When it comes to promotional items for the desk and the office, technology and fun come into play in addition to mainstays such as pens, magnets, mousepads, and desk calendars. Up-and-coming trends include speakers, Bluetooth™ technology, USB hubs, power banks, and desktop games.
The drive for technology with desk and office products has resulted in promotional products suppliers to respond with unique items, Gwen Brey of Beacon Promotions explains. “We all spend a lot of time at work or at a desk at home, so it’s a great location to put an ad,” she comments. “Desk accessories are typically kept for 13 months. In that time period, it will generate about 1450 impressions. This gives a favorable impression of the advertiser.”
In agreement is Logomark’s Maggie Wheeler. “Tech-related desk and office items are definitely at the top of what’s trending now,” she asserts. “Most everyone has a mobile phone, so any useful and universal accessory that enhances, supports, or adds a function to mobile devices are at the forefront. In addition to tech-infused desk items, such as wireless chargers integrated with Bluetooth speakers and desktop organizers, the traditional desktop organizer with integrated phone holders remain solid sellers for us—especially during the fourth quarter. With the increasing prevalence of technology in our daily lives, products that support or enhance this new lifestyle are in demand.”
BIC Graphic is seeing items that bring fun into the workday rising in popularity. According to Carrie Lewis, breaks throughout an eight-hour day can actually increase productivity and promos that inject a little fun into that break time can associate good feelings with a brand. “Desktop games and spinners are great examples of fun promos meant for the office,” she says.
Lewis continues that office and desk accessories are also popular in HR department onboarding/welcome kits. “As more companies are implementing comprehensive onboarding programs to kick off new employee training, there is a lot of room for promo growth,” she states. “Items that are useful for new hires like a supply kit or mouse pad are sure to be appreciated.
“As the number of devices used during the workday continues to grow, USB hubs are becoming an even more useful desktop promotional item,” she adds. “Now USB hubs are multi-function with built-in phone stands and organizers to maximize desk space.”
According to Kelly Claudio of Sweda Company, wireless charging—clean and sophisticated—is the driving trend the company is noticing. “We also see clever carriers for clips and pens selling very well,” she comments. “Imprinted with a beautiful corporate logo, the marketing touches any desktop product returns is endless.”
Speaking of pens, PCNA’s Nicole Kyser adds that the company’s trends include light-up logo pens that are driven by the success of multi-function light pens, as well as fidget pens as a result of the fidget spinner craze.
Rj Hagel of Goldstar agrees that pens are a must-have promo product. "Writing instruments are the one promo product staple that we recommend for EVERY type of business because of their relevancy, affordability, and portability. And since we offer low-minimums, and don’t charge for set-ups, it’s easy to customize a branded pen for a short run without breaking the bank. Full- color decorations ensure that there's an option for everyone's brand."
A variety of sophisticated techie desk and office products are being introduced by suppliers. BIC Graphic’s Tic Tac Toe Desktop Game is perfectly sized for a desk in a trendy wood finish with full-color imprint, Lewis reports. “This game provides a fun way to stay entertained by challenging your coworkers between meetings or during breaks,” she comments. “Launching March 15th, the Office Fun Game Set includes a game board for checkers, chess, dominoes, cribbage, a deck of cards, and a dice set. It’s a great set for creative offices where employees need to feel inspired by challenging their minds.”
Over at Logomark, the most popular recent additions have been desktop wireless chargers and webcam covers. “As more phones include wireless charging capabilities, they have become a more universally requested gift,” Wheeler comments. “On the other hand, webcam covers are a perfect promotional solution as they address some of today’s privacy concerns and are also an inexpensive way to get your logo seen often and in a very prominent way within the workplace.”
The best-selling desk item at Beacon Promotions is its BA79PH Thumbs Up Phone/Tablet holder. “It’s a fun item that is useful that people will keep on their desks,” Brey says. “Another item has been our BA66FD Frizzy Finger Duster. This is great for cleaning computer monitors, keyboards, phones, etc.”
Light up logo pens are top sellers at PCNA. “The Loomie Light Up Logo Stylus Pen has a twist action mechanism,” Kyser says. “Bright LED light shines through the imprint area.” The pen features a rubber stylus on top and a black ink cartridge.
Spreading workplace positivity is key to selling desk and office products to clients, suppliers assert. “Whether at home or in a traditional office environment, choose desktop products that are practical and attractive, as those are most likely to result in long-term branding opportunities,” Logomark’s Wheeler affirms.
Desk and office products appeal to a universal audience, Brey and Beacon Promotions maintains. “These items are great to pull in when your demographics are male or female and will cover quite a large age span,” she notes. “With the variety of products, something can usually be tied into a theme or slogan.”
In conclusion, BIC Graphic’s Lewis states that higher-end items that are intended to enhance the workday experience can generate a positive impression of your brand. She adds, “Recognizing important dates and adding a personal touch can take desk and office accessory promos to the next level.”
Case Studies
Kelly Claudio, Sweda Company: An end user asked for an executive desktop item that did not take up a lot of desk space and had multi-functions, with a budget of under $35.00. The Wireless Charging Mouse Pad was a great fit. This multifunction wireless charging mousepad features a charging pad for wireless-compatible tech products; USB port for charging non-wireless charging compatible tech products; mousepad; four pen holder; and mobile/tablet stand.
Carrie Lewis BIC Graphic: A tennis organization wanted to promote a program that allows individual non-pro players to participate in national tournaments, leagues, and for discounts on merchandise. They were looking for an item to advertise enrollment during a major tournament.
Tournament organizers imprinted a round BIC® magnet (MGSSL20) with a tennis ball background, membership numbers, and the organization’s website. The magnets were placed on vehicles during tournaments and visiting spectators were encouraged to visit the website and register. Enrollment increased and the organization re-ordered these magnets for over 50 pro circuit tournaments throughout the year.
Gwen Brey, Beacon Promotions: A retail technology store just opened their doors in a mid-sized community. Each year the city has a Home Improvement show where many of the local businesses have a booth to meet the community and get some exposure. They handed out the BA79PH Thumbs Up Phone/Tablet holder. They had a catchy phrase printed on the product: Give (their logo was printed) a thumbs up! The show attendees were excited about the useful and fun little phone holder they received. The store saw an uptick in store traffic for several months after attending the show and they believe it was because of the phone holder they handed out.