When people vacation or visit destination spots, they love to bring home souvenirs from their trip to remember the experience. That’s why travelers always say, “Let’s find the gift shop,” even when they’re in an airport. We’ve got the top 10 most-popular items people are most likely to buy from gift shops when they’re adventuring or day-tripping. Compare what’s on your shelves to our top 10—and let us know where we can help you find the products that put a smile on your patrons’ faces.
1. Magnets
Magnets appeal to so many people because they’re inexpensive and long-lasting. We love to stick magnets on our fridges for eye candy (plus memories of summer vacation!)—and their simple functionality for holding important papers, notes and lists in place. Whether you’re promoting a destination, an event or a brand, a magnet is an item that gets seen over and over, keeping you top of mind.
[Product: https://morrisgifts.com/Custom-Logo-Art--Magnet_p_2328.html]
Popular Product Idea: We recommend choosing a completely customizable magnet that’s cut to fit your totally unique artwork or message. We can get you magnets in different materials like acrylic or eco wood to match any theme.
2. Keychains
Most of us would be lost without our keychains, which hold entry to our homes, cars, workplaces and more. Since our keys are such constant companions, people love to acquire new keychains to stay organized. These keychains can also be conversation starters, keepsakes or hot collector's items, so stocking your shop with destination keychains is a must, not a maybe.
[Product: https://morrisgifts.com/Custom-Logo-Art--Keychain_p_4754.html]
Popular Product Idea: Just like magnets, creative and custom is the name of the game for keychains. We can print your artwork, logo or message in vivid, durable color on an acrylic or eco wood keychain that’s built to last through lots of use.
3. Ornaments
The most popular souvenir, ornaments are hot picks—and stay as a reminder of your customer’s trip for years to come. Whether they display the ornament all year or bring it out just at the holidays, they’ll relive their great memories every time they see it.
[Product: https://morrisgifts.com/Custom-Logo-Art--Ornament_p_9544.html]
Popular Product Idea: The name of the ornament game is going totally custom once again. We’ll print your 100% custom artwork in vivid color on durable acrylic or eco wood and cut to fit your art. These ornaments will be treasured keepsakes for years to come!
4. Custom Books
A whopping 69% of people buy between one and four books while on vacation. Another 31% grab five to 10 (or more!). That’s why a custom book is a great addition to any gift shop, especially if it contains content with local appeal—such as stories, history, lore and sites. That also ensures your traveling guest will keep the book and even display it on their coffee table.
[Product: https://www.thebookco.com/the-travel-book/]
Popular Product Idea: A custom book offers additional branding opportunities for a hotel, museum or destination, with customizable belly bands and page inserts about you.
5. Seasonal Apparel
If people flock to your location in colder weather, be sure to stock outerwear for the whole family! People keep outerwear for at least 16 months and a branded jacket produces 6,100 impressions in its lifetime.
[Product: https://www.sanmar.com/p/5089_TrueNavy]
Popular Product Idea: We recommend choosing a lightweight fleece pullover to stock in your shop, especially if you carry your own lifestyle brand. It’s warm enough to keep the cold away, yet it’s not bulky, making it an easy-to-tote travel item. People wear fleece pullovers year-round—including their air-conditioned workplaces—keeping your destination or brand top of mind.
6. Food Gifts
Who doesn’t love getting taffy from the shore or wine from Napa Valley? In fact, 40% of Americans say they’d prefer to receive food as a gift. Whether your patrons want to grab a quick snack or bring back souvenirs for family and friends, unique food gifts should be on your list.
[Product: https://www.nccustom.com/product/333-JBEL/us]
Popular Product Idea: It’s a great idea to package treats in reusable containers—with your branding or logo on the container. People are more likely to keep containers from fun locales or museums.
7. Drinkware
We love our morning coffee and tea brews! Did you know that 60% of people have an emotional attachment to their favorite mug, and 79% of Americans prepare coffee at home? That’s why custom mugs should top your product list in your gift shop!
[Product: https://www.gemline.com/s/product/wp-porter-mug-12-oz/01t6Q0000060jopQAA]
Popular Product Idea: To combine the best of all worlds, select reusable mugs that do triple-duty as replacements for disposable, plastic or metal to-go mugs. Add custom artwork, logos or messages to the mugs to make joe time even more special.
8. Pet Items
We love our furry, feathered and scaly friends! Americans spend nearly $100 billion every year on their pet family members, according to the American Pet Products Association. Since about 78% of people travel with pets, including branded items for animals just makes sense. Travelers also love bringing gifts for families’ and friends’ pets!
[Product: https://www.arielpremium.com/product/WHO-CR22]
Popular Product Idea: We recommend stocking items like pet leashes and toys, which travelers can use while on vacation and at home—for interactive playtime with their pets.
9. Custom Scented Candles
U.S. retailers sell about $3.14 billion of candle products annually, showing the popularity of these items. Scented items really are powerful: Research shows people can recall smells with 65% accuracy after an entire year!
[Product: https://www.pcna.com/en-us/product/redwood-national-park-14-oz-candle-6000-04]
Popular Product Idea: Stock smells associated with your destination to help people remember their amazing travel memories whenever they smell or burn the candle. We can help you get creative with candles!
10. Custom Reusable Bags
Many states, including California and New Jersey, have eliminated plastic bags in most retail locations. In general, businesses and consumers are moving away from single-use plastic bags to more eco-friendly options, like reusable fabric bags.
[Product: https://www.gemline.com/s/product/out-of-the-woods-rabbit-tote/01t6Q00000611dyQAA]
Popular Product Idea: Travelers can always use an extra bag on the go, so add attractive reusable totes to your product lineup. People will use these bags again and again, for shopping, work, the gym, school, beach trips and more. Your artwork, logo or message gets featured prominently on the side of the bag, for thousands of impressions.
Get Started Today These promotional items make great souvenirs and gifts for people of all ages! Start looking at the products you plan to stock for the upcoming season and see how many you can add from our list of top 10 recommendations.
Depend on Select Sales for all your promotional product needs, especially for the upcoming season! Call us at 610-974-8080 or visit www.SelectPromotionalProducts.com to get started.