Charging Ahead: Why Practical Tech and Everyday Tools Are Dominating the Corporate Gift Market

Corporate gifts have come a long way from wall calendars and coffee mugs. In a landscape shaped by hybrid work, digital dependency, and a renewed focus on utility, companies are making smarter choices, opting for items that get used, rather than just sitting on desks.

This shift has brought a new class of practical, everyday items into the spotlight. Two of the most in-demand right now, are the power bank with logo and the BIC lighter with logo. On the surface, they couldn’t be more different. One charges smartphones, the other ignites campfires. But they have something critical in common: they’re tools people reach for repeatedly.

Why Practical Still Wins in Gifting   

The most appreciated branded gifts are the ones people use. That’s not new, but how we define “practical” keeps evolving.

A decade ago, it was a branded tote or stress ball. Today, it’s a mobile device accessory or a pocket-sized tool. Think: backup power on a business trip, or a lighter for an outdoor campaign.

These items are versatile, unintrusive, and often inexpensive to order in volume.

The Power Bank with Logo: Utility Meets Visibility   

Let’s start with the power bank with logo. It’s almost impossible to imagine a business setting where this isn’t relevant.

From trade show booths and employee onboarding kits to thank-you packages and nonprofit giveaways, custom-branded power banks are becoming a standard in the modern corporate gifting toolkit. And for good reason:

• They solve a real problem: Everyone’s device gets low on battery eventually.
• They have daily use potential: Whether traveling, commuting, or working remotely, a power bank travels with you.
• They keep your brand in front of the user: Every time someone plugs in, your logo is visible, without being disruptive.

Modern power banks also offer plenty of customization. Whether it’s sleek matte finishes, ultra-slim profiles, or solar-charging options, companies pick models that match their brand personality. Some even preload digital assets or QR codes to create more interactive experiences.

Why the BIC Lighter Still Burns Bright   

Then there’s the BIC lighter with logo, a surprising comeback story in the world of promotional products.

Lightweight, durable, and universally recognizable, the BIC lighter has cemented itself as a cultural icon. In the right hands, it’s also a highly effective branded giveaway.

Outdoor brands, music festivals, breweries, hospitality groups, and cannabis-related businesses are leaning into lighter branding as part of experiential gifting strategies. These lighters become part of everyday routines, travel gear, and even collectible swag.

Bulk ordering makes them cost-effective, and BIC’s reputation for safety and consistency ensures your brand isn’t attached to something disposable or unreliable.

The Global Market Is Still Flickering   

There’s real economic weight behind this category, too.

According to recent trade data, global trade of lighters reached $2 billion in 2023, marking an 8.65% decrease from 2022, when trade peaked at $2.19 billion. Despite the dip, the long-term trend remains upward, with the market growing at an annualized rate of 2.39% over the past five years.

What does that mean for businesses using lighters as promotional tools?  

It means they’re still a relevant, globally traded product with consistent demand—especially in lifestyle, travel, fieldwork, and entertainment sectors.

When you choose a BIC lighter with a logo, you’re attaching your brand to a product that has staying power both in the market and in users’ hands.

Power and Fire: Unexpected Pairings That Work   

Interestingly, many event organizers and field-based companies are now bundling these two items (power banks and lighters) as part of themed kits or layered gifting strategies.

Think about it:

• Outdoor and adventure companies might give out branded lighters and power banks in survival or travel kits.
• Tech conferences offer portable charging as a convenience, while partnering with lifestyle brands to contribute items like lighters for after-parties or casual events.
• Hospitality groups that cater to both on-the-go professionals and leisure travelers are including tech-and-lifestyle duos in their room packages or gift bags.

These combinations feel intentional. They communicate readiness, versatility, and attention to detail. That’s a big part of what today’s recipients are looking for: not just gifts, but gestures that feel curated.

Bulk Customization, Without the Waste   

Another driver of this trend is the improved quality and design flexibility for bulk orders.

The old fear used to be: “If I order 1,000, will they feel cheap?” Not anymore. Suppliers now offer:

• Multiple finishes and imprint options for both lighters and power banks
• Small-batch customization for testing ideas before a full rollout
• Eco-conscious or rechargeable options for brands that prioritize sustainability

That flexibility makes these items more accessible to startups, nonprofits, and small businesses, not just major enterprises.

Gifting That Sparks Connection   

The best corporate gifts do more than put your name in someone’s pocket. They create small, functional connections and say, “We thought about what you need.”

A custom power bank with logo is useful on a red-eye flight, during a blackout, or at a long conference day. A BIC lighter with a logo might sit in a kitchen drawer for months, then come in handy for candles at a dinner party or lighting a fire on a camping trip.

In both cases, the brand travels with the user, without needing to shout.

That’s the sweet spot modern gifting aims for: relevance, not noise, value, not volume.

Final Thoughts   

The world of business gifts is changing, not toward flashier items, but toward better ones. By choosing tools that integrate naturally into people’s lives, like custom power banks or BIC lighters, companies are sending a message that’s as practical as it is personal. In today’s hyper-connected, mobile, and multitasking world, that message is more powerful than ever.