Three colorful drink tumblers—orange, yellow, and blue—sit on a light surface with a blurred beach scene in the background. Text reads, "Why Summer Is Prime Time for Branded Merch.

Sun, Swag, and Staying Power: Why Summer Is Prime Time for Branded Merch

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Summer isn’t just a season, it’s a golden opportunity to boost brand visibility, create memorable moments, and make lasting impressions. With more outdoor events, travel, award trips, and team gatherings on the calendar, your branded merchandise has the power to go farther, last longer, and get seen more.

Why Summer Matters for Your Brand:

When the sun’s out, your brand should be too. Summer brings a surge in outdoor activities, from beach days to baseball games, corporate retreats to community festivals. And that means more eyes on your branded products. Promotional items like backpacks generate over 3,300 impressions during their lifetime, while branded drinkware averages more than 1,400 impressions.

Even better? Seasonal items like beach towels, tote bags, and portable drinkware don’t just sit on a desk—they travel. They show up at the pool, on family vacations, on boats, in parks, and at outdoor concerts. Each use is a chance for your brand to be seen, shared, and remembered.

Three gift sets: a green and white Wyndham blanket, a tropical-themed travel kit with toiletries by a pool, and an assortment of spa items, pouches, and a tote with a blue ribbon and Union Pacific logo.

What Makes Summer Merch Stick:

We’ve learned a thing or two from years of curating top-tier branded gifts. The most effective summer products check three boxes:

  1. Utility: Does it solve a problem or serve a purpose? Think insulated coolers, tech organizers, or shade umbrellas.
  2. Portability: Will people actually bring it with them? Lightweight backpacks, foldable picnic blankets, and beach-friendly totes all make the cut.
  3. Seasonality: Is it something they need right now? Sunglasses, quick-dry towels, fans, and water bottles are on everyone’s summer shortlist.
A collection of branded Peraton items including a backpack, notebook, water bottle, lanyard, sunglasses, and badge holder on the left, and clear cups with green straws and key lime tea packets on the right.

Real-Life Brand Wins:

We’ve helped clients gear up their teams for:

  • Award trips with sun-ready kits including custom towels, Corkcicle tumblers, and SPF care packages.
  • Community events with branded chairs, hats, and tote bags perfect for festivals and outdoor concerts.
  • Company picnics and retreats with matching tees, fun games, and picnic sets that double as employee appreciation gifts.
A towel, pouch, and sunscreen tubes are arranged on the left; on the right, a pink box contains various items including a speaker, blue and teal wallets, and booklets, all displayed on a wooden surface.
Three gift sets: the first has a water bottle, towel, phone pouch, and snacks; the second includes travel pouches, snacks, and a drawstring bag; the third has a mug, tumbler, socks, lotion, and branded items in a "Colorado 23" box.

Let’s Make Summer Work for You:

This season, think beyond basic swag. Think branded essentials that your audience wants to use in the heat of the moment. At Grapevine, we don’t just put your logo on a product—we help you pick the right product for the right time.

Three gift sets are shown: golf-themed items with a US Bank cap and binoculars, an orange US Bank cup with a card, and a Coravin wine preservation kit with bottle accessories and branded packaging.

Ready to make a splash?

Let’s create something unforgettable. From ice-drink tumblers to UV-ready gear, we’re here to make your brand shine brighter this season.

Check out our Summer Lookbook for more Ideas!