Corporate Gifts - 4 Key Trends for 2016

We're very excited to come back from yet another successful Promotional Proxucts Expo event. The trade show takes place every January and it is a time when we have an opportunity to meet with a lot of our producers and printers to learn about the new branding processes they have introduced, new products launched and their predictions for the year ahead.

Promotional Products Expo takes place at the beginning of every year in Coventry

There was so much happening at the expo, it's imposible to contain in within one post - so we'll be bringing you new launches, ideas and product introductions in the weeks and months to come. Today, we're kicking off with the trends that we have picked up on throughout the event that we think will be big throughout 2016!

Corporate Gifts Trend No. 1: Tactile

2016 will be all about touching - with print and customisation going 3d and with a variety of materials and textures to make your fingers all tingly.

Products that invite people to touch them also invite them to get to know your brand and have a tactile relationship with your brand. Notebooks and pens are leading the way, but there will surely be other items that will make your clients not take their hands off your products!

3d printing on this pen clip invites the user to touch it

A canvas cover on your notebook creates a homely, wholesome feel

Textured finish on the cover of this notebook makes it stand out. The domed label in the top, right hand corner creates a contrasting tactile finish.

New pen styles from Swiss brand Prodir have a 3d pattern all over

Corporate Gifts Trend No. 2: Sophisticated Customisation

Bespoke shapes, new printing techniques and the opportunity to mix and match materials are an increasing trend as factories are producing items that can truly wow clients. Using the new branding techniques allows you to create a truly unique product - not just in imprint but in shape too.

The clips of these pens can take on any shape you like!

Variety of colours of these notebooks means we can produce one in your corporate colour

The clips on these pens offer even more customisation - with bespoke shapes and magnetic fixtures

These power banks can be printed in full colour all over - giving you an opportunity to create something special with your brand

Now you can make your own bag where coloured canvas is sewn together with pre-printed full colour material to produce a tote that is as unique as you!

The print on this umbrella is white - until it gets wet and gains colour! Just the right thing to make your brand stand out brightly on a gloomy, wet day

Customisation on books and notebooks has no end - look at these limited edition Harry Potter books. The have embossing. They have gold foil blocking. They even have gilt page edges with little sparkly stars!

We can now offer full colour print on latex balloons - an innovative new way of branding them!

These lunch boxes have their print moulded into the product so effectively - it will even withstand harsh dishwasher cycles!

Full colour print on sports bottles? No problem! We can even print inside the ridges...

These pens can be pantone matched to your exact requirements. Then, we can engrave them with a special mirror finish, for a truly excuisite look

Meet the new combination of pantone match glaze inside the mug and on the handle... plus full colour, dye sublimation, edge-to-edge print. Need I say more?

These acrylic keyrings come in tens of different shapes to match your company theme. Using acrylic instead of plastic makes these keyrings look high quality and glossy. Pad printing of your logo gets into ridges and crevices. Gorgeous!

Corporate Gifts Trend No. 3: Technological Innovations

Virtual reality glasses and dancing robots were popular at the exhibition - people love seeing new items that put a smile on their face. In addition, there were also more practical things, like new stylus pens and multifunction items.

Is is a pen? Is it a stylus? Is it a screen cleaner? Is it a phone stand? Oh wait! It's all of these things put together! Unbelieveable....

Virtual reality glasses are the "IN" thing at the moment. And cardboard material of these offers great branding opportunities - without breaking the bank

Virtual reality glasses also come in a sleeker, high-end version. Why not develop your own app to go with these?

These earphones will never tangle as their cable in encased inside a lanyard-style tube. Branding opportunities are on the lanyard and on the ear buds

Can you see this crooked stylus? It's not a mistake! Having this stylus at an angle means it's easier to use. I've tried it!

This dancing robot was a real crowd pleaser at the exhibition. I have to say I felt sorry for the surrounding stands as all the attention was on this guy! If you need an attention grabber for your exhibition stand, this is the item for you. The robot, too, can be printed with logo on the chest!

Corporate Gifts Trend No. 4: Lifestyle

Companies are moving towards giving clients items that they can use outside of work and in their leisure time. These gifts are appreciated as they help people have an even better time outside of work. By giving away lifestyle corporate gifts, you are able to create a closer bond with your clients by developing associations between your brand and activities that your clients enjoy doing.

These sports bottles glow and flash. Originally designed for joggers and cyclists, they are also popular with parents, concerned with the safety of their kids

Another flashing item designed for people who like a bit of exercise outside. These clips hold on tight to your shoes and ensure you are visible from far away

These glasses will not protect anyone from the sun - but they might make them look cooler! Great Item for festivals, university open days or if you want to show off a fun side of your brand

A soft cover notebook with soft touch pen set is a nod towards the tactile trend and provides clients with an item they might want to use at home and when travelling

This cup allows the user to pour a drink inside and then put a snack into a compartment on top. Genius!

This growing pod lets the recipient enjoy an innovative gift with a life of its own

Bag in a bag is a new trend that's here to stay. This little bag can be handy for make up, travel accessories or any other bits and bobs. Great for travelling

The smalle size of our Americano Mug - the Americano Primo - allows the user to not only enjoy a hot beverage they made themselves, but also to put it in a coffee vending machine! Win - win!

If you want to discuss how we can bring to lif your next campaign, get in touch on 01204 577 995!