Trending Promotional Products for Summer (Our Top Picks)

T-shirts usually get all the attention.

But when it comes to summer events, it is often the extra items that people keep using long after the week is over.

The right promotional product does not just support your event. It extends it.

Whether it is camp, a church event, or a youth group trip, here are some of the most popular customizable Promo Items we are seeing this summer.

Discover trending promotional products for summer events. From custom hats to stickers and drinkware, find the best promo items for camps, churches, and groups.

Trending Promotional Products for Summer Events

Why Promo Items Matter in Summer

Summer events are active.

People are moving, traveling, spending time outside, and carrying things with them throughout the day.

That is what makes promo items so effective.

They are not just something people receive. They become part of what they use.

And when they are done well, they stick around long after the event is over.

Foam Trucker Hats

One of the easiest wins for summer.

Foam Trucker Hats are lightweight, breathable, and easy to wear in the heat. They also give your design a different kind of visibility compared to shirts.

They are especially popular for:

  • Camps
  • Outdoor events
  • Volunteer teams

Belt Bags

These have quickly become a go-to.

Belt Bags are practical, hands-free, and easy to carry throughout the day. Whether someone is at camp or moving between sessions, they keep essentials close without needing a backpack.

They are a strong option for groups that want something a little different.

Tote Bags That Carry It All

Canvas Tote Bags are simple, but they work.

They are perfect for:

  • welcome bags
  • small group materials
  • take-home items

And because people use them long after the event, they continue to carry your message with them.

Everyday Drinkware (Little Sipper)

Staying hydrated is part of every summer event.

Our Little Sipper is a popular choice because it is something people will actually use every day, not just during the event.

It is easy to customize and easy to bring anywhere.

Woothoop Wristbands

Woothoop wristbands are one of the most versatile promo items.

They are simple, wearable, and easy to distribute to large groups. Plus, they are customizable on both sides, giving you more space to include your message, theme, or event details.

They also create a strong sense of unity when everyone is wearing the same thing.

Great for:

  • Camps
  • Youth groups
  • Team identifiers

Lanyards

Lanyards are one of the most practical items you can offer.

They are perfect for holding badges, passes, or keys, especially at larger events.

And because they are used throughout the day, they keep your branding visible the entire time.

Custom Stickers

Custom Stickers might be the most underrated item on this list.

They are easy to hand out, easy to customize, and people tend to put them everywhere — water bottles, laptops, notebooks, and more.

Options like sticker sheets, bumper stickers, and holographic stickers give you flexibility depending on your style.

How to Choose the Right Promo Items

You do not need everything.

The goal is to choose items that make sense for your group and your event.

Think about what people will actually use during the week and after it ends.

A few well-chosen items will always go further than a large mix that gets forgotten.

Make It All Work Together

The best promo items feel connected.

When your shirts, bags, hats, and accessories all tie back to the same message or design, it creates a more unified experience.

That is where customization really makes a difference.

With Sunday Cool, you can build out a full set of Custom Promotional Products that feel consistent, intentional, and easy to distribute.

Ready to Get Started?

If you are planning for a summer event and want promo items people will actually use, we are here to help.

👉 Ready to Get Started?
Start your custom order HERE

People Also Ask

What are the best promotional products for summer events?

Popular options include hats, tote bags, drinkware, stickers, and wearable items like WootHoop wristbands because they are practical and used throughout the event.

What promo items work best for camps?

Items like water bottles, hats, tote bags, stickers, and wristbands are especially effective because they are used daily during camp.

Are promotional products worth it for events?

Yes. When chosen well, promo items extend the impact of an event by giving people something they continue to use afterward.

How do I choose the right promo items?

Focus on items that are practical, easy to use, and relevant to your event. The best items are the ones people naturally incorporate into their daily routines.

Share this post
But wait, there's more

RELATED Blog Posts

Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and news.

Oversized Boxy Tee vs. Signature Tee: What’s the Difference in Fit?

Compare the fit and feel of our Signature Tee and Oversized Boxy Tee with real model examples to find the style that fits you best.

When it comes to finding the perfect fit, we know one size (or style) definitely does not fit all.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce our Oversized Boxy Tee—a completely different fit from our classic Signature Super-Soft Tee you already know and love.

If you’re wondering “What’s the difference?” or “Which one should I order?”—you’re in the right place.

Let’s break it down 👇

Signature Super-Soft Tee vs. Oversized Boxy Tee: Quick Overview

Signature Super-Soft Tee

  • Classic, everyday fit
  • Slightly tailored through the body
  • True-to-size feel
  • Great for a clean, standard look

Oversized Boxy Tee

  • Relaxed, roomy fit
  • Wider through the chest and sleeves
  • Shorter, boxier silhouette
  • Designed for that laid-back, oversized feel

Fit Comparison on Real People

Size Medium Comparison (Model: 5'7")

The difference here is all about shape and drape.

👉 If you like a clean, fitted look: go Signature Super-Soft Tee
👉 If you want relaxed and trendy: go Oversized Boxy Tee

Size Large Comparison (Model: 6'1")

Size X-Large Comparison (Model: 6'1")

For taller builds, both tees offer great options depending on your style.

👉 Go Signature Super-Soft Tee for a classic fit
👉 Go Oversized Boxy Tee for a looser, more breathable feel

Size Charts

Signature Super-Soft Tee Size Guide

S M L XL 2XL 3XL
Width 18" 20" 22" 24" 26" 28"
Length 28" 29" 30" 31" 32" 33"

Oversized Boxy Tee Size Guide

S M L XL 2XL 3XL
Width 20 1/2" 22" 23 1/2" 25" 26 1/2" 28"
Length 27 1/4" 28 1/4" 29 1/4" 30 1/4" 31 1/4" 32 1/4"

Final Thoughts

Both tees are great—it just depends on the look you’re going for.

