Sarah Whitaker
Owner
The Branded Things, Williams Advertising’s promo arm
PPAI 287454, Standard-Base
Farmington, New Mexico
“As someone eagerly awaiting warmer weather, summer fun means longer days, kids out of school, and a more relaxed vibe all around,” Whitaker says. “Celebrating summer with merch just makes sense – who wouldn’t want to join in the fun?”
One of Whitaker’s favorite items for summer promos is the Chyrp, a portable wireless speaker equipped with a carry strap for a backpack or bike. She points out that the Chyrp is different than wireless speakers that end users may already have, so they’ll likely use it.
“It’s the perfect poolside or beachside accessory, it goes on a golf bag quite nicely, and it’s so small and lightweight, it’s easy to tote around,” she says. “We picked it for that versatility. To go with summer fun, you need a playlist, so it’s useful.”
Besides having a low MOQ, Whitaker likes the compact speaker’s branding possibilities. “The Chyrp has a full-color dome on the speaker and a smaller full-color dome on the carry strap,” she says.
HPG Brands / PPAI 110772, Platinum / hpgbrands.com
Whitaker is also a fan of cooling Polar Towels made from microfiber polyester. After wetting the towel to activate the cooling feature, users can wrap it around their necks during outdoor activities like sports, working out and camping. “It’s an item you can stash in your bag, car or at home for outdoor work,” she says. “A lot of our clients like multipurpose products. Plus, you can offer them a full-color, edge-to-edge design, color-matched stitching or a solid color on the back of this cooling towel.”
Pop! Promos / PPAI 564497, Silver / poppromos.com
Whitaker has used the Even Cooler Bag and Cooler Backpack for many promos. Designed for group gatherings, the Even Cooler Bag is a soft-sided, heat-sealed cooler with ample space for food and drinks. The Cooler Backpack has waterproof zippers, padded scuba foam straps and a front storage pocket, offering hands-free convenience.
With customizable hardware, webbing colors and full-color sublimation on both sides and the bottom, these coolers offer lots of brand visibility. “Clients love these bags due to how customizable they are, plus they’re super-functional,” Whitaker says. “I’ve packed our showroom sample to use on the beach myself.”
Whitaker wants to use the Cooler Backpack 24-Pack, a soft-sided ice chest with a leak-proof liner, for a future summer promo. “I’m excited to try this shape from the same Numo line!” she says. “I love that the design is fully customizable with all-over sublimation and hardware elements. But that level of personalization is pretty standard for this brand – they’re always a great choice for creative campaigns like summer fun!”
Numo / PPAI 112597, Gold / numomfg.com
Michele Cochran
Owner/Managing Member
Six Twenty Six, an iPROMOTEu affiliate
PPAI 218870, Platinum
Scottsdale, Arizona
“Summer fun makes a big impact on recipients as a giveaway, gift or part of a campaign, because it conjures up the happy feelings of the ease of the season,” Cochrane says.
One of the best summer promotional products she recommends for client summer programs is the Paddle Board Game, which comes with two oversized paddles and a small rubber ball packed in a mesh gift bag. “We produced a set for an off-site event program in Florida,” Cochran says. “The client raved about the engagement value and that all the recipients wanted to take them home!”
Peerless Umbrella / PPAI 112666, Gold / peerlessumbrella.com
Cochran likes affordable, easily portable items for summer fun promo items. “Beach balls, flyers and drink coolers are always great,” she says. “They have great marketing visibility, are easy to ship and carry, never spoil and connote joyous fun.”
The eye-catching 16-inch Red, White and Blue Color Confetti Filled Round Clear Beach Ball is a unique fun-in-the-sun product at concerts, outdoor festivals, company picnics and more.
Jornik / PPAI 111065, Silver / jornik.com
Made of sturdy plastic, the made-in-the-USA, mid-sized Frequent Flyer Disc has a large imprint area for maximum brand impact. This flyer makes a great giveaway at summer trade shows and merch for sale in campus bookstores, stadium gift shops and school fundraisers.
HPG Brands / PPAI 110772, Platinum / hpgbrands.com
The Kolder Kaddy Slim Can, made of neoprene, extends the traditional coolie size to fit tall cans, hard seltzers, light beer and more.
Numo / PPAI 112597, Gold / numomfg.com
Cochran would like to try the HYPD Slydr Switch Custom Slides. “The rubber insoles are ultra-cushioned,” she says. “The patented removable/replaceable custom printed strap allows for unique brand messaging, as you can change them up for product launches, special events, team events and more,” she says. The rubber outsoles also leave a lasting brand mark wherever your client’s end-users walk.
SnugZ USA / PPAI 112982, Platinum / snugzusa.com
Jennifer Allen
Senior Account Director
Zagwear
PPAI 184202, Gold
Orangeburg, New York
“Summer is all about outdoor experiences –gatherings with family and friends, vacations, barbecues and chilling by the pool,” Allen says. “A well-chosen summer-themed promotional product taps into that experience, ensuring that your brand stays front and center during some of the most enjoyable moments of the year. When a giveaway is fun and functional, recipients are more likely to use it repeatedly, creating long-lasting brand impressions.”
One of Allen’s best summer promos included the water-resistant iLive Tiki Bluetooth Speakers with LED Flames, with fully connected stereo sound. “The LED flame effect gives off a tiki torch vibe, making it perfect for any summer setting,” she says. “It’s portable, rechargeable and creates an unforgettable experience for the recipient. Plus, the Bluetooth functionality ensures easy use for everyone, making this product a crowd favorite. It’s great for branded corporate gifts, appreciation giveaways or even summer sweepstakes prizes.”
Allen wants to continue exploring creative ways to incorporate the tiki flame speakers into more promo campaigns. “I’d like to pair it with a summer party bundle, maybe including a branded cooler, custom beach towels and a drinkware set,” she says. “This would create a full summer experience package, making recipients feel like they’re stepping into a mini vacation.”
Gemline / PPAI 113948, Platinum / gemline.com
Rollender is an award-winning writer and heads up STRANDWritingServices.com.
