Promotional Products Trends 2026: What Businesses Are Ordering Now
Which promotional products are businesses ordering in 2026? We have collected the key trends, from sustainability as the new standard to tech gadgets and wellness gifts.
Promotional products in 2026 are a different game from cheap pens and keychains. Businesses investing in branding want products that recipients actually use, keep and appreciate. Cheap giveaways that end up in the bin do more harm than good for the brand.
We have gathered the most important trends for promotional products and giveaways in 2026, based on what Norwegian and international businesses actually order. Here is what you need to know before your next purchase.
What are the promotional product trends for 2026?
In short: sustainability has become a baseline requirement, tech gadgets are growing fast, wellness products are the newcomer, and personalisation goes beyond just a logo. Businesses choose fewer but better products. Quality beats quantity.
Sustainability is the standard, not the add-on
The most significant shift in recent years is that sustainability has moved from "nice bonus" to absolute requirement. 89% of consumers have changed their buying habits toward more sustainable choices, and businesses follow suit.
In practice, this means:
- Organic cotton replaces conventional cotton in t-shirts, tote bags and hoodies
- Recycled steel is used in drinkware like water bottles and thermal mugs
- Bamboo and cork replace plastic in pens, notebooks and lunch boxes
- Recycled PET (from plastic bottles) becomes backpacks, bags and fleece jackets
Certifications like GOTS, Oeko-Tex and EU Ecolabel are no longer something clients ask about occasionally. They expect it. Companies choosing sustainable promotional products signal responsibility, and products are kept longer because recipients feel better about using them.
| Sustainable material | Replaces | Typical products | Price difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic cotton | Conventional cotton | T-shirts, tote bags | +10-20% |
| Recycled steel | New steel/plastic | Water bottles, thermal mugs | +15-25% |
| Bamboo | Plastic | Pens, cutlery, toothbrushes | +20-30% |
| Recycled PET | Virgin polyester | Bags, backpacks, fleece | +10-15% |
Read more about branded promotional products and how to choose the right ones for your company.
Tech gadgets dominate giveaway budgets
Technology products have taken over as the most requested category after clothing and drinkware. The reason is simple: they solve a real need, and recipients use them daily.
Wireless chargers with logo are the most ordered tech giveaway this year. MagSafe-compatible chargers fit most newer phones and look great on a desk. Price: NOK 100-250 ex. VAT at 50+ units.
Power banks continue to grow. Compact models at 5,000-10,000 mAh with UV print or laser engraving are popular trade show giveaways and welcome gifts. Price: NOK 150-350 ex. VAT.
Bluetooth headphones with logo are premium giveaways that deliver high perceived value. They work best as gifts for key clients or as competition prizes. Price: NOK 200-500 ex. VAT.
Cable organisers and USB hubs are affordable alternatives with high utility. Everyone with a laptop needs them, and your logo gets seen daily. Price: NOK 50-150 ex. VAT.
A recent survey shows that 57% of consumers keep a promotional product because it is useful. Tech gadgets score highest on this factor.
Personalisation beyond the logo
In 2026, personalisation means more than stamping a logo on a standard product. Businesses are finding new ways to create connection between recipient and brand:
QR codes on promotional products link the physical item to digital content. Scan the code on a thermal mug and reach a personal welcome video, a playlist curated by the company or a VIP offer. This "phygital" trend (physical + digital) turns a simple giveaway into an interactive experience.
Personal messages printed or engraved on products give recipients a feeling of being special. "Welcome to the team, Lars" on a notebook hits harder than just the company logo.
Colour coding by department or role builds belonging. Sales gets blue hoodies, development gets green, management gets black. Same quality, different colour, stronger identity.
Design collaboration with employees is a new approach where companies let staff vote on or contribute to the design. The result is merch people actually want to wear, because they helped create it.
Wellness and self-care as brand profile
Wellness products are the newest trend in promotional items, driven by increased focus on mental health and workplace wellbeing. These gifts signal that the company cares about more than just results.
