The PPAI Expo 2025 was a playground for the creatively branded and cleverly designed—where innovation met quirky storytelling, and sustainability got a stylish makeover. With more than 2,600 booths and nearly 1,000 exhibitors showcasing their newest and their best, there was so much to see and do. That’s not even counting the Pet-A-Pup and Build-Your-Own Charcuterie Board experiences! If you missed it, don’t worry; our team has got you covered.
Let’s dive into the trends and the products that stole the spotlight (and maybe a few hearts) this year.
1. Sustainable Style and Ethical Impact ♥
Branded merchandise is no longer just about looking good—it’s about feeling good too. Social Responsibility is the name of the game, and these products are playing to win.
Walnut & Wooden Accessories
Who says you can’t save the planet in style? Wood is the new black, and natural materials are making a comeback in the world of fashion. This watch, crafted from American walnut, scream luxury while whispering "eco-friendly." And these sunnies are a perfect mix of eco-conscious and fashion-forward. Boundless VP of Program Solutions Michael Kelleher raved about their natural charm—and who are we to disagree?
Upcycled Wireless Chargers and Powerbanks
Proof that your tech can go green! Handmade from recycled plastics, these chargers are the ultimate flex for anyone who wants to charge their phone and showcase their eco-credibility. They even use repurposed batteries in their powerbanks. Our Brand Consultant Noel Garcia loves them, and honestly, so do we.
And if you’re a Millennial like me (with a couple of dolls still stored at your parents’ home), you’ll love the upcycling story of speakers made using pre-loved and recycled Barbie and Ken dolls. It was definitely Kenough to surprise and delight us!
Ethical Manufacturing
This manufacturing partner offering cinch packs to rolltop backpacks advocates for freedom from human trafficking, slavery, and poverty through sustainable employment opportunities and fair wages. The bags are beautifully designed and personalized with your company name, recipient’s name, or initials. Each purchase includes a custom hang tag that documents the social impact, measured in Days of Freedom.
2. Experience is King
Why settle for the outdated and overdone when you can deliver a unique experience? We’re huge believers in the power of branded merchandise and creating Brand Love moments. Experiential marketing is hotter than ever and so is creating a truly memorable impact.
On-Site Merch Activations
Imagine walking into an event and leaving with a T-shirt you helped design, a 3D puff patch hat, or a laser-engraved tumbler. On-demand decorating like screen printing and embroidery activations are not just cool; they’re a vibe and worth waiting in line for. Guests can immediately personalize items that they’ll love to keep, use, and appreciate for years to come. Senior Designer Kendra Barnes called them a game-changer, and she’s totally right.
Nosh and Nibbles
If you thought we could get through this blog without mentioning charcuterie again, sorry to disappoint. We had a very enjoyable build-your-own-board experience that merits another mention. The peppery goodness of the award-winning Sartori® Bellavitano cheese and expertly-crafted snack spread kept us all raving—Boundless Collection’s Amber George included! We also suggest pairing these sweet Peanut Butter Meltaways with the savory (IYKYK).
Look no further for your future gifts to foodies!
Impactful Storytelling
Experiences should move you and inspire action, which is something these sustainably made patches do well. These sticker patches from a Women-owned and Veteran-owned partner are machine washable, dishwasher safe, and can stick on anything! Embroidered from thread made out of 100% recycled plastic, 2% of each sale goes back to locally-led non-profits and environmental efforts. Now that’s a great example of branding products with purpose™. S/o to Brand Consultant Shannon Walker for spotting!
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Holy Smokes
Elevate the experience at your next happy hour with this cocktail smoker gift set—complete with an oak wood smoker, refillable torch, and distinct wood chip flavors. Kitted in a wood box with an option for laser engraved branding, your gift recipients and President’s Club high-achievers probably haven’t seen this yet.
Whether you’re thinking about whiskey drinkers or hot cocoa aficionados, this smoker gift set is something a little extra.
3. Retail-Quality Products and Materials ♠
If you’ve ever thought, "Can my branded merch feel as good as a Vuori athleisure set?" you’re in luck. These products elevate your expectations.
Cooler...Coolers?
