Search
Filters
RSS

News

26 Trending Products for 2026:  Our Top Picks for this year

With more than 40 years of experience as a multi-award-winning leading supplier of promotional merchandise, we are perfectly positioned to identify creative products and understand how they can help market your brand. 

Our Solutions Team has spent the last two months working with our supplier partners looking at their brand-new products for 2026 and here is our top 26 most innovative and exciting products for the year that will really make your campaign and brand stand out.

It covers a wide range of categories, from clothing to smart technology, but it all has one unifying aim: to promote your brand. 

Contact us to learn more about our sustainable and branded merchandise options. 

Our coolest picks to stay hydrated  

Ion 8 drinks bottle

Finally available on the promotional market, Ion8’s durable, leak-proof and dishwasher safe bottles have a child-safe flip-lid but are still easy to use. They can be full colour wrap-printed and the brand is committed to 100% carbon-neutral strategy - perfect for organisations that wish to showcase their green credentials. 

Cupple 2-in-1 bottle 

We love an item that has multiple uses and Cupple’s 2-in-1 water bottle and insulated cup ticks that box. This superbly designed system allows you to carry cold water or hot drinks in one clever, compact product.

Fortis / Astra drinks bottles 

These are two very different water bottles but they share some important specifications. They are both made from recycled stainless steel, vacuum insulated and can be used for carbonated drinks. These bottles are ideal for gym owners, outdoors companies or other businesses in the fitness and health sectors.

Get in touch to explore how you can brand these products for your business. 

 

Sweet treats and branded water 

Tony’s Chocolonely Big Bars

As proud holders of an EcoVadis Platinum award, which recognises responsible, ethical sourcing and sustainable products, we couldn’t pass up the branding opportunity offered by Tony’s Chocolonely big bars. Not only are the bars delicious, but they also align with our values: Tony’s is committed to ethical chocolate production, ensuring fair practices throughout their supply chain. Businesses can be as creative as they want with the wrappers, making them a thoughtful way to engage customers, or thank clients and staff.

Happy Pills 

This tongue-in-cheek box of sweets could be one of the most powerful branding tools ever. After all, we always remember who makes us smile. This could be a kooky way to say thank you to staff, or a witty introduction to a new client.

Promotional Water Cans

Canned drinks are among the world’s most popular products, so why shouldn’t your brand enjoy some of that exposure? Fully printed cans mean companies can reach the customers other brands can’t, using zero plastic too.

Their compact size makes them easy to carry and hand out, whether at outdoor events, conferences or meetings.

Talk to our team about your food and drink-related promotional ideas. 

Ways to wear your brand well 

Clogs  

The Marmite of footwear is worn across the world - and can now carry your company’s brand logo or bespoke design. The sky is the limit when it comes to customisation, from the colour to the branding techniques. Could these lightweight, EVA clogs be the ultimate fun yet long-lasting promotional item? Our expert team says yes! 

ID Sneakers

We were blown away by the quality and craftsmanship behind these bespoke trainers, which are great for business teams or client gifts. Available in nine styles and customisable in a variety of ways, including embroidery, DTF printing and sleek leather-cut detailing, ID Sneakers has raised the bar for the coolest, branded fashion.

Scrunchies 

Over the years, we’ve seen ties, scarves, snoods and other personal wear items become popular branded items. This year, the scrunchie joins their ranks, offering a simple, fun and practical way to promote your business. You can choose from scrunchies with all-over designs or ones with a luxurious, branded charm.

SMART BAG

Lots of companies package their promotional merchandise in a branded tote bag, because they’re practical and sustainable. But SMART BAG takes that concept and gives it an innovative twist, thanks to a built-in NFC tag. It contains a world of information about your brand and all customers and clients have to do to access it is tap the SMART BAG with their phones.
The possibilities are endless: direct users to your website, highlight event pages, showcase product launches, support charity fundraising campaigns, or even provide exclusive content or discounts. It’s an interactive, tech-forward way to make every branded bag more engaging, memorable and useful.

