Another Budget-Friendly Idea

Today is another post in our “easy to give, no dent in your wallet” method to giving promotional items to leads, clients, and customers. Having worked for years in marketing, I know that many organizations immediately think of expensive golf jackets, sweatshirts, and decadent gift baskets when the term “promo item” is spoken. They think that they need to spend a fortune for the possibility of landing a lead or two. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Promotional items do not have to be pricey. Spotting some nice promotional products doesn’t mean you’ll only land one new customer. Instead, find a promotional item the appeals to your business market and your potential leads will come to you – perhaps next Tuesday or in six months. Here’s an example of something simple that fits with any budget yet is perfect if you are in the healthcare profession: fruity SPF15 lip balm. Of course, this item is a good fit for other industries, too: higher education, real estate firms near the beach, vacation companies, retail. That’s the beauty of promotional items – one product can be a great marketing tool for just about any business or industry. So, call Gimmees and place your order today!

Your Marketing Is Magnetic

A couple of weeks back I announced that I’d be giving suggestions for easy, inexpensive promotional items that market you and your business. Here’s one I really like: magnetic business card blank notepad. This truly is an ideal item to give to your business prospects and customers. Your business card is attached and you’ve provided something everyone can use – a notepad. Your prospects might keep this item on their desks, in their vehicles, or in the kitchen at home. There’s no telling where this notepad – did I mention it has your business card on it?? – will end up! Oh, did I also mention it’s inexpensive and it’s something you could hand out at your next event or tradeshow? Promotional items don’t need to be pricey. They don’t need to be bulky. They just need to have impact, and you’ll have plenty of impact with this one. Now, go and email or call Gimmees and place your order. You’ll be happy that you did… especially in the new year when your phone is ringing off the hook with new business opportunities.

Celebrate, Sentiments, and New Year Cards

I know I said in my last post that I’d be bringing you suggestions in the coming weeks of promotional items to add to your marketing arsenal. Today, I’m going to deviate from that because the holidays are fast approaching and you need to send cards to your customers, clients, partners, and employees to thank them for the opportunities they’ve afforded you this past year. It is a given that businesses give holiday cards and so, we’ve got a terrific one for you with a little bit of a playful twist: holiday sound cards – Happy New Year! Instead of the traditional Season’s Greetings or Happy Holidays to cover everything from Hanukkah to Christmas to Kwanzaa, this card not only adds the classic tune of Auld Lang Syne but also can be sent out at the end of December or early in January. I like the happy new year theme, too, as this card gives the recipient a chance to reflect on his or her past relationship with your business and think about the one about to begin in 2013. It’s December now, but there’s no worry. You still have time to order! Come shop for your cards at Gimmees now.

You Hold the Keys that Market Your Business

I’ve decided that for the next few posts, I’m going to suggest ideas for simple marketing items that are both inexpensive and relevant to your business yet still things that your recipients will want to use. Today’s businesses don’t always have a large marketing budget, but you still must promote your products and services. Why not choose a few promotional items and stockpile them? Then, the next tradeshow that comes up, the next client you plan to see, or the next time you meet someone who could be a potential lead, you have an array of products on hand to give out along with your corporate brochures. Let’s talk keyholders. There are keyholders and then there is the golf multi-ring keyholder. I love products that can do double duty – meaning that they have more than one feature. And this keyholder has it. It’s attractive and quite stylish, but it also holds your keys on separate rings. Your house key is apart from your car key and the keys to your office. It saves you time yet keeps all of your precious keys in one easy spot. I love it. You will, too. So get busy and place your order today.

Making Lists, Checking Them Twice or Thrice

As this year is quickly winding down, it’s never too early to begin looking ahead for what will soon be 2013. Get a jump start on things now, so you won’t find yourself during crunch time at the end of December desperately trying to complete everything within a two-week period. Here are a few suggestions to make the year-end a little easier for your office. Get organized. Make lists. Spend 20-30 minutes a day brainstorming new ideas and jot them down. Set your alarm clock for 10 minutes earlier and make a pledge to get up when it goes off. Order these econo desk calendars right now so that they can be mailed out to customers in mid-December. Take a brisk walk for 20 minutes and clear your head. You’ll feel healthier, your office will be better organized, and you won’t be in a panic on December 28. Stay on top of things now so that you’ll be thankful later. Oh, and while you’re thinking about it, print out the mailing labels today for those desk calendars. You’ll be so happy that you did!

You Light Up My Life and My Causes, Too!

There are so many good nonprofit organizations out there and so many individuals looking to both raise money and awareness for their cause. I simply love the lighted pendant necklace – awareness ribbon, because it’s bright, colorful, and really gets everyone’s attention. And isn’t that what every cause needs? This is a terrific giveaway for any event where a great deal of people will be in attendance – 5K runs, contests, tradeshows, meetings, seminars, symposiums, etc. The message that your organization needs to get across -- whether it’s awareness for autism, cancer, the military, AIDS/HIV, heart disease, missing children, or the humane treatment of animals – will surely stand out loud and clear as well as brightly. It’s the moment when you can really draw attention to your cause. Imagine seeing a whole room of people wearing the same message proudly displayed in bright lights. What a moving thing! And it’s truly something that will make you proud.

Keepin' It Clean

I have tons of CDs. Literally, there are tons of them in my house. There are CDs from when they first came out to market back in the 1980s and there discs from my college days and after. Once I got married, my husband and I blended our music collections together, so we’ve now got quite an extensive array of tunes on CD. The problem is, these discs tend to get dusty and collect dirt over time. Dust and grime can certainly damage CDs, and while they can certainly be replaced, it’s not always feasible or price-effective to do so. But a CD sweeper saves you effort and money and keeps your discs clean and pristine. And think about this. The CD sweeper is a great promotional item for your computer or music business. You’re customers and employees will appreciate this because it keeps their CDs crisp and clean. You’ll like it as your corporate ID is nicely displayed. It’s a marketing tool that is all promotion for your business without punishing your marketing budget. You’ve gotta love that.

