Why Drinkware Still Dominates in the Promo World
If there’s one thing we know about promotional products, it’s that drinkware isn’t going anywhere. According to the 2024 PPAI sales report, it was the second-highest selling category of the year, accounting for over 10% of total promo sales.
And it’s not just popular — it’s purposeful. Drinkware has the highest longevity in the promotional space, with 63% of consumers keeping and using their branded tumblers, bottles, and mugs for over a year (Advertising Specialty Institute). In a world where impressions matter, that kind of shelf life is hard to beat.
So yes, drinkware works. But the real win comes when it’s done with intention.
How to Take Your Drinkware to the Next Level with brandbox
Here’s the thing: because drinkware is such a fan favorite, it can easily veer into forgettable. Not all water bottles are created equal — and not all gifts land the way you want them to.
That’s where we come in.
At brandbox, we’re all about making your company swag actually stand out. That means choosing trending pieces from brands your audience already knows and loves, and paying attention to what matters — like sustainability, quality, and style. Whether you're gifting to clients, interns, employees, or partners, drinkware should feel like a thoughtful gesture, not an afterthought.
We help you take drinkware from generic to genius by:
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Sourcing items from trusted, on-trend brands
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Pairing them with complementary pieces that tell a story
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Handling all the logistics so you don’t have to lift a finger
Because in the world of company merch, a little extra thought goes a long way — and it’s our job to make it easy.
Our Favorite Drinkware Brands Right Now
Owala
Bright, Bold, and BPA-Free
If you’ve seen a colorful water bottle with a built-in straw and a whole lot of personality, chances are it was an Owala. Known for their playful designs and clever functionality, Owala bottles are built for people who have a lot to juggle — and want their hydration to keep up.
What sets them apart? For starters, Owala takes safety seriously. Their bottles are BPA- and lead-free, designed to meet (and often exceed) FDA safety standards. The brand also leans into color, self-expression, and joy — turning something as simple as sipping water into a moment of personality. It’s all part of their mission to make hydration more fun, more inclusive, and more sustainable.
Standout Picks:
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Owala FreeSip 24 oz — Built-in straw and wide-mouth opening? Sign me up. This dual-purpose, vacuum-insulated bottle has a locking lid and durable powder-coated finish, making it a perfect pick for daily use.
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Owala Tumbler 40 oz — Think bold, bright, and built to last. This tumbler’s straw/sip combo and ergonomic design make it ideal for life on the go.
Perfect For:
Employees who are always multitasking — the ones who love a good color-coded planner and need a bottle that can keep up with them.
brandbox Pairing Idea:
Add in a shopper tote and a sleek journal to create a kit that multitaskers will actually use. Whether they’re heading to a team offsite or just tackling their day-to-day, this trio covers hydration, organization, and carry-it-all ease — and all in one good-looking bundle.
Stanley
The Cult Favorite That’s Here to Stay
Stanley’s not new to the scene — but it’s definitely having a well-deserved spotlight. With over 100 years of history and a fanbase that keeps growing (seriously, have you seen the waitlists?), this heritage brand has mastered the balance between timeless design and modern-day appeal. Their signature tumblers are beloved for a reason: they’re built to last and look great doing it.
Stanley doesn’t just talk about sustainability — they build it into every step of the process. From recycled stainless steel and minimal packaging to a lifetime warranty on core parts, their drinkware is designed to reduce waste and outlast the competition. Plus, their community-first mindset shows up in everything from charitable partnerships to product drops that actually reflect what people want.
Standout Picks:
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Quencher H2.O FlowState™ Tumbler 40 oz — This is the tumbler. Recycled stainless steel, splash-resistant lid, and a comfort-grip handle make it the MVP of company swag.
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IceFlow™ Flip Straw Tumbler 30 oz — Lightweight, leakproof, and made from recycled fishing nets? This tumbler proves you can be functional and forward-thinking.
Perfect For:
Working moms, hands down. We can’t explain it, but they love this tumbler — and they’re not wrong.
brandbox Pairing Idea:
Pair it with a cozy zip-up hoodie and a W&P Porter Take-It-To-Go bundle for a brandbox that feels like a little moment of calm between the chaos. It’s thoughtful, functional, and practically guaranteed to have them texting friends at other companies with a humble brag.
