At Boingo Graphics, we believe boring marketing should be illegal. The latest promo trend report from ASI proves it — the brands getting noticed are the ones getting weird. From Owala bottles to spooky Halloween swag, creativity isn’t just cute, it’s profitable. So grab your logo, crank up the fun, and let’s see why the boldest brands are winning big.
Here’s a little marketing truth bomb: when in doubt, get weird.
Because the brands having the most fun are the ones customers actually remember.
And according to the latest ASI Q3 data, the weird ones are winning big — from the rise of Owala bottles to the comeback of bookmarks and Halloween swag. Turns out, creativity and quirk are the real ROI engines.
Owala: The Bottle That Broke the Internet
Move over, Stanley — Owala is the new cool kid in the hydration hallway.
Searches for the brand exploded 68% year-over-year, while Stanley slipped 42% faster than a sweaty water bottle rolling down a yoga mat.
Owala didn’t reinvent water — it just made sipping stylish again. And that’s the secret sauce: same function, way more fun.
Your Move:
Don’t just hand out another water bottle — hand out one that feels like your brand. Sleek, smart, maybe even a little sassy. When your logo lands on something people actually love using, it becomes part of their story — not just their desk clutter.
Classics That Refuse to Die (and Thank Goodness for That)
Pens, totes, lanyards — these aren’t trends, they’re traditions.
And they’re still topping ASI’s search rankings because they’re the comfort food of marketing. Everyone loves them, everyone uses them, and when they’re done right, they feel fresh again.
Want to make a tote bag fun? Give it a bold color, a cheeky line, or a custom QR code that surprises people.
Want to make a pen cool? Make it yours.
Your Move:
You already have the classics — now give them personality. Think clever. Think unexpected. The more your promo items make someone smile, the longer your brand sticks around in their hand (and their head).
Seasonal Weirdness: The New Marketing Superpower
Halloween promos are up 200%. Bookmarks jumped 60%. Fans rose 41%.
If that sounds random, good — random works.
Brands that embrace the unexpected — from spooky stress balls to branded rally towels — tap into emotion, surprise, and joy. That’s what people actually connect with.
So while everyone else is handing out forgettable drawstring bags and silicone wristbands (RIP, 2014), you can be the brand giving away something that makes people laugh, smile, or take a selfie with your logo.
Your Move:
Plan your promos like a playlist — mix the hits with a few unexpected tracks. When your products fit the season and your personality, your customers don’t just notice your brand — they remember how it made them feel.
The Big Picture: Data Meets Delight
If you zoom out, all these numbers tell one story:
People are tired of bland.
They want products that make them feel something — amused, surprised, delighted, hydrated, spooky… whatever!
The lesson? Fun is a strategy. Weirdness is a differentiator.
And memorable always beats safe.
At Boingo Graphics, we help brands find that sweet spot where data meets delight. Because when your marketing looks like it’s having fun, your customers will too.
Your Next Great Idea
So the next time you’re picking promo products and can’t decide what to do?
Get weird.
Get creative.
Get remembered.
Because the brands having the most fun are the ones everyone talks about — and Boingo Graphics is here to make sure your brand is one of them.
