In September, our team attended the Promotional Product Professionals of Canada’s (PPPC) National Conference (NATCON) in Toronto – and we’re thrilled to share that Shippam was nominated for Medium-Sized Distributor of the Year 2025 – Canada!
Events like NATCON help us discover new, innovative and sustainable products to bring fresh ideas to your next promotional merch or gift program. This year, Canadian-made and eco-conscious merchandise took centre stage – with many items designed for everyday use and long-lasting value.
Here are some standout trends and brands we loved:
1. KNKT Belts
Founded by Spencer Leiske and Tanner Nault, KNKT (“Knew Nothing Kept Trying”) is a Canadian brand redefining casual style. Their leather track belts for men and women feature laser-engraved buckles in multiple finishes – perfect for golf events.
2. Thunderstorm Snacks
This U.S. brand now offers Ontario-made popcorn in fun, Canadian-inspired flavours like maple, ketchup, and dill pickle.
3. My Green Bag
Durable, reusable and made in Canada/Fabriqué au Québec, these custom shopping totes combine durability, practicality and sustainability.
4. Payne Manufacturing Canada Limited
Specializing in solid copper and recycled aluminum barware for over 60 years, Payne offers handcrafted barware, including cocktail glasses, ice cream cups and beer or soda buckets – all made in Canada.
5. Wood Hill Boards
It’s 100% Canadian-made cutting boards available in custom shapes, sizes and beautiful woods such as cherry and Canadian maple.
6. Outlook Eyewear
Stylish, high-quality Canadian-designed sunglasses that recipients actually want to keep. Their Vigor athletic and Cake designer collections make excellent corporate gifts or incentive items.
7. Ecorite
A division of Canada Sportswear, Ecorite showcased its edge-to-edge DTF printing on recycled totes and new “affordable luxury” products like soft blankets.
8. ATTRACTION
A family-owned Canadian company since 1980, ATTRACTION creates hyper-personalized apparel for the promotional and resort markets – merging design expertise with on-trend customization.
We also brought home a selection of samples from our Supplier Sip & See tours and the conference exhibitors, including SRG charging cable kit, recycled aluminum pen, journal, canvas bag and tumbler, Thunderstorm Snacks ketchup-flavoured popcorn, Cutter & Buck Canada headwear and T-shirt, Trimark Canada tote bag and T-shirt and My Green Bag square shopping tote – all inspiring ideas for future promotional campaigns.
These are just a few of the innovative and sustainable products showcased at NATCON. To learn more about these trends or explore other promotional or gift-giving ideas, contact your Shippam representative.