Find out more about how NFC tags on branded products can boost your business. 

 

Our picks for boosting mental health and wellbeing 

Stress card 

With almost 45 years in the promotional merchandise business, we can spot a great idea at 100 feet and the Stress card is definitely one. This simple, low-cost way to promote positive mental health and wellbeing. It is 100% customisable and can be printed with a QR code linking to your brand’s website or health and wellbeing information.

Jelly Mini charging cable

We couldn’t resist this cute lil’ guy with his squeezable head and pop-out eyes. It’s more than just a fun stress toy, it’s also a useful cable charger for multiple devices, including USB and type-C heads. Jelly Minis come in two sizes and are great for tech firms or office and home office environments.

Mini Seed Box 

Research has proved that plants enhance our mental health, which explains why seed boxes have boomed in popularity recently. If your business is looking for sustainable and environmentally positive branded items, this mini seed box is just the job. It’s more cost effective and accessible for smaller companies and is a great branded product for businesses, as well as schools, colleges.


Let’s have some fun and games 

Custom jigsaw puzzles

What better way to wind down after a busy day than with a soothing, absorbing jigsaw puzzle? Your clients can literally build their brand with these great quality products, which are made in the UK. Customise each puzzle with your logo, team photo, or campaign artwork and there’s no minimum order quantity.

Eco Sockets

Our team spotted these adorable products from The Puppet Company and knew they were perfect for the education industry. If your business works with a younger audience or wants to engage with clients in that sector, you can also request a bespoke design, branded to your company colours or logo.


Tell our Solutions Team your promotional ideas and let’s make them a reality. 

 

Superior stationery for all occasions

Novella Austen notebook 

Notebooks will always be a popular and sought-after item, but the Novella Austen offers a whole new world of customisation. The card cover comes in a range of materials and colours, there’s a choice of sizes and number of sheets and you can print your design to the pages or use the nine standard layouts. Want something even more bespoke to make your brand sparkle? Add a printed paper band or tip-in sheets.

NFC notebooks

We’ve seen the impact of technology on the promotional merchandise sector and as a leading supplier of quality products, we’re thrilled to say there’s no end to the goodies out there. This clever notebook caught our team’s eye: it combines a great quality item with NFC technology. Scanning your brand logo on the cover gives the notebook’s recipients access to all kinds of data about your company and in such style too!

Puzzle Pen 

Pens have been handed out as promotional merchandise for decades, but this quirky innovation has found a way to entertain people and put your brand name right in front of their eyes. Puzzle pens feature a maze that runs the length of the pen, with a little ball that has to be guided from one end to the other. Hours of fun and your company name or logo will be 100% front of mind.

 

Diplomat ballpen 

With a range of sleek, tactile designs, these German-made pens are an exquisite gift for executives, company owners and directors, or other high-end clients. Choose from fountain, rollerball or ballpoint pens, and mechanical pencils, all branded with your company name or colours.

 

Premium packaging 

Many businesses like to introduce themselves to new clients, show their appreciation for existing customers or staff, or celebrate birthdays or anniversaries with branded products. We know what they are sent in can be just as impactful as the items themselves. You can ensure your brand makes the best impression with fully customisable quality packaging options, including a premium bottle box to present bottled gifts in style, or sophisticated flip-lid boxes with a magnetic closure for added impact.

Our pick of the clever tech 

Mouva Mouse

This is one of those products that made our team wonder why it had taken so long for someone to invent it. The Mouva mouse does everything a traditional computer mouse does, but it folds perfectly flat. If you have clients or staff who travel as part of their work, they will love this smart bit of brandable kit - and they’ll remember who gave them it every time they use it.

 

LanGo keyring 

Creativity doesn’t always mean huge amounts of complexity. This simple but effective strap keyring is quick to attach to a belt or bag, makes it easier to reach your items and will carry your brand logo or colours wherever it goes. Perfect for almost every kind of business, from hospitality to security.   