HydroJug
Hydration Goals, Upgraded
HydroJug is proof that hydration can be cool — and yes, 40 ounces of water can absolutely be an accessory. With sleek designs, bold colors, and TikTok-level popularity (not to mention a Kardashian seal of approval), HydroJug is a favorite among younger employees who want their drinkware to match their lifestyle.
But it’s not all aesthetic. HydroJug is rooted in sustainability, offering reusable alternatives to single-use plastic bottles and building a brand around health, wellness, and community. Their bottles are thoughtfully designed to encourage better hydration habits — without sacrificing style or convenience.
Standout Pick:
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HydroJug Traveler 40 oz — Stainless steel, double-wall insulation, and a wide, ergonomic handle for all-day ease. Flip-up straw, powder-coated finish, and enough cool factor to impress even the pickiest intern.
Perfect For:
Your Gen Z employees and summer interns — the ones who know what’s trending and expect company merch to keep up.
Brandbox Pairing Idea:
Pack it up with a portable charger and a Slowtide beach towel for a gift that screams summer energy. Whether they’re WFH, logging on from a café, or headed out for a weekend getaway, this kit says “we get you” — and that’s exactly the point.
Yeti
Built to Perform, Made to Impress
Yeti is one of those rare brands that’s just as at home on a hiking trail as it is in a conference room. Known for their durable, high-performing drinkware, Yeti products are built to go the distance — and look good doing it. For brands that want to impress with premium company swag, Yeti is a no-brainer.
They also walk the walk when it comes to sustainability and social impact. Yeti is actively working to reduce its environmental footprint, support conservation projects, and create lasting products that minimize waste. Add in a strong focus on innovation and customer feedback, and it’s clear why Yeti has earned its loyal following.
Standout Picks:
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Rambler 20 oz Stackable Cup with Magslider Lid — Sleek, sturdy, and cup holder-friendly, this is the kind of piece they’ll reach for daily.
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Rambler 10 oz Tumbler with Magslider Lid — Compact and caffeine-ready. This one’s perfect for your espresso-sipping, early-rising team members.
Perfect For:
The outdoorsy types — employees who thrive on adventure, fresh air, and Friday PTO requests for “mountain days.”
Brandbox Pairing Idea:
Bundle it with a Cotopaxi backpack and a BBQ set for a gift that says, “We support your OOO life.” It’s rugged, practical, and shows your team you’re all in on balance — and awesome gear.
MiiR
Minimalist Design, Maximum Impact
MiiR is the brand you turn to when you want your drinkware to do more than just look good, though it certainly does that, too. Known for its clean design, durable construction, and deep commitment to sustainability, MiiR blends style with substance in a way that feels effortlessly modern.
What makes MiiR stand out is its Product to Project™ model: every purchase helps fund clean water, environmental, or community-focused initiatives around the world. Customers can even trace their impact through a unique Give Code™. It’s the kind of transparency and accountability that resonates with today’s values-driven workforce.
Standout Picks:
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Vacuum Insulated Wine Tumbler (10 oz) — Great for backyard hangs, team happy hours, or a sunset toast. Bonus: it doesn’t sweat and doesn’t mess with the taste of your drink.
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Wide Mouth Bottle (32 oz) — Durable, leakproof, and designed for real life. It’s built to go from desk to day trip without missing a beat.
Perfect For:
Literally all of your employees. MiiR’s versatility and purpose-driven mission make it a solid fit across departments, roles, and gifting occasions.
Brandbox Pairing Idea:
Create a moment of everyday luxury with a picnic blanket and a reusable wine bag. Whether it ends up in a weekend park picnic or an office kitchen shelf, this brandbox brings low-key elegance and thoughtful design into the mix.
Ready to Build Your Brandbox?
Whether you’re shopping for interns or impressing key clients, drinkware is one of the smartest investments you can make in your company swag strategy. But not all tumblers are created equal, and not every bottle gets used.
At Brandbox, we help you choose the right products, pair them with complementary pieces, and handle every detail of the process. No sourcing scramble, no shipping chaos — just thoughtful, on-trend company merch that actually lands.
So go ahead: pick your favorites, and let’s build a brandbox they’ll remember.