God Bless You and Your Nose

I keep hearing ads for flu shots, so that’s made me stock up on vitamin C tablets, teabags, and boxes of tissues for the family. You know, just in case. I got to thinking, though. What would be a great giveaway during this time of chillier weather and much sneezing? What is simple enough to appeal to the masses yet still something that a company would like its reps and salespeople to hand over to customers and potential clients? As a mother and a professed germaphobe, I highly recommend the tissue dispenser with super soft tissues as the ideal option for a promotional item. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket, backpack, or purse and can be tossed into a tote bag or a car’s center console. It’s not always convenient to have a wad of tissues in your pocket or purse, but this dispenser keeps them neatly in one spot. And with cold and flu season looming, this is a simple way for you to market your business – Gimmees can add your logo to the dispenser – and help us all keep our germs to ourselves. That’s one meaningful Gesundheit!

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? Let Me Check My Coin Sorter

I have jars of change all over my house. There’s one in my bedroom for when I need to unload pockets of dimes and pennies. Another one is on my dryer in the laundry room – I’ve found enough change in the washer over the years to buy myself a treat or two at the mall. There’s a jar filled with change in the kitchen as well which is in the perfect locale for when the kids need money for the ice cream man. Yet, my problem is that the pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters are all mixed together in all of these containers. The coin sorter amazingly solves this problem, and that’s why I’m suggesting it for your business as a giveaway item. There are compartments for each denomination of change including a spot for bills. And as you fill up the sorter, it shows you how much money you have in it. Fantastic! No more wasted time counting pennies! This is an idea promotional item for banks and other financial organizations. Any financial planners out there? This is for you! Get your clients saving today with the coin sorter and they will be thanking you tomorrow.

Lighten Up this Halloween and Keep the Masses Safe, Too

That big pumpkin and candy holiday is rapidly approaching now that the weather has cooled, football is back on the tube, and the sweaters have emerged from the closets. Halloween will be here before we know it and while most of us are stockpiling candy bars and lollipops, scary masks and light-up jack o'lanterns, businesses aren’t always apt to take a front seat to this holiday. Sure, they will hang a fall wreath on the office door or add a pumpkin for decoration in the reception area along with a bowl of candy corn. However, a great option for businesses of all sizes and in all industries is the Halloween Active Band. This small, inexpensive, and yet very effective safety item makes both children and adults easily visible at night. And here’s a reason for your business to hand them out: the Centers for Disease Control have reported that children are four times more likely to be in fatal pedestrian accidents on Halloween than on any other night of the year.” Sounds like a good enough reason for you to hand out these bracelets and receive some marketing incentive at the same time. And there’s no trick in that.

Oh, How You Make Me Smile

If there is something we could all use first thing in the morning, it’s a big smiling face to help us greet the day. The alarm clock goes off, our feet hit the floor, and we’re off and running to make the most of each day even when we know we have an early meeting or must take the baby to the doctor or have to have a conference with our third grader’s teacher. So much to do, so little time. And wouldn’t a smile help start the day off a little bit better? It sure would, but at times, even our family members or fellow employees don’t have the energy to give us a smile at 6:30 AM. That’s no problem. Check out the Logo Toaster-Smile Face. It’s fun, silly, and so darn cute that even before you’ve had that first cup of coffee, you too will be grinning. Now, add your logo to the toaster and you’ve got a smile-faced gift that puts your customers in a good mood the moment they see it. And each time they toast a bagel or cinnamon bread, they have you to thank for that smile. Like I said, it’s a great way to begin the day!

Have iPad, Need Cover

I just received the new iPad as a gift from my husband on my birthday a few weeks ago. It was a huge surprise and I simply love my new toy. What’s the first thing I did when I got it? I immediately put an iPad silicone cover on it. Now, think about what I just did. Are you seeing a great promotional product to market your business? You call or email Gimmees and order a bunch of these covers with your company’s name and logo on them. Now, ask yourself, who’s using iPads? Everyone! Who are you now marketing your business to? Everyone who owns an iPad, you say. That’s right but you’re missing something. You’re also marketing your business to everyone else who sees those iPad people working, playing, Facebooking, surfing, and reading the news on their iPads. Ah, yes. It’s a lightbulb moment all around! You’ve taken a great gadget – the iPad – and taken advantage of an accessory for it. Nifty, huh? It sure is. Now, get yourself online and place that order with Gimmees. You’ve got potential customers to market to.

A Little Lip Balm Goes a Long Way to Market YOU

You need to market your business, right? You don’t have a lot of money to do it, correct? Yet, you need your name out there just like your competition. Okay, here’s what you do. You find a marketing item that is appealing many different demographics but that is also cost-effective so it won’t leave your wallet bleeding. I’ve said this before and I will say it again. You need to make a buck to earn a buck. It’s sometimes hard to make one-person companies and large corporations understand that. So, start small. Start with something like fruity SPF15 lip balm. Does it sound silly? It’s not. I have a bunch of these tubes from my brother’s law firm. That’s right – I said, law firm. Everyone who has ever gotten one of these sealed tubes of lip balms has loved them. I have so
many of them that I started doling them out to people. I’ve handed them out at soccer tournaments (a mom had chapped lips), to my friend’s son (he was heading to the beach for the day), and to my neighbor when we stopped to chat at her mailbox (another chapped lip case). Look at all that marketing for the law firm that happened by me. Oh, and I don’t work at the firm. I just happen to really like the lip balm. Free marketing all because of a few people who have sore lips.

