Another year nearly over, and 2025 has brought plenty of innovation to the promotional products world - new sustainable materials, clever designs, and fresh ideas. But when we looked at our sales data, some clear winners rose to the top.
These aren't just products that sold well- they're items that customers came back for again and again, ordered in bulk, and raved about in their feedback. Six products, in particular, became the bestsellers that defined our year.
So what makes a promotional product a bestseller? It's not about gimmicks or trends. It's about genuine usefulness, quality you can feel, and that perfect intersection of practicality and thoughtfulness.
Here are the six products that defined our year - and why they might be perfect for your next campaign.
1. BIC® EZ Reach™ Lighter: The Unexpected Essential
When you think "promotional products," a lighter might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But here's why this became one of our top sellers in 2025:
Universal usefulness. Whether lighting candles, starting a barbecue, igniting a fireplace, or any of a dozen other everyday tasks, a quality lighter is something people genuinely need. The BIC® EZ Reach™ takes it further with its extended reach design - no more singed fingers trying to light that stubborn candle at the bottom of a jar.
Longevity matters. This isn't a disposable lighter that runs out in a week. It's a BIC - a brand synonymous with reliability. That means your brand stays in someone's home, in their drawer, in their camping kit for months or even years.
Surprising delight factor. When someone receives a high-quality, thoughtfully chosen lighter as part of a gift box or welcome pack, it creates a moment of "oh, that's actually really useful!" It shows you've thought about their real life, not just what looks good in a promotional catalogue.
Perfect for: Welcome home gifts for new homeowners, housewarming boxes, hospitality industry giveaways, outdoor brands, home goods companies, and anyone wanting to give something people will actually keep and use.
2. Ceramic Tumbler with Spill-Proof Lid (330ml): The Commuter's Best Friend
This wouldn't be a bestsellers list without a promotional mug making an appearance. But like most products, mugs are evolving. Coffee culture isn't going anywhere, and neither is the need for a reliable travel companion. This ceramic tumbler with spill-proof lid became a 2025 favourite for good reason:
Ceramic makes the difference. While stainless steel tumblers have their place, ceramic offers something special - it doesn't affect the taste of your drink. Coffee tastes like coffee, not like metal. Tea enthusiasts especially appreciate this.
Spill-proof means actually usable. We've all had "travel mugs" that leak in our bags. The spill-proof lid on this tumbler means it actually travels - in cars, on trains, in laptop bags - without disaster.
The Goldilocks size. At 330ml, it's substantial enough to be worth filling, but not so large that it's cumbersome. Perfect for the morning commute or an afternoon pick-me-up at your desk.
Sublimation-ready branding. The smooth ceramic surface is ideal for full-colour, photo-quality branding that doesn't fade or peel. Your logo looks premium because it is premium.
Perfect for: Corporate welcome packs, client gifts, employee appreciation, coffee shop collaborations, wellness initiatives, and remote worker care packages.
3. Reborn Recycled Aluminium Stylus Pen: Small Item, Big Impact
Pens are promotional product classics for a reason - and we've never had a year-end sales analysis without a pen in the top 5. This recycled aluminium stylus pen became a 2025 bestseller because it raises the bar for the category:
Dual functionality. In our hybrid work world, people switch between paper notes and digital devices constantly. A pen that's also a stylus for tablets and phones isn't just convenient - it's essential.
Feels substantial. Recycled aluminium gives this pen a quality weight and finish that cheap plastic pens can't match. People don't lose these pens -they keep track of them.
Sustainability story. "Reborn" isn't just a name - it's made from recycled aluminium, giving it an environmental credential that matters to modern consumers and businesses alike.
High-use, high-visibility. Pens appear in meetings, on video calls, at conferences, during phone conversations - every use is a brand impression in professional settings.
Perfect for: Conference bags, networking events, corporate gifts, desk welcome kits, professional services firms, and anywhere you want a quality pen that reflects well on your brand.
4. Aero Aware™ RPET Everyday Sling Bag: The Hands-Free Hero
Sling bags exploded in popularity in 2025, and this RPET version became our bestseller in the category. Here's why:
The rise of "hands-free" living. People want to carry essentials - phone, wallet, keys, headphones - without juggling a full backpack or handbag. Sling bags hit that sweet spot.
