It is natural to reflect at the end/beginning of a year on what has transpired over the past year and how many changes have taken place. But when we are starting a whole new decade it is interesting to look back and see just how much has changed in 10 years. It’s a little overwhelming when you start listing them all-at least it was for me. Then I started thinking about all the changes to the business in the last 10 years- Wow. There have been so many that brought us to where we are today. But then (because I’m a total swag nerd), I started thinking about all the fun new swag that we have now that we didn’t have (or that wasn’t in our market yet) at the beginning of this decade.
There were a few fun things that were had a short lived 15 minutes of fame lifespan- such as selfie sticks and fidget spinners. Some things are better off left behind.
Mobile tech items have become hugely popular this decade. The first ipad came out in 2010 (seriously!). With the quickly increasing popularity of the ipad, phones developed into mini tablets with touch screens as well- which brought us such swag as stylus pens, microfiber cleaning cloths, and tablet cases. Tech giveaways became a top category and continues to develop at an astonishing rate. Pop Sockets, webcam covers, bluetooth speakers and power banks are all useful giveaway and promotional items because of their wide appeal to all demographics- did you have a need for any of these items 10 years ago? Not unless you were living with the Jetsons! A couple other tech related swag that the 2010s brought us were virtual reality glasses and RFID blocking items.
Mason jar replica cups, copper lined tumblers and bottles (inspired by Yeti) and BPA free plastic bottles were some of our most searched drinkware swag. This is one of those categories that definitely follows retail trends so we see a lot of changes and “new” products that fill specific needs, such as shaker bottles.
With concert arenas, college and NFL football stadiums as well as many large companies increasing security and limiting the size of bags allowed through security, clear bags have become a necessity. Many bags have been developed that meet NFL bag regulations and are available to brand with your logo.
Other fun and unique swag items we love that the decade brought us are pop-up lanterns (a must have for any home- a great item for any company with a message of safety or security), smash lights– convenient, small & easy to carry, hat & beanies with built in lights (why did it take so long to bring these to us?) , lots of fun animal themed paws n claws items that can work individually or grouped together for an ongoing promotion, reusable straws– paper, metal and silicone have popped up in the last few years , socks have become hugely popular with fun and funky designs, AND the ultimate why-didn’t-we -have-this-sooner item, inverted umbrellas.
While some items had been around and available for promo, advances in technology, printing or manufacturing made them more affordable and readily available. The cost of variable data printing decreased and the availability of options increased, making it a creative and personal way to market by adding each recipients name to print material or even swag items such as bottles or mugs. The same happened with full color and digital printing. This gives us so many more options to print images of products or equipment as well as logos with multiple colors at a much more affordable price.
Do you have a favorite swag item from the 2010s that we forgot to mention? Or maybe it is one you are glad to see being left in the last decade?
Let us know how we can help you get your marketing and promotions “with the times” and help you find the best, latest and greatest swag for THIS decade.
http://www.barefootswag.com 866-247-4320
sales@barefootswag.com
