Door Hangers Are a Great Marketing Tool

Let's get the new year started off the right way with new business opportunities, new revenue streams, and introductions to new faces who may become long term, well-paying, and devoted customers. It's the perfect time to get your name out there, to promote your business, and to really make a lasting impression on someone. Do you need to spend a lot of money? Of course not! Marketing yourself and promoting the product or service you sell can be relatively inexpensive. You just need to know how to go about using such tools. Try using the Door Hangers - 3 1/2" x 5 1/2". They are simple, hang nicely, and cost very little yet they can make a big impact and really keep your name, product, or service in front of someone -- and all you need are a few people who need what you offer to begin building that customer base. These door hangers work for a variety of business types and don't cost much. It's just one way to get your product out there in front of buyers.

Go Play with Your Friends (and Business Associates)

The winter solstice has arrived and so the coldest, darkest season is upon us. It makes many want to crawl onto a warm couch and hibernate. However, just because the calendar says it is wintertime, we all know that there will be seasonally warm, sunny days before April. And when those glimmers of warmth and sunshine emerge, you'll find people dreaming of the links. Bringing hope in the new year is the joy and anticipation of a good golf game. Whether with a few close pals or with the intention to conduct some business, golf encourages camaraderie, entertainment, showmanship, and patience. Give your golf lovers a package of Titleist NXT Golf Balls. Nothing says golf like Titleist and nothing says "let's enjoy a day in the sun" than a game of golf. Have some laughs, seal the deal, cultivate new partnerships, renew old friendships, and make a day full of good memories on the back nine. And do so with one of the greatest golf brands on the market. Now you have a reason to enjoy a golf game on a mild winter day.

Sipping into the New Year

It's not too late to give your customers, clients, and employees a token gift to remind them of how grateful you are for their business/service/dedication/hard work throughout the past year. Even if you cannot give a gift by Christmas, a thoughtful present delivered by the New Year is always thoughtful and welcomed. How about the Blue Ceramic Mug with Snowflake Design? It's a lovely coffee mug that can be used throughout the wintertime months and each use will remind its recipient how much you appreciate him or her. Don't want it to say Season's Greetings? No problem! Gimmees will gladly customize it with a saying that is pertinent to your business or a company logo. I have found that sometimes the best -- and most memorable -- gifts are the ones that are received in January, when the timing is a bit less hectic and my schedule is much more convenient. And what better way is there to kick off a brand new year than with a present that says thank you for your past business and here's to another successful 12 months?

Something to Hold Your Loot

Have I got a great giveaway for you! With all the gifts your clients, partners, employees, and the like will be giving and receiving this upcoming holiday, you'll need to give them a product that they not only can use every single day, but will definitely need. I myself am a fan of the Non-Woven Two-tone Shopper Tote Bag because it is durable, roomy, and also because -- and this is my favorite reason -- it can be used over and over again. No more tossing bags into a pile in the laundry room or disposing of them after using them only once. There are so many uses for this bag. I have personally filled up this bag with activities for myself (coupons to clip, the newspaper and magazines, bills and my checkbook, snacks, a water bottle) when I need to sit in the car for an hour while my son is at soccer practice. Now isn't this a great item to give for the holidays? You can add items to it or give it as is. Oh, and by the way, Gimmees has a great offer just for you -- 15% all products when you use the DECEMBER2014 code at checkout or mention it on the phone.

Bringing the December Stress Level Way Down

Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year's are fast approaching which means commercials, holiday movies, lots of Jingle Bell Rock and It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year playing on the radio and in stores and elevators. But stress levels are super high right now as the last month of the year for many businesses adds to the crunch of buying perfect gifts for everyone we know. Why not lighten the mood for your customers, partners, and clients with the champagne bottle stress reliever? It's a simple gift that will bring a chuckle to recipients, offers a way to blow off steam without pounding the person in the next cubicle or the individual just ahead in a long, wrapping-around-the-mall line, and pushes forth a loud and clear marketing message. Plus, it is appropriate in several ways for December (think champagne or sparkling cider for ringing in 2015) and stress relieving for every deadline that is coming down to the wire. And if a corporate holiday party is in your future, these stress relieving bottles will look fabulous at every place setting (and are a lot cheaper than giving every attendee their own champagne bottle).  Cheers!

