ASI Chicago is one of the branded merchandise industry’s largest trade shows, showcasing innovative products and fresh ideas from leading suppliers. Our Cooley Group merchandising team explored the show floor in search of items that felt useful, thoughtfully designed and worthy of representing our clients’ brands.

After seeing countless new products, these five finds earned a place on our favorites list.

1. Turn Game Night into a Brand Experience

Custom Game Mat 

Is this not the cutest?

We can already picture everyone gathered around the table for a cozy game night. Brands can select from available stock game artwork or fully customize the mat to create an original game.

This is the kind of gift that can become part of someone’s traditions. It creates an opportunity for people to have fun together while keeping your brand connected to the experience. It would be a creative choice for employee appreciation or a family-focused campaign.

2. The Layer You Will Want to Live In

MiiR Kumo ¼ Snap

“Kumo” means “cloud” in Japanese, and this pullover lives up to its name.

The MiiR Kumo ¼ Snap is soft enough for a relaxing weekend but polished enough to keep at your desk for meetings. Its elevated silhouette offers a fresh alternative to the traditional corporate pullover.

This is branded apparel that feels current and comfortable. Most importantly, it is something recipients will reach for again and again.

3. A Better Way to Pack Lunch

NAYAD® Utilia 64 oz Salad Bowl

We know it is a salad bowl, but hear us out.

The NAYAD Utilia Salad Bowl features a secure, spill-proof lid for easier travel. Inside, a removable divider keeps ingredients separate until it is time to eat. It also includes a stainless-steel container for dressing.

The generous 64-ounce capacity makes it useful for meal preparation or a substantial lunch at the office. Its modern design gives it a more elevated feel than the average food container. This might be the product that finally makes someone look forward to a desk salad.

4. Make Every Day Feel More Organized

Dayflow Digital Smart Calendar

The Dayflow Digital Smart Calendar can make a workspace feel instantly more organized.

Instead of relying on reminders that are easy to miss, important information stays visible in one central place. It is a practical product that can quickly become part of someone’s everyday routine.

This would make a thoughtful gift for remote employees or new hires. It is also a modern option for employee recognition programs.

5. The Power Bank You Will Be Glad You Packed

Big Daddy Laptop Power Bank

It may not be the flashiest product on the show floor, but it could become one of the most appreciated.

The Big Daddy Laptop Power Bank helps keep laptops and phones charged during long travel days. It is especially helpful during airport layovers or busy meetings when a convenient outlet is nowhere in sight.

This is a smart branded gift for frequent travelers and sales professionals. It solves a real problem while giving your brand a useful role in someone’s day.

Merchandise Designed for Real Life

Our favorite finds from ASI Chicago reflect what Cooley Group believes branded merchandise should be. It should feel intentional and earn its place in someone’s life.

Each of these products supports a real experience, from enjoying time at home to staying productive on the go. When merchandise is genuinely useful, people keep it. When people keep it, your brand stays visible.

See something that could be a great fit for your audience? Connect with your Cooley Group sales representative to explore creative branding possibilities and discover even more fresh finds from ASI Chicago.