Tag Archive: Holiday Gifts

The Ultimate Guide to Promotional Products for Holiday Gift-Giving

The holiday season is fast approaching, and it’s time to start thinking about unique and memorable gifts for your staff and customers. Promotional products are a fantastic way to show appreciation, build brand awareness, and leave a lasting impression. Custom branded promos provide you with a range of creative and thoughtful ideas for holiday gift-giving.

Promotional products offer a range of benefits for businesses, especially during the holiday season. Some key advantages include:

  • Increased Brand Awareness: Promotional items provide a tangible way to showcase your brand and keep it at the top of customers’ minds.
  • Cost-Effective Marketing: Compared to traditional advertising methods, branded products are a cost-effective way to reach a wide audience.
  • Improved, Long-Lasting Brand Perception: By associating your brand with high-quality and useful products, you can enhance your brand’s reputation and perception. Compared to other forms of advertising, promotional products have a longer lifespan, providing ongoing brand exposure.

Holiday gift-giving brings people together and spreads joy and goodwill. By incorporating promotional products into your holiday gift-giving strategy, you can amplify the positive impact of your gifts. Whether you’re giving gifts to your staff or customers, promotional products add an extra touch of personalization and thoughtfulness, making your gifts more memorable and appreciated.

Promotional Products for Staff

When selecting promotional gifts for your staff, it’s essential to consider their preferences, needs, and the overall company culture. Here are some great options to show your appreciation and strengthen your team spirit:

  • Custom apparel is a popular choice for staff gifts. Consider items like branded t-shirts, hoodies, or jackets with your company logo or a fun holiday design. These items not only promote your brand but also create a sense of unity among team members.
  • Help your staff stay hydrated with personalized drinkware. From stainless steel water bottles to ceramic mugs, there are numerous options to choose from. Adding individual names or initials can make these gifts even more special.
  • Consider tech gadgets and accessories like custom USB drives, wireless chargers, or Bluetooth speakers. These gifts are not only practical but also showcase your company’s tech-savvy image. And with the rise of remote work, products that cater to virtual or remote environments are in high demand, like webcam covers, wireless chargers, or noise-canceling headphones. These products enhance productivity and address the specific needs of remote workers.
  • Office supplies may seem ordinary, but they can make a significant impact on productivity and organization. Consider items like custom notebooks, desk organizers, or branded pens. Add a personal touch by including inspirational quotes or messages.

Promotional Products for Customers

Similar to staff, you should consider your customers’ preferences, demographics, and interests. While there are numerous options out there to choose from, here are just a few ideas that will leave a lasting impression on your customers:

  • Calendars and planners are practical and highly visible promotional products that can be used throughout the year. Add your company logo, contact information, or inspirational messages to keep your brand top of mind.
  • Tote bags are versatile and eco-friendly gifts that customers will appreciate. Opt for high-quality, durable materials and incorporate your brand’s logo or a catchy design. Not only are they functional, these bags are also a walking advertisement for your brand.
  • Notebooks and journals are timeless gifts. Choose high-quality materials and customize them with your brand’s logo or a thoughtful message.

Promotional Product Trends for the Holiday Season

To keep your branded holiday gifts fresh and appealing, it’s essential to stay updated on the latest trends. Here are some trends to consider for the holiday season:

  • Eco-friendly promotional products are gaining popularity, like reusable water bottles or recycled notepads. Opt for items made from recycled materials, organic fabrics, or renewable resources. This aligns with customers’ values and showcases your brand’s commitment to the environment.
  • Both customers and employees appreciate personalized items tailored to their preferences or needs. Explore customization options such as individual names, monograms, or unique messages.
  • The holiday season can be stressful, so why not provide your customers and staff with wellness and self-care items? Consider items like scented candles, stress balls, or essential oil diffusers. These promote relaxation and well-being while keeping your brand in mind.

Promotional products provide a unique and effective way to connect with your staff and customers during the holiday season. By carefully selecting and customizing these gifts, you can strengthen relationships, boost brand awareness, and show your appreciation. With the ultimate guide to promotional products for holiday gift-giving, you have all the tools to create memorable and meaningful experiences for your recipients. Start planning your promotional product campaign today and make this holiday season one to remember!

