USB ports, style points and RFID protection—oh my!

By Melanie Vandenboogaard

They’re all a part of the latest backpack trends

Today’s backpacks do so much more than simply store items. As stylish as they are functional, some come with USB ports and others are airport-screening friendly. In short, backpacks make life easier. People can organize their gear, keep their possessions safe, and conveniently and easily carry items from one place to another. Plus, there are always new trends with backpacks, so you can help clients and employees feel like they’re getting the best of the best.

In 2019, backpack sales totaled approximately $4 billion—up from $1.42 billion in 2010 opens in new window. That’s a 287% increase! If you’re looking for the latest trends and the greatest ideas about how you can use backpacks as giveaways to amp up your promotions, we offer a few ideas.

Charge up

There’s no such thing as too many USB ports. And a backpack that has one built in is a big time-saver. Instead of hunting for a charge, people can just plug their phone, laptop or tablet into their backpack. If you have a staff member attending classes, seminars or conferences, gift them a Rainier 17" Laptop Backpack. When their battery gets low as they’re moving from class to class (or workshop to workshop), they can charge while on the go. An Overland 17" Laptop Backpack with USB Port is perfect for your traveling salespeople. It has a convenient inside front pocket to organize cables and store a power bank. Whether they’re flying, taking a rideshare, or sitting in a meeting, their devices can be powering up.

Does your office never seem to have enough outlets for everyone to charge their devices at once? Solve a problem and reward high-performing employees at the same time with a Whitby Laptop Backpack with USB Port. A reward like that makes a great incentive for employees to continue giving their best.

Make traveling easier

A backpack specifically designed for security checkpoints can make traveling a breeze. If you have salespeople or clients who frequently travel by air, give them a Checkpoint-Friendly Laptop Backpack. With a zip-around laptop compartment that completely opens for inspection, it can make getting through security quick and easy. Help your staff enjoy work- or leisure-related travel even more with a High Sierra^® Powerglide Wheeled Laptop Backpack. Instead of lugging around a heavy bag, they can easily wheel it around the airport and hotel.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget to drink enough water while traveling. Help staff and clients stay hydrated and energized with a backpack that has convenient snack and drink compartments, like the Basecamp Half Dome Traveler Backpack. They’ll appreciate the thought—and you’ll make a memorable impression, boosting employee and customer loyalty.

Be uniquely stylish

A fashionable backpack is a great leave-behind gift when you’re trying to build relationships with prospects. A Charlie 12 oz. Cotton Laptop Backpack is functional and stylish, with a unique roll-top opening and leather straps. Next time you’re at a trade show, host a giveaway for a Chic Cooler Backpack. Fill the handy compartments with picnic items, like plasticware, paper plates and napkins. You could even give a case of drinks to the winner. If you’re not planning on attending the event in-person, raffle off the backpack on social media or during your livestream.

Stylish backpacks also make great gifts for employees. Give team members with young kids a Clear Backpack. The children will love carrying a new see-through backpack with their colorful papers and pencils inside. An on-trend Cutter & Buck^® Bainbridge 15" Laptop Backpack can be a fantastic employee-of-the-month reward. With full-grain leather, magnetic snap closures and antique brass hardware, other team members will work hard to earn that coveted prize.

Protect what’s important

Help clients keep their information safe with RFID-protection backpacks. A Wenger^® Pro II 17" Laptop Backpack advertises your brand wherever it goes—and it provides RFID protection for their ID and credit cards. If you’re trying to boost employee engagement, host a competition for employees to win a RFID Laptop Backpack. Ideas include rewarding team members who are the biggest cheerleaders or who close the most sales within three months. You can also gift long-time clients a professional Vault RFID Security Laptop Backpack as thanks for their business. Sleek and simple, the backpack easily goes from office to gym.

Make a long-lasting impression

When you gift clients and employees a backpack that sports the latest trends, you’ll build a wonderful reputation that can last for years. Every time they pack up and use their handy backpack, they’ll think of you.

Melanie Vandenboogaard

Melanie VandenBoogaard is a senior merchandising category manager with nearly two decades of experience in the merchandising industry. She specializes in bags—including backpacks, totes, and more—staying on top of trends to ensure 4imprint offers a wide selection that meets customers’ needs in both style and price. Melanie also leads product development for 4imprint’s private-label brands, where she enjoys creating, building, and designing new products.

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.

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