These neoprene coolers are like the love child of practicality and Instagram-worthy aesthetics. Perfect for tailgates, picnics, or just flexing at your next outdoor gathering. And these 30-can floating coolers made of EVA foam are so fun, impressive, and nearly indestructible. Let’s be honest, they’re cooler than your average cooler.
New Favorites in Wearables & Bags
- This off-duty Challenger jacket comes in soft and stretchy Men and Women’s styles, translating to about 16 to 21 upcycled bottles respectively. Talk about looking great and feeling great. Ask your Brand Consultant more about its compelling eco story! Thanks to Brand Consultant Beth Blumberg for this stylish pick.
- Buttery soft and Vuori-inspired, this hoodie also boasts 15 upcycled bottles per garment and is produced by a bluesign-approved manufacturer. The hand feel was legitimately insane—10/10! Available Fall 2025 so we’ll be anxiously awaiting. 👀
- This attractive side-cinch bag is an easy and breezy essential for any commuter, constructed with lightweight RPET nylon.
- What time is it? Time for you to get a watch (...I had to). Make it an ice watch—a great recognition piece and quality gift for those special contacts.
Luxury Deco
It seems like everyone on our team was blown away by this new and elevated metal decoration. Durable and sophisticated, each emblem is tailored in color, shape, and finish. Standard metals are chrome, polished gold, rose gold, matte silver, matte gold, and matte copper.
Tiny Tech Titans
- Wireless and MagSafe tech is definitely trending, but this slim 2000 mAh and 5W magnetic power bank changes the game with so many clunkier options out there. Plus, your brand can have full edge-to-edge customization on display at any user’s fingertips. Brand Consultant Alissa Garza-Symms is a major fan!
- Is cold weather getting you down? Warm up quickly with these compact rechargeable hand warmers at your next outdoor retreat or chilly commute. Brand Consultant Elyse Phoenix gave us the warm intro.
- NFC technology doesn’t get any simpler than the easy-to-apply stickers we saw. A quick tap brings you directly to a landing page or website of your choosing. Great for customization of packaging, hang tags, or other items!
4. Wellness and Wonder ♦
It’s 2025, and the Great Exhaustion is here. In light of recent buzzwords and concepts like “bed rotting” and “therapeutic laziness,” wellness and self-care are definitely a trending topic. Here are some standout picks that promote more wellbeing and holistic health.
Self-Care Space
- This mini lamp with a built-in sound machine and speaker would be perfect for a moment of quiet relaxation—or up to five continuous hours of it (the dream!). With 8 soothing sounds to choose from and easy pairing to your devices, just touch the buttons on the bamboo base to control three light settings.
- Look no further than this amazingly soft waffle knit robe.
- Candles are an elite way to give a calming sensory—scentsory, if you will—experience to people we care about. These quirky candles lean heavily on cheeky messaging and smell heavenly (just ask Brand Consultant Melissa Niekamp). Or try Brand Consultant Brad Blankenship’s pick: these hand-crafted flat candles offering a clean, eco-friendly burn without the wax drip.
Walk & Woof
Even after a couple years of headline-grabbing “hot girl walks” and social club activities, walking for wellbeing is still so underrated. It’s even better with your best furry friend. Don’t let the weather stop your stride! This umbrella made for your small to medium-sized dog is the epitome of "didn't-know-you-needed-it.” The c-shape handle gives you control and comfort, and the bendable gooseneck allows flexibility and functionality.
Pair this umbrella with branded dog cookies; your recipients (and their pups) will thank you. Check out the video of the dog umbrella in action!
Our Final Thoughts
These trending picks from our industry’s biggest expo prove that promo products don’t have to be boring or wasteful. Full of personality and purpose, there are so many opportunities for your brand to carpe diem and see impressive ROI with branded products. Take a page from the Boundless x PPAI Idea Book: go green, get functional, and don’t forget to have fun.
Want to shop more inspirational and trending products? Shop our 2025 Trending Lookbook, with four research-backed and carefully curated categories to guide your branded merch campaigns. Reach out to your Brand Consultant for more!
Special thanks to all of the awesome Boundless contributors & show floor scouts for their contributions to this article.
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