In addition to sunny colors, the coffee chain’s seasonal drop focuses more on carrying and customization than volume.

Could the days of 40 oz. tumbler dominance be behind us?

If Starbucks’ summer drinkware collection is any indication, consumers might be looking for more manageable drinkware options – especially when on the go.

The Starbucks seasonal drinkware collection is typically a good look into what sort of designs end-users want for things like tumblers, cups and bottles. The colors reflect the season, with the summer collection full of bright yellows, blues and greens. But what stands out the most in the collection is the relatively small size of all the pieces.

Recently, 40 oz. tumblers inspired by the “Stanley Cup” were all the rage, and drinkware suppliers created their own answers to the piece after it became a social media sensation. Now, however, Starbucks is betting on end-users looking at smaller drinkware pieces – and also accessories for them.

Take, for example, the Cold Cup & Carry Case from this collection. It’s only 24 oz., and it comes with a carrying case and strap that matches the lid of the cup. This bridges the gap between tote bag and water bottle, creating another opportunity for branding with the carrying strap and bag.

The Vibrant Yellow Cold Cup & Carry Case (24 oz.) from Starbucks

Elsewhere in the collection, there’s a 24 oz. cold cup with a flower charm that fits around the straw. The idea of a drinkware accessory is something that makes sense for a 40 oz. tumbler, where you can attach a “tumbler backpack” for carrying small items. But the charm idea creates an opportunity for end-users to collect or trade their charms like they might do with trading cards or even other accessories of this ilk. Look at the "Labubu" collectibles that are currently all the rage for people to put on their purses and bags. (The idea of merchandise specifically for the Labubu dolls is a topic for another day.)

It’s simple, but something like that adds a layer of branding and creates engagement among end-users, and possibly even additional business if the customers can go back to get different varieties.

Swirl Cold Cup with Flower Charm (24 oz.) from Starbucks

Whether the Stanley Cup era is truly over remains to be seen, but some suppliers and distributors have predicted that the tariff situation could make it difficult, or at least not as cost-effective as other drinkware choices.

The change could also just be that trends are cyclical, and end-users fluctuate between two ends of product spectrums. Baggy pants give way to skinny jeans, and then we go back to baggy. Hard goods are not exempt to these swings in consumer trends. At one point, everyone wanted their cell phone to be as small as possible, and then smartphone manufacturers offered products that double as tablets.

The drinkware got bigger, and now it might get smaller when end-users want something easier to carry.

Suggest that clients use these vibrant promo picks to make a big brand statement at their next trade show or event.

Data from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research suggests that the United States hosts more than 13,000 trade shows across the country every year – and each one of those shows hosts dozens, if not hundreds or even thousands, of vendors looking to make their mark on the show floor and catch the eye of attendees. That’s where vibrant branded banners and displays come in.

Enhance any promotional display with this tabletop mini retractable banner. Crafted from vinyl fabric, it measures 11.5” x 16.5” and takes decoration on one side of the panel. Ideal for hostess stands, banks or retail stores. Hardware included.

Go big or go home with a branded adjustable fabric backdrop, available in 8’ x 8’ or 8’ x 10’ sizes. Includes adjustable telescoping poles, a 9-ounce wrinkle-free polyester fabric banner and a carry bag. Ideal for sponsorships at events or photoshoots.

The 33.5” Deluxe Pro Retractor has a rounded base with durable aluminum end caps and hook-and-loop fasteners for easy banner swaps. Printed on no-curl opaque fabric. Includes carry case and one-year hardware warranty. Ideal for trade shows and event signage.

Perfect for the college and sports markets, this 3’ x 5’ polyester promotional flag showcases full-color logos, photographs and more. Intended for indoor or short-term outdoor use.

This lightweight banner excels in high-traffic areas thanks to its durable vinyl fabric. With a single-sided, anti-curl design, it offers custom sizing and various color options. Select from hem-only, grommet or pole pocket finishing options. Great for school gymnasiums or trade shows.

Boost your booth at trade shows and conventions with these mini retractable tabletop banners. Made from blackout vinyl, they measure 17” x 24” and feature an anti-curl, non-glare finish. Includes a 17-inch-high aluminum stand.

Appeal to a variety of demographics with these beverage-themed picks, from straw toppers to wine sets.

Drinkware is one of promo’s biggest categories – from bottle openers to elegant gift sets, there’s a vast array of product options to enhance a drinkware promo campaign or better serve the restaurant and hospitality sectors.

Pop the top off your client’s next campaign with this compact bottle opener keychain. Features a split ring for easy attachment, a stainless-steel insert for tough bottle caps and a lever edge for pop-top cans. A fun trade show giveaway or for restaurant branding.

