A Great Promotional Product for Any Business: Key Rings

If you're looking for a great promotional product for your business, you can start with a true standard of giveaways - promotional keyrings. Keyrings are second in the list of most popular forms of promotional merchandise, beaten to the top only by promotional pens. This makes them a big seller here at Total Merchandise.

So why exactly were key rings invented? Well, the earliest documentation of keys was over 3,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt. Egyptians realised they needed some sort of security for their homes and created a basic locking system for security purposes. For some, this was just a wooden peg, whilst others created a bolt. These were the fundamental building blocks for the locks and keys we have now. The Roman's had a go at creating a lock next, using bronze and iron to create their designs. However, whilst they were similar to the locks and keys we have now, any key would fit any lock. There were no complex procedures to stop thieves if you had the same lock you would be able to use your key. This was the same right up until the Seventeenth Century.

In the Seventeenth Century, a man called Robert Barron manufactured the first ever double lock. These were adapted by several other companies right up until the locks we have today. However, there was still no need for key rings at this point. People only started to use key rings as they started to have more keys which needed to be kept together. This meant key rings or split keys, were created in 1922 by G Herluf Johnson. It was originally just a small ring which holds keys together. Whilst we consider them now to be very simple, back then they were considered a sign of wealth and everyone wanted one.

Not long after this, in the 1950s and 1960s, people started adding other accessories to their key rings, creating key fobs. Following the Second World War, plastic manufacturing techniques improved, so key fobs became more prominent. From then on, they were used more and more as a way of promoting a business. They have developed even further since then, some key rings are multi-purpose doubling as a bottle opener, torch and even USB Memory Sticks!

Keyrings are very popular promotional products, as they combine being useful with branding and provide longevity of brand awareness. We have a wide selection of key rings so for any advice on what's best for your marketing campaign, just give us a call.

Written by

Adam Carter | Head of Products

Adam has been leading the Product team for over 18 years, during which time he's built up an enviable reputation as one of the industry's most trusted authorities on promotional merchandise. As well as supplier relations, product sourcing and pricing, Adam is also responsible for ensuring our promotional merchandise is presented on the website in the most effective manner. His expertise makes him the go-to person on the team for spotting merchandise trends and he's highly experienced in identifying the best branded products to meet our customers' needs. When he's not working, Adam enjoys travel, electronic music and all forms of cinema.

Connect with Adam Carter on LinkedIn Connect with Adam Carter on LinkedIn

New Year, New Merch: The Best Products for Promoting Your Brand This Year

New Year, New Merch: The Best Products for Promoting Your Brand This Year

Fact: the new year is the perfect time to consider new promotional merchandise! It's a common trend that the start of a new year means a fresh start, so why not have the sam

How To Keep Your Promotional Merchandise On Trend In 2019

How To Keep Your Promotional Merchandise On Trend In 2019

Every business strives to remain current and promotional merchandise is no different. Consumer trends are constantly changing, 2018 saw the rise of the fidget spinner, b

Just In: The Promotional Merchandise That Will Be Trending In 2022

Just In: The Promotional Merchandise That Will Be Trending In 2022

For 2022, we predict the promotional merchandise that will be trending is UK-made products. Why? Read on to find out... READ MORE:

How To Use Promotional Products Effectively To Boost Your Business

How To Use Promotional Products Effectively To Boost Your Business

If you've never ordered promotional products before, it can feel a little overwhelming. After all, there are countless product options out there and it can be hard t

The Best Promotional Stress Relievers For Your Staff

The Best Promotional Stress Relievers For Your Staff

April is officially Stress Awareness Month, meaning it's the perfect opportunity to give some thought to how you can support your colleagues through tricky times. 

The Best Promotional Football Products To Kick-Off Euro 2024

The Best Promotional Football Products To Kick-Off Euro 2024

Want to get your business involved in Euro 2024? For the uninitiated, UEFA's iconic international football tournament will kick-off in June 2024 and be watched by mi