A Pill Box for Your Customers

A recent visit to my pharmacy to pick up a prescription left me a bit baffled. When I checked the bag with my receipt and medicine inside, I was surprised to find a 7-day pill box as a token gift. I was stunned. Did I look old? Heck, I’m proud to say that I don’t even have gray hairs yet and that nightly firming cream is doing wonders on my non-existent wrinkles (at least that’s what I tell myself). But a pill box? Had I become an old lady with glasses hanging off a chain, counting out pills for the week already? Actually, the pill box has been quite handy. When I was on vacation a few weeks ago, my daily vitamins fit nicely in there, and I didn’t have to pack the bulky bottle in my suitcase. So, even though not all of your clients are on daily medicines just yet, they can find uses for the pill box. Any pill will fit even if it’s a Vitamin C tablet or soft gels that relieve headaches. It’s an inexpensive way to market your business and trust me they won’t forget you. I doubt I’ll ever forget the pharmacy tech who slipped that pill box into my bag.

Why a Simple Backsack Markets You

A recent trip to the beach with my sons got me thinking. As the small biplanes flew over the ocean pulling banner messages behind them touting the best beer specials on the island or where to shop for fudge and salt water taffy, I realized that marketing and advertising doesn’t need to be expensive. Instead, it can be low key and reasonable. How do I know this? Take a look inside your gym locker room, watch the mother pushing the stroller at the mall, have a gander at the couple taking a Sunday stroll through the park. Something as simple as the Aero Non-Woven Backsack is a marketing item that meets the needs of the masses – singles, couples, parents, kids, college students, those with active lifestyles, those who partake in fitness activities, educators, business people. Who couldn’t use one of these sacks to tote around their sneakers, books, magazines, water bottles, sunscreen, and the like? Really, this is an item that gets YOU noticed because it gets used all the time. Why waste your money on a banner ad flying over the ocean? Stick with a tool – or in this case, a backsack – that gets the attention of everyone.

Make Your Business More Magnetic

How can you showcase your talents against your competition? How can you garner new business while still keeping your existing clients happy? It’s not rocket science, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to figure out what you need. The answer is simple: marketing. You must keep you and your business in front of your clients and potential customers’ faces every chance you get, and you must spend a few bucks to make a few dollars as well. But you don’t have to go broke on your marketing campaign. Start simple. Stay simple. And keep yourself always in their minds. Here’s an easy way to get started: full color magnetic business cards. Simple, straightforward, colorful, sticks to the fridge. That’s what you want! To be on your potential customers’ fridge so that the moment they reach in to grab the coffee creamer in the morning, you’re there greeting them. These magnetic cards are perfect for any business – from the company with 10,000 customers or for the one-man shop who just hung a sign in his window. Even if your marketing budget is nil, these magnetic cards will give you a platform to promote your business with a price tag that works.

My Chips Stay Crisp with this Clip.... Got That?

I sat down to enjoy a tuna salad sandwich on toast the other day and faced the greatest travesty that any hungry soul could have to deal with as she was about to enjoy a tasty lunch. I reached for the bag of what I assumed were freshly opened potato chips only to discover that that so-called fresh bag was really just a greasy, chewy pile of yuck. Stale! Now, there were no salty side goodies for me to enjoy with my sandwich (I totally forgot the fact that a new jar of pickles was in the fridge). If only I’d had the a href="http://www.gimmees.com/detail~pnum~9525.asp">Slice 'N' Clip I mused as I munched. Don’t let this horrible thing happen to your customers’ lunches! Give out the Slice 'N' Clip to your customers so that everyone can have crisp potato chips, crunchy pretzel sticks, perfect cereal, and deliciously delectable cookies. No one will ever have to suffer with stale food again! I’m on a mission to make sure that everyone you hand out this handy clip to will enjoy their snacks crisp and yummy. This is a great giveaway for everyone you know. Give it out and help promote snacks that stay crunchy.

Keeping It Clean

I don't like to say I'm a germaphobe, but I kind of am. Okay, I'll admit it! I hate touching gross things like ATM keypads, doorknobs, escalator hand rails, and shopping carts. But it’s hard to go through life in a plastic bubble or walk into a store with rubber gloves on your hands. Besides, either way, people will look at you as if you are a lunatic. That’s why I never am without an ample supply of hand sanitizer in my possession. I thought I’d seen it all, but this tethered hand sanitizer is a new and amazing find. It’s brightly colored, so it’s easily noticeable and it can be latched on to anything – a belt loop, a purse, a beach bag. So, cleaning your hands is a whole lot easier when you know a sink and soap are nowhere in sight. This is a really nice giveaway if your business is in healthcare or personal care, too. Your logo will fit nicely and you’ll know this promo item is something that everyone can use. And us germaphobes will be forever grateful that you’ve passed it along to us.

Keeping Your Cool in the Heat

Having a hard time keeping your cool during the sultry, dog days of summer? I hear you! The heat and humidity can really wear thin when you’re outside sweating. Did you know that studies have shown that crimes soar when the temperatures rise? It’s true. Researchers have found a strong correlation between hot weather and crimes. But I have your back (and your sweaty face) with the cool breeze fan with spray mister. I’ve used this gadget at baseball games, soccer tournaments, the beach, and barbecues, and it really is a joy to keep in my tote bag. A refreshing blast of cool water is all I need for a bit of refreshment. My kids love this fan because it offers a quick cool down but they don’t get soaking wet. Coaches, this fan works great on the sidelines to mist off your hot players and to help you stay cool, too. For any company, this is a nice giveaway that recipients will really appreciate because it’s compact enough to bring along anywhere. Get ordering now before the summertime ends. And help do your part to keep crime low.

