Happy New Year! 

We love this time of year! New goals, opportunities, priorities – a fresh start! 

As you settle back into the hustle and bustle of life after the holidays, now is a great time to think about ways to connect your customers and employees with your brand.

Of course, there are many ways to do this, but our recommendation is through branded promotional items. Why?

• A tangible product provides a physical connection between people and brand that is so important in this era of social distancing, remote work and virtual everything. 
• 82% of people have a more favorable impression of a brand after receiving a promotional product.
• The right branded item has the potential to engage, delight and endear – creating awareness to last a lifetime. 
• Promotional products have the highest advertising recall, surpassing print, television, and online advertising.
• 83% of consumers can recall the advertiser of a promotional item while only 7% of consumers can remember the name of the advertiser after viewing a TV commercial.

The takeaway: promotional products leave a lasting impression!

Luckily, we’re here to help! There are thousands of items for you to choose from – some of our favorite classic items include: apparel, drinkware, notebooks and pens. 

In 2021, there are some new and exciting options to consider as well. Here are a few of our favorite new(ish) options. This list is based on what was popular in 2020, as well as what we predict will match the trends of the new year. 

1. UV Sanitation Box and Wireless Phone Charger

In the age of COVID-19, keeping your personal items clean has taken a new level of importance. Our favorite and effective solution is this electronic device. UV Sanitizers use UV-C light to kill 99% of all germs. 

What’s great about this UV Sanitizing Box is that it not only effectively cleans small electronic devices, non-medical face masks, keys, or other small and hard-to-clean items, it also has a built-in wireless charger! 

2. Face Mask

While we hoped 2020 was the year of the face mask, it looks like 2021 will be as well. We love the idea of branding comfortable face masks for your customers and employees. Make it easy for them to stay safe when they leave their house!

3. Smart Water bottle

Technically a water bottle is not new and noteworthy in 2021 – but this smart version is still pretty cool. This steel bottle keeps your drinks cold for up to 24 hours. The best part? It comes equipped with an LED smart sensor which glows to remind you when it’s time to drink more and tracks your water intake by syncing via bluetooth to an app. 

This is a genius idea to help keep your employees and customers hydrated and healthy! 

4. Journal + pen set

We are goal diggers over at The Markey Group and believe in the power of taking pen to paper. Did you know that you’re 42 percent more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down on a regular basis? 

When you write things down, you’re activating both parts of your brain, the imaginative right hemisphere, and the logic-based left hemisphere. Share this information with your team (and everyone you know), and let’s crush 2021 goals!

5. Sunglasses

Compared to 2020, the future’s looking bright! We have access to sunglasses at any price point, and they make a great gift for all audiences! Whether you are in Ohio and trying to avoid the snowy sun-glare, or if you are working outside in some of the warmer winter states, sunglasses are always appreciated!

From onboarding kits for new remote hires, to luxury tech gifts for top clients, we have a little bit of everything. If you want to make 2021 the year you connect your brand with your customers and employees, contact us today and we can help you add promotional products to your marketing tool kit.