 

Carbon Ultralight umbrella 

Golf umbrellas are one of the most popular branded products because they provide a large canvas for company logos, taglines or colours. But they can be unwieldy and heavy to carry around, especially for businesspeople on the go. This model changes all that. Ultra-light yet durable, it also has a 50+ sun protection factor and a soft handle. 

 

Emergency tools

No list of promotional merchandise would be complete without a Swiss-made multi tool and Victorinox has developed two specialised versions that are perfect for branding opportunities. Both glow in the dark and have LED lighting, while one has 23 functions and the other eight.

Come to us for your promotional merchandise 

Whatever your branded merchandise needs, we’ll use our extensive expertise in sourcing, creativity, and sustainability to exceed them. 

Contact our Solutions Team to learn more about our branded merchandise options. 

Pro-Ad Achieves EcoVadis Platinum
Pro-Ad Achieves EcoVadis Platinum

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Pro-Ad's business, from the way our products are created to how we work with and support our partners.

So, we’re proud to share a significant milestone: Pro-Ad has achieved EcoVadis Platinum, the highest possible sustainability rating, placing us in the top 1% of companies globally. This result reflects our continued dedication to sustainability, ethical business practices and making a positive impact across our industry and communities.

For organisations already working within the EcoVadis framework, our Platinum rating provides a clear, credible signal of adherence to the highest international sustainability standards across the areas that matter most to global supply chains:

  • Environmental Impact

  • Labour & Human Rights

  • Ethics

  • Sustainable Procurement

Loren Nardini, Pro-Ad’s Commercial Director, commented: “Our company is dedicated to delivering high-quality promotional merchandise while minimising our environmental impact, and therefore we are delighted to have achieved an EcoVadis Platinum rating.”

“For our clients, the rating provides added confidence that they're working with a partner committed to responsible sourcing, strong governance and continuous improvement – helping to reduce supply chain risk and support ESG requirements.

“At ProAd, care is at the top of our list of values. This extends to our clients, as well as community projects that benefit others. As a promotional products specialist, we go the extra mile to find solutions that create positive outcomes for everyone involved.

“Our drive to help inform better product choices goes beyond the pursuit of profit. We believe that, to realise an ongoing contribution to our culture, economy and community, we must operate responsibly within our environment.”

We are particularly focused on conserving natural resources and reducing both waste and pollution. In doing so, Pro-Ad is continually looking to reduce carbon emissions, embrace the values of a circular economy and integrate these values into everyday business decisions.

Loren added: “By adhering to these principles, Pro-Ad is committed to helping create a sustainable future for our business, our partners and the world we share. We’re happy to share our EcoVadis scorecard with procurement teams and discuss how we can support their own ESG goals.”

To help clients put sustainability into practice, we have launched two dedicated product hubs – one focusing on eco product solutions, the other on responsibly-sourced, UK-manufactured products.

British Made and Sustainable ProAd


Explore the hubs 👉 Eco | British Made

If you would like to review our EcoVadis scorecard or discuss how our Platinum rating can support your own ESG and procurement objectives, please speak to our Solutions Team.

T: 01670 518928
E: solutions@proad.co.uk

The Smarter Solution to Single Use Cups
The Smarter Solution to Single Use Cups
The new go-to for sustainable branded drinkware...
Top 10 New Products for 2025
Top 10 New Products for 2025

The world of promotional merchandise is evolving, with brands looking for fresh, innovative, and sustainable ways to make an impact. Whether it’s cutting-edge tech, eco-friendly materials, or clever multi-use designs, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for branded products. Here are ten standout new products you need to know about:

 

Wireless “Pallet” Charger: The Most Tech Savvy Accessory

 

This wireless charger features a unique pallet design that stands out on any desk while offering seamless functionality. Compatible with all smartphones that support wireless charging, it delivers an enhanced output of 15 watts for faster and more efficient charging. With a status indicator LED, built-in protection against overvoltage, short circuits, and overheating, and a new USB-A to USB-C cable included, it’s a stylish and reliable charging solution.