Aren't You Sweet?

The holidays are a great time to give a hearty thanks to those around you who have touched your life in the previous year. From friends and loved ones to those who perform services like delivering our mail and cutting our hair to the people we have purchased from us and used our products and services. When it's time to say thanks, a nice card with a proper sentiment and a gift are always much appreciated and well deserved. How about the gold gift box with chocolate covered pretzels? It gives a touch of sweetness to your recipient. And this is a gift that can be shared with others, which is another nice thing. This box, which is emblazoned with your logo or corporate name, offers a wonderful opportunity to not only thank someone but also to give your gift marketing potential for you. Who couldn't use a sweet gift like this? So give thanks this holiday season for all of the people who have been a positive part of your life in the past 12 months. Show them your gratitude with this simple, yet perfect gift of thanks.

Picture Yourself Marketing Your Biz

It's always a good idea to plan ahead. Whether you're anticipating a big purchase for your home or you are hoping to land new business in the coming months, you should be well-prepared. Even if you have all the business you need (and can handle) today, it's in your absolute best interest to market yourself and that is where great planning comes in. Say you are heading to a tradeshow next week. What should you bring in addition to the typical table covers and banners? How about the 2015 photo frame calendar magnets? These fit nicely with your other tradeshow materials, but are slim and small enough to hand out easily. What I like about these magnets is that the recipient gets the chance to personalize them with a photo of their own choosing. I also like that this little magnet is a 12-month marketing product. When your recipient looks at it in February or April or August, he or she will think of yours truly. So, you must be well-prepared for this amazing opportunity! By planning right now, you have a marketing tool that lasts for a whole entire year. Plan ahead. It's truly good for your business.

Be Unique and Stand Out from the Crowd

Sometimes a promo item really needs to make a statement. There's the executive clock that identifies you as a big deal when you receive one. The reusable shopping bag is self-explanatory. Use me when you hit the grocery store to put keep your bananas and broccoli in one spot. The stadium cushion is identified with keeping the bum cushioned at baseball games and on benches. But sometimes a promo item needs not to have specifics attached to it. Instead of it having a precise job, it can simply be something fun or silly. And perhaps that's what makes it so memorable. The Jellyfish Yo Yo is a prime example. It's cute. It's fun. It's downright silly. It's even a tad bit unnerving. Look at those crazy tentacles! It's a four-year-old child's dream to yo yo it up and down. But isn't there a tiny bit of a four-year-old in each of us just screaming to get out? Wouldn't this be the item to do that? That's what makes the yo yo a goodie for your next tradeshow. Don't do the practical. Give something that stands out, that is fun, and that makes you memorable. You won't be forgotten and that's a fact.

Bring a Little Warmth to Your Recipients

The clocks have been switched back one hour which means, for many of us, we'll be returning home from work in the darkness. And with those dark evenings comes the cold. Why not help your clients and customers stay toasty in those wintry months with the Keep Warm Buddy Set? It's ideal for parents (soccer moms, especially), coaches, caregivers, travelers, college students, those undergoing medical treatments and procedures, and teachers (recess chaperones, anyone?). The set includes a cap, gloves, and scarf in a convenient holder bag, so it can be tossed into a suitcase, purse, tote bag, or pocket. Better yet, this set can be stowed away in a glove compartment so that it is readily available when bad weather strikes. With the cold weather and the holidays fast approaching, the buddy set is great for wintertime tradeshows, conferences, and workshops as gifts or giveaways for attendees. It is available in six colors so you can choose the one that best fits with your organization for customization purposes. Stay warm, people!

