When it is time each year to honor those hard-working and dedicated dads, it’s also a great time to identify those notable promotional products that guys gravitate toward. Here is a rundown of category-specific, Father’s Day-inspired promotional products that are particularly suited for men – those with children and without:
- Sports Fans: No matter what type of sports fanatic he is – from golf and tennis to basketball, football, and baseball, there are sports-themed promotional products that can represent his team and love of the game. These include everything from the tools of the trade to play that sport to sports gear to sports apparel. From actually playing the game to simply rooting the home team on, sporty dudes will love to receive something that shows their spirit.
- Exercise Buffs: For those guys who like to stay in shape, there are many branded products to choose from, including running gear, branded water bottles, MP3 holders, tachometers, and more. He can even enjoy his very own personalized towels, gear bags, or gear organizers so he can always be ready to go for a run, bike ride, or hike.
- Tech Heads: So many men are into gadgets and electronics, and with today’s ever-changing world of technology, there always seems to be something new to play with. Logoed products include MP3 players, digital cameras, computer accessories, USB drives, remote-controlled vehicles and more.
- Car Lovers: Guys typically love promotional products that’ll keep their car, truck, or van looking its best. Some great promotional auto accessories include air fresheners, floor mats, license plates and frames, vehicle covers, maps and map holders and travel mugs. Whether it is for his restored classic or his everyday commuter car, he will appreciate that you thought to make his trip more comfortable and stylish.
- The Head Chef: For those men who like to tap into their inner culinary master, gift some new tools of the trade: kitchen cutlery or appliances, an apron, or new recipe books that will inspire him to keep on dishing out those epicurean delights.
In Review
The main points from this blog post are:
- Guys enjoy a wide array of promotional products based on some favorite pastimes.
- From sports fans to exercise buffs, there are ways to enjoy and celebrate these hobbies with gear, clothing, and accessories.
- Most men are a gadget geek and techie at heart so give him something that will keep him busy for hours, especially if there are lots of bells and whistles to explore.
- Car nuts love anything that make his ride look better or that offers comfort and enjoyment while out for a spin.
- Men who love to cook love to be treated to anything that adds further enjoyment to this often passionate hobby.
The summer season offers a perfect opportunity to provide customers and prospects practical and timely items that will duly promote your business and keep your brand top-of-mind while they are out and about. Here are some perennially popular summer promotional products that your customers will enjoy as they try to beat the heat.
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With the Memorial Day holiday now past us and with summer nipping at our heels, now is a great time to start considering branded products around the season’s favorite pastime—barbecuing!
We’ve rounded up a list of hot branded products to help kick the imminent outdoor BBQ bonanza into high gear while keeping your brand name or identity top-of-mind:
- BBQ Tool Sets: These branded products come in a variety of sizes with sets that include as little as three tools up to deluxe options with fully 24 different barbecue cooking utensils for the barbecue aficionado.
- BBQ Mitts: Keep it safe with reliable cooking mitts so the barbecue chef can stay cool under the pressure of grillin’ up that incredible meal. Look for mitts that offer special protection for the high-heat conditions that the barbecue grill puts out. Those with hooks make a nice touch so the grill master can hang it up when done with his culinary duties.
- BBQ Aprons: Let everyone know who is in charge by giving the chef his or her very own apron. Not only is it a great way to show off, but these aprons also have a practical side in ensuring the chef’s attire stays clean and free of barbecue sauce, marinade, or cooking juices.
- BBQ Cookbooks: When not inspired to whip up original creations, the barbecue master will be sure to enjoy a cookbook full of mouth-watering recipes that inspire further barbecues throughout the season. These cookbooks even help the novice barbecue griller to learn the technique and bravely move beyond hot dogs and burgers to more sophisticated fare like pizzas, fish, vegetables and even grilled fruit!
- BBQ Sauces and Rubs: A true barbecue lover appreciates the intense flavor that rubs and sauces can add to what’s cooking on the grill. A gift of sauces, rubs, or a combination basket is sure to please!
- Matches: Spark a smile with the barbecue chef – whether they ascribe to gas or charcoal – with a personalized set of matches to get them cooking. Both traditional matchbox size and the long matches are branded products that are available to keep the barbecue going all summer long!
In Summary
Here are the main ideas from this blog post:
- There is a wide range of barbecue branded products available that the grilling professional or novice will be sure to enjoy.
- Tools of the trade, such as tool sets, mitts, and matches, provide the basics for cooking up a tasty meal.