Popular wellness products in 2026:
- Scented candles with logo: Price NOK 80-200. Elegant gift alternative that sets a mood
- Premium tea sets: Price NOK 100-300. Organic tea in branded packaging
- Yoga mats with print: Price NOK 150-400. For health-focused companies
- Aromatherapy sets: Price NOK 120-350. Lavender, eucalyptus and other essential oils
- Sleep masks with embroidery: Price NOK 40-100. Affordable and original giveaway
Wellness gifts work particularly well as Christmas gifts, anniversary gifts or as part of an employee welcome kit. They stand out from typical promotional items and give recipients something that feels personal.
Premium brands replace no-name products
The trend is clear: businesses choose recognised brands for their promotional products instead of generic items without identity. Quality is predictable, and recipients recognise the value immediately.
| Category | Budget brand | Premium brand | Price difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirts | Generic (NOK 80) | Neutral, Stanley/Stella (NOK 120-180) | +50-125% |
| Hoodies | Generic (NOK 150) | Neutral, AWDis (NOK 250-400) | +65-165% |
| Jackets | Generic (NOK 250) | Craft, Stormtech (NOK 400-800) | +60-220% |
| Drinkware | Generic (NOK 50) | Camelbak, Kinto (NOK 120-250) | +140-400% |
Is it worth it? Yes, in most cases. A premium garment worn 200 times costs you NOK 2 per impression. A cheap garment worn 20 times costs NOK 8 per impression. Quality is cheapest in the long run.
Brands like Craft, Stormtech and Bergans have launched dedicated "corporate" lines designed for business branding. These combine established quality with easy logo customisation.
Price comparison: trend products vs classics
Here is a direct comparison between 2026 trends and their traditional alternatives:
| Product | Classic (price) | 2026 trend (price) | Advantage of the trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pen | Plastic ballpoint (NOK 15) | Bamboo pen with engraving (NOK 35) | Sustainable, longer life |
| Water bottle | Plastic bottle with print (NOK 40) | Steel thermos bottle (NOK 120) | 3x as many impressions |
| T-shirt | Standard cotton (NOK 80) | Organic cotton (NOK 130) | Better quality, better signal |
| Giveaway bag | Plastic bag (NOK 8) | Recycled cotton tote (NOK 40) | Reusable, daily exposure |
| Notebook | Spiral notepad (NOK 25) | Stone paper notebook (NOK 60) | Waterproof, unique material |
| Charger | USB cable (NOK 20) | Wireless MagSafe charger (NOK 150) | High perceived value, daily use |
Prices exclude VAT and apply at 50+ units. Larger orders give lower unit prices. See all promotional products and merch in our range.
How to choose trends that fit your business
Not all trends suit all businesses. Here are three questions that help you choose:
1. Who is the recipient? A tech startup should go for wireless chargers and sustainable hoodies. A law firm should choose premium notebooks and elegant engraved pens. Know your audience.
2. What is the occasion? Trade shows require giveaways in large volume (pens, reflectors, sweets) plus some premium items. Christmas gifts should feel personal and exclusive. Welcome kits should combine utility and belonging.
3. What is the budget? Set a unit price before you start shopping. NOK 50 gets you a quality bamboo pen with engraving. NOK 200 gets a premium steel water bottle. NOK 500 gets an organic cotton hoodie with embroidery. Corporate Christmas gifts has dedicated budget tips.
We help you navigate the trends and find products that deliver the most impact for your budget. It starts with a conversation about what you need.
Frequently asked questions about promotional products in 2026
What are the most popular promotional products in 2026?
The most ordered products right now are sustainable steel drinkware, organic cotton hoodies, wireless chargers with logo and wellness products like scented candles and tea sets. The common thread is quality and utility. Recipients keep products they actually use.
Which trends will last, and which are passing?
Sustainability and premium materials are permanent shifts, not passing fashion. Tech gadgets evolve with technology (MagSafe replaced cable chargers), but the category endures. Wellness gifts are relatively new but growing strongly. Phygital (QR codes on products) is still early stage but has strong potential.
Are trend products more expensive than classic promotional items?
Yes, typically 30-100% more per unit. But the cost per impression is often lower because trend products are kept and used longer. A bamboo thermal mug at NOK 120 used daily for two years delivers better return than a plastic mug at NOK 30 that gets thrown away after a month.
When should we order promotional products for trade shows?
Start planning at least 6 weeks before the event. Standard lead time is 2-3 weeks, and you need time to select products, approve proofs and handle any changes. For major shows like ONS or Nor-Shipping, we recommend starting 8-10 weeks ahead.