Nothing Will Ever Be Loose (or Dim) Again

Have I got a great promotional item for you! It's ideal for men and women of all ages, can be handed out at tradeshows and conferences, is bright and colorful, and is convenient for fixing things in a pinch. What is it, you ask? It's the Mini Screwdriver Kit LED. This kit tightens that cabinet that is unhinged, opens up the laptop that requires a new battery, and handles a range of other tasks. In addition to tightening and loosening screws the kit contains an LED flashlight for true emergencies, providing a very strong beam of light. Now you might be thinking why would I want to use this kit as a promo item? Isn't that something a home improvement store or handyman service should use as a marketing tool? Well, yes and no. Of course the home improvement industry will find great value to use this as a giveaway to customers. But truthfully, look at this kit. Isn't this something everyone could use? Of course it is! And each time it's pulled from a drawer, a glove compartment box, a kitchen cabinet, or a shelf to tighten a screw or loosen one, there's your name prominently displayed. Sounds pretty meaningful now, doesn't it?

When Life's Not Sanitary, Use This Spray and Market Your Biz

With the winter months looming, icy roads and impending snowstorms aren't the only things that can cause worry and discomfort. Cold and flu season bring a whole new range of issues and it's hard to steer clear of all the germs. Experts say good hand washing is paramount in avoiding sickness, but it's not always the most convenient option. When soap and water aren't available the sanitizer spray 1 oz is good to use. And it's not just for hospitals. I highly recommend this spray for any company looking to make a statement. Calling all gyms, daycare centers, assisted living facilities, grocery stores, retail chains, doctors' offices, banks and financial institutions, museums and zoos, schools and universities, government buildings, offices, etc. It doesn't matter what sort of business you work in, this sanitizer spray is universal and it helps to keep people well and healthy. There's no better marketing message than that! Hand this out to all of your customers, potential clients, partners, employees, family members, and friends. It achieves your message and helps keep everyone healthy in the process.

Your Promo Products Should Always be Double Ds... as in Double Duty!

Handling multiple tasks at once is normal for us humans. We talk on the phone while typing on the computer. We text while walking. Drive the car and gobble down a turkey sandwich. It's in our nature to do two or more things at a time. And that's what your promotional items should be doing for you, too. Look at the giveaways and goodies you hand out to people. Are they multitasking for you? Are they offering great benefits by getting your company name out to the masses while also performing  in their own capacity? Take something simple -- the Recycled 9 Oz. Clear Cup, for example. This cup gives some sort of refreshment (function #1) and brightly shows off who is offering said refreshment (function #2). Okay, now use the cup (or hundreds of them) in your booth at your next vendor showcase. See, all the people gathered around your booth? They are drinking (whatever beverage you have provided whether it's grape soda, filtered water, or iced coffee) and seeing the company's name right in front of them. It's what promotional items are supposed to do! It's multitasking at its finest.

Promoting Awareness for Good Causes and Your Business

It's October and perhaps you just realized that this is a month dedicated to breast cancer awareness. No worries! Gimmees has you covered with a small yet thoughtful giveaway item for clients, customers, and partners -- M&M's Breast Cancer Awareness Theme Pack - 1 oz. I love that these tiny candies come neatly packaged with a message to remind people that they can take preventative measures to halt breast cancer. And, it's not just for women. Men, too, can get breast cancer. Small in size, these candies may be, but the message is loud and clear. Hand these out at walk-a-thons, seminars, workshops, vendor showcases, doctors' offices, healthcare facilities, gyms and fitness centers, grocery stores, etc. Have them in a bowl so that customers can grab a pack as they check out. This is an opportunity to both market your business AND promote awareness for a killer that has touched so many lives. Let's end breast cancer! Let's make this our fight! Let's do this together! And don't worry because it's not too late to place your order for these M&M's and get them out to everyone before October draws to a close.

Dressed to Impress

Workshops and seminars. Tradeshows and vendor fairs. Client visits. Employee functions. When people come together, it's important that they represent your brand boldly. But professionalism and uniformity also help to ensure that your brand is remembered in a positive light. Make sure your employees always denote what your company is all about without forgetting that professionalism counts. Take the Sport-Tek Dry Zone Colorblock Raglan Sport Shirt for example. It is available in seven different color combinations, contains moisture-wicking fabric to keep the wearer cool, and offers odor-fighting properties. Did I mention that the colorblock effect adds a modern twist on the typical polo shirt? It just looks great on whoever happens to be wearing it. And from my years of working in the marketing department of a company, I have learned that employees' appropriate dress is just as important as the glossy brochures that an organization will spend thousands of precious dollars on. Appearance means everything! Make sure your employees are outfitted properly to represent your company at every kind of function. It's marketing at the most basic level for your organization.

