Summer promo items to make memories all season long

By Carrie Kramer

As the temperatures rise, so do the number of opportunities for unique and clever branding! Think of all the things that make summertime special—long days, warm weather and sunny skies. Outdoor events can bring your company, supporters and community together, from 5Ks and pickleball tournaments to picnics and concerts. Merchandisers Jayne and Carrie give us their takes on summer promo items to keep your logo shining as bright as the summer sun.

Cool gear for community events

Promotional sunglasses are a bright idea for brand visibility. Reach for the Risky Business Sunglasses. “With their clear frames and mirrored lenses in different colours, they’ll coordinate with any racer’s or fan’s outfit,” Carrie said. Or, for maximum attention, check out these Tie-Dye Sunglasses. Outfit volunteers in matching Gildan^® Ultra Cotton T-Shirts. The rainbow of colour options makes it easy to match their look to your branding.

If you’re sponsoring a community run/walk, provide race participants with the ultra-handy Lycra^® Running Belt. “The adjustable elastic strap helps keep this slim pack close to their body for access to essentials while walking or running,” Jayne said.

Fans cheering on their family and friends will appreciate a functional promo, like a Polypropylene Drawstring Sportpack to hold everything they need throughout the day, or a Mini Breeze Rechargeable Hand Fan “to start up a cool breeze as the day—and the race!—heats up,” Carrie said. Warm-weather health essentials, like the Refresh^® Camber Water Bottle and the easy-to-read Keep it Cool Wrap, make great summer giveaway items and show future customers that you have their wellness at heart. wellness at heart.

Summer promo ideas to get in the game

Warm weather brings community members out of the house and into the sun. Summer giveaway items like Sun Fun Flyers encourage them to take advantage of local park space. These familiar toys seem to be everywhere in summer and really let your promotion soar. “For an extra-fun twist, the discs change colour in the sun,” Jayne revealed.

The XL Bubble Wand ensures kids of any age get in on the fun at gatherings or company picnics. For a colourful summer promo idea, this 16" Beach Ball will energize everyone at your next pool or waterside gathering.

Whether you call it cornhole or bags, an imprinted Bean Bag Toss Game is a crowd favourite that will make your company the life of the party. “Generate some friendly team competition and promote your brand at the same time with the custom inserts,” Carrie said. The boards are easy to transport when clipped together.

Sporty promo items for sporting events

These family-friendly essentials guarantee they’ll be ready to cheer on their favourite teams this summer. “Being outdoors means sun and heat protection are a must,” Carrie said, so show your customers you care by handing out the branded Round Lip Moisturizer or a Handy Breeze Fan and Flashlight.

Teams, outdoor workforces and families will love the fun vibe of these Neon Retro Sunglasses. For a great corporate gift that’s multifunctional, Jayne suggested the Crossland^® Picnic Blanket with water-resistant backing. It helps keep picnickers and sport spectators protected from damp grass and can provide warmth on cooler nights.

Boost brand awareness anywhere with the Koozie^® Folding Wagon. This attention-grabbing summer promo product is perfect for hauling team equipment or spectator necessities. Beverages and tunes will be on hand with the Crossland^® 20-Can Outdoor Cooler and Blackwater Outdoor Bluetooth^® Speaker.

For an ultra-comfortable spectator experience, the Crossland^® Camp Chair “adds a level of relaxation to any game, concert or group picnic,” Carrie said. It features an attached bottle opener plus a drink holder in each arm.

Summer promo items for rain or shine

Summer weather means sunny days, but it can also bring a rainfall of branding opportunities. The convenient Twist and Chill Fan with Lanyard is a thoughtful hot-weather promo that helps keep them comfortable in any setting.

The imprinted Mini Manual Opening Umbrella showcases your logo when the rain comes. “You’ll be the hero of any unexpected showers!” said Jayne. For a full-size option, check out the Terra Folding Umbrella with Auto Open. It’s made with recycled materials and comes with a sleeve for compact storage.

Sunny days mean warmer weather—and bright summer promo ideas

Summer is a favourite season for a reason. Whether they’re on the beach, at the pool or in the ballpark, there’s always something going on that brings your community together—and summer promo items only turn up the fun. Take advantage of the sun, weather and events to make your brand a summer staple!

Carrie Kramer

Carrie Kramer is a merchandising category manager with more than 20 years of experience in the promotional products industry and has been part of 4imprint’s merchandising team for nearly two years. She brings extensive expertise in merchandising, product sourcing, and building strong vendor relationships. Working closely with product development partners—and always thinking creatively—Carrie continually seeks out the best promotional products to strengthen her category offerings. Her expertise and creative approach help ensure 4imprint remains at the forefront of wellness-related promotional trends.

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.