As the holiday season approaches, “best gifts” lists start popping up all over the place. Probably the most famous and followed of these is Oprah’s Favorite Things, which drops in early November. Last year, four products from four different PPAI member suppliers made the cut with Ms. Winfrey.
But promo companies are already in the thick of holiday order season, and as anyone in this industry can tell you, November is way too late to start planning promo for delivery in December. So, while we wait for Oprah’s 2023 picks, here are a baker’s dozen of promo alternatives to items on Esquire’s Best Gifts Under $50 list. (Note: Not all items listed below are priced under $50.)
ICYMI: The Best Promo Alternatives To Oprah’s Favorite Things
BEST COFFEE GIFT – Esquire’s Pick: Soma Double-Wall Glass Cold Brew Bottle
This 18-oz., all-in-one Cold Brew Coffee/Tea Maker Glass Bottle brews your fresh coffee or tea on the go using any temperature water. With a brew time under five minutes, this travel-sized piece gives you the freedom to brew your favorite beverage anytime, anywhere.
UPromo / PPAI 818503, S3
BEST MUSIC GIFT – Esquire’s Pick: Belkin Wireless Earbuds
The water-resistant Skullcandy Jib 2 True Wireless Earbuds provide up to 33 hours of playback, and each earbud contains Tile finding technology, so if you ever misplace one, you can just ping it from the Tile app. Built-in microphones and music controls.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, S15
BEST FOOD GIFT – Esquire’s Pick: Brightland The Pair (Fancy Vinegar)
This elegant Custom Etched Romeo & Giulietta Gift Set includes an olive oil and balsamic vinegar nesting bottle pair inside a slide-top wood box. Both the bottle and the box can be laser-engraved with your client’s message or company logo.
A+ Wine Designs / PPAI 173549, S4
BEST SEASONAL GIFT – Esquire’s Pick: Free People Sweet Valley Scarf
Stay warm with this 12-by-70-inch Alpaca Winter Scarf, a stylish and practical accessory for anyone. Available in five solid colors and two plaids (blue plaid shown), with decoration by embroidery, embroidered patches or woven labels.
Wolfmark / PPAI 114140, S3
BEST MANUAL GIFT – Esquire’s Pick: JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder
Perfect for the coffee connoisseur, this portable Manual Coffee Grinder is easy to use and clean, plus has an adjustable grind selector, making it ideal for home, travel or camping. Choice of sage or teal (shown) in giftable tube.
The Book Company / PPAI 218850, S5
BEST FITNESS GIFT – Esquire’s Pick: Resistance Bands
Get a great workout with these stretchy Yoga Resistance Bands, made of a durable thermoplastic elastomer to provide different levels of resistance based on their varying thicknesses. Each band is 12 inches long when laid flat and can be easily stored in the included brandable pouch.
High Caliber Line / PPAI 205801, S10
BEST SPEAKER GIFT – Esquire’s Pick: JBL Clip 3
In this case, the brand-name gift on the list is also available as a customizable promo product. The JBL Clip 3 is an ultra-portable, ultra-rugged and waterproof Bluetooth speaker that is small in size but delivers surprisingly big sound. The carabiner clips to clothes, belt loop or backpack for easy carrying.
Hirsch / PPAI 221823, S10
BEST GIFT FOR THE HOST – Esquire’s Pick: Williams Sonoma Monogram Board
This elegant white marble Marco Marble Cutting Board with tone-on-tone laser engraving provides a beautiful way to serve guests or to protect countertops during meal prep. The roughly 8-inch circular board comes packaged in a gift box.
Hit Promotional Products / PPAI 113910, S14
BEST TOTE GIFT – Esquire’s Pick: Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote
It’s not faux leather, but this Reversible Cotton Tote with 26-inch handles features a full-color sublimated liner, making it two bags in one for double the branding opportunity. Cotton available in 16 colors (natural shown), with the polyester liner printed and sewn in the USA.
LimeLight USA / PPAI 223938, S3
MOST PRACTICAL GIFT – Esquire’s Pick: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag Large
Designed for maximum portability, this Everywhere Belt Bag / Fanny Pack has room for your phone, keys and all the essentials. Made of water-resistant nylon, the bag features an adjustable 43-inch strap and comes in dozens of stock colors, as well as PMS matching.
Tekweld / PPAI 266346, S4
BEST GIFT FOR THE BAR CART – Esquire’s Pick: Mark & Graham Wooden Bottle Opener
Pair a custom-labeled bottle of wine with this Mahogany Style Wooden Corkscrew Wine Bottle Opener for a branded gift to enjoy both now and in the future. The multi-tool features an ergonomic grip, stainless steel foil cutter blade, spiral wine corkscrew and bottle opener, plus your client’s logo or message on the handle.
STOPNGO Line / PPAI 112044, S6
BEST HOME GIFT – Esquire’s Pick: Upwest Fringe Throw Blanket
The classic subtle woven herringbone pattern of this Everlasting Throw Blanket with fringe adds style and warmth to any space. Highlight your client’s brand with laser etching on the faux leather patch. This 50-by-60-inch throw is perfect for travel and folds neatly into the included kraft box.
Gemline / PPAI 113948, S11
BEST GOLF GIFT – Esquire’s Pick: Callaway Golf Chrome Soft Balls
This is another brand-name gift on the list that’s also available as a promo product. Put your client’s logo on a custom-embroidered Callaway Six Ball Pouch, which includes six brandable Callaway Chrome Soft golf balls, six tees, two ball markers and one divot repair tool. Made in the USA, it’s a gift sure to delight serious golfers.
Ball Pro / PPAI 112763, S8