Winding It Up for a Great Cause

Every October the color changes and I'm not just talking about falling leaves. Pink is the color of choice for many because it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to encourage everyone to be mindful of this disease. Raising awareness isn't just about reminding us of those we have loved and lost to breast cancer or those who are in remission. The purpose of BCAM is to support early detection like doctor visits and mammograms while providing support to those living with and caring for men and women with the disease. My own mom is a two-time breast cancer survivor so the color pink is especially meaningful to me. With so many walks, bake sales and fundraising events planned and healthcare facilities and doctors' offices promoting mammograms and early detection, I can think of no better promotional item for the month of October than the Pink Ribbon Lady Walking Winder. She's adorable, fun, and yet still promoting good health and early detection. Wouldn't she look great in an office, on a desk, on a kitchen's window sill, or on a shelf? I certainly think so. She's here to make us all aware of breast cancer and a reminder that we can do something to help stomp out this awful disease.

A Bite to Eat Markets Your Corporate Identity

Healthy or unhealthy, salad or burger, breakfast or brunch. Some of us nosh throughout the day. Others prefer a hearty meal. The truth of the matter is that we all eat. We might work the second shift. We may be on the road at noon. Some of us might leave the house at 4AM, while others back out of the driveway at 4PM. Whatever the case, the truth is, we all need to munch on something now and then. And since every person has this need, wouldn't it be something if there was a promotional item that catered to the need whether the individual was crunching on carrot sticks or pork rinds? Well, guess what, there is! The Non-Woven Insulated Lunch Bag is where it's at. Now, here's the best part. It doesn't matter if you're recipient is a carnivore or vegan, a child or a thirtysomething, a blue collar worker or an executive. Anyone can use this. Which means that all you need to do is put your logo or company name on this lunch bag and let it do all the marketing for you. And even if it's considered a lunch bag, trust me, it can be used to pack granola bars and fruit for breakfast or cookies and yogurt for snacks as well as beverages.

You Too Can Be an Icon

Meryl Streep. Coca-Cola. DreamWorks Animation. Macy's. What do all of these things have in common? Well, you might say, they are something (or someone) I'd recognize if I saw their face or logo. Of course! Each of these things has become a brand of sorts. You see a logo for Macy's and you instantly put it together with a shopping experience. Meryl Streep's face reminds you of a movie that she was in. What do all of these things have to do with your business? They've all become well-known, popular, American icons that millions of people recognize. Wouldn't you love to have this happen to your business?  Becoming an icon requires marketing and getting in front of people. Make sure that whenever you meet someone, you talk up your company, explain what you do, and share how you can help this potential lead. Oh, and don't forget to leave a calling card of sorts -- yes, your business card, but also a small token that is memorable like the metal whistle/key ring. Small means that it's easy for the recipient to stick into a pocket or purse. Memorable means that you and your message won't be forgotten. Now go out there and build your iconic brand!

A License to Market Your Business

Calling all car dealers, sports organizations, schools and colleges, insurance companies, dentists, nonprofit organizations, retail chains, restaurants, and any other company/organization/business you can think of. You know people who drive cars, don't you? These people (i.e. neighbors, friends, Aunt Mary, Reverend Francis, Dr. Jones, Mrs. Weiss, and Mr. Roberts) all drive cars. Well, maybe not all of them drive cars, but an SUV, a conversion van, a dump truck, whatever. Some sort of vehicle with at least four tires is what we are aiming for. And what do every single one of these people have in regards to these vehicles? License plates! So, what does a license plate mean for your business? A universal license plate frame has incredible marketing value and potential. It exposes your business name for everyone to see. Consider this promotional item a walking billboard advertising YOU. There are seven color choices to pick from and you tailor the frame with a message that puts your business out there -- for every driver on the road to see. So much potential for opportunities… such a little promo item.