These round wooden tokens are perfect as drink tickets or prize coins at corporate events, holiday parties or festivals. Available in 21 themed stock designs and customizable with a screen-printed company name or logo.

Featuring two 9 oz. glasses, a 3-in-1 corkscrew tool, stainless-steel ice cubes and a pair of coasters, this elegant wine set makes for an elevated employee appreciation or executive gift. Comes in a black wooden box with an engraved plaque.

Drinks will stay cold longer with this classic Koozie can cooler featuring 3 mm thick foam and a collapsible design to easily slip into pockets or bags. Perfect for outdoor summer events, picnics or use at bars and restaurants.

Cap off a campaign with these silicone straw toppers, intended for use with 40 oz. straw tumblers. Available in a variety of colors. Great for college campuses or cafes promoting reusable drinkware.

These vibrant 9” polypropylene striped straws are durable and ideal for everyday use or special occasions. Perfect for coffee shops, restaurants or catering companies as an alternative to plastic straws.

Cater to colleges, travelers and gym-goers alike with these practical yet stylish accessories.

Promo bags have long been an industry staple, from tote bags for travelers to drawstring backpacks for elementary schools and athletic teams. The viral rise of the Lululemon belt bag a few years ago, garnering millions of views on TikTok, spurred another trending product into the category, including in promo, and the trend has managed to hang on, with a variety of belt bag and fanny pack styles available in the industry.

The perfect everyday companion, this recycled sport fanny pack is made from eco-friendly RPET and supports environmental nonprofits through 1% for the Planet. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts or eco-conscious consumers.

From cult-followed retail brand Lululemon, this belt bag includes two inner mesh pockets and a handy back zip pocket. An adjustable strap allows for wear as a crossbody or fanny pack. Think promotions targeting younger consumers.

Enjoy hands-free fun with this fanny pack featuring a secure compartment for valuables and an attached Koozie can cooler. Consider tailgates, sporting events or music festivals.

This versatile sports pack features a drawstring closure, large front zippered pocket and built-in slot for earbuds. Made of durable 210D polyester with reinforced eyelets. A great choice for sports teams or fitness centers.

Made from recyclable 80 GSM nonwoven polypropylene, this classic drawstring backpack comes in a variety of colors and makes for an environmentally friendly giveaway at school events or trade shows.

With polyester and textured faux jute, these drawstring backpacks bring a unique style to a classic promo item. Ideal for travel agencies, hotels or camping resorts.

Start presenting ideas to clients for promotional campaigns centered around July observances.

The biggest promo focus in July is undoubtedly Independence Day, with flags and red, white and blue accessories everywhere. But it’s far from the only opportunity to build a unique – and impactful – campaign during the heart of summer. Whether it’s spotlighting small businesses or encouraging a day at the waterpark, these July observances are perfect canvases for an inspiring summer promo campaign.

Independent Retailer Month

The goal of this month-long observance is to encourage consumers to shop local and support their favorite indie retailers, from restaurants to bookstores to home goods.

Pitch: Work with your town chamber of commerce to distribute branded tote bags, stickers or other goodies for local small businesses to give out to their customers during the month of July.

Foldable reusable grocery tote bag

July 5: National Graham Cracker Day

Despite the graham cracker’s unique origins as a supposed health food, they’re most well-known today for their use in desserts – which makes this observance the perfect excuse for a sweet promo campaign.

Pitch: Take inspiration from this observance at your next company picnic or employee appreciation event and send attendees home with a s’mores kit.

S’mores kit bag

July 15: National Give Something Away Day

National Give Something Away Day is all about doing something selfless for others: giving away time, money or no-longer-needed items. In the spirit of this observance, companies in any vertical can give out promo, but bonus points for campaigns centered around making someone smile.

Pitch: Organize a company-wide volunteer day, and thank participants with a little something to brighten up their desks.

Ceramic planter set

July 24: National Drive-Thru Day

National Drive-Thru Day got its start at a drive-up-only Jack in the Box restaurant in San Diego more than 70 years ago – and it lives on today in Americans’ love for the fast-food pit stop mid-road trip and in the many restaurants that also offer carryout services.

Pitch: Suggest that restaurant chains – or any restaurant offering drive-up takeout – thank their customers for stopping by with a car-themed promotion like an accessory kit or cell phone holder.

Universal magnetic car phone holder

July 28: National Waterpark Day

In the heat of the summer, what kid doesn’t like a day at the waterpark? Founded by Kalahari Resorts – an indoor waterpark chain – this observance aims to celebrate just that.

Pitch: Waterparks and swimming pools can give out toys like these reusable water balloons with an admission purchase on National Waterpark Day.

Reusable water balloons