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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.

Branded merchandise is more than a giveaway. When used strategically, it becomes a marketing tool that builds visibility, connection, and loyalty. According to PPAI Research, 83% of business leaders say branded merchandise improves brand recall and campaign performance (PPAI Research, 2025). The key is thinking beyond the logo and choosing products people will actually use. Make Recognition Matter Recognition is one of the simplest ways to strengthen relationships. The best gifts are practical, high-quality, and thoughtfully timed. Apparel, lifestyle items, or accessories paired with custom details or packaging become keepsakes, not throwaways. Tying gifts to milestones like promotions or anniversaries helps reinforce your brand story. Companies with strong recognition programs see 31% lower turnover and 12 times higher engagement (Gallup Workplace Report, 2025).

Matt and I traveled to Las Vegas last month to the PPAI Show where our suppliers and manufacturers from around the world come to showcase their new and current products, educate us on trends for the upcoming year and learn more about what we are hearing is important to you, our customers. We will be featuring these products we saw and more over the next couple months in our newsletters and on our social media channels. If you'd like to schedule a time to come in and check out all the samples we brought home, just let us know! We'd love to show you what we found.

Expo and trade show season is an exciting time for many businesses. It is your chance to show up in person, meet potential customers, and put your brand front and center. It can also feel overwhelming when you start thinking about everything that needs to be done. From booth design and signage to giveaways and marketing materials, there are a lot of moving parts. That is where planning ahead and having the right support can make all the difference. Behind Your Design works with businesses every year to help make expo season easier and more successful. Start with clear goals Before anything is designed or ordered, it helps to define what you want to get out of the show. Are you focused on generating leads, building brand awareness, launching something new, or making connections? Behind Your Design helps clients walk through these questions, because your goals should help guide every decision. When your goals are clear, it becomes much easier to determine what your booth should look like, what materials you need, and what giveaways will make the most sense.