Safety First for Cuddly Pets

If domestic pets are your business, have I got the promotional item for you! All pet owners want to make sure Fluffy, Fifi, and Fido are kept safe. What’s the simplest way to do that? The first method to keep a beloved pet safe and sound is a round reflector ID tag worn on the cat or dog’s collar. All that is needed is the pet’s name and its owner’s phone number. Should that loving pooch or kitty ever wander a little too far from home, the tag will be easily spotted and the owner will get that important call. Now, add on your corporate information to that ID tag and you have a wonderful promotional item that offers security for a pet owner and gives you added marketing capabilities. Not only is this product something that any pet owner can use, but it also shows how much you care about your clients’ furry friends. This isn’t just a simple giveaway. It’s something that demonstrates compassion and kindness, too. You’ll love giving this ID tag to your customers and clients. They will appreciate receiving such a thoughtful item.

Let's Start Mapping Out Our Trip

With the summer here, families are getting into their cars and heading off on vacations and day trips. Spending time together is what it’s all about. In this time of the GPS, there’s not much need for a map… or is there? My sons beg to differ, because they love to look at the road atlas that I keep in my car and find the places that we’ve been to. It’s like an old-fashioned game of hidden pictures of sorts. “Mom, remember when we went to Uncle Steve’s graduation? Wasn’t that in Fairfax, Virginia? Oh, I found it!” I consider it a little geography lesson of sorts since they learn each state’s capital city. Oh, and did I mention how great it is to keep the boys occupied on those long trips? Don’t forget, the road atlas is a great tool to keep in the glove compartment (sometimes our GPS just can’t seem to find a satellite!) and I’ve had one since I got my first car. It’s a nice giveaway, especially when personalized with your company’s logo and mailed to recipients. Everyone loves a little goodie in the mail! This is one goodie anyone can use!

Make It a Banner Day

Got a tradeshow coming up? Let’s see. You’ll need all the essentials: business cards, marketing brochures, giveaway items, and banners. Oh, wait. I see that look on your face. You forgot the banners for your booth, didn’t you? Guess, what? Gimmees didn’t forget that you might need those banners. In fact, most of the banners we stock offer one-day rush service. Take for example this 4’ x 8’ foot vinyl banner. We’ve got it and we can get it to you in practically no time flat. So, even if you’re running around ironing out last minute details before you hit the tradeshow floor, you’ll know Gimmees has you covered. Literally. We won’t let your booth go naked. Instead, you’ll have the banners you need when you’re setting up so that the booth is professional looking and everyone at the show knows what company they are visiting. Why wait for yourself to panic? Call us now to order those banners so that when the next party, picnic, tradeshow, or event comes up, you can sit back and relax.

Listen Up!

We are bombarded with noise from the second the alarm clock goes off, blaring in our ears first thing at dawn. Throughout the day, there’s a lot more from beeping car horns to phones ringing and buzzing with text messages, shouts from the boss across the office. Silence surely doesn’t await us when we get home either – crying babies, loud washing machines, ringing doorbells, and the yells of kids playing in the basement. I don’t know about you, but at times, I need to escape into my own world. I grab my iPod, pop in my audio earbuds, and just listen to something that I want to listen to. It might be some relaxing classical music or really pumping rock and roll. I may opt for a podcast of Stuff You Missed in History Class or catch the news or tune in to a Phillies game. Whatever it is, that’s when it’s my time to listen to something interesting or pleasant or exciting. By the way, did I mention, these earbuds are an amazing promo item that are simple to hand out to clients? I didn’t? Oh, then let me tell you what a great giveaway these are! They can be used in computers, mobile devices, iPods, or just about anything. And they rock!

SOS Means Save Our Skin!

Melanoma cases are growing at alarming rates. We all know the risks involved with the sun, but does that stop us worshippers from heading outdoors on a sunny Saturday to mow the grass, take a dip in the pool, or splash in the ocean? Of course not. We welcome the sunshine, even if it doesn’t always agree with us and leaves us blotchy and red-skinned. That’s why the Dawn SPF-15 Packets are an awesome find! They keep the sunscreen in a neat packet that will fit into your pocket, glove compartment, backpack, or beach tote. Now, that it is summertime, this is a truly thoughtful giveaway for your customers to have. Think of it… a must-have item that shows your concern. Does it get any better than that? We’ll add your company name and phone number and Web address to the giveaway. You simply hand them out. Simple, convenient, and an item for any demographic. Who knows? You might just save a life with this one.

Nothing Is Prettier than a Vase of Flowers

Flowers can really brighten up a room. I don’t know of anyone who can walk by a kitchen table with a vase of roses and not smile. After all, isn’t seeing a tulip bursting up from the ground after a long winter enough for us to throw our hands in the air and rejoice that life is rejuvenated? You’ll feel that excitement, too, with the foldable vase, a truly amazing gift that can be your next tradeshow giveaway. The thing can hold both water and flowers and then when finished, it does what its name says – it folds up! Have you ever heard of anything so practical? And Gimmees is on it! We can add your logo and phone number to this vase so that it markets you each time a customer uses it. Oh, and because it folds up so neatly, it’s the perfect giveaway for your salespeople to hand out or to take on the road with them when visiting clients or potential customers. There’s no reason to lug around huge, heavy boxes filled with giveaways when the foldable vase can make life so much easier. The vase also – when topped off with flowers – can make life more beautiful, too.