- BBQ aprons keep the chef looking sharp and protect clothing in the process.
- To keep the meals at their most mouthwatering levels are a wide range of cookbooks, rubs, and sauces to enhance the barbecue experience.
In today’s fast-paced, double-duty world, it seems like everyone is trying to do more with less time in all facets of their lives. To help your staff, customers, clients and partners become as productive as possible, consider a promotional product that helps them be more efficient and effective while driving your brand visibility. The feelings of appreciation these items evoke also elevates a company’s image and fosters brand loyalty.
Here is a promotional product list bursting with items that’ll enhance outputs in various areas of life – from work to home and other productivity points of interest in-between.
Calendars: Nothing will keep you on schedule better than a well-managed calendar, where you can write down where you have to be, by when, and what you have to do. This is fundamental to being productive. It’s a promotional product that comes in all types of shapes, sizes, and perspectives. There are peel-and-stick calendars, perpetual calendars, weekly view calendars, pocket-size calendars and those calendars that also double as appointment books or schedulers. All of them offer ample amounts of space for your logo or brand messages.
- Organizers: Nothing works as well at keeping you organized as, well, an organizer! No matter what area of life is in disarray, there’s sure to be a logo-friendly organization tool to help quell the chaos. This includes items that’ll keep your office, home, car, leisure time and even health in tip-top shape. Top-line items can include three-ring binder organizers, filing systems and desk accessories, portable padfolios, disaster survival kits, tool keepers and pill boxes. Containers of every shape, size and sort abound. When organized, life becomes less stressful. Energy can then also be put into more important and enjoyable activities.
- Incentive Programs: If you are looking to motivate your own staff to produce at a faster rate or at a higher caliber, nothing incents productivity better than a tangible incentive of value. Or, help other businesses motivate their staff pools in this same regard. Such employee productivity programs are well-proven to drive productivity and even boost company culture and morale. Human resource rewards can involve commemorative plaques, trophies, certificates and even great signs like “employee of the month.” From there, brand-able glam gifts like leather attaches, watches, technology items and such will keep the staff’s collective eye on the prize.
- Stress Relievers: It’s a fact: when a person is stressed, they are more distracted, disorganized, and have a difficult time being productive. Stress is known to block creativity and good decision-making not to mention it just drags a person down both physically and emotionally. Logo-friendly stress relievers can go a long way to help alleviate the tension. And, they are available in many forms. Stress balls are intended to address the problem directly, while sports equipment can help get a person up, moving, and loose as an opportunity to clear their mind and “reboot.”
In Summary
Whether there is a need to stay organized and tidy or stay motivated and energized, productivity is a key to success. There are many promotional product picks that inspire in both respects:
Calendars and organizers remind you of what needs to be done and by when, how it should be prioritized, and where the right tools can be found to get it done – all the components that foster productivity.
- Nothing elicits the urge to pick up the pace like dangling a carrot that incentivizes productivity – from awards and plaques to personalized luxe gifts that conveys a company’s appreciation and recognition.
- Nothing is more stifling than stress, so a good promotional stress ball or piece of exercise or sports equipment can thwart productivity pitfalls.
The sweltering heat of the summer months calls for a more air conditioned form of apparel, which can be proffered from your pool of promotional products. Hot summer styles that’ll keep your customers, clients, partners and employees feeling cool while highlighting your brand are the order of the season.
Fashion-forward promotional products abound. Here are a few summer style staples that sizzle:
Sunglasses and Shades: It’s a bright idea to help your staff and customers shade their precious peepers with a chic or fun pair of sunglasses. Today’s trends in branded eyewear offer everything from those retro Ray-Ban-style black sunglasses and cat’s eye shapes to super cool designs that have fluorescent highlights or are outlined in a bright color like red or orange. There’s a style to coordinate with every outfit and, at a relative per unit low cost, you can ensure everyone receives stylish shades!
- Shirts: Whether the preference is a casual tee to a bit more structured polo style with a collar, cool and comfortable shirts are always a summer wardrobe staple. Coupled with their adaptability and economical price point, such shirts are a perennial promotional products favorite. Ever versatile, shirts are available in a wide range of colors and cuts to fit men and women of all shapes and sizes. Just as notable is that they can be embroidered or silk-screened with logos, images, and/or messages in many places, allowing your “body billboard” to be seen on the beach, at the golf course, and everywhere in between.