 

 

Click here to view!

 

 

Hydration Timer: Stay Hydrated in Style

 

This coaster helps you stay on top of your water intake with an integrated timer to remind you when it’s time to drink. With sleek branding options, this practical product is perfect for health-conscious campaigns.

 

         

 

Click here to enquire!

 

 

2-in-1 Double-Wall Recycled Stainless Steel Bottle: Stay Hydrated, Stay Sustainable

 

This is a 590 ml recycled stainless steel bottle with a 325 ml tumbler. Made from recycled stainless steel, it features vacuum insulation to keep drinks hot for up to 8 hours or cold for 24. With a screw-on lid, matte powder coating, and ergonomic handle, it’s the perfect companion for staying hydrated on the go, whether you're sipping hot coffee or chilled iced tea.

 

 

Click here to view!

 

 

Wooden Door Hangers: Hospitality with a Personal Touch

 

These beautifully crafted wooden door signs are perfect for the hospitality industry or unique corporate gifts. Customisable with engraving or printing, they’re sustainable, stylish, and a subtle way to ensure your brand leaves an impression in any setting.

 

 

Click here to enquire!

 

 

Foamo Cup: The Future of Sustainable, Customisable Drinkware

 

Foamo is shaking up the world of reusable coffee cups with a blend of sustainability and innovation. Made from plant-based materials, these cups are not only fully recyclable but also dishwasher safe for added convenience. Their game-changing foaming technology slashes plastic usage by 50% while trapping heat, keeping your drinks warmer for longer - no need for wasteful paper sleeves. Proudly produced in the UK using energy-efficient, renewable-powered machinery, Foamo delivers a lightweight, eco-friendly alternative to single-use cups, setting a new standard for sustainable sipping.

 

 

Click here to enquire!

 

 

Vegan Treat Pack: A Guilt-Free Treat with Sustainable Packaging

 

Delightfully designed with four separate compartments, this vegan treat pack offers a variety of plant-based treats to satisfy every craving. Perfect for sharing or indulging, each section is filled with a mix of colourful, delicious vegan sweets that are sure to impress. The packaging is not only eye-catching but eco-friendly, made from sustainable materials that align with your commitment to a greener future. 

 

 

Click here to enquire!

 

 

The ICE-TAG: The Smart Tracker & Charging Cable in One

 

Never lose your essentials again with the ICE-TAG, a game-changing 2-in-1 smart tracker and charging cable. This innovative gadget helps you keep track of your valuables while doubling as a multi-device charging cable, making it the perfect companion for people on the go. With Bluetooth tracking technology, you can easily locate your keys, bag, or any attached item via the Find-Me function. Plus, the built-in charging cable ensures you’re always powered up when you need it. Compact, stylish, and practical, the ICE-TAG is an ideal promotional gift that blends convenience with cutting-edge tech.

 

 

Click here to enquire!

 

 

Plastic-Free Seed Packets: A Sustainable Way to Grow Your Brand

 

Crafted from repurposed materials that would otherwise go to waste, this product is fully recyclable at the end of its life – a true circular economy solution that helps reduce landfill waste. Featuring a large branding area with full-colour print, it ensures your brand stands out while making a green statement.

 

 

Click here to enquire!

 

 

Branded Sneakers: Custom Footwear with a Sustainable Edge

 

Branded merchandise goes beyond the usual giveaways, and branded sneakers are proving just that with fully customisable, made-to-order footwear. Handcrafted using sustainable and vegan materials, these sneakers offer a premium way to showcase your brand while minimising waste. With endless design possibilities, including colour, logo placement, and material choices, they’re perfect for businesses looking to make a stylish and eco-conscious statement.

 

 

Click here to enquire!

