A gentle breeze, a little bit of sunshine, sand between your toes, long naps under swaying palms … there’s a reason the tropics are so popular with vacationers. This year, as travel returns (such as cruises), people are looking to bring that botanical feel home.

Style site House Beautiful says that “botanical décor” (think patterns featuring tropical leaves, floral prints, green upholstery, natural textiles and houseplants) became popular during lockdowns as a way to bring the outdoors in; now, it’s here to stay. Interior design retail site Desenio says the botanical trend is “flourishing” ahead of the lush summer months, with tropical wall prints and natural patterns abounding as a way to give a home a boutique hotel vibe.

The botanical look brings the exotic outdoors in: This dining room features natural woodgrains, houseplants and tropical-printed wallpaper; Eden and Willow.

Retail site Eden and Willow calls the botanical trend “happy” and holistic,” which may explain why it’s become so popular during the pandemic. Think tropical-print wallpaper, fabrics with a plant motif, green walls and accessories, and exposed wood. A range of retailers from Anthropologie to Walmart have also tapped into the trend, with tropical-inspired prints for apparel and housewares.

Retailer Anthropologie offers this whimsical toucan-printed dress. The promo industry too is meeting demand for the botanical look. Sportsman Cap & Bag (asi/88877) recently released its Imperial line of printed caps, comprised of Hawaiian hibiscus (DNA010), lobster and fish (X210R) and tropical prints (X210RM).

The Aloha Rope cap (DNA010) comes in three different Hawaiian-inspired patterns; Sportsman Cap & Bag (asi/88877), sportsmancaps.com.

Stuff A Mug (asi/89971) has gift and cocktail sets that offer recipients a trip-to-the-beach feeling, which would make for a great employee or client gift with a “taste of the islands” theme when paired with a beach-inspired bag or tote from a supplier like Southern Plus (asi/88367).

“We’re definitely seeing an increase in demand for beach-themed items, and our jute bags are often the product of choice,” says Southern Plus President Grethe Adams. “We offer styles with interior lamination that fit well at beaches, pools and resorts. Jute is also naturally antimicrobial and renewable, which is great for the health- and eco-conscious, and it provides a casually elegant look for beaches, cruises, resort vacations and upscale shopping excursions.”

The Brimfield jute tote (7100) has a jute/cotton exterior, laminated interior and leather handles; Southern Plus (asi/88367), southernplus.com.

Raining Rose (asi/80489) recently added Elderberry Peach and Strawberry Coconut to its line of Lip Fusion lip balms (SLB-LF), which includes Tropical Pineapple Coconut and Starfruit, among other flavors.

“They’re very summery,” says Lindsey Davis, director of promotional sales for Raining Rose. “We’re seeing a larger return to sunscreen season than I expected this year. We offer both a topical sunscreen and a mineral-based version, and both have seen steep increases that forced us to move up our next production dates.”

Combine summer items with jute tote bags and bamboo items for a natural textile addition to gift packages; consider bamboo desk accessories for a minimalistic, natural look at home offices.

A bamboo desktop organizer is ideal for employee and client gifts, as well as pre-event swag boxes; Spector & Co. (asi/88660), spectorandco.com.

“It’s a great time to promote with products that evoke the outdoors,” says Adams. “After a year of quarantine, work-from-home and restrictions, people want to get outside for some fresh air and sunshine.”

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