10 Most Popular Tech Gifts for 2014

Our poor blog! It has been ignored for longer that I care to admit. But it’s been a busy year. And as the year comes to a close, it’s a great time to look back at some of our most popular products.

Tech-oriented products have been around for a long time, but every year new products are introduced into our industry. A couple of them have bubbled to the top of our list of most popular promotional gifts.

Ear Bud Splitter Stand10. Phone and Tablet Stands
Like many of our products, stands are available at a variety of price points. We have inexpensive giveaways as well as high-end corporate gifts. One of my favorites is the Ear Bud Splitter Phone Stand. The suction cup easily attaches to the back of your phone or small device, allowing you to prop up your phone for easy viewing. Remove the suction cup cover and the stand transforms into a splitter for your ear buds. Now two people can listen at once. Very handy! If you’re looking for a nice gift, you should ask us about our SOLO Tablet Cases, a retail brand available to our industry.

Bluetooth Solo Speaker9. Bluetooth Speakers
Do you get tired of trying to listen to music or watch a movie using the little internal speakers in your electronics? Me, too. Most cell phones and tablets have bluetooth capabilities. And we have bluetooth speakers that can be imprinted with your logo. If you have a select group of customers or employees, these make excellent gifts. The Solo Speaker is a rechargeable speaker that connects to your bluetooth enabled device within 10 meters of the speaker. Perfect for travelers, or in an office to deliver the music that your iPhone, iPad, Android OS device, or other Bluetooth enabled device is meant to.

Micro Buff8. Micro Buff Screen Cleaner
No more smudges! Clean your screen with a soft microfiber cloth. The Micro Buff and Micro Buff Mini are a great way to promote your brand with a tech-savvy gift. The Micro Buff utilizes re-positionable “Sticky Pad Technology” that allows it to grip tightly to the back of most gadgets. Leaves no sticky residue. Or if you prefer, instead of sticking the cloth to the back of your device, you can stick it to a reusable card for your purse or wallet. The cloth is printed in beautiful full color.

Ear Buds7. Ear Buds
Available in a variety of colors and styles, ear buds are inexpensive and useful. Travelers use them during flights and layovers to avoid disturbing others while watching movies. They’re great for runners, music lovers and people who work in quiet environments. And kids. Whew. I think my kids use them so they don’t have to listen to me sing along to their favorite songs. The Retractable Ear Bud with Microphone is available in several fun colors, and offers a nice imprint area for your logo.

Power Banks6. Power Banks (Battery Chargers)
As these continue to come down in price, their popularity will continue to rise. Power banks allow you to give your electronic devices a quick charge when you might not have easy access to traditional charging sources. The Deluxe Traveler’s Mobile Charger is a portable lithium-ion battery in an ABS plastic shell. This power bank includes a standard USB connector cable to charge battery from your computer or any USB port with a power supply, and cotton strap with nickel-plated split key ring. Output capacity is 1000mA. Charging capacity: 100% for iPhone® & Smartphones; iPad®: 15% for iPad® 1, 2 and 3 – 20% for iPad® Mini; 100% for iPod® and digital music players.

Silicone Wallets5. Silicone Wallets
It’s not always convenient to carry a wallet or purse. But if you want to travel light, a silicone wallet that attaches to your cell phone is a convenient way to carry your ID, money and credit cards. A Silicone Wallet with a re-positionable adhesive sticky back is a fun and functional giveaway. Available in a variety of colors and styles. The Roadrunner Silicone Wallet is available with a stock or custom card that gives this giveaway the feel of a retail product.

USB Wall Chargers4. USB Wall Chargers
Much like the Power Banks, USB Wall Chargers have become popular promotional gifts. Excellent for people on the go, travelers, or those who need a convenient way to charge their devices while at work. This Dual USB Wall Charger is a universal charger with two USB ports to simultaneously charge two phones, using your device’s USB cable. Output: 5V/1A/5W. The plug blades can be folded inside the charger for easy and convenient portability. And this product comes standard with a full color dome imprint. High-perceived value and a useful gift.