A Kooler that Makes the Heat More Bearable

A recent weekend spent at a soccer tournament provided me with enough fodder for today’s blog post. It was hot and humid and everyone – players, parents, coaches, refs, and spectators – were drinking cold bottles of water, juice boxes, and sports beverages to keep cool and hydrated. But those coolers also kept sandwiches, fruit, and other refrigerated food from spoiling in the heat, and housed numerous tons of ice as well as cool rags for players who suffered injuries or just needed a quick pick-me-up. The rolling kooler is a terrific giveaway for your company and it’s useful for all demographics – parents with children; people having parties; organizations who must keep drinks cold while outdoors; sporting events; and those who enjoy camping. This cooler keeps everything cold and it doesn’t kill your back – you roll it behind you instead of lugging it over a shoulder. Wouldn’t this be a great promotional item to add to your arsenal? How many different customers would benefit from it? Can you imagine marketing your business while your customers are camping or at a Fourth of July picnic or at a baseball tournament? These are places you probably never imagined your corporate name would get shown off. But here’s the chance for your corporate identity to make a guest appearance at all future happenings.

Here's Something I Need to Address

It might seem a little outdated for me to suggest that your business logo gets added to a micro address book with pen for a marketing giveaway. Sure, I know what you are thinking. Everyone these days has a Blackberry or an iPhone. You are texting people, not sending snail mail letters. If you want to “visit” with someone, all you need to do is drop by on his or her Facebook page. Why would anyone need an address book? I’ll tell you why. Recently, I was speaking with a client who was quite upset about the fact that an unexpected snag caused her to lose all of the contacts she had in her Blackberry. She had a backup of those contacts, but the device was rather new and the update didn’t cover the people she’d added within the past few weeks. And she’d added a lot of new contacts in that time period. I recommend that you immediately add your contacts to a hard copy address book – mobile numbers, emails, Skype, etc. – so that a potential loss of information only causes a minor headache and not a major migraine. Make your giveaway even better by adding all of your business information to those address books. It will make life easier for your own clients.

A Breath of Fresh Air

We all eat. We all enjoy a good order of ribs once in awhile or a plate of shrimp scampi complete with minced garlic. Well, most people do. Some of us may prefer the meatless approach a la vegetarian or vegan. However, even the most intense vegan gets bad breath once or twice. Meet one of my favorite things that is tucked away in my purse at all times: blister packed tekgum.  Greasy slice of pizza? A wedge of garlic bread? Fried onion rings? No problem here! I have my gum and no one needs to smell what I ate for dinner. I like this item for various reasons – it holds its flavor, fits into a small pocket, is tasty, and is easy to personalize. You can hand this giveaway out to your customers no matter what business you are in. Food service companies, listen up! This is the perfect giveaway for you. Other companies can also join in on this promo item, because it appeals to a wide audience. Share this gum with your clients and potential customers and your world will get a whole lot sweeter.

That's Definitely My Cup of Tea

A really simple, inexpensive way to promote your business is to find an item that appeals to the masses. Here’s a great one: the 4 color process cup – 12 ounce. This can be used at company picnics and holiday parties for beverages while also promoting your message. After the good time ends, your guests get to take the cups home with them. Another idea is to give out these cups by themselves or with other goodies like candy, pens, and sunglasses as a fun gift for summer. You might give out cups to your employees at an event, but the promo item lives on a lot longer than your party. A sick kid home from school sipping apple juice. Popping in ice cubes and gulping down a soda. Taking a water break after mowing the lawn. These are just a few instances where that cup you distributed at the company picnic will be used in the coming days. Not bad! A few pennies spent on this cup could equate to thousands of dollars in potential business opportunities for you. That’s one message that goes on and on. So get busy, and order these cups from Gimmees now!

The Passports Are Safely Tucked Away

Do you have clients that travel overseas often? Are your sales reps constantly heading off to foreign places to call on customers and draw in new business? If so, the Passport Case is an ideal promotional product for clients and employees. It stows the passport away for safe keeping and also has a pocket that can hold itinerary or plane tickets. I’m not a world traveler by any means, but I like having this passport case on hand. I simply place my passport in one pocket and add my itinerary to the other. Voila! It makes my passport easier to locate in my carry-on bag or purse and snugly fits important documents so that I know exactly where they are. Not only is this case a great giveaway, but your company name and logo are prominently displayed on the front – giving your organization the added bonus of marketing power. If you really want to get a great thing going, visit the Gimmees Web site and pair this case with some luggage tags, toiletry kits, or other travel accessories to create a thoughtful, all-in-one-place gift that works well for an overnight trip or an overseas vacation.

Files in a Flash

Recently, I was at a local shop having files printed out on their top notch, expensive printer that I surely cannot afford to buy for my own use. The CD that I’d brought in with the files was giving the girl behind the counter issues and causing me anxiety by the minute. What if I she couldn’t get it to work? “Did you ever think of a flash drive?” she asked me. It was truly one of those light bulb moments that we see in cartoons. A flash drive? A flash drive! Why hadn’t I thought of that? Doesn’t everyone use them? Why wasn’t I? Now, I’m addicted to the Eco Bamboo USB 2.0 Drive 512MB. It’s cute, it’s eco-friendly, and it slips easily into a pocket, purse, or briefcase. And these promotional items are a great giveaway, too. Everyone has files – whether they are pictures, documents, spreadsheets, or music files. And this itsy bitsy drive is just the right place where they can be stored. Clients, employees, potential customers will appreciate this gift. Believe me. I cannot believe I went all these years without one. Now, I can’t live without it! And your recipients won’t be able to either.