- Visors and Hats: Many summer outfits and activities can do with those finishing accessories – particularly hats that do double-duty by protecting your customers and employees from too much sun on their heads and faces. This summer fashion favorite can range from a visor that works on the tennis court or golf course to baseball-style caps that help those working or playing outdoors. Of course, your brand will be front and center on these promotional products for all to see.
- Flip Flops: It wouldn’t be summer without at least one pair of new flip flops for those more casual occasions. Today’s flip flop footwear comes in nearly any color as well as a dizzying array of patterns and even sole thickness. Some even bring the “bling” with luxury features like rhinestones or seashells. Even better is that your staff and customers are tracking your brand everywhere they go.
In Summary
Here’s a quick checklist of the promotional products you can offer that will expand your target’s warm weather wardrobe:
- Sunglasses minimize the brightness factor while upping the cool factor of the person behind those stylish shades.
- Practical, yet fashionable, t-shirts and polo shirts can go from casual to semi-professional and work well for most types of outdoor activities.
- A wide range of hats, caps, and visors are available to help shield the head and face from summer’s damaging rays.
- Flip flops are a shoe-in as a popular summer fashion item that allows you to promote your brand on-the-go.
Want to be the toast of the town with your prospects, clients and employees, alike? Think branded barware! Indeed, branded beverage accessories and drinkware are sure-fire promotional tools to keep spirits high. Whether the preference is beer, wine, liquor or liqueur, you’ll find a litany of logo-laden bar options to choose from.
Branded Barware Basics
Here are some of the most popular items to help your recipient duly stock the bar:
- Glassware: From wine glasses and champagne flutes to martini and shot glasses, glassware is a standout branded barware product for its practicality, long life, and surface area on which to display your message or logo.
- Steins and Stadium Cups: With everything from glass beer steins to their plastic stein mug counterparts…not to mention stadium plastic cups in various sizes and colors, these containers are appropriate for a bevy of beverages. The large variety of plastic sizes and colors also helps to ensure a corporate identity match. People just love these convenient cups for their portability and durability.
- Bottle Openers: This handy gadget comes in a multitude of shapes, sizes and configurations, including those that are key-ring size or can be mounted on the side of a counter for regular use – and visibly display your logo.
- Coasters: No one likes liquid rings on their furniture so coasters are always a desired bar item to have on hand. These come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, including leather, acrylic, plastic and heavy-duty cardboard. Many also offer two sides on which to market your brand or even add a personalized message for the recipient.
- Cocktail Napkins: If you want to help the recipient enjoy their cocktails with class, nothing says sophistication like an elegant cocktail napkin tucked under a martini glass. This is a great way to make an elevated brand statement.
- Beer Buckets: Whether plastic or galvanized steel, a fun barware item is a beer bucket to hold a bunch of brews on ice. These are great for parties, backyard barbecues, or a camping or beach trip. The buckets can even be used as décor items when they are not keeping cold beer within reach. Of course, their large size offers a great promotional billboard opportunity.
In Summary
Here is a summary of the latest and greatest ways to say “cheers” with branded barware:
- Go for glass and plastic drinkware, including wine glasses, champagne flutes, and other stemware; beer steins; shot glasses; and mugs.
- A mountable bottle opener keeps it handy and well-used. Keychain bottles openers are also convenient…and highly visible.
- Coasters and cocktail napkins keep beverages from ruining cherished furniture with wet circles while also making a style statement.
- Beer buckets keep many drinks on ice to save on having to leave the game or party to get your next brew. Large buckets are great for displaying logos and messages in large form.
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s a fine time to start thinking about logoed merchandise that will particularly appeal to the ladies within your recipient base – and that will resonate with moms in particular. Here are some holiday-inspired, female-friendly logoed merchandise that blends practicality with indulgence and brand recognition to boot:
- Robes and Slippers: Most ladies love to slip into a plush microfiber robe or a kimono-style waffle robe and cozy slippers when lounging at home or while travelling. These embroidery-suited items will help them relax and make them feel as though they are at the spa all year through!
Spa Kits and Mini Massagers: With so much on their plate, gals everywhere covet gifts that help them relax and unwind. Give her something she can pamper herself with like a brandable spa kit, which includes a manicure or pedicure set, or a mini massager that helps alleviate the tension. With these promotional items, she will be sure to take more than a moment to care for herself and will associate your brand with the enjoyable experience.
