In recent years, there has been a surge in promotional merchandise orders from a few of the largest and most influential brands in Australia. While these links to brand exposure and marketing strategies, they also benefit the business internally, promoting enhanced employee engagement, sustainability initiatives, and customer loyalty programs.
So, what are these big players truly ordering?
After assessing current market trends and corporate procurement behaviors, one thing is clear: Australian businesses are investing in products that deliver practicality, purpose, and are aligned with evolving workplace values. So, here's a breakdown of what’s trending with those brands.
Sustainable and eco-friendly promotional products
Various factors are driving consumers to be more environmentally conscious. Therefore, this is no longer a niche context; it has become a crucial element that consumers prefer in their purchases. In response, some of the top-tier Australian names, including Woolworths, Qantas, and Lendlease, are prioritising sustainable branded merchandise that truly reflects their corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals.
Top ordered items in this segment are:
- Reusable stainless steel water bottles
- Bamboo and recycled-fibre tote bags
- Compostable lunch kits
- Reclaimed paper notebooks
Why it’s trending:
- Consumers are increasingly expecting eco-conscious practices from trusted brands.
- Sustainable merchandise reinforces corporate responsibility through brand events, in staff onboarding kits, and more.
Platforms like Fresh Promotions make it easy for big companies to lead the change by opting for a dedicated range of premium eco-friendly promotional products, specially crafted to reflect both ethics and style.
Tech-enabled giveaways
With almost everything going digital, along with booming modern lifestyles and remote work models, tech accessories/gadgets are one of the most ordered items in the promotional space.
Even the big brands like Telstra, Optus, and Commonwealth Bank are frequently ordering:
- Branded wireless chargers
- Power banks
- USB-C multi-hubs
- Bluetooth speakers and headphones
Why it works:
- Tech-powered products are perceived as having high value and utility.
- They blend naturally into work-from-home and hybrid office environments.
- Recipients can easily retain and use them for months (or years), demonstrating long-term brand visibility.
So, a well-curated promotional tech merchandise is both modern and workplace-friendly accessories, often perfect for conferences, giveaways, or corporate client gifting.
Branded apparel and workwear
We are increasingly seeing custom uniforms in various workplaces. It is already proof of an ongoing trend for workwear uniformity.
Hence, personalized uniforms and branded apparel are the most consistently ordered items, placed by major companies across industries, including mining, logistics, retail, and hospitality. However, it’s not just about safety or dress codes; these branded and customized workwear sends a message of unity and pride.
Examples from top brands:
- BHP and Rio Tinto provide their employees with safety-certified, high-visibility gear.
- Lush and IKEA use colourful, brand-aligned polos and aprons.
- Corporate businesses deliver branded hoodies and jackets to remote teams to foster workplace inclusion.
Why it’s trending:
- Increases brand exposure in public and social spaces
- Strengthens internal culture
- Works as a subtle yet effective employee perk
And when it comes to fully customisable apparel, FreshPromotions leads the trend, offering fits that are unique to your team’s identity, designed for comfort, impact, and durability.
Wellness and mental health-focused merchandise
A major, apparent shift post-pandemic is the prioritisation of employee wellbeing, followed by thoughtful giveaways. Australia’s top employers are now emphasizing wellness-based items in onboarding packs, HR campaigns, and care packages.
Common yet trendy products include:
- Stress-relief balls and resistance bands
- Hydration tracking water bottles
- Aromatherapy kits
- Mindfulness journals
Medibank, Atlassian, and Lendlease adopted this marketing strategy as part of their current employee engagement programs.
Why is it a smart choice?
- Expresses the business’s internal wellness and mental health strategies to stakeholders.
- Promotes daily use and emotional brand connection.
Premium corporate gifts for high-value clients
Premium promotional swag makes a lasting impression when the ultimate goal is to appreciate, retain, or reward high-value clients.
Commonly ordered premium corporate items include:
- Executive pens and notebooks
- Luxury cheese boards and wine hampers
- Custom-branded leather goods
Why it works:
- Builds stronger B2B relationships.
- Sign of professionalism and long-term investment.
So, ready to place your order?
Trends reflecting relevance, sustainability, and being built for connection are evident in orders among Australia’s biggest brands. From utility tech and wearable branding to wellness initiatives and client loyalty, the right promo merchandise can drive engagement and long-term impact.
Do you seek to elevate your brand with quality gifting? Explore Fresh Promotions ‘Best Sellers’ section to discover which products are making waves in the boardrooms and conference halls of Australia’s most successful companies.
