Within the promotional merchandise industry, staying ahead of the curve means more than just guessing what’s next. At JDR Branding, we believe in data over gut instinct, which is why we’ve turned to live search trends to spotlight which custom promotional merchandise items are rapidly gaining popularity in 2025.

In this blog, we’re diving into three product highlights - mousemats, pet items, and model die-cast gifts - that are seeing major surges in search volume. Backed by real year-on-year growth figures and paired with expertly selected products from our own catalogue, this article is your cheat sheet for futureproof promotional campaigns.

Why Search Trends Should Guide Your Merchandise Strategy

When certain products experience a significant rise in search interest, it tells us something very clear: people want them. And when you're in the business of giveaways, branded gifts, and client touchpoints, that kind of insight is liquid gold.

Aligning your promotional strategy with real demand can mean:

• Better visibility across physical and digital channels
• Stronger engagement with your target audience
• Better return on investment (ROI) for your marketing spend
• Faster campaign turnaround with products that are ready to go and proven popular
• Removing guessing from the equation

By choosing promotional merchandise products that are currently trending, you're not just catching attention, you’re meeting your audience right where their interest already lies.

What's Trending? Top Search Growth in Promotional Merchandise

Let’s look at three product types that showed some large search volume growth over the past year:

Mousemats – From Afterthought to Necessity

Searches for mousemats have surged by an astonishing 3,500% over the past year according to Google. It’s clear that, with hybrid work now the norm, more professionals are setting up permanent home workspaces - and they’re doing so with style and comfort in mind.

Our Picks:

• Mousemat for Sublimation
  A clean canvas for vibrant branding, this classic mat is ideal for giveaways, onboarding packs, and desk drops.
• Silicon Wrist Mousemat
  Designed for all-day comfort, this padded option supports wrist ergonomics while placing your brand front and centre.

These aren’t just desk accessories; they’re highly visible, highly used, and cost-effective tools for reinforcing your brand.

Pet Items – Visible Branding on Every Walk

Pet ownership continues to soar, and people are spending more on their furry companions than ever. That includes thoughtful accessories - and smart brands are catching on.

Searches for pet-related promotional products have jumped 143% over the past year, making them a fresh and emotionally resonant branding opportunity.

Our Picks:

• Biodegradable Dog Waste Bags
  Sustainably made and used daily. Perfect for eco-conscious branding.
• Reflective Pet Collar “Muttley”
  Stylish, safe, and endlessly practical. Great for campaigns focused on wellbeing, family, or outdoor lifestyles.

Pet items are especially strong for community campaigns, event giveaways, and outdoor brands. They hit that sweet spot between useful and adorable.

Model Die-Cast Items – Nostalgia in the Palm of Your Hand

While they might not be the first product that springs to mind, model die-cast products have quietly doubled their search traffic in the past year. They appeal to collectors, tourists, and anyone looking for something with personality.

If we take a look at the data, we can see a clear upward trend from mid-2024 through to early 2025, where interest peaked. While there’s been a large decline in the most recent months, search volume remains nearly double what it was in June 2024, suggesting sustained relevance and potential for future growth.

Our Picks:

• London Double Decker Bus Model
  Iconic and compact, this red Routemaster is a top pick for tourism, heritage, and location-based campaigns.
• Elliptic Paper Aeroplane
  Lightweight and quirky, it’s ideal for education, travel, or campaign messaging with a sense of fun.

These products work brilliantly as conversation starters, keepsakes, or trade show centrepieces. They might be small, but their impact is lasting.

Pulling It Together: How to Use Trending Items in a Smart Campaign

Rather than seeing these as one-off novelties, consider how they can form part of a broader, branded merchandise strategy:

• Pairing mousemats with matching pens, mugs, or tech accessories for stylish desk packs
• Bundling pet items with tote bags or wellness products for lifestyle campaigns
• Using die-cast models as part of themed events, competitions, or brand anniversaries

Each item gives you the chance to tell a story, solve a problem, or spark delight and in today’s crowded marketplace, that’s exactly what promotional merchandise should do.

Why Choose JDR Branding?

We’re not just box shippers. Our team offers:

• Deep product insight based on what actually performs
• Flexible ordering from small runs to large-scale drops
• Fast quoting, mock-ups, and branded visualisation
• Personalised support across the entire order journey

When you need corporate promotional merchandise that’s both timely and high impact, we’re ready to deliver.

Marketing is noisy, but data helps to filter it. By aligning with what’s trending, your promotional campaigns become more relevant, more memorable, and more likely to convert. Whether you're building brand presence at an event, rewarding loyalty, or simply raising awareness, these trending picks offer creative, on-brand ways to do it.

Get in touch with JDR Branding today to start creating trend-smart, custom promotional merchandise that turns interest into impact.