- Perfume Atomizer: Help women enjoy a favorite fragrance on-the-go with a personalized perfume atomizer. Engraving a silver or chrome-plated atomizer provides something personal that she will definitely love and regard as a keepsake for many years to come.
- Handbag Accessories: Any type of handbag accessory is practical promo merch that will help her stay organized and appreciative. And, the market is rife with such offerings – from a cosmetics compact for her touch-ups while she travels, to smartphone cases in lovely feminine colors, to purse hanger keychains that will keep her keys at-the-ready no matter how large, deep or full her pocketbook may be.
- Chocolate: Nearly every woman is sure to enjoy one of many decadent delights that may be imprinted with a company identity, including everything from large chocolate bars to sweet individually-wrapped nibbles.
- Florals: From luggage and tote bags to kitchen and office accessories, floral designs add a feminine and colorful touch to any promotional gift.
In Review
Here are the main points from this blog post:
- There are many great logoed merchandise gift ideas that will be sure to please women recipients.
- Treat her with comfort and luxury by giving her robe, slippers, a spa kit and/or mini massager. This way, she can relax and enjoy her day!
- Personalized products mean a lot, especially items like picture frames, photo albums, and perfume atomizers.
- Go practical with handbag accessories that keep the busy gal on-the-go organized.
We’ve all been to trade shows where we’ve been given bagfuls of promotional products by exhibitors that are designed to create goodwill and positive brand imaging which hopefully leads to a business relationship. Some of these giveaways capture our attention because of their uniqueness, quality and usefulness. Others are ‘circular filed’ before they leave the building. Therefore the challenge for those of you who exhibit at shows is: How do you choose a promotional product that has a long shelf-life, will be a lightning rod for attendees at the show and will simultaneously give your brand and marketing message maximum exposure?
The answer? Show that you C.A.R.E.
- Category? Pens, caps, bags, desk / computer items and drinkware represent over 40% of the promotional products industry. People use these products. The trick is to find an item within one of these categories that meets your standards for quality, creativity, usefulness and end user appropriateness. Avoid anything that’s perceived as ‘seen that done that’. Choose bright colors or unusual shapes and sizes to spark interest. Remember the goal: Select an item that your prospect will use and use often. Frequent use will lead to more impressions and greater brand awareness.
- Appropriate? You also want to consider audience appropriateness when choosing a promotional item. You probably wouldn’t give a fridge magnet to a CEO, a mouse pad to fishermen or a $1 tape measure to a professional builder. Similarly you will help the prospect connect your brand with the service you provide when you tie the item to your industry. Financial services companies often give away calculators, pens, pads and clocks; technology companies mouse pads, usb’s, keyboard and monitor cleaners; travel companies luggage tags, bags and passport wallets. If the item doesn’t have industry applications at least make sure it mirrors your image. Are you promising above average service, value or quality? Choose an item that compliments and doesn’t detract from the image.
- ROI? The key to developing an effective marketing and advertising strategy is to utilize best practices that maximize return on investment (ROI). To that end be aware that the average cost per impression of an ad specialty item is $.004 versus $.019 for newspapers, $.033 for a national magazine and $.019 for primetime TV1. In addition the recipient of a trade show give away has typically been prequalified by virtue of their show attendance making them a highly targeted prospect which will drive up the effectiveness of your campaign. If your giveaway accentuates your value proposition it will drive up your ROI further. If you claim to be a Mercedes or even a Toyota in your industry space don’t give out anything that reminds the recipient of a Pinto.
- Entertainment? In order to increase brand awareness an effective trade show give away must be functional, attractive, have longevity and whenever possible contain a fun factor. The ultimate goal is to create buzz, visibility and for prospects to positively engage. It’s working if you see ‘em smile….and a smile is your best referral source. At the very least the item must be useful. Usefulness means your brand, contact information and marketing message are being seen over and over by your target audience which increases the likelihood of them calling you to place an order.
Show that you CARE and you will reap a harvest of goodwill with prospects and clients and propel your brand to higher and higher levels.
It’s said that we must endure those April showers to enjoy the full glory of spring flowers that signal the start of a fresh, bright season. But, traversing amid rainy weather can present its share of challenges. Here’s a list of popular promotional products designed to keep the recipient high and dry:
- Umbrellas – Whether you are considering compact retractable portable umbrellas, large diameter golf umbrellas, or stadium umbrellas, these popular promotional products are available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and logo options to make a bold and highly visible statement while offering shelter from the storm.
