wellness, and outdoor promotions. With custom design options and premium materials, they offer a winning combo of comfort, style, and brand exposure.
Ready to Boost Your Brand with Top Trends?
Stay ahead of the curve with the hottest branded merchandise! These in-demand products not only boost brand recall but also align with what people are actively searching for. Make your mark with promo items that are trending for all the right reasons.
Explore the most searched promotional products and make a lasting impact with your marketing strategy. According to The Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA), the leading authority in the industry for over 35 years, these trending items are driving brand visibility and engagement like never before.
Looking to make your brand stand out with the most sought-after merch? Get in touch with the team at Honeycomb. We’ll help you source branded promotional products that resonate with your audience and deliver lasting impressions, time and time again.