Can you believe it’s August already? Though as it’s expected to hit 110 degrees here in Lawrence today, I’m looking forward to fall and cooler temperatures. And speaking of cool, we’ve got some cool ideas for showing your school spirit this fall.

BPA Free Tritan Water Bottles
While CamelBak and Nalgene Water Bottles remain among our most popular water bottles, we also offer a great new line of sleek and durable water bottles. Made from BPA free Tritan Copolyester, these bottles are available in a variety of beautiful colors and styles. And replacing disposable plastic water bottles is eco-friendly.

Aluminum and Stainless Water Bottles
While we’re talking water bottles, we might as well show off some of our popular aluminum and stainless steel water bottles. Available in many colors, shapes and sizes, these bottles are an excellent alternative to plastic water bottles. A great giveaway at pep rallies or to use as a school fundraiser.

Drawstring Backpacks
A great choice when promoting school spirit, drawstring backpacks are ideal for sports teams and youth groups. Many backpacks are available in non-woven polypropylene, making them eco-friendly and recyclable. Available in many colors and styles. The backpack featured here is the Non-Woven Two-Tone Drawstring Sports Pack. This pack is made from 80 gram non-woven, water-resistant polypropylene, and features an outside pocket, reinforced eyelets and drawstring closure. Available in red, apple green, orange, purple, yellow, blue and forest green.

Foam Fingers
Is your team number one in your heart? Let everyone know how you really feel with foam fingers and foam cheering mitts. Available in many colors, sizes and shapes, foam cheering products are a great way to make a big impression. Includes a hand slit for easy cheering. You’ll have your opponents shaking in their boots once they realize they’re playing number one!

Stadium Cushions
While I love watching football, I’m not a fan of the bleachers without my trusty stadium cushion! A great way to promote your business and your team spirit, print your logo on one side and your mascot on the other. Great for pep rallies or as a school fundraiser, stadium cushions will keep your fans comfortable while they cheer on their favorite team. Available in different sizes, styles and thicknesses. I prefer mine as thick and soft as possible.

Team Apparel
Whether your team consists of your staff or your football team, apparel is a great way to display your school spirit. We offer both screen printing and embroidery on a wide range of items including t-shirts, polos, hoodies, boxers, sweats, headware, shorts, wind jackets and much more. Pictured is the Gildan Heavy Blend Fleece Hoodie. Made from a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend, this 7.75 oz. brushed back jersey fleece includes a hood neck with drawstring, front pouch pocket, spandex reinforced rib knit cuffs and waistband, double-needle cover-stitched armholes, cuffs and waistband.

This is only a small sampling of the products that can be used to show your school spirit. Let your imagination run wild, or better yet, let ours. We’re brimming with fresh and creative ideas for your next promotion or event.

These silicone elastic bands are all the rage these days. One of the hottest new products to hit our industry in years. My daughter has a large collection of these Silly Bandz in all shapes and colors. A great promotion for younger customers or to show school spirit. Pick your color and provide your logo. It’s that easy.

With thousands of college football fans celebrating the the 2010-2011 season, the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), has released a list of the most popular college-themed promotional products to help any fan root their team to greatness. Tangible advertising used to promote products, services or companies, promotional products can be found almost anywhere and in virtually any form, even game day giveaways.

Whether they’re handed out by event staff or hurled into the stands by a team mascot, fans young and old can’t get enough of their team-themed freebies. These promotional product MVPs range from wearables to noisemakers, hand fans to foam footballs. Among the most popular game day giveaways are:

• Shirts, hats and other wearables
• Noisemakers
• Rally towels
• Lanyards
• Magnets and decals
• Posters and signs
• Water bottles and cups
• Mini footballs and basketballs
• Branded stress balls
• Key chains

Businesses small and large also approach college sports with the same fervor and excitement as fans. In addition to handing out branded products at games and tailgating events, they often send staff, vendors and other business associates team-themed products. The most popular options include:

• Stadium cushions and folding chairs
• Wearables (t-shirts to watches)
• Lanyards and key chains
• Golf tees
• Car decals and bumper stickers
• Phone covers and related tech items
• Coolers
• Umbrellas
• Calendars and magnetic calendars
• Pens
• Pennants

College sports bring a very large and diverse mix of fans together. It’s not surprising then that everyone from insurance companies to telephone service providers jump at the chance to get in the game. Next time you’re cheering on your alma-mater or just lending your support to an underdog, take a second to look at the name on your koozie or rally towel, you never know when they might come in handy.

Source: PPAI

Fall is quickly approaching. And with Fall comes time for School Spirit! The smells of tailgating. And the sounds of crazy fans at football games.

Included here are ten of our most popular School Spirit Items. These can all be custom imprinted with your team’s mascot or company logo.

1. Megaphones are excellent giveaways at games or rallies. Some are available with caps so that they can be sold filled with popcorn.

2. Sports Pennants are popular giveaways and are typically displayed with pride for many years.

3. ThunderStix Noisemakers offer an effective way for your fans to make a lot of noise. Blow them up, bang them together, and intimidate the other team.

4. Nalgene Water Bottles are our most popular drinkware items, and are great to display school spirit or for fundraisers. Other popular Sports Water Bottles include Camelbak Bottles and the very popular Aluminum Sports Bottles.

5. Football games can seem long when sitting on those hard bleachers. Make your fans comfortable with Stadium Seats and Stadium Cushions.

6. For some protection against rain, make sure you’ve got Rain Ponchos imprinted with your school’s mascot.

7. Whether you choose the dense foam footballs, plastic replica balls or authentic leather footballs, Sports Balls are ideal giveaways at rallies and other outdoor events.

8. Pep Rags and Rally Towels are great to wear, and great to wave. Available in many colors and styles.

9. How can your team ever be number one unless your fans are equipped with Foam Number One Hands.

10. Plastic Stadium Cups are perfect for concessions, and your fans will collect them.