News, Notes & Inspiration

Threads

Ideas worth picking up.
Connections worth keeping.

Stories about what we wear, what we give, and what we make together. A selection of news and research, with a little perspective from Rocket Tees.

Made Personal

Gifts, milestones, and the details that make something yours.

Shutterfly Young Consumer Trends Holiday 2026 survey

Shutterfly · PR Newswire

Company survey

The gifts that say, “I thought of you.”

Shutterfly’s holiday survey of 979 U.S. adults ages 18–45 found that effort and personal connection help make a gift feel thoughtful. Just 3% named price as the most important marker.

Why it caught our attention

A family drawing, a favorite phrase, or a name can give an everyday object a story. Start with the person you’re giving it to, and the detail you want them to recognize.

  • Holiday
  • Personalization
  • Gifting
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About the source

Digital Natives Still Prefer Holiday Cards. Company-sponsored survey, September 3–14, 2026.

Deloitte

Consumer research

A personal touch is on the holiday wish list.

In Deloitte’s survey of 4,000 U.S. consumers, 20% planned to buy personalized or monogrammed gifts. That share rose to 33% among Gen Z and 29% among millennials.

Why it caught our attention

There’s room to make the familiar feel personal. A cap, a shirt, or a keepsake can begin with a small detail chosen for someone, then take shape with help from the shop.

  • Holiday
  • Personalization
  • Gifting
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About the source

Holiday Spending Set to Increase 4% While Shoppers Focus on Value. Survey conducted August 26–September 10, 2026.

Brands in Everyday Life

The things people wear, use, and remember.

ASI preferred promotional products research infographic

Advertising Specialty Institute

Industry research

The company shirt people want to receive.

T-shirts topped the preferred promotional products in ASI’s 2026 study. Fifty-five percent of respondents said they would be excited to receive one. Respondents could choose multiple categories.

Why it caught our attention

Think about who will wear the shirt and where it will go after the event. A comfortable fit and a considered design can make it a piece someone reaches for again.

  • Apparel
  • Business
  • Merchandise
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About the source

ASI’s 2026 Ad Impressions Study: Preferred Products. Research published by the Advertising Specialty Institute.

PPAI branded merchandise consumer research infographic

Promotional Products Association International 2026 research

Consumer research

What earns a place in someone’s everyday life?

PPAI’s survey of more than 3,400 consumers found that design, product type, quality feel, and usefulness each ranked ahead of the brand name or logo in first impressions of branded merchandise.

Why it caught our attention

The object deserves as much thought as the artwork. Consider how it feels in the hand, how often it will be used, and whether it suits the people receiving it.

  • Design
  • Business
  • Merchandise
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About the source

What Makes Merch Worth Keeping? · Research infographic. Publication day is not provided. Listed by research year.

The Supplier Edit

Fresh perspectives from the suppliers we work with.

SanMar

Supplier announcement

A fresh season of fleece, caps, and everyday layers.

SanMar’s fall announcement brings more than 170 styles across 22 brands, including new fleece from District and Port & Co., Flexfit headwear, and MiiR apparel and bags.

Why it caught our attention

A good starting point for your next team layer or business gift. Browse our supplier catalogs, then let’s talk through style, decoration, and availability for your project.

  • Seasonal
  • Apparel
  • Headwear
  • Suppliers
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About the source

SanMar Rolls Out Fall New Arrivals. Specific style availability and decoration options are confirmed for each project.