Stylus Pen3. Stylus Pen
Another great way to stop the smudges! At least some of them. As we transition from our old laptops to multi-functional tablets, Stylus Pens have become even more useful. Tablets like the Surface are utilizing touchscreen technologies across many applications. The Satin Stylus Pen is not only one of our favorite stylus pens, but one of our favorite promotional pens for under a dollar. Features a rubber grip for comfort and control, twist action mechanism for the pen, and a stylus on the the top. Available in a variety of popular colors!

USB2. USB Drives
This year one of our most popular tech gifts gets knocked down a peg. USB Drives have long been not only our most popular tech gift, but one of our most popular corporate gifts across all product categories. I guess second place isn’t all that bad. While USB Drives are available in many shapes and designs, our most popular drive is the Mix ‘n’ Match Swivel Drive. Features a capless design so you never lose your cap. Just swivel the clip and plug it into your computer. And you get to mix and match across a variety of clip and body colors. A great way to customize your drive to reflect your next promotion.

USB Car Chargers1. USB Car Chargers
And this year, our number one selling promotional technology gift is the USB Car Charger. When you select a USB Car Charger, make sure it charges the devices you need to charge. Not all are created equal. And not all chargers are intended to charge more demanding devices such is iPads and tablets. The Deluxe Round USB Car Charger is an excellent choice. Features dual ports and a LED ring that helps illuminate your logo in the dark. The white USB port is for all apple products such as iPod®, iPhone®, iPad®; and the black USB port is for Samsung®, HTC, Blackberry®, smart phones, and other devices.

 

Quick Ideas for Holiday Gifts

I’m full of pumpkin pie and glad to be working inside on this cold Kansas day. I’m not sure that I’m emotionally prepared for the holidays yet. Santa seems to have been busy the last few months filming dozens of commercials. I hope he’s had time to run the North Pole. I’ve been a good boy this year.

With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to turn our attention to business gifts. If you haven’t ordered your corporate holiday gifts yet, there’s still time. If you’re needing gifts for your employees, clients or prospects, we’ve got some great ideas for you. And all of these items can be decorated and shipped in less than five working days.

Recycled Cardboard MousepadsRecycled Cardboard Mousepads
Made from 100% recycled cardboard, this promotional gift is both eco-friendly and affordable. Features the universal recycling symbol debossed on the mousepad. Easy to mail or to include with other promotional materials. Can be debossed with your logo and company slogan. Order as few as 144 mousepads for $2.63 each plus setup charges and S&H. The USB mouse is not included, but we can do those too!

Bamboo Photo FrameBamboo Photo Frame
This Bamboo Photo Frame is as handsome as it is  useful. This will truly be an appreciated gift. Bamboo is an easily renewable resource, making this frame another eco-friendly holiday item. Laser etched with your logo, this frame will proudly display your brand and a 4″ x 6″ photo. Includes easel stand for vertical or horizontal display. Order as few as 60 frames for $10.60 each plus setup charges and S&H.

Garrity Lithium White LED Keychain LiteGarrity Lithium White LED Keychain Lite
This L.E.D. light is the brightest and whitest available. Built to provide more than 23 hours of continuous light and years of intermittent light. Features a push-button switch and two lithium button cell batteries included (refillable). Available in blue or white. A useful promotional gift. I use my keychain light all the time! Order as few as 48 keychains for $2.23 each plus setup charges and S&H.

Crossing Excursion Bottle SetCrossing Excursion Bottle Set
This multi-piece set includes: 34-oz. bottle; 83″ x 51″ safety blanket; flashlight (2 AA batteries included); sewing kit (consisting of red, black, and white thread, 2 white buttons, 1 safety pin, and 2 needles); blinking safety light to attach to a belt or purse strap with on/off switch (2 AA batteries included); multi-function whistle with integrated thermometer (Fahrenheit and Celsius readings), compass, and magnifying glass; and pocket knife consisting of 1 large blade, can opener, flat head screwdriver, bottle opener, awl, corkscrew, tweezers, and tooth pick. Whew! Order as few as 48 gift sets for $18.57 each plus setup charges and S&H.