Doing the Wave

Calling all sports-affiliated companies! You need to advertise your team whether it’s for the NFL, minor league baseball, or a high school mascot. Nowadays, everybody wants to show the world who they root for – whether it’s autumn Sundays on the couch or chilly April nights on the bleachers. Before your team gets to the finals, you must be prepared. Why? Because once it’s the NCAA’s Final Four or your local Little League team is headed for Williamsport, your fans will want marketing items to show their love. So, get your fanatical freak on with the Fan Flag from Gimmees. But wait. Did I say only sports-themed organizations could use this promotional product? I was wrong! Every company can get in on the action. Imagine how many people could see your message on any given day if your employees, customers, and clients start flying your flag. Why, there’s no end to the business opportunities! You’ll expand your marketing campaign far beyond your wildest dreams as these flags make their rounds. Car dealerships, healthcare organizations, retail stores, and gas stations are just a few of the other companies that could take this flag and fly it high.

So Much to Do with One Little Promo Item!

If you’ve read this blog long enough, you’ll know that I can appreciate a promotional item that serves multiple purposes. Not only do items that take on several functions make one person’s life easier, but they also appeal to a wider audience. So, by giving away a single promo product, you’ve just improved your target market! Open up the options with one promotional item and you’ve easily improved business opportunities. At your next tradeshow or gathering, the 3 in 1 kit is perfect. It consists of nail clippers, tweezers, a nail file, a mirror and a hairbrush. You personalize the kit by choosing a color and adding your corporate ID to the kit. This item is ideal for clients of all demographics – teenagers, business women, men, etc. See how easy this is? Appeal to a wide audience and you’ve opened up the chances for more people to remember you, your company, and what you offer. The next time they require one of your services or products, they will think of you. Which brings me to my final point. Add your phone number or Web address to the item and that potential lead becomes a satisfied customer.

You Can't Screw Up with This Gadget

A screwdriver with regular blade/Phillips blade might seem like an odd item for a giveaway. It’s not as flashy as a pen. You can’t wear it like a golf shirt or a sun visor. You’re not going to fill it daily with ice water for your boot camp class at the gym. Those statements might all be true, but I have to say, this screwdriver offers a lot of functionality. I have one of these – actually, I have several of these screwdrivers stashed throughout the house – for various purposes. I need it when I have to put new batteries in my shower radio. It comes in handy if I have to slide a door off of my laptop for cleaning. I’ve used it to tighten loose screws in the kids’ toys. I’ll even carry this screwdriver with me as a source of protection if I head out the door for a late evening power walk (hey, a girl has to keep herself safe, right?). This is a really nice giveaway for your next tradeshow. It is compact, fits in a purse or briefcase easily, has multiple functions, and the dual heads ensure that you’re never stuck with an appliance or radio that has dead batteries and a screwdriver with the wrong head.

Remember the Green Movement on April 22

Recently, I posted about Earth Hour, a simple 60 minutes with all of the gadgets turned off to turn attention towards the issue of global warming. On April 22, we celebrate Earth Day, and hopefully by choosing to recycle our newspapers and plastic bottles, turning off the lights when we leave the room, and using more eco-friendly cleaning products, our environmental cause carries on for every day of our lives. Companies can do the same by switching out incandescent light bulbs with the newer green ones that use a lot less energy and don’t give off heat. Ensure that your clients celebrate Earth Day in mid-April and every single day with Mother Earth on the acrylic paperweight, square top. It’s a great promotional item to give, an even better one to receive. Not only is it a beautiful reminder of our responsibility to care for the environment, but its placement on someone’s desk helps market your business throughout the year. Your company’s name is prominently displayed on the top of the paperweight. Reduce! Reuse! Recycle! And give gifts that remind everyone of the importance of being green, putting trash in the proper receptacles, and turning off the faucet when we are brushing our teeth.

Light Up the Room at Your Next Tradeshow

I’m a multi-tasker. I do various things, activities, and chores at once (not necessarily perfectly), because as a wife and mom, I have to. So, when I find an item that also multi-tasks, well, you know I love it. The metal survival keylight is one of those gotta have, definitely love items. It’s thin and convenient, perfect for attaching to your keys or purse. It gives off a strong beam of light, has a compass in case you are ever wandering lost in the wilderness, and offers a whistle (dark grocery store parking lots with creepy man dressed in black sweats loitering nearby, anyone?). Actually, you can use the whistle to call your kids in from outdoor play or get your husband’s attention away from ESPN. I don’t recommend using it for the latter though. Anyway, this keylight is ideal for your next tradeshow booth. You can display tons of these on the table for giveaways since they take up little room and are so compact. Your corporate name fits nicely on the side and is easily noticeable. It’s the mini survival tool complete with your name right there on it.

Making a List, Checking it Twice...

The next time you are scheduled for a tradeshow or are planning to hit the road and visit with clients, don’t leave your office without a whole slew of this product: the recycled cardboard tuck journal. I love this item, so let me count the ways! First, it’s made of recycled materials, which is a major plus when so many trees are being chopped down and animals are being displaced to make more paper products. Secondly, it is perfect for any recipient and will be used in various scenarios like to jot down notes, make grocery store lists, and take minutes at meetings. Third, it comes with its own pen, which is neatly attached to the binding. Recipients never need to pull open desk drawers in search of pens, which is a complete waste of time. Finally, it is attractive, and let’s all agree that that is an important quality in any promotional item. We want to give and receive products that look good as well as are helpful. So there you have it. A product that looks good, is a great gift, will be used often, and is nicely embossed with your logo prominently on the front.

Don't Sweat this Shirt... You'll Look Fabulous in It

There’s nothing quite like a comfy sweatshirt. And one of the best things about said comfy sweatshirt is that it is a perfect choice for any age group. Another benefit is that it is casual enough for picnics, parties, beach gatherings, cool summer evenings, and chilly fall afternoons. The Sport-Tek Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt with Stripe is really a wonderful promotional item because it’s comfy yet adds just a hint of sophistication. This is not the sweatshirt that your teenaged son wears to football practice! This shirt takes style and kicks it up a notch, so that even your executives would feel and look great wearing it. Really, this is an item that you can hand out to your employees at the company picnic or give away at a tradeshow to attendees. An array of different colors and an abundance of sizes enhance the beauty and value in this item and as always, your corporate logo or company name adds the personalization you need to get your brand out there. Whoever thought you could equate sweatshirts with style? Gimmees makes it possible!