 

 

The Concertina Phone Stand: Sustainable & Compact

 

The Concertina Phone Stand combines innovation and sustainability. Inspired by the classic Slinky toy, its flexible cardboard design stretches to hold large tablets securely, then shrinks back down for easy portability. Made entirely from cardboard, it's an eco-friendly option for your brand. With space for strong branding on both sides, it’s the perfect promotional product that’s both functional and sustainable.

 

 

Click here to enquire!

 

 

 

Why These Products Stood Out

 

These products not only serve a purpose but also leave a lasting impression, aligning perfectly with Pro-Ad’s mission to deliver impactful, branded merchandise.

Looking to get these products for your business? Reach out and enquire here!

Bespoke delivered treats for The Energy Check Workforce
Bespoke delivered treats for The Energy Check Workforce

The Energy Check asked Pro-Ad to help provide promotional merchandise that would be used to support and boost the spirits of The Energy Check workforce during the Covid 19 pandemic.

The Campaign was to send members of The Energy Check workforce including those who were working from home or had been furloughed, a gift, to reinforce that everyone is still part of The Energy Check family. This was intended to promote a positive message and make all members feel appreciated and valued.

The Challenge:

In order to fit the customer brief the promotional items had to be a surprise to the recipients and this gift had to be edible, brandable, deliverable to around 100 different addresses across the UK and there also needed to be a vegan option available.

The customer also wanted to include some postcards branded with positive messages in the packaging. The goal was for the gift to generate a feel-good factor and communicate to their staff/employee’s that they are valued and important to the business.

The Solution:

Pro-Ad suggested cupcakes which are highly customisable.To see a range of our cupcakes click on the link here. They can be supplied in boxes of 6, had a vegan friendly option, could be branded with their logo, were customisable with a coloured case and could be delivered safely to their employees at their individual home addresses.

Pro-Ad also arranged production of the postcard and subsequent packing into the cupcake boxes. Each postcard carried the same message of gratitude and affirmation from the Senior Management Team on the reverse side, but the fronts contained one of 4 different motivational messages. The postcards were produced in a high-quality card so that they could be retained as a keepsake and to further communicate how important the staff are to the business.

 Pro-Ad creates signature pen for Algomi
Pro-Ad creates signature pen for Algomi

Algomi is an innovative software products company operating in the fixed income technology sector. The client was looking for a long-lasting corporate gift to promote the company’s brand. The product would be used as a giveaway at company events, for Algomi’s direct mail campaigns and other marketing purposes.

After considering their options, the client initially decided on a plastic pen that would represent their brand colour and logo with tints whilst having a high perceived value.

The Challenge

The first challenge we faced when looking for a pen to match the client’s brief, was to find a standard, off-the-shelf pen in the client’s brand colour as the latter was very unique. In addition to that, the Algomi logo is very detailed so it requires a digital print in order to ensure a good logo depiction on the pen.

The Solution

In order to ensure that the quality of the product used by Algomi would be representative of their brand, Pro-Ad put forward a metal pen as an alternative to the initial plastic pen requested by the client.  The metal pen would be Pantone matched to the client’s brand colour with the logo digitally printed on top.

The Result

Algomi loved the metal pen recommended by Pro-Ad as it had a higher perceived product value that was more suitable for their client base while remaining within the client’s budget. The pantone matching also allowed for a very strong branding impact that maximised the product’s R.O.I.

The pen was so well received by their customers that Algomi have re-ordered 4 times since their initial order in 2015.

Testimonial

“Having worked with Pro-Ad over many years I had complete confidence in their ability to find a high quality cost effective pen that met my exact specs for colour matching and the intricate printing required for our logo. These pens fit with our brand and are used in all our offices and as a client gift. They have become a very desirable item at trade events in the US, Asia and Europe where everybody wants one”

 Bespoke Notebooks for Karbon Homes’ New Brand Launch
Bespoke Notebooks for Karbon Homes’ New Brand Launch

Our client, one of the largest housing associations in the North East, recently rebranded as Karbon Homes which is the new name for the combined organisation of Isos, Derwentside and Cestria. They required a corporate gift to give out to their staff at the launch of their new brand on the 4th and 5th of May 2017. The gift would be used as a momento of the launch and to introduce their staff to the new branding, colours and logo. In order to achieve the above, the product supplied should feature one of the new Karbon Homes colours. In order to satisfy the client’s requirement for a quality gift that would also be useful, Pro-Ad’s Account Manager for Karbon Homes suggested the use of a Belluno bespoke notebook with a matching pen.