Active lifestyle compatibility. Whether commuting, running errands, travelling, or attending festivals, a sling bag moves with you. It's become the go-to for people who want mobility without bulk.
RPET means responsibility. Made from recycled plastic bottles (RPET = Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate), this bag lets brands showcase their commitment to sustainability in a product people actually wear and use daily.
Cross-body visibility. Unlike a backpack worn on someone's back, a sling bag is worn across the chest or side - meaning your branding is front-facing and visible in crowds, on public transport, and in photos.
Perfect for: Outdoor brands, travel companies, festivals and events, university welcome packs, sports initiatives, and lifestyle brands targeting active, mobile audiences.
5. Ceramic Sublimation Mug with Cork Detail (300ml): The Desk Essential with Character
While travel tumblers had their moment, the classic desk mug proved it's here to stay. This ceramic mug with cork detail became a 2025 favourite for its blend of function and personality:
Cork adds warmth. The cork base detail isn't just aesthetic - it's practical (no scratching surfaces) and adds a natural, warm element that feels contemporary and eco-conscious.
Perfect desk size. At 300ml, it's ideal for that morning coffee or afternoon tea without being so large it goes cold before you finish.
Sublimation = unlimited creativity. Full-colour, photo-quality printing means you can create truly custom designs - company photos, intricate logos, motivational quotes, or even personalised mugs for individual team members.
Daily ritual, daily reminder. A desk mug gets used every single working day. That's hundreds of brand impressions per year, in a moment (the coffee break) when people are most receptive to positive associations.
Perfect for: Employee onboarding, client thank-you gifts, remote worker care packages, office culture initiatives, and anywhere you want a personal, daily-use item that shows you care.
6. Wooden Balancing Rocks in Pouch: The Mindfulness Moment
This was our surprise hit of 2025 - proof that promotional products can be about wellbeing, not just utility. Here's why these simple wooden rocks resonated so deeply:
Wellness isn't optional anymore. Burnout, stress, and mental health are front-of-mind for businesses and individuals. A product that offers a moment of mindfulness shows genuine care for wellbeing.
Desk toy meets meditation tool. These balancing rocks serve dual purpose: a tactile, calming fidget tool during stressful moments, and a mindful stacking activity that requires focus and presence.
Conversation starter. When sitting on a desk, these rocks are intriguing. Colleagues ask about them. Clients notice them. It's a natural way to talk about your brand's values around wellbeing and balance.
Beautiful simplicity. Natural wood, organic shapes, minimal design - these rocks feel premium and intentional, not like cheap promotional clutter.
Perfect for: Wellness programmes, mental health initiatives, desk welcome kits, spa and therapy businesses, mindfulness apps, HR departments, and any brand wanting to champion work-life balance.
What These Bestsellers Tell Us About 2025
Looking at these six products together, a clear pattern emerges about what customers want from promotional products in 2025:
Sustainability matters. Four of these six products have clear environmental credentials—recycled materials, renewable resources, reusability over disposability.
Daily use over novelty. These aren't gimmicks gathering dust. They're items people reach for every single day - coffee, pens, bags, desk essentials.
Quality you can feel. Ceramic, aluminium, wood, branded lighters - these are tactile, substantial items that communicate quality through touch and weight.
Wellness integration. From spill-proof tumblers that make commutes easier to balancing rocks for mindful moments, these products make life better, not just busier.
Versatility wins. Stylus pens, sling bags, multi-use mugs - items that adapt to different contexts get used more, which means more brand impressions.
Discover What Makes These Products Bestsellers
These products became bestsellers because they solve real problems, fit real lifestyles, and reflect values that matter to modern audiences. They're proof that promotional products, done right, are investments in relationships, brand perception, and lasting impressions.
Want to see these products in person? Request free samples and see why these six items topped our 2025 sales charts. Our team can help you choose the perfect products for your audience, event, or campaign.
Explore Our Best of 2025 Collection - See all our top-selling products and discover which ones are right for your brand.
Contact our team, let's discuss your needs and curate a selection your recipients will actually use, keep, and appreciate.