Discover Gen Z's Favorite Branded Merch: Top Trends Revealed

Generation Z is identified as individuals born between 1997 and 2012. They have come of age and have become a significant portion of the consumer market buyers. The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) conducted research to understand the promotional products that resonate most with this demographic. The study shows that Gen Z prefers items combining functionality, style, and brand recognition. Read on to see the top branded merchandise that Gen Z favors.

Top 7 Promotional Products Favored by Gen Z

Comfortable Hoodies

​Hoodies remain a staple in Gen Z's wardrobe, appreciated for their comfort and versatility. While comfortability is a must, when you pair that with a top brand such as Under Armour or Nike, you'll create a piece of branded merch that will be worn until it's worn out!

Stanley Cups

These durable and trendy drinkware items have gained popularity among Gen Z for their practicality and aesthetic appeal. Branded Stanley cups keep ice for a long time, making them functional and appealing to this generation. They also appeal to these eco-conscious values since reusable tumblers help reduce landfill waste from plastics from bottled water.

Device-Cleaning Wipes

Given Gen Z's constant engagement with digital devices, screen-cleaning wipes are practical and necessary. Microfiber screen cleaning cloths are available in multiple shapes and often printed in full color to prominently display your design vividly.

Customized Nike Shoes

Personalized footwear, especially from renowned brands like Nike, appeals to Gen Z's desire for individuality and brand association. Customized shoes can make a lasting impression as high-value promotional items. They are great giveaways for contest winners or door prizes for your events. While Nike isn't widely available in the promo industry, they are available on Nike's website.

Food and Beverage Kits

Kits and gift baskets that include snacks or beverages cater to Gen Z's appreciation for unique experiences. Prearranged gift baskets with nuts, cheese, and meats or candy gift baskets are great gifts for this generation.

Color-Changing Cups

Interactive items, such as color-changing cups, capture Gen Z's attention through novelty and fun. Such products can enhance engagement and brand recall. Color-changing mood products cover a variety of product categories, including cups, water bottles, pens, pencils, reusable straws, bracelets, and many others.

Pop-It Stress Balls

Fidget toys like Pop-It stress balls and push-pop stress relievers are popular among Gen Z for stress relief and entertainment. Fidget spinners became wildly popular with this generation when they were younger, and the Pop-It stress reliever items are the next generation of fidget spinners. Branded versions can serve as practical promotional tools that are both functional and trendy.

Key Insights from ASI's Research

• Brand Awareness: 90% of Gen Z end-buyers view promotional products and apparel as effective marketing for enhancing brand awareness. That's higher than every other generation.
• Brand Name Preference: Half of the Gen Z respondents indicated a more favorable view of advertisers who provide brand-name promotional apparel. They LOVE the big-name, popular brands, so incorporating them into your marketing makes sense when you want to reach this generation.
• E-commerce Engagement: Approximately 64% of Gen Z end-buyers have purchased promotional products or apparel online, indicating a strong inclination towards digital shopping platforms.​
• Values and Sustainability: Gen Z places high importance on social responsibility and environmental friendliness, with 84% valuing socially responsible products and 74% emphasizing environmental considerations.​ Made-in-the-USA items and sustainably sourced manufactured promotional items are essential to them.
• Product Retention Factors: Gen Z focuses on three main factors when deciding whether to keep promotional items. They look at utility (84%), attractiveness (60%), and quality (54%). Here again, functionality (utility) is a top factor.

Conclusion

If you want to connect with Gen Z, give away merch that aligns with their values and lifestyle. You don't have to stick with the seven products mentioned above. However, you need to ensure the items are functional, stylish and have brand recognition when possible. Ensuring these qualities in your branded merch will lead to stronger relationships with this influential demographic. ​See more Gen Z favorites here. Contact Perfect Imprints today for help finding the perfect products for your Gen Z audience.

References:

• ​"End-Buyer Research: Generation Z." Advertising Specialty Institute.
• ​"PPAI Consumer Study: Why Promo Clicks With Gen Z." PPAI.