If your vibe is clean and classic, the Signature Super-Soft Tee is your go-to.
If you're leaning relaxed, bold, and a little oversized, the Oversize Boxy Tee is calling your name.

Summer Camp Shirt Ideas Campers Will Actually Love

Explore creative summer camp shirt ideas using customizable templates, specialty inks, and designs your campers will want to wear all year.

Vintage Camp Badge

There is something timeless about a classic camp badge.

These designs usually include elements like trees, mountains, or camp icons with a structured layout that feels clean and established.

They work especially well for:

  • Traditional summer camps
  • Multi-year programs
  • Camps that want a legacy feel

👉 Featured Template: CA 2506

Bold Type That Says It All

Sometimes the strongest design is simply a few words done really well.

Big, clean typography with your camp name, theme, or verse creates a look that feels modern and easy to wear anywhere.

This style works best when the message is clear and the layout does the heavy lifting.

👉 Example Design: SR 2044

Retro Done Right

Retro-inspired designs are having a moment, and they fit camp perfectly.

Think warm tones, vintage fonts, and throwback layouts that feel fun without trying too hard. These are the kinds of shirts students actually keep wearing.

👉 Try This One: SR 2510

Nature-Inspired Graphics

Camp and nature go hand in hand.

Designs that incorporate sunsets, forests, waves, or mountains help visually tie the shirt back to the experience itself.

This direction works especially well for outdoor-focused camps or locations with a strong setting.

👉 Featured Template: CA 2503

Scripture-Led Designs

For many churches, the most meaningful shirts are rooted in Scripture.

Whether it is a full verse or a short phrase, these designs carry the message of camp beyond the week itself. The key is keeping it readable and wearable.

👉 Example Design: SR 2506

Clean and Minimal

Not every camp shirt needs to be loud.

Some of the most worn designs are the simplest ones. Subtle graphics, clean layouts, and intentional spacing often lead to shirts that feel more versatile.

👉 Try This One: FA 2408

Specialty Ink That Changes Everything

If you want something campers talk about all week, this is it.

With our Sun Reveal Ink and our Water Reveal Ink, your design becomes interactive:

  • Sun Reveal Ink reacts in sunlight
  • Water Reveal Ink activates when wet

These are perfect for outdoor games, pool time, water days, and even baptism celebrations during camp.

It turns your shirt into part of the experience, not just something you wear.

👉 Featured Template: WR 2201 and SUR 2302

Designs Built Around Your Theme

Every camp has a theme. The best shirts bring that theme to life without overcomplicating it.

Whether it is something bold or something simple, a strong layout paired with the right words creates a shirt that feels intentional and memorable.

👉 Example Design: SR 2315

Start With a Template (and Make It Yours)

The easiest way to get started is not from a blank page.

With our Customizable Design Templates, your team can:

  • Choose a design that fits your camp
  • Customize text, colors, and details
  • Work with our in-house artists if needed
  • Approve and move forward quickly

It is all built to take pressure off your team while still giving you something that feels thoughtful and well-designed.

Ready to Create Your Summer Camp Shirts?

The best camp shirts are the ones campers keep wearing.

When the design is strong, the message is clear, and the shirt feels great, it becomes more than just merch. It becomes part of the memory.

👉 Ready to Get Started?
Start your custom order HERE

People Also Ask

What makes a good summer camp shirt?

The best camp shirts combine a clear design, comfortable fabric, and a style campers actually want to wear beyond the week.

Should we design camp shirts from scratch?

Not necessarily. Many churches start with Customizable Design Templates and personalize them to save time while still getting a strong design.

What are popular summer camp shirt styles?

Vintage badges, bold typography, retro designs, and nature-inspired graphics are some of the most popular styles right now.

Can camp shirts be interactive?

Yes. Specialty inks like Sun Reveal Ink and Water Reveal Ink create interactive designs that respond to sunlight or water.

Sunday Cool Stock Inks

Water based ink is the point between here and heaven. Paired with our Super Soft Tees, the nonexistent feel of our Water based ink is magical and sure to be the talk of the town with you and your group.

Water based ink is the point between here and heaven. Paired with our Super Soft Tees, the nonexistent feel of our Water based ink is magical and sure to be the talk of the town with you and your group.

Here at Sunday Cool, we inventory 66 different ink colors! These colors were curated based off of customer popularity and diversity. You can view those stock ink colors below.

During the ordering process, you can reference this page to view all of our stocked ink colors. You’ll also be served up a choice of our stock inks when you submit your Art Request Form.

But what if none of the Sunday Cool Stock Inks match my design or logo? Nothing to fear! We can Pantone Match your ink to whatever code you’re needing to a 90% accuracy. 

There are a few requirements to qualify for a Pantone Match on your project:

  • Stick to our Super Soft Signature line of apparel.
  • The garment color you choose must discharge vibrantly, not vintage. If you need help determining which of our inventory items discharge at which rates, check out our blog post entitled Waterbased Print Results.
  • Your order must include 144 units or more. 

Additionally, we charge $25/match! This means if we need to match 2 ink colors to a specific code, it’ll be a $50 charge.

But how do I know which code to send you? Great question! Your organization might have a branding guide including all relevant codes and colors that set your group apart. OR you could send in your logo and ask us! Our talented Art Staff can color match the logo and tell you the code! We work often in the Pantone and HEX libraries!

As always, if you have any questions regarding our inks & matching guides, please reach out to a Sunday Cool Concierge member using the dot icon in the corner of your screen.