Product Results - Essence Upscale Promotions

Translate Gen Zs Love of Grandma-Core Hobbies Into Promo

Gen Z is taking their downtime offline – and their newfound interest in crafting, crocheting and cross-stich could be a fun basis for your next promo campaign.

Knitting. Crocheting. Embroidery.

Crafting hobbies like these have stereotypically been associated with retirees and grandmas, but this category of pastime has been finding a new audience in a chronically online group that’s eager to get offline: Gen Z.

Budding crafters in their 20s have flocked to “grandma-core” hobbies like needlepoint or scrapbooking as a way to digitally detox in a constantly online world – and it’s selling. The Wall Street Journal reported that needlepoint canvas and cross-stitch pattern sales were nearly double this May compared with last year. Crochet kit company The Woobles landed itself in the top 20 of last year’s Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. It’s even become a trendy aesthetic in the design world, with a style that embraces eclectic décor and a cluttered but cozy atmosphere.

But speaking more broadly, Gen Z is more likely than other generations to keep promo items that they find both useful and attractive – which is where a branded craft kit, something both cute and activity-based, could come in handy for an upcoming promo campaign targeting college students or young professionals.

Here are a few ideas for appealing to Gen Z’s newfound love of grandma-core.

Host a “Stitch & Shop”-Style Event

Bring together small businesses or several of your more nearby clients for a “Stitch & Shop” event at the local community center, park or library. Advertise a free crochet kit – branded, of course, with the logos of attending businesses – to attendees who visit at least five vendors to browse.

Bonus Points: Provide chairs and free snacks to encourage attendees to stick around, mingle with business owners and complete their crochet creation while at the event.

DIY beginners’ crochet kit

A Scrapbooking Campus Pop-Up

Make a splash with a pop-up at your client’s closest college campus featuring custom washi tape, stickers or scrapbook paper. Students can spend a few minutes crafting a scrapbook page with the branded goods and an assortment of magazine cutouts.

Bonus Points: Add a (branded!) photo backdrop and a Polaroid onsite so participants can snap a cute photo to add to their creation – making it more likely they’ll put it on display back in their dorm rooms.

Customizable washi tape

Sponsor a Crafting Class

Suggest that a client partner with a local art studio, knitting group or the like offer a beginner-level crafting class either for college students or community members. The branding opportunities are endless – cross-stitch hooks, paintbrushes, beading kits and more.

Bonus Points: Create themed goodie bags for class attendees who also make a purchase from the host studio or sign up for the sponsoring client’s service.

Paintbrush set

Keep the Focus on Life Skills

If this trend seems a little silly, keep the focus on an important skill for, well, anyone: sewing. With thrifting clothing and a more DIY style always popular among Gen Z, a simple sewing kit with a needle and thread could go a long way for brand engagement if given out at vintage pop-ups or markets.

Bonus Points: Host a fun booth at one of those pop-ups focused on teaching attendees how to mend clothing or patch up their newfound finds.

Mini-travel sewing kit

Decorative Keychains and Tags

Keychains and tags – a top ESP-searched promo category last year – are a staple for organizing keys or decorating everyday items like bags and purses.

Keychains and tags may be small, but they pack a promo punch. Whether they’re clipped to backpacks, belt loops or car keys, they offer high visibility at a low cost, making them a practical tool and a favorite for branded merch.

mini-wrist lanyard

Students can keep keys handy with this stretchy mini-wrist lanyard. The full-color band features a durable split ring that attaches securely in dorms and gyms. Great for fitness centers or college rec programs.

tape measure keychain

This keychain doubles as a 39” pocket-sized tape measure with self-lock release, rubber grip and secure clip-on ring – perfect for measuring on the go. Ideal for contractors and real estate agents.

slide-out phone stand keychain

This compact combo tool features a slide-out phone stand for hands-free viewing and a swivel screen cleaner to keep devices smudge-free. Includes a split ring attachment to attach to bags or keychains. Consider tech conferences.

bottle opener keychain

Featuring a durable lever edge, stainless-steel insert and split ring, this bottle opener keychain opens cans and bottles with ease and comes in a variety of colors. A smart pick for restaurants or outdoor festivals.

acrylic keychain

These lightweight acrylic keychains are fun everyday accessories that can be fully customized with any artwork, shape and message. Designed to stand out on backpacks or lunch bags, they’re a must for student clubs, artists or startups.

leather keychain

A unique take on a classic, this genuine leather keychain is sleek and simple, making it a solid choice for organizing keys and elevating everyday items. Well-suited for law firms and in corporate gifting kits.

ASI Chicago 2025: Product Showcase Winners

Explore the standout promotional items that distributors voted on as the winners of ASI Chicago’s Product Showcase.

The ASI Chicago show floor was chock-full of new products and exciting industry trends – and that innovation extended over to the Product Showcase, where suppliers showed off their latest and greatest offerings. Distributor attendees scouring the displays had the chance to vote on their favorites in fun categories from “most unique” to “best eco-friendly product.” Here are the winners.

Most Unique: Rhythmic Robotic Bluetooth Speaker

Rhythmic Robotic Bluetooth Speaker

Dance the night away with this Bluetooth-enabled dancing speaker robot, made of durable ABS plastic. The device syncs to music or custom routines via the Robert app and delivers up to 4 hours of playback time. Great for STEM programs or tech-themed youth events.

Most Fashion-Forward: The OG Perforated Interchangeable Rope System

The OG Perforated Interchangeable Rope System

Mix and match stock hat and rope colors for a unique headwear style with this five-panel mid crown hat, featuring the OG perforated interchangable rope system. Ideal for outdoor brands or team-building retreats.

Best in Technology: AirFly SE

AirFly SE

Use Bluetooth headphones for in-flight entertainment, gym TVs and more with this tiny wireless adapter that plugs into any headphone jack. A smart giveaway for travel agencies, airline loyalty programs or tech-savvy fitness clubs.

Best Eco-Friendly Product: Geometric Wooden Planter with Succulent

Geometric Wooden Planter with Succulent

This fully assembled planter kit comes pre-planted with a live succulent and makes for a perfect onboarding or employee appreciation gift. Choose your laser-engraved logo location on either the maple or walnut wood side.

Most Fun: Surprise Cake

Surprise Cake

Celebrate company birthdays or anniversaries with this confetti-packed explosion box, holding a 4-inch cake as well as custom sprinkles, ribbon and a personalized message card. Optional candy pop-up add ons available for extra flair.

Most Useful: Work From Anywhere Kit

Work From Anywhere Kit

Hybrid work calls for a hybrid kit. This compact clamshell bag in vegan leather holds 18 essentials for hybrid work life, from tech tools to office suppliers to personal care items. Optimal for remote employee appreciation or an office shifting to a hybrid work model.

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