The British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) published the shortlist for its Product Awards 2026 on 21 October 2026. The association says more than 40 judges are assessing the entries, and the shortlist runs across ten categories: apparel, awards, bags and folders, drinkware, exhibition products, health, travel and leisure, stationery, technology, writing instruments and a brand product category that is new for 2026.
What made the shortlist
Recycled and natural materials run through many of the entries. They include recycled cotton socks, an RPET tote bag, recycled PU travel and cooler bags, notebooks made from stone paper, sugarcane and recycled covers, pens with recycled aluminium or recycled plastic barrels, and plantable pencils on shaped backing cards.
The exhibition category is the one most relevant to stand giveaways. Its shortlist includes an NFC tap tag, a woven rPET keyring, jute bags, mini grow kits and garden seed sets, chocolate lolly and treat boxes, and lanyards. Technology entries include power banks, a keyring power bank with built-in cables, tracking tags, a fold-out phone stand and an NFC pen. The new brand product category covers well-known retail brands offered as merchandise, such as a BRITA filter bottle and a The North Face backpack.
If you are comparing products like these, our supplier categories for exhibition giveaways, recycled promotional products, branded power banks and branded notebooks list UK businesses that supply them.
When the winners are announced
The winners will be announced at the BPMA Christmas Lunch featuring the Product Awards 2026 at The Underglobe, London, on Thursday 10 December 2026. The overall Grand Prix winner will be revealed at the BPMA Annual Awards Dinner on 20 January 2027, held during Merchandise World.
This item is based on desk research of the BPMA’s own announcement and event pages. We have not seen or tested the shortlisted products.
Sources
- British Promotional Merchandise Association, BPMA Product Awards 2026 Shortlist Announced!, 21 October 2026, checked 27 October 2026.
- British Promotional Merchandise Association, BPMA Christmas Lunch featuring the BPMA Product Awards 2026, checked 27 October 2026.