Credit Card Size Bottle OpenerCredit Card Size Bottle Opener
Not that we would ever advocate drinking a bottled beverage or two, but many people seem to like to partake in this activity. Especially around the holidays. And when they do, they’ll need a bottle opener with your logo on it. This stainless steel bottle opener fits in a wallet credit card slot. A high-quality and durable giveaway, this bottle opener can be laser etched with your brand. Order as few as 288 bottle openers for $2.77 each plus setup charges and S&H.

Essential Organic Cotton Carry-All ToteEssential Organic Cotton Carry-All Tote
Made from factory certified 100% organic cotton, this eco-friendly tote features a large main compartment, and durable and soft cotton cording handles attached to the bag with grommet accents. Organic cotton farming techniques maintain soil fertility and reduce toxic pesticides and insecticides that pollute our air and water. This tote is approximately 15″ x 13″ x 4″. Order as few as 48 organic cotton totes for $8.60 each plus setup charges and S&H.

This is just a start. Let us know a little about your corporate gift giving needs and we’d be happy to share some more ideas. Now is the time, whether you’re ready for the holidays or not!

Most Popular Techie Holiday Gifts

For Immediate Release: Lawrence, KS, November 10, 2010 – Snap Promotions has released a list of their top ten tech-oriented promotional holiday gifts.

“These techie gifts are a great way to build brand loyalty with younger consumers,” explains Kristin Eldridge, president of Snap Promotions. “These gifts can be decorated with a company’s logo, and given to prospective customers and employees alike. They also make great thank you gifts for your best clients.”

Snap Promotions list of their most popular techie promotional gifts.

1. USB Drives
2. Digital Photo Frames
3. Custom Skins for Mobile Phones and MP3 Players
4. Laser Pointer Pens
5. Laptop Sleeves
6. Cordless Computer Mouse
7. Moblie Phone Holders and Cases
8. Weather Stations
9. MP3 Players and Ear Buds
10. Assorted USB Devices

While the promotional products industry has suffered like many other industries during the down economy, some product categories have continued to grow.

“There are so many wonderful options for gifts,” says Eldridge. “They’re definitely among our best sellers this time of year.”

Custom Chocolates Make Excellent Corporate Gifts

Two Tone Chocolate Gift BarA great way to get a prospect’s attention? Custom chocolate gifts. Few gifts will deliver the impact of chocolate. It excites the senses like nothing else. You’ll be the talk of the office when you drop off these tasty treats. And there are so many options available that you can certainly create the perfect gift for your next promotion.

My favorite is the Two Pound Executive Gift Bar. It’s a lot of chocolate, and can be custom molded with your logo and promotional message. Available in milk chocolate, dark chocolate or as a two toned (milk and dark) chocolate bar.

Another one of my favorites are the premium truffles in a beautiful gift box. Or the chocolate covered cookies. Or the chocolate covered nuts. Or the chocolate bars with custom wrappers. Yum.

Click here to view just a few of our available options. You’ll be glad you did. And so will your customers!

Putting Your Logo on M&Ms

Custom Printed M&Ms with Your Company LogoMy favorite candy? Yep. You guessed it. They’re M&Ms. I just love them. Plain. With peanuts. All the cool colors. Anytime. Anywhere.

And I was even more excited when I found out that we could now sell M&Ms custom imprinted with your logo. Tons of colors to choose from so that you can pick the perfect assortment of colors for your next promotion. And custom packaging is available as well. Your next promotional campaign is sure to be a hit when you include customized M&Ms with your company’s logo.

Click here to view our M&Ms catalog with all the juicy details! (Approximately 8MB PDF but it’s worth the wait.)

Do you know the history of the candy? This is from Wikipedia: Forrest Mars, Sr. founder of the Mars Company, got the idea for the confection in the 1930s during the Spanish Civil War  when he saw soldiers eating chocolate pellets with a hard shell of tempered chocolate surrounding the inside, preventing the candies from melting. Mars received a patent for his own process on March 3, 1941. Production began in 1941 in a factory located in New Jersey. One M was for Forrest E. Mars Sr., and one for William F. R. Murrie, President of Hershey’s Chocolate. Murrie had 20 percent interest in the product. The arrangement allowed the candies to be made with Hershey chocolate which had control of the rationed chocolate. When operations were started, the hard-coated chocolates were made in five colors: red, yellow, brown, green, and violet. They were served in a cardboard tube (similar to Smarties). The practicality of the candies during World War II caused an increase in production. During the War the candies were exclusively sold to the military. In 1948, the cardboard packaging was replaced by the black cellophane packaging. In the same year Mars bought out Murrie’s 20 percent stake. (Read more here.)

