GWP (gift with purchase) development within the beauty industry goes through phases and is strongly influenced by trends and viral fads. We experience regularly the need for items to be developed at high speed to get to market as quickly as possible before the social conversation moves on to the next big thing. Throughout 2025 the traditional and modest merchandise item, the keyring, has really stepped up a gear, and is set to be a hot product again for 2026!!
Merchandise development is being inspired by fashion and lifestyle moments more and more in their design, as brands set to build communities that go beyond their product ranges and create touchpoints in daily life. We saw the keyring either engineered to fit a purpose with specially moulded fitments to hold a product or simply styled for decoration in a cuddly toy format.
This is where the ‘mini bag’ keychain enters the conversation. A lower cost per unit than a classic larger cosmetic bag making for a great GWP price point, whilst also being fun, unique and interesting for social media platforms. Creating anything in ‘mini’ size always has the cute factor and reigns popular amongst consumers.
Either downsize your classic cosmetic bag SKU or create something special for an upcoming campaign. Integrate new sustainable materials and the upcoming season’s colour palette, with added details that resonate with your brand.
A bag is useful, there is no getting away from that. A mini bag could hold lip balm, compact mirror, loose change, air pods, train tickets, the list is endless. What would you put in yours?
