Chenille Appliqué Is Back (And It’s Better Than Ever)

Why a simple watercolor book outperformed the usual promo items — and what that says about today’s audiences.

One of my favorite parts of what we do at Behind Your Design is taking an idea and turning it into something completely custom. For Pure Barre in Grand Blanc, we had the opportunity to design silky custom pajama pants for their instructors. We started with a custom pattern created in Adobe Illustrator, tailored specifically to reflect their brand. From there, we applied the design to a digital mockup and brought it to life in production. There’s something so satisfying about seeing a design go from a computer screen to a finished product and even better, seeing a team proudly wearing something made just for them. Custom pajama pants are just one example of the creative, outside-the-box branded apparel we can produce. If you’re looking for something different, memorable, and fully customized for your team or event, we’d love to design something just for you. Because custom hits different.

Are you looking for a creative, eco-friendly way to connect with clients, customers, or friends? Custom seed gifts are the perfect solution. They are memorable, sustainable, and by the time Earth Day arrives on April 22, your gift will already be growing.

Canvas totes are having a moment. Thanks to Trader Joe's, what started as a simple grocery bagsare now widely recognized as stylish, everyday accessories that businesses are using to increase brand visibility. As Forbes notes, Trader Joe’s tote bags have become “an unlikely status symbol,” driven by scarcity, cultural cachet, and social signaling. Outside the U.S., owning one suggests access, travel, and a certain worldview, proving that “the object accrues value through scarcity.” That same psychology makes these bags especially effective as promotional products. Why we are paying attention and your brand should too: Canvas tote bags tap into perceived exclusivity Limited-feeling, small-format canvas totes come across as intentional and collectible, creating perceived value without a luxury price tag. Canvas totes act as social signals, not just swag A well-designed tote aligns your brand with style and lifestyle, not giveaways people forget at the bottom of a drawer. Their size encourages daily use Perfect for phones, wallets, keys, and small essentials, mini totes are easy to grab for errands, lunch runs, events, or travel. Canvas totes feel premium and practical Durable canvas, reinforced bases, sturdy handles, front stash pockets, and modern color options give these bags a retail-quality look. They align with modern brand values Reusable, PVC-free, and built to last, canvas totes naturally support sustainability and thoughtful branding. Mini canvas totes blend trend-driven psychology with everyday function. They give brands a stylish, affordable way to stay visible wherever life happens. At Behind Your Design , we believe the best promotional products are the ones people actually want to use. Mini canvas totes check every box: on-trend, functional, and easy to customize in a way that feels intentional, not overbranded. Whether you’re planning an event, creating client gifts, or building branded merchandise, we help you turn a simple bag into a lasting brand impression that shows up in everyday life.

Umbrellas may not be the first item that comes to mind for promotions, but they deliver impressive value when it comes to visibility, usefulness, and longevity. More than just rain gear, umbrellas offer year-round protection and everyday practicality, making them a promotional item people actually keep and use. Why umbrellas work as promotional items: Year-round usefulness – Provide rain coverage and help block harmful UV rays, adding a health-conscious benefit. High brand visibility – Large canopies create prime space for logos and messaging that can be seen from a distance. Repeated exposure – Stored in cars, offices, and bags, umbrellas are reused often, extending brand impressions. Wide audience appeal – Practical for all ages and lifestyles, making them ideal for diverse audiences. Long lifespan – Quality umbrellas can last for years, continuing to promote your brand long after distribution. Strong return on investment – Durable, useful items outperform smaller or disposable promotional products. Whether you go traditional or try something a little more fun, umbrellas remain a smart way to keep your brand visible rain or shine.