Maple Ridge Farms

Maple Ridge Farms Make Excellent Holiday GiftsCan you believe the holidays are right around the corner? We have many great ideas about holiday gifts for your customers and employees. One of our favorites? Maple Ridge Farms. We’ve worked with them for years, and they’ve never let us down.

Some of my personal favorites include the gourmet brownies and cookies gift baskets, and the gift boxes with nuts and chocolates. Maple Ridge Farms offers an incredible variety of edible treats and presentation choices ranging from wooden gift boxes to towers. And not only do they have tasty treats, they have ham, cheese and assorted gift tubs.

Follow this link to their online catalog for tons of great ideas, then just give us a ring and let us know what you need!

2010 Holiday Catalogs Have Arrived!

2010 Holiday CatalogsLooking for some great gift ideas for your customers, employees or prospective clients? Well look no further. We’d be happy to send you a copy of The Gift Book 2010. This catalog features hundreds of promotional products and corporate gifts at many price points. Just a few of the products featured include custom wine bottles, holiday gift tins, chocolate boxes, desk accessories, clocks, photo frames, watches and art glass. Fill out and submit the catalog request form to get your copy today!

It’s Time for Custom Corporate Gifts

Custom Corporate Gifts

With the first bit of snow falling this week in northeast Kansas, it reminds me that it’s that time of year. Yep. Time to let your customers, staff, suppliers and potential clients know how much you care. And while you’re at it, make sure you reinforce your brand in the process!

Here are just a few great ideas to get your wheels turning.

Promotional USB DrivesUSB Drives
Available in dozens of styles, USB Drives are popular and useful gifts. These drives can also be preloaded with your catalog or company information.

Puzzle Globe
This extraordinary 72-pice Puzzle Globe features a high-polish globe with matte silver world map. Use the matte silver magnetic base to remove the puzzle pieces from the globe.

Office Dirt
One of the most unique personalized gifts available – Office Dirt. Your clients will love the gift of life.

Activo Insulated TotesActivo Insulated Totes
Made by Picnic Time, these insulated totes feature multiple pockets and an expanded main storage area. Features water resistant lining and is available in several colors.

18 oz. Stainless Steel Mug with Car Warmer
Millions of Americans drink coffee. So make sure they’re drinking coffee out of mug with your logo printed on it. Features a car adapter and a temperature indicator on the handle.

Equinox Wine Sack
An insulated, single bottle wine duffel with adjustable should strap. Includes stainless steel corkscrew. Made by Picnic Time.

Bamboo Photo Frame
Utilizing bamboo saves trees and improves the atmosphere. Show that you care about the environment and your staff with these Bamboo Photo Frames. Holds a standard 4” x 6” photo.

Grill Master Traditional BBQ SetGrill Master Traditional BBQ Set
Many of us grill year round. And these are the ultimate set of tools for any Grill Master.

Deluxe Grocery Shopper
This is a durable and reusable shopping bag. Ideal for quick trips to the grocery store. These non-woven bags are eco-friendly and uber-popular.

Cotton Cinchpack
Made from 100% cotton, this cinchpack is a great value. A useful gift for people on the go.

24 oz. h2go Stainless Steel Bottle
Stainless Steel and Aluminum Water Bottles have been among our most popular promotional items this year. Tons of styles and colors available, but the h2go Balance Bottle is definitely one of our favorites.

Cutter & Buck American Classic Wine SetCutter & Buck American Classic Wine Set
Set includes stainless steel wine pourer, drip ring and wine opener in a 1-piece flap-over carrying case. Cutter & Buck branding on case and opener. Includes a 2-piece Cutter & Buck presentation box.

Bell Ornament Set
Help your customers ring in the holidays with the Bell Ornament Set. This fine holiday gift features six bells.