A Dress for Your Table

You've arrived at your conference/workshop/seminar. You're sharply dressed, name tag prominently exposed for all of those new faces to see. You've got your marketing items ready for display on the table… the TABLE! Where is the sign for the table? Did it get damaged in transit? You've got nothing whatsoever to worry about. Want to know why? There isn't a sign for your table, because you've got the 4-Sided 8 Foot Throw Style Table Cover which comes complete with your company's name. Phew! You really did dodge a bullet there. Not only do you have a high quality, wrinkle resistant tablecloth, but there's no need to have to remember to bring a sign. This bright, classy-looking tablecloth looks good and offers your name right there in white lettering making it easy to spot and read. It's one less thing you need to worry about. Now, smooth your jacket, put those pens and plastic cups out to distribute to passersby, and breathe a sigh of relief that something as simple as a tablecloth can take all the stress off.

Give Your Marketing Campaign a Little Heart

There are so many promotional items and ways to market your business, your message, or both. Take the Heart Photo Magnet. This could be a great promo item for a cardiologist. Or it works for a pediatric dental practice. Or a school event. A law firm. A grocery store. Retail chain. Restaurant. Used car sales. Handyman services. Computer repair. Assisted living center. Painter. See where I'm going with this? An item at first glance might not look like something you think is worthwhile for marketing your company. But it can be tailored to meet your message to a T. Anyone -- and yes, I mean any business -- will find this magnet ideal for marketing purposes. It shows you care. It gets your message across in a personal yet professional way. It is something every recipient can and will use. It can be placed anywhere (i.e. refrigerators, cars, filing cabinets, magnetic boards). Want to know another useful tidbit? This magnet is competitively priced so that you won't drain your marketing budget. It's a great promo item that is budget friendly and completely useful for your business.

Could Your Marketing Use an Ounce of Energy? How about Two Ounces?

Who couldn't use a boost, a bolt of energy if you will, right in the middle of the day? Now, what if that boost came with a marketing message attached? That's right. You can give a little bit of energy to everyone you meet and you don't even need a business card in hand. Just spot your next prospect a Sugar Free 2 oz 5 HOUR Energy Shot. Couldn't you see these set up on your next tradeshow table? I think these are a wonderful idea for that mid-afternoon 10-minute break at a seminar. And these can be used at all sorts of events -- marathons, mud runs, and other races/walks; orientations; fitness center sign-ups; picnics; and all-night collegiate fundraisers are just a few suggestions. I recently got one of these energy shots at a carnival prior to a NASCAR race where there were literally thousands of people milling around. That tiny bottle in my hand gave me an idea. One small item is all it takes for someone --anyone -- to notice your company's name. And one person is all it takes to land a new customer. Who could bring you hundreds, thousands, perhaps even millions of dollars' worth of business.

I've Got a Bud for Your Ear

We've all got them -- smartphones, MP3 players, tablet computers, laptops. But do we always have the ear buds we need to keep our music (sing it Metallica or play it for us, Beethoven) or that God awful online seminar to ourselves? Lucky for us, Gimmees has got them! I like these as giveaways -- think goodie bags, gifts for someone who has answered an all important question in a sales workshop, for that nice gentleman who browsed your booth at the Vegas tradeshow. Give these to your clients (they go nicely with a business card as an ice breaker to a new prospect). Hand them out to your sales force. Add them along as a small token thank you for every new customer who places an order.  Be creative. Hand them out to students, patients, employees, mothers, grandfathers, tablet computer buyers, cable company customers, and -- well, you get the idea. Put them on your tradeshow table for walk ups to grab. There's no end to what you can do with these. Oh, and did we fail to mention that these ear buds offer excellent listening quality? We didn't? Guess what? We just did!

You'll Never Walk Alone... or in the Dark Again

I love products that multi-task -- one item that has numerous functions or features in the realm of a Swiss Army knife. All knives and sharp objects aside, let's talk about the Flashlight and Siren Pedometer. This is ideal for early morning or late evening walkers who take to the streets after the sun has long set or before it has had the chance to come up. Doctors and healthcare providers agree that walking is among the best forms of exercise, but not everyone has the option to take a brisk walk during an optimum time. This marketing item not only tracks steps, calories, and the distance walked, but it also lights dark pathways and gives off a loud siren should the user feel as though he or she is in danger. This item works for an array of businesses, too -- orthopedists, healthcare facilities, gyms and fitness centers, retirement communities, alarm companies, walking clubs, etc. Get the idea? Promoting good health with walking helps your clients and customers know how important they are to you. Adding on your corporate name to this pedometer reminds them of all that your company offers.

