It's our favorite time of year at East Beach Specialties... New Product release!

Last week we had the pleasure of (virtually) attending the promotional product industry's largest annual show. This is where we learn what's new from our trusted supplier partners and what's trending with consumers across the country. So you can rest assured we took note of the hottest trends: striking new products that are purposeful, useful, stylish and fun.

Eco-Friendly Products

One of the major themes across the virtual show floor, which (be still our hearts) had a dedicated "Green" product pavilion, was eco-friendly products designed with the environment top of mind. In each of the last few of years, we've seen an increasing trickle of sustainable products. This year? The flood gates have (finally) opened! (And we are HERE for it.)

The Washable Paper Laptop Backpack, a 100-percent recyclable, vegan-friendly, tear-resistant and washable paper backpack with a fabric feel, is one of our favorite unique finds from the show. It’s produced with cellulose plant fiber, and if it’s placed in the ground—-yes, you can “plant” the backpack—-it starts decomposing within two weeks. 

For those days when end users are in the mood to stay home and cuddle up, we love this fully-customizable 200 Piece Puzzle/Large Puzzle In Box. It's an interactive puzzle housed in 100-percent recycled and recyclable packaging.

Personal Safety & Protection

Another theme on the show floor this year was personal safety and protection. An especially useful safety item designed to prevent driving under the influence is the SoberStick, a single-use, FDA-regulated breathalyzer device to detect alcohol in the body, starting at 0.02 percent. 

The Fort Knox Anti-Theft Backpack keeps valuables safe while traveling. It’s a 15-inch polyester laptop backpack featuring zipper pockets and main access compartments on the backside of the backpack, along with a built-in USB charging port.

Falling under the category of PPE, UV-sanitizing products have made it easier for end users to sanitize their handheld items—such as a cell phone, credit cards and keys—on the go and with ease. The Mophie UV Sanitizer with Wireless Charging kills up to 99.9 percent of Staph and E. coli surface bacteria, while conveniently charging the cellphone at the same time.

Luxury Gifts

Standout luxury gifting items were also spotted on the show floor. For end users who are fans of cooking, hosting or seafood, a crab-themed 4 Piece Spice Set offers all that is needed for cooking crab: a spice shaker with a themed medallion of a crab on a net, two crab mallets a one can of Old Bay Seafood Spice.

And for recipients who are planning to reignite their distant relationship with travel this year, the Camino – Small Weekender Leather Duffle Bag offers the perfect travel companion. Made from top-grain Columbian cowhide leather in saddle tan and featuring antique brass-finish handles, it’s sleek and sharp, and with adjustable and detachable shoulder straps and a reinforced bottom with metal feet, it’s also functional and made to last.