The Challenge

The lead time for the manufacturing of the product in time for the launch was relatively tight. However, the product chosen was bespoke and had to be made from scratch and as such it needed sufficient material in the UK of an appropriate colour to manufacture.  Also, the pen is a multi-part item and is assembled to order with a lengthy lead time.

The Karbon Homes new logo is a full colour design which incorporates a whole spectrum of colours.  The pen and notebook both had to be as close as possible to the brand’s red so that the two products although manufactured in different factories looked like a set and didn’t clash.  The production of the gift had to be achieved on the client’s specific budget.

The Solution

With attention to detail, the notebook produced was not only in red but with a red elastic strap and pen loop. The notebook’s available optional features were studied in order for the product to meet the requirements whilst fitting the budget.

Samples of product colour swatches were organised for the client and advice on the best colour to use was provided. Although the client looked into printing the notebook full colour, we suggested the use of embossing as a more stylish way of personalising the product.

Throughout the manufacturing process Pro-Ad stayed on top of their supplier network in order to ensure that the product would be ready in time for the launch date.

The Result

The client was very happy with the end product as it was an ideal fit for their requirements.  They found the process of working with Pro-Ad smooth and they experienced time savings while having someone working as their extra member of staff to understand their brand and source solutions that would uphold their brand values.

Testimonial

“Pro-Ad delivered again.  Time and time again we have relied on their professional staff to come up with something different, a fresh idea, and deliver a quality product in a very tight timescale.  And once again, we were not disappointed.  Our Account Manager guided us through the whole process so that we were assured that the product was going to be a winner with our staff.  I would recommend Pro-Ad to anyone looking for a committed, professional merchandising solutions company.”  Karbon Home

 Pro-Ad creates branded Winter Kits for SSE
Pro-Ad creates branded Winter Kits for SSE

Last Autumn to in 2017, SSE requested our help in putting together 12,000 Winter Kits. The kits would be used in order to support their vulnerable customers that live in remote areas, in the occasion of a power cut during storms.

The Challenge

SSE required a range of products that would be of the highest quality in order to guarantee that they would be a valuable help towards their clients’ safety while keeping the production cost down. The client also required for the products to be pre-packed by Pro-Ad into boxes carrying their branding.

The Solution

Pro-Ad’s Account Manager for SSE worked on the brief in order to collect product samples that would fit the purpose of the client’s campaign. He then visited the client in order to present them the samples, shortlist the most suitable ones and discuss any amendments that needed to be made on the selected products. These included fridge magnets, wind up torches, glow sticks, room temperature indicators, beanie hats, emergency blankets and even an analogue phone which Pro-Ad suggested as it would still be able to work even through a power cut.

Pro-Ad used their worldwide network of suppliers to choose the factories that would be able to manufacture the selected products while providing the quality standards and certifications required by the SSE.  Pre-production samples were produced to ensure that the client was 100% happy with them. The Solutions Team also worked with our Creative Department in order to design two versions of packaging; one that would be suitable for posting and a large pack with a gift feel to it.  Both types of packaging had to be strong enough to protect their inserts and aesthetically pleasing to safeguard the SSE branding guidelines.

The Result

The customer feedback on the winter packs was very positive and their recipients were very happy with them. According to a satisfaction survey carried by SSE, the recipients rated the SSE customer service based on the winter packs with an average of 9.46 out of 10.  Their majority said that they felt they had been listened to and that they would be very likely to use the welfare pack in the event of a power cut.

This campaign also won Silver in the Institute of Promotional Marketing Cogs Award Promotional Merchandise Campaign of the year.

