“I like this option because it’s functional, affordable, has a great surface for decoration, and it’s made with recycled materials,” Wood says. “This is one of those pieces that doesn’t overcomplicate things and ends up becoming a daily driver.” This tote also includes the AWARE Virtual ID & Product passport, which provides a surefire way to track and validate the impact of textile composition from origin to consumer. Gemline / PPAI 113948, Platinum / gemline.com The timeless and utilitarian Peak Design 35L Travel Duffel is also at the top of Wood’s list for campaigns this year. Designed to be a weekender, overnighter or gym bag, it features removable, padded top handles and a shoulder strap, all-custom aluminum hardware and six pockets. Weatherproof nylon canvas construction with a waterproof bottom liner protects contents from the elements. “I love the aesthetic of this brand, and the quality is topnotch,” Wood says. “The travel duffel is premium enough to be a high-end gift, but it’s also durable enough to actually get used.” Links Unlimited / PPAI 375603, Standard-Base / catalog. linksunlimited.com Wood recently discovered Known Supply and would love to use its products in upcoming campaigns. “This supplier’s line is top-to-bottom purpose-driven: Fair Trade certified, made with organic or regenerative cotton and built around fair wages for their makers,” says Wood, who loves the company’s “Meet the Makers” feature. “You can find out exactly where your item came from and who made it. That transparency is exactly what today’s audiences want.” She loves these products’ aesthetics. “There are pieces I can envision in my own closet, and that’s a good signal that a brand has its finger on the pulse of what’s trending,” she says. Known Supply / PPAI 896003, Standard-Base / knownsupply.com The lightweight, 100% organic cotton Antigua Knit Top (shown in marine) is a one-of-a-kind uniform or resort piece, featuring functional buttons, a collar and intricate knit details. It’s Fair Trade and GOTS certified. From a brand standpoint, purpose-driven products do double duty. “It shows that you have a network that includes purpose-driven products and partners and that you understand a client’s values and goals and can weave them into their merch strategy,” Wood says. “Plus, when the recipient feels good about the item, they’re bound to use it more. That means more impressions for your brand.” Nicole Rollender heads up New Jersey-based STRANDWritingServices.com. “There are pieces I can envision in my own closet, and that’s a good signal that a brand has its finger on the pulse of what’s trending.” –Amanda Wood, STRAN 18 • JUNE 2026 • PPAI Essentials | Use Case
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