Give Mother Earth a Big Hug

On March 31 at 8:30 PM local time, millions of people in over 100 countries will turn off their lights, power down their electronic devices, and observe one hour without energy usage in an effort to promote awareness of climate change. It’s a small thing that each of us – from toddlers to corporation presidents -- can do to show our support for the environment and our planet. Companies everywhere should promote this opportunity at reducing the carbon footprint and the usage of electronics, even if it is for one hour on a Saturday evening. Personally, I love the 20 oz white aluminum cyclist bottle because millions of plastic water bottles end up in landfills every single day. This bottle is aluminum, BPA-free, and reusable. Water tastes delicious when you drink from it – no plastic-like taste here. Plus, you can add your corporate logo and distribute it to clients, employees, or potential leads. This bottle is a great reminder of the little, yet simple steps each of us can take on a daily basis to curb global warming. You’ve got two great messages with just one simple promotional product: your corporate identity and support for the environment. Promoting your company and awareness of global warming in one gift? Where do I sign up?

Your Promotional Item Traveling the World

I’m amazed at how something as simple as one promotional item can wind its way all around the place, possibly even circling the globe. Take something as simple as say, an Encore umbrella. You might hand these classy yet completely necessary umbrellas out at a tradeshow, to your clients, or even to your employees. Your corporate logo is prominently displayed on each one. Now, just imagine where those umbrellas are headed. Some might be put into the recipients’ cars for use during a surprise thunderstorm. Others might be placed in tote bags or golf bags or simply stuck in a hallway closet until the next weather report predicts a chance of rain. Still others might be used while walking countless dogs in various parks. But imagine that some of those umbrellas find their way into suitcases. Your giveaway might find come in really handy on a stormy street in Tokyo or perhaps while waiting for café au lait at a Parisian coffee shop. And that means that your company’s name is traveling the globe. Did you ever think that your simple umbrella might become a world traveler? Probably you didn’t. But that’s why it pays to use promotional items. You just never know where your name will turn up.

I Got this Giveaway Nailed Down

If you are a man, you might not believe that a torn fingernail is any sort of an emergency. If you’re a woman, you truly can relate to this being, maybe not an emergency per se, but definitely an issue. A torn fingernail not only look awful but can be painful (if it’s ripped along the quick) and also tends to get caught on various items of clothing, hair, and such. It’s a nuisance. I had this annoying situation happen just this morning at the gym during boot camp class. Fortunately, the sweat pouring into my eyes from the jumping jacks and the excruciating stitch growing in my side abdominal wall during the mountain climbers made me easily forget about the pain in my finger. Needless to say, as a woman, I keep a nail file in sleeve in various locations in my life: my gym bag, the center console in my car, my purse, my night table drawer, the junk drawer in the kitchen. Well, you get the idea. Any time a nail emergency – probably nail nuisance is a better term – pops up, I’m ready and prepared. Give these affordable promotional items away at your next tradeshow!

My Hat's Off to You, St. Patrick

St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17 every year and I did a little research to see what the significance of that particular date is. It turns out that good old Patrick actually died on March 17. So, all those pints of green beer raised in the middle of the March over the centuries actually commemorate a life well lived. Patrick converted many in Ireland to Christianity and used the common three-leaf clover to demonstrate the Holy Trinity. Patrick was also a bishop, which means that paintings depict him wearing a large, funky-looking, pointed hat. You won’t be able to wear a hat like this on March 17 this year, but instead give a nod to the Irish and the famous bishop himself by sporting a St. Patrick’s Day top hat. It’s fun, it’s green, and it’s a perfect promotional item for everyone from youngsters to adults. Even if there’s no Irish blood flowing through your veins, don’t worry. We won’t tell! Just don your top hat, whistle a fine tune, and dance a jig. Oh, and keep an eye out for leprechauns. This is the day that those little green men will be out in full force.

Get Your Game On!

Kids who play sports tend to have higher self-esteem, have lower instances of being overweight, and learn the importance of good sportsmanship and teamwork. I can think of no better sport that achieves these things and so much more than basketball. When kids play basketball, they are joining other children with whom they can build camaraderie yet still shine as individuals. Most of all basketball is fun for players and fans alike. Draw in more fans for your team with a basketball fundraiser. It’s a great way to bring more attention to the team while gaining extra support and money. Team up with Gimmees and we can help your basketball team gain the attention it deserves with the HydroPouch! 24 oz Basketball Collapsible Water Bottle. The team’s players can use this great item for staying hydrated during games and at practices. Your fans can proudly support their team with these fantastic bottles that hold beverages, yet fold up neatly and easily once empty. These promotional products are great to sell at games to fans and are reusable, which lessens your footprint on Mother Earth. It’s a great win-win for everyone!

Small, Smart, and Compact Is What this Tote Is

Small bags are ideal for all sorts of things. I can keep track of loads of different items from my kids’ MP3 players and books to toiletries for a weekend away from home to pens, pencil sharpeners, and erasers for when it’s time to get my boys started on their homework or when I have to write out the bills. The frost mini holiday tote caught my eye because it’s cute and it holds lots of different goodies (think candy bars and packets of fruit snacks) of the food variety and otherwise. Don’t let the name fool you. This adorable promotional item doesn’t have to be used simply around the holidays. Instead, it’s perfect for any month during the wintry season to wrap up a little gift for a friend. It even would be fun to use in August when you’re sweating profusely in 100 degree temperatures and dreaming about snow. And I wouldn’t mind a gift from you on any day out of the year if it was placed in this mini tote bag. I’m pretty sure no one would! The little snowflakes just lure you in and make this a great bag.