Testimonial

“The quality of the packs is very impressive! Thank you on my behalf (and everyone else’s which will use these), for assisting in turning the welfare packs to a finished product.” SSE

 Bespoke Monopoly Board Game for Unite Students
Bespoke Monopoly Board Game for Unite Students

The Bespoke Monopoly Brief 

Unite Students required a fully branded, bespoke Monopoly board game to commemorate the first anniversary of the launch of their business purpose, Home for Success. The game would celebrate different properties across the client’s locations, their people and their processes.

With the use of the product the client wanted to reward their employees for their hard work. They also wanted to give a gift that would represent their values, ‘We Care, We Lead, We Unite and We Deliver’, via opportunities to interact with each other and have fun – the game would help enable this.

The Challenge

The greatest challenge Pro-Ad had to manage for the creation of the game was the demanding production time. A large amount of design work was required in order to create concepts and to safeguard Unite’s correct representation whilst working within a tight delivery schedule.

The Solution

Pro-Ad invested time in liaising with the client and factory to ensure that the information required was delivered according to schedule and was correct. Throughout the production process Pro-Ad was working closely with the factory providing advice and making negotiations when needed in order to make sure that all time critical objectives were achieved.

The Result

The client was very satisfied with the quality of the product and the level of service given to them throughout the process of the product design while the Unite Monopoly game was very well received by its recipients.

“From start to finish the service we received from Pro-Ad was outstanding.  Despite its challenges our project was dealt with efficiently and with the right amount of attention to detail. We were extremely pleased with the quality of the end product and would, without hesitation, highly recommend Pro-Ad”.

Jurys Inn’s Stay Happy Internal Campaign
Jurys Inn’s Stay Happy Internal Campaign

The Brief

Jury’s Inns Hotels asked us to source for them promotional merchandise that would be used to support an internal campaign to their front of house staff. The campaign was called Stay Happy and its goal was to increase employee engagement and promote the company’s Stay Happy workplace message to their employees.

In order to fit the customer brief, the promotional products sourced had to be fun and standout and to be both practical and as novel as possible. They also had to incorporate the Stay Happy unique colour palette selected especially for the campaign.

The Challenge

The client gave us a tight deadline of 4 weeks for the product sourcing, artwork development and production. The colours of the Stay Happy palette were quite complex which made sourcing merchandise to match them challenging. In addition to that, the products required were not standard, off the shelf items, but innovative and unique. Finally, the client expected delivery to 36 different addresses across UK & Ireland.

The Solution

Pro-Ad’s Account Manager for Jurys Inns, after studying carefully the campaign goals and requirements, suggested doing as a first item a mug with a dye sublimation print on the outside. The print, instead of matching one of the colours from the Stay Happy palette, would be a patchwork of all the colours included in it. He also suggested adding a special detail to the mugs by printing a small smiley face on their inside base. This would re-iterate the campaign’s Happy Message in a fun and novel way.

The second gift chosen was a pencil case, as the client advised that these were often used by the front of house staff members. The pencil cases were also dye sublimated with the patchwork design to boldly highlight the campaign message and colours.

Last product suggested and chosen by the client was a thumbs-up shaped pen in a range of colours, with the Stay Happy motto printed on it. The gift’s message was to give the user the thumbs up for staying happy. The pens came in a mixture of colours to represent the primary colours of the client’s campaign palette.  The thumbs-up pens were a novelty product with a definite wow factor about them.

Using our established network of reputable suppliers, Pro-Ad managed to manufacture and brand all products in time for the campaign launch, divide them in batches and distribute them to the 36 different hotels.

The Result

The client was very happy with the products sourced and produced as they managed to capture the spirit of the campaign message and ticked all the requirements set with regards to their colours and look. The Jurys Inn Stay Happy campaign has been a great success in its infancy and the branded gifts played a very important role in it. There have been requests for more mugs while the client is also looking at additional products in the campaign colours after requests from the recipients.