Basics and how to choose novelties - Trends are SDGs & sustainable

Are you worried about choosing novelties, such as visit commemorative gifts, measures to attract customers at events/exhibitions, or campaign presents? "What kind of items should I choose to please customers?" "Can I provide effective items while keeping costs down?" There are many things you need to think about.
To resolve such worries, this article will introduce recent trends in detail while grasping the basics of novelties.

Novelties are items that companies and stores give to customers with the goal of improving sales promotions and brand recognition. There are three main uses for them:

Visit commemorative gifts: Commemorative gifts given when customers visit
Campaign prizes: Prizes provided to those who meet purchase amounts or application conditions
Event distribution items: Promotion goods distributed at exhibitions, seminars, etc.

These novelties are not just distributed, but also play a role in conveying the company's brand image. Therefore, when choosing, "practicality" and "affinity with the target" are also important.

In recent years, responding to the rise in environmental and social awareness, SDGs and sustainable novelties have been attracting attention. Here, we will introduce 3 trendy keywords that are particularly talked about.

1. Items conscious of SDGs
SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) have become an important theme in corporate activities. By incorporating SDGs into novelties, you can appeal for consideration for the environment and society. For example, eco-bags using recycled materials and eco-friendly stationery are popular.

2. Upcycled products
Upcycling refers to remaking materials scheduled for disposal into products with new value. For example, original pouches made from waste materials or stationery made from used plastic bottles are eco-friendly options while being fashionable and practical. Such items also have topicality and can surprise or impress the person who receives them.

3. FSC-certified wood and paper products
FSC certification is an international certification that guarantees the appropriate management of forests. Novelties using wood and paper that have acquired this certification demonstrate consideration for the environment while at the same time producing a high-quality image. For example, notebooks and memo pads using FSC-certified paper are appreciated as eco-friendly yet easy-to-use items.

FSC Japan Homepage

Clarify the Target
Choose items tailored to the age group and interests of your target audience.

Incorporate a Message
It is important to reflect the philosophy and values that the company or brand wants to convey.

Balance between quality and cost
Items that can be used for a long time also lead to brand trust.

We also introduce sustainable store creation! Please take a look.

There are other novelty trends besides SDGs and FSC certification. Let's look at some representative examples of trends.

Mobile accessories
Mobile stands, charging cables, mobile batteries, etc., are items that can be used daily.

Earphones with noise-canceling function
A practical choice evaluated as convenient for music and online meetings.

Security items
Products that reflect the rise in privacy protection awareness, such as webcam covers.

Items to which individual names, logos, or favorite designs can be added are popular because they increase the special feeling.

Name-inscribed stationery
Products like pens and notebooks where names or messages can be added are easy to use in business scenes.

Made-to-order cups
Items where customers' names or illustrations can be added to thermal mugs or tumblers.

3D Printed Novelties
Allows for unique and impactful designs

With the rise in health consciousness, wellness-related novelties are also attracting attention.

Antibacterial Products
Products focused on hygiene, such as antibacterial smartphone cleaners and stylus pens.

Fitness Goods
Portable yoga mats, training rubber bands, compact water bottles, etc.

Aroma Items
Provide a pleasant experience with aroma oils and diffusers.

Novelties that utilize local materials or technology have originality and are a hot topic.

Regional Specialty Products
Foods and crafts incorporating local specialties.

Traditional Craft Items
Folding fans, small accessory cases, etc., made using local traditional techniques.

Local character goods
Limited items designed with local mascot characters.

Novelties that provide experiences rather than physical goods are also gaining attention.

Gift cards
Gift cards that can be used at specific stores or online services have high versatility.

Invitation Tickets and Coupons
Strengthen connections with consumers through free experience tickets or discount coupons for facilities.

Usage Rights for Online Services
Provision of free trials for subscriptions or special content.

Novelties are not just sales promotion goods, but important tools that deliver the message of a company or brand to customers.

In particular, choosing items that are environmentally friendly, such as SDGs, upcycling, and FSC-certified products, makes it easier to gain empathy from modern consumers. Why not use these to further strengthen your novelty strategy?

As a professional promotional company, BEEATS provides comprehensive support from planning and design to tool production and novelty selection.
Please feel free to consult with us.

Case Study: Allergan Aesthetics "MEDICAL BEAUTY PARK" Event | Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi)

The "MEDICAL BEAUTY PARK" by Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company based in the United States. BEEATS provided total support from the design and construction of the event space to the operation of experience events, operation of media announcements, and planning and production of novelties.

The Beginning of Novelties
Ancient Egyptian and Roman merchants distributed small items like seals and coins to spread their names and products. This is said to be the prototype of today's novelties.

Birth of Modern Novelties
Buttons and ribbons with candidates' names were distributed during political campaigns, spreading as early promotional goods. During this period, it is said that the role of novelties as a "means of spreading information" grew stronger.

The Industrial Revolution and Development of Printing Technology
Due to the Industrial Revolution, manufacturing costs decreased and printing technology advanced, enabling companies to mass-produce products with logos and messages for advertising purposes. For example, calendars, pens, and matchboxes became popular.

Mass Production and Popularization
By the early 20th century, companies mass-produced various novelties as promotional items and established them as a means to appeal to customers. In the United States, ballpoint pens and keychains seem to have been popular.

Events and Expositions
At international expositions and trade fairs, companies distributed miniature versions of their own products and souvenirs, striving to remain in the memories of visitors.

Popularization of Radio and Television
As promotions became active through media, novelties played an important role in advertising campaigns. For example, the technique of food manufacturers adding freebies to product purchases to increase repeat customers became standard.

Fusion with Digital Technology
In recent years, novelties related to digital devices, such as USB memory sticks and mobile accessories, have been gaining popularity. Also, "non-material prizes" like coupons for online services and download codes have become a new trend.

The Rise of SDGs and Sustainable Novelties
Amidst the increasing concern for environmental issues, companies have begun to adopt recycled materials, upcycled items, and products utilizing renewable energy as novelties. As a result, novelties have become a means to reflect environmental awareness and social value.

Throughout history, novelties have evolved from mere souvenirs or freebies into important promotional tools that convey the value of a company or product brand. Today, they are also utilized as a means to build emotional connections with consumers and demonstrate corporate social responsibility.

Q1. What is the main purpose of distributing novelties?

A1. The main purpose of distributing novelties is to improve sales promotion and brand awareness. Specifically, they are used as visit commemorative gifts, campaign prizes when purchasing or applying, and event distribution items at exhibitions and seminars, and also play an important role in conveying the company's brand image.

Q2. What are the novelty trends attracting attention in recent years?

A2. A trend in novelties receiving attention in recent years is environmentally friendly items that consider SDGs and sustainability. Specifically, eco-bags made from recycled materials, upcycled products that utilize materials scheduled for disposal, and FSC-certified wood or paper products that guarantee appropriate forest management are gaining popularity.

Q3. What are the points to be careful about when choosing novelties?

A3. The key points to keep in mind when choosing novelties are to clarify your target audience and their interests. Based on that, it is important to reflect the philosophy and message the company or brand wants to convey, and to consider the balance between quality and cost so that the items will be used for a long time.

Q4. What are some other novelty trends besides SDGs?

A4. Other novelty trends besides SDGs include "technology-based" items like mobile batteries, "customizable items" where you can add names, "health-based" items like antibacterial products, "region-specific items" utilizing local specialties, and "experience-based novelties" like gift cards.