Karma Will Blossom.... if You Plant Bamboo

I like plants, especially during the winter months when the trees outside are bare and my front lawn looks like a barren wasteland. I always try to have a few plants in my home to make the place look cozy and also for the benefits that they bring. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen, which is the opposite of what our own bodies do. They look pretty, too. While I have an African violet on my kitchen window sill, I keep a bamboo plant in my family room. Did you know that bamboo plants are supposed to bring wealth and good karma to your life? I’ve had a bamboo plant for more than 10 years and so far, I’ve not seen a whole lot of money come through my front door, but I’m not going to mess with karma. You can bring beauty and eco-friendly living to your own abode – whether it’s your office or home – with the bamboo blossom kit (promotional item). Once you plant your seeds, the bamboo will begin to take root and grow. Pretty soon, a beautiful plant will be yours, and if you nurture it, the bamboo will grow for years. Plus, the good vibes will be all around you.

Keep the Faith Close to Your Heart

Some people like to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Others prefer to put their religious beliefs right on their lapels. That’s why the cross pin in gold is ideal for religious organizations, churches, Catholic schools, and similar groups. Looking for a unique promotional product to share with those in your parish and religious community? These pins can be worn by your congregation and make lovely gifts or giveaways at your next party or to promote an exciting church event like Catholic Schools Week or Easter Sunday services. What makes this gift so perfect is that it can be a source of comfort and strength when worn for funerals or can signify faith and unity at the annual church picnic in the summer. Attractive and beautiful, these pins can be worn by any age or gender and aren’t expensive. Visit gimmees.com to see how simple it is to place your order. Your congregation will love the thought and compassion that comes with your giving. You’ll love the unity and beauty from this simple gesture.

I'm Proudly Wearing My Tie Pants and You Should, Too

Did you know that pajamas were invented in India? Guess what? I didn’t know this fun fact either. In fact, it was British men who adopted this clothing and brought it home with them to Europe, wearing PJs for comfort and when they felt the need for relaxing. Today, it’s not just British men who are reaping the benefits of pajamas and comfy flannel pajama-like pants. The rest of us are keeping ourselves cozy and warm with them, too. In fact, go anywhere these days and young people are sporting their pajamas in public. Whether you agree with that is another story entirely, but Gimmees has flannel options for you and one of my personal favorites is the navy gold cord tie pant. Why these colors, you might ask? Navy and gold are my college’s colors, but aside from that, I think they are a good combo and complementary to each other. Plus, navy and gold will work well with a soft fleece sweatshirt or tee. These promotional items will look even more amazing when you are wearing them! It’s January, which means that wearing trousers is totally overrated! Put on your tie pants and be proud. Oh, and be comfy, too.

Priceless Information to Keep Your Kids Well

If you are a parent, you know what it’s like to be up at three o’clock in the morning with a feverish child, who is whimpering and shivering. It’s downright awful for a mother or father to watch his or her child suffer with an illness, and parents are always working hard to ensure that their kids stay well and healthy. But sometimes even our best efforts aren’t enough. And sometimes we even need more help than just a pediatrician. Do you know what symptoms are so serious that you should bypass your doctor and immediately call 911? The Key Point: Children’s Medical Emergencies is an 8-panel card (promotional product) that contains critical and valuable information for every parent. The card can be folded up to fit inside your wallet or purse or it can be taped in a central spot in your home – think the fridge or a medicine cabinet. Hopefully, you never have to use this card. But wouldn’t you rather be prepared for the worst and know exactly what to do in the event of an emergency revolving around your child? Preparation and education are invaluable.

Now You Can Actually Read the Fine Print

Is it really necessary that fine print has to be so fine? I have often wondered if the reason why such type is so small is so that none of us actually read it. Whatever the case, as I’m getting a little bit older (note: I said a little bit, not a lot), I’m beginning to notice that fine print is even smaller than it was before. Not sure if this is some international conspiracy of sorts on the part of the credit card companies or if it’s time I started having annual eye exams instead of visiting the ophthalmologist every other year. In the meantime, while I’m waiting for my next appointment with the eye doctor, I’m perfectly content with my pro-reader bookmark/ruler/magnifier. I can easily read any type that looks too small, which means I’m on to those credit card companies! Plus, my page is nicely marked in the latest bestseller that I’m reading. Finally, the red, white, and blue tassel shows my American spirit every day of the year and is just so darn cute. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that if I need to measure anything or draw a straight edge, the product is a ruler as well. It’s a promotion that offers a lot of features at a sweet and sassy price.

Sass Up that Suitcase

Right about now, as the final Christmas decorations are packed away and the last bit of tinsel is swept up off the floor, the houses are looking bare and the weather outside is cold, bleak, and gray. If you’re anything like me, your mind is daydreaming to a land where the sun is sparkling, the winds are mild, and the daytime temperature rarely falls below 83 degrees. And for the lucky few who have credit cards that aren’t maxed out from the holiday shopping, a trip to sunnier places is a very real possibility. Call the travel agent, book the vacation, pack your suitcase. That’s all there is to it, right? Here’s a tip: don’t forget to have your name and address on your suitcase a la the sandal luggage tag. It’s bright and colorful and so darn cute and it will make even the blackest of suitcases stand out. That way, once you are in paradise, you aren’t standing at the carousel too long looking for your luggage. It will be easy to spot so that you can get on your way to putting your toes in the sand. The sun’s rays are calling to you after all.