While it seems that promo pros can help a brand put its logo on nearly anything under the sun, some products are made to stand out. Whether it’s a new twist on a perennial bestseller (hey there, awards and chargers!), gadgets that get the job done or sweet treats with an unexpected twist, these are some of the coolest products in promo.
Coolest Transformation From Trash To Treasure
SRG enlisted PECO, an artist who makes decorative material out of recycled plastic bags and recovered fishing nets, to craft its Midori PlastEco Award line. The marbled pop of color from a variety of recycled bags and packaging films contrasts with the laser engraved wood block. These awards are not only sustainable but remind recipients that true success is measured by the positive impact we leave behind.
SRG / PPAI 230188, Platinum
Coolest Way To Build Your Brand – Literally
Who doesn’t love a tiny version of the real thing? The master builders at Business Bricks help customers create custom LEGO sets for anything from a product, logo or mascot to a delivery vehicle or a franchise storefront. Recipients will have fun building their gift and then proudly display it, too. They also offer semi-custom stock kits that come with a custom decal sticker sheet. Custom boxing options and expanded color palettes are also available.
Business Bricks / PPAI 828154, Standard-Base
Coolest Notebook That Tells A Story Before You’ve Written A Word
Denik specializes in working with artists to create custom notebooks and journals, but the company’s true mission is supporting and enhancing education for children worldwide. For every one of its FSC-certified notebooks sold, a portion is donated to the “Art Can Change The World” initiative, which funds schools and educational initiatives around the world.
Denik / PPAI 766866, Standard-Plus
Coolest Way To Make Sweet, Sticky Memories
A customizable S’mores Night Pack from City Bonfires brings the heat. The campfire-in-a-can, tabletop fire pits are made in the USA with earth-friendly ingredients, and the kit comes in a custom-printed box with graham crackers, marshmallows and mini chocolate bars or a packet of fudge. It’s everything you need for an ooey-gooey campfire experience without the smoke, soot and spiders.
City Bonfires / PPAI 814515, Standard-Base
Coolest Reimagining Of The Stadium Cup
Glance at a trash can at any sporting event and you’ll likely see tons of single-use cups among the half-eaten nachos and crumpled napkins. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Enter brandable Steel Chill-Cups from Silgan Containers, Chill Cups. Made in the USA from steel – one of the most widely and easily recycled materials – these sturdy 16-oz. cups can be reused or recycled, providing a more sustainable alternative that can help keep the party going all summer long.
Silgan Containers, Chill Cups / PPAI 800846, Standard-Base
Coolest Tote For ‘Carmen Sandiego’ and ‘Finding Your Roots’ Fans
Where in the world has your favorite grocery bag been? Where did it come from? This Recycled Cotton Shopper Tote from Gemline can tell you, thanks to digital traceability. The 70% recycled cotton, 30% recycled polyester tote includes an AWARE virtual ID and product passport via QR code printed on the label inside, which delivers an indisputable way to track and validate textile composition impact from origin to consumer.
Gemline / PPAI 113948, Platinum
Coolest Cooler That Goes With The Flow
Koozie Group formed an exclusive partnership with FOAM Coolers to stock its innovative hybrid soft-hard-sided coolers made from 100% EVA foam, which is a natural insulator. These lightweight yet durable coolers can hold 30 cans, 12 longneck bottles or four wine bottles and float even when full. They come in three bright colors and two neutrals, perfect for full-color imprinting and personalization.
Koozie Group / PPAI 114187, Platinum
Coolest Chargers That Swim With The Sharks (Tie)
Several innovative products in the promo market have jumped into the Shark Tank – a show where entrepreneurs compete for partnerships with celebrity investors – over the years. It’s perhaps only fitting that PPAI’s “The Pitch” winner for 2025 was presented by a former Shark Tank contestant. Trinifty from Rupt features a removable charger power bank that can charge three wireless devices at once and folds easily for travel and storage. And FlaminGO Pre-Charged Phone Chargers earlier this year got a deal on Shark Tank. FlaminGOs come pre-charged out of the wrapper and contain a three-in-one tip with a USB Type-C, Micro-USB and Lightning cable, plus a charging port on the side.
Rupt / PPAI 826757, Standard-Base
FlaminGO Pre-Charged Phone Chargers / PPAI 815575, Standard-Base
Coolest Awards That Double As Fine Art
The Frank Lloyd Wright Collection from J.Charles offers more than a dozen etched crystal awards inspired by the legendary American architect. Many were designed by Susan Jacobs Lockhart, a graduate of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture and a staff member of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, which receives a donation from each award purchased. These elegant, eye-catching awards include a variety of shapes and patterns and are sure to stay on display in recipients’ offices.
J.Charles / PPAI 113624, Silver
Zoch is public affairs and research editor at PPAI.
