Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer in the United States, but backyard barbecues have already begun in many parts of the country. In fact, May 16 is National Barbecue Day, and it’s a great time to think about promo products that can get your clients’ brands in on the fun in time for the two other most popular grilling days: July Fourth and Labor Day.

“Everybody loves being outside with their family and enjoying a meal together,” says Andy Hudson, director of marketing for Incentive St. Louis-based supplier Incentive Concepts. “But I think the pandemic really crystallized the need to improve your outdoor surroundings to be more connected to your family so you could grill together and all of that.”

Grilling is a great way to get people together for food and fellowship – and maybe a little friendly competition. After all, every region has its own style and favored ingredients, whether it’s low-and-slow brisket from East Texas or Carolina pulled pork. Steaks, burgers and hot dogs are the most popular foods for cooking on the grill, but it’s not only about meat. Grilled veggies are also a favorite, such as corn, potatoes and veggie kebabs.

Cookouts and barbecues are a casual way to hang out with friends and family in nice weather and share some of the best food made in America, says George Dent, co-owner of Maryland-based Tuckahoe Hardwoods. “With the more recent additions of affordable and easy-to-use smokers and outdoor pizza ovens, ways to show off your culinary prowess in the comfort of your own backyard continue to expand with each grilling season,” he adds.

All that food requires tools to prep, cook and serve – and that’s where promo products can shine. From cutting boards and aprons to tongs and grills, here are 10 practical promo picks perfect for equipping a cookout:

 Broil King Broil-Mate 3-Burner Gas Grill With Cover

The compact yet powerful Broil King Broil-Mate 3-Burner LP Grill With Cover provides 440 square inches of total cooking space with three burners, heavy-duty cast iron cooking grids, a stainless steel cookbox with cast aluminum end caps for heat retention. Cover included and available for decoration. Made in North America (Canada or Indiana). Propane (and propane accessories) sold separately.

Incentive Concepts / PPAI 212912, S10

View the Pyramid Award-winning National Beer Day video by Incentive Concepts featuring Broil King, or their more recent “BBQ King for a Day” video.

 Grill Master Apron Kit with two-tone apron, detachable bottle opener, padded oven mitt, towel

Outfit any grillmaster in style with a Grill Master Apron Kit that includes a two-tone apron, detachable bottle opener, padded oven mitt and towel. The apron, available in blue or red, features multiple pockets for storage, including an insulated pocket for keeping the wearer’s beverage cold.

Gemline / PPAI 113948, S11

 Three-Piece Wooden Barbecue Tool Set in a black canvas carrying case.

Get your client’s brand in grillers’ hands with this Three-Piece Wooden Barbecue Set that includes a turner/spatula, tongs and a carving fork, conveniently stashed in a black canvas carrying case. One-color screen print decoration on the outer pocket included.

Picnic At Ascot / PPAI 145818, S4

 Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignons

Steak is the most popular meat for grilling, and these Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignons are a great way to show appreciation to employees, clients and customers. The fork-tender, hand-cut steaks are aged to perfection and wrapped in sugar-cured, hickory-smoked bacon to create a flavor combination that’s even better than the sum of its parts.

OS SalesCo Inc. dba Omaha Steaks / PPAI 434044, S1

 custom-branded Four Utility Steak Knives Gift Set in a gift box

Slice into those mouthwatering steaks in style with a custom-branded knife. This Four Utility/Steak Knives Gift Set, packaged in a gift box, includes four straight-edged steak/utility knives with decorated stainless steel blades and choice of silver aluminum or black resin handles. Made in the USA and backed by a lifetime guarantee.

American Made Cutlery / PPAI 111255, S4

 Handmade Extra Large Live Edge Handled Wooden Cutting Board

Preparing your ingredients requires a good cutting board, but so does the presentation of your culinary masterpiece. Handmade from responsibly harvested East Indian Walnut, each Extra Large Live Edge Handled Board is coated with a food-safe blend of organic beeswax and mineral oil. No two are alike, but each is easy to grip and fully reversible for multiple serving options. Add your client’s logo with laser engraving.

Tuckahoe Hardwoods / PPAI 738995, S3

 Spicewalla Grill & Roast Collection with Carolina Pork Rub, Cowboy Steak Rub, Honey & Herb Rub

Spice up any marketing or appreciation program with the Spicewalla Grill & Roast Collection, which includes three blends: Carolina Pork Rub, Cowboy Steak Rub and Honey & Herb Rub. These blends take the guesswork out of marinades, rubs and seasonings for delicious meats and vegetables alike.

HPG / PPAI 110772, S11

 Instant Read Digital Food Thermometer

Promote food safety with an Instant Read Thermometer. This digital thermometer measures the internal temperature of food, giving an accurate reading within seconds. With a temperature range of -59°F to 572°F, this thermometer is suitable for use with a wide range of foods, including meat, poultry, fish and more. It comes with a brandable sleeve (one-color imprint included) for storage and protection.

Diversified Quality Kitchenware / PPAI 11371, S4

 bottle of Gourmet BBQ Sauce with custom label

Custom-label a bottle of Gourmet BBQ Sauce with your client’s logo. Made in Louisiana, this high-quality 16-oz. sauce provides a tangy, smoky addition to any dish.

Panola Pepper Corp. / PPAI 649458, S2

 20 quart 24 can Patriot Cooler ice chest

No cookout is complete without beverages, and the 20qt Patriot Cooler keeps food and drinks cold with extra-thick insulated walls that can keep ice up to five days. It holds up to 24 cans and comes in four colors (stone shown). With every Patriot purchase, a donation is made to Homes For Our Troops.

Hirsch / PPAI 221823, S10

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