- Custom Rain Boots – These are a unique, functional, fashionable and comfortable way to keep shoes from getting sopping wet. You’ll be able to help your staff or customers keep their feet warm and dry in these brandable unisex rain boots that are easy to pull on and are designed with a cozy lining and buckle closures. The non-slip, flexible outsole helps maintain steady footing on those wet sidewalks and pavements. Your logo can be imprinted on these to ensure the wearer puts his or her best foot forward!
- Ponchos – These are popular promotional products that are practical because they can cover most of your outfit to keep you dry on a dash from the parking lot to your office building or during a downpour at your favorite sporting event. These usually include a hood and can be reused again and again. They are great to give out in multiples so your clients or employees have one to keep in their office, one that can stay in the car, and one to have at home. They are available in a spectrum of colors and can be easily imprinted with company names, logos and verbiage.
- Rain Coats – From windbreakers with detachable hoods to weatherproof jackets for men and women, everyone can use an extra rain coat to have on hand for a sudden downpour. These can also be imprinted with a large logo on the back or just a small feature on a pocket or lapel.
- Internet Weather Forecasters – Stay on top of the weather with this handy forecasting device with Internet-powered wireless capability. This technology can provide accurate weather forecasts for thousands of locations across theUnited States andCanada, including temperature and weather conditions like rain, wind, and sun. It’s good to know what weather is on the horizon so plans can be made and travel provisions packed accordingly.
In Review
Here are the main ideas from this blog post to keep in mind as you seek popular promotional products this spring:
- Popular promotional products during the spring season include those that can keep you dry.
- Umbrellas are a top pick as you can never have too many in different sizes and colors to keep in your handbag, backpack, car, office desk drawer or garage.
- Custom rain boots make a fashion statement while keeping you dry and warm.
- Ponchos and rain coats are two outwear favorites to protect clothing and keep you dry on those soggy days.
- Keep an Internet weather forecaster close by at home or the office to stay on top of sudden weather changes.
Leading Logo Golf Gear – Hole in One Branded Golf Giveaways
Golf is a quintessential way to establish and solidify business relationships, and this strategy-laden sport offers compelling marketing opportunities in kind. Don’t just hit the green to socialize with prospects and customers with the mere hope of making headway, integrate branded golf giveaways into the mix to better ensure the guileful golf outing is a hole in one.
Genius Golf Giveaways
- Apparel: Because golf has its own set of required apparel, clothing and accessories prominently displaying your company’s logo is a given. From golf shirts, to hats and visors, to shoes, gloves and ponchos, fashion is a fitting way to make your logo visible on the links.
- Balls and bags: One can never have enough balls when playing golf. Even if a client loses a ball, this may be an opportunity where another potential client discovers it…and your company! Golf bags are also a great billboard that widely visible on the course for hours on end, as well as perched in front of the nineteenth hole – a.k.a. the club house!
- Clubs and head covers: Golf clubs are a significant investment, so why not treat those top clients or prospects to a key club like a driver or putter, a full set of clubs, or even just head covers brandishing your business identity? They will know with certainty how important their business is to you, and how appreciative you are in return.
- Gear and gadgets: From divots, towels, and tees to umbrellas, putting kits and golf tools, there is a spectacular selection of practical and affordable branded golf gear that golfers of all levels are need and desire.
When to Use Branded Golf Giveaways
Gifting logoed golf gear doesn’t have to just be part of a corporate golf tournament. Consider these other opportune moments to spread the golf-related cheer:
- Holiday season: December holidays are a perfect time to give branded golf gear to clients as a thank you for their business throughout the year.
- Client birthdays: If you have specific clients who love golf, send them a special customized gift that shows you have taken the time to get to know their interests…and their special day.
- Auctions and fundraisers: Entering promotional golf merchandise in charitable auctions and fundraisers gets your brand message out there while showing you care about social issues at large.
- Social media marketing: Providing incentives in the form of logoed golf gear as part of a social networking contest or survey entices your followers to participate. In exchange for giving high-demand golf items, you get some great intelligence and feedback.
Takeaways on Golf Giveaways
You’ll drive business right down the line when utilizing branded golf giveaways:
- There is a wide range of golf merchandise available for branding opportunities to suit any kind of budget, campaign, or giveaway situation.
- Use the golf giveaways to send brand messages about social responsibility, personalized service, and interest in customer feedback.
- Leverage multiple channels for your company-branded golf gear giveaway.
