Top Picks for 2026

I recently spent a day at Merchandise World catching up with over 200 manufacturers and getting a first look at what’s coming for 2026. There were some genuinely good new products on show, and I’ve pulled together a few stand-out favourites to share with you.

These items might look varied at first glance, but they all have a few important things in common. They’re practical, well-made, and designed to be used and kept, not forgotten. Each one stood out to me for a reason, whether that’s thoughtful design, sustainability credentials, or simply because it solves a real problem while still representing a brand well. I’ve pulled them together as a snapshot of the direction branded merchandise is heading in for 2026.

Branded trainers made in Spain with an MOQ of just 40 pairs. These can be made up of different sizes to perfectly support your event or campaign. They are genuinely comfortable and you can go as out there as you like with the branding. The whole shoe can be customised - even the laces if you want to go that extra mile. We can create mock ups free of charge if you want to see how your brand could be worn!

I have a big fan of fans (sorry!) They are practical and a great way to show off your brand. These bamboo 'Out of office' fans are really smart & you can engrave the handle for a lovely subtle brand exposure. We can also offer full colour printing to the fan itself if you want to go loud & proud for an event. This is honestly an item people will want to keep and will remind them of you every time they use it.

These cute & cuddly bears are fabulous. A bear wearing a branded t-shirt is nothing new in our industry, but full colour branding to the paws is! We can also print a patch to the chest of the bear, so you don't need to rely on the recipient keeping the t-shirt. Lots of stock, held in the UK and low minimum order quantities makes this a winning giveaway.

Always a firm fav of mine, chocolate! Bespoke shaped truffles that not only look fantastic, but also taste it (trust me!) Working closely with our UK chocolate factory, whatever you can dream up, they can make! We can also offer 3D moulded chocolate, bespoke packaging & some items on a very quick leadtime (5 working days!) Sweet treats always go down well!

Smart, effective tech still plays a big part in branded giveaways. This new collection is where innovation meets simplicity & made for the modern traveller. From sleek charging solutions to selected items with dual tracing technology compatible with Apple Find My and Google Find My Device. Designed to keep you connected and in control wherever you go.

These are called Seed Pops and they’re such a brilliant little giveaway. Available in a variety of seed ‘flavours’, they can be fully customised with a full-colour print on the top packaging, plus engraving on the wooden stick itself. The stick doubles up as a handy plant marker once planted, which makes them both practical and thoughtful. A great option for sustainability campaigns, spring & summer promotions, events or client gifts that do something a bit different.

This is a wonderful example of how a different branding method can completely transform a product. Embossing on a beanie is smart, effective and will never fade, giving it a far more premium, retail-ready feel. The result is something people actually want to wear, not just something they’re given. Perfect for team wear, events, client gifts or winter campaigns where longevity really matters.

Bespoke, UK-made awards like this prove that recognition doesn’t have to be predictable. While awards themselves aren’t new, the bevelled edge, modern shape and updated materials give this design a much more contemporary, high-end feel.

Made from real wood and fully customisable, this style works beautifully for sustainability awards, employee recognition, partner programmes or industry events where you want something that feels thoughtful and well made – not mass produced.

Have you ever wanted to brand an entire textile item, but not wanted to order the huge quantities that usually requires? Now we can create completely bespoke garments and bags in the UK with your design all over. Think aprons, tote bags, pouches, scarves or clothing that genuinely feels premium and considered – not just a logo slapped on as an afterthought. This is branding done properly.

I’ll be sharing more standout products and ideas over the coming weeks, all with the same focus on quality, practicality and thoughtful branding. If you’re planning campaigns or events for 2026 and want merchandise that genuinely works harder for your brand, keep an eye on our LinkedIn page – there’s plenty more to come.

And as always, if you’d like to chat about any of these products – or explore other ideas for your brand – I’d love to hear from you.