Magnetize Your Marketing Efforts

Organizations always are looking at new and innovative ways to market their brands, but marketing campaigns can be costly at times. I'd like to introduce you and your business to the magnet trend. If you've not noticed, magnets are promoting everything from colleges to sports teams to radio stations to grocery stores. A magnet is noticeable and it broadcasts your message without the need for a very pricey radio station timeslot. Magnets have been showing up on cars, refrigerators, and filing cabinets. The Magnet - Oval Shape (6x4) Outdoor Safe is a favorite of ours over here at Gimmees because it is big enough to promote a message/company name/Web site address yet not at all intrusive. It works for everything, too -- any business or organization or event can use this little magnet for maximum sales potential. Stick it in a goodie bag at a tradeshow, hand it out to new enrollees, slap it on the cars in your corporate parking lot. Now, imagine you give out 500 of these magnets. How many pairs of eyes will spot them? The number is incredible -- too many to count. Suddenly, that tiny marketing idea has promoted you to the masses with little effort on your part.

A Promo Item You'll "Flip" For

Calling all tootsies! Have we got the item for you! Well, actually, we have the item for anyone who is looking to market to the 10 adorable toes on everyone's feet. The Catalina Zori Flip Flop is it. Wouldn't these just be the most adorable giveaway for salons and spas, breast cancer awareness, podiatrists, women's health organizations, gyms and fitness centers, hospitals, and colleges? I even imagine this would be great for those finishing half-marathons, mud runs, and triathlons. The flip flop can cater to any company with any theme. How about "get your foot in the door" campaigns for your sales force? Or a gift in a goodie bag for that new freshmen class at your university? A special thank you to new patients? A gift with a coupon attached to add new clientele? There are so many ways to use this flip flop to market your business. We've provided a few suggestions, but the possibilities are endless. And Gimmees can help you find the right color options for you -- mix and match the sole and strap colors so that this giveaway goes hand in hand with your message.

Hiding Your Personal Items... on Your Person

Although I'm not a runner, I have plenty of runners in my life whom I admire since I wish I had it in me to lace up a pair of sneakers and set off on a 12-mile journey. On foot. While moving quickly. But I don't. Still I've attended races where I've cheered on loved ones and friends (and even many, many strangers whom I did not know) and I've wondered often where these physically fit specimens of lean muscle and very low body fat keep their valuables like money and house keys while not breaking stride. I don't need to wonder any longer because I've discovered the shoe wallet. I love this item and I know you will, too. I useful, amazing, completely necessary, and one darn great way to market your business. Not only that, but any business -- hello construction companies, dental practices, realtors, banks, restaurants, and retail shops -- can use it. It's ideal for that grand opening giveaway or as a special thank you to a long term customer. Even if your recipient is not a runner (say, like me), he or she will still get much use from this wallet when out for a walk, a hike, or while window shopping.

No Lip Service, Just Lip Protection from Us

You know you shouldn't step foot on the sand or dangle your toes poolside unless you're slathered in sunscreen, correct? You've heard all the horror stories of skin cancer, the sun's damaging rays, dreadfully painful sunburn (the latter of which I'm sure you've experienced more than once). But there's one area of the body that is at risk to sun exposure yet is often neglected or forgotten about and that's the lips. A recent study of lip cancer patients, noted by the Skin Cancer Foundation, found that 81% of patients had it on their lower lip. Now's the time for all you physicians, healthcare service organizations, hospitals, schools and daycares, insurance companies, and the like to dole out Gimmees' Easy-Twist Lip Balm. It's got sun protection (SPF 23) and has a self-adjusting applicator. Oh, and did we mention that it also markets your business prominently? It's a great giveaway for any time of the year and it's budget-friendly. It also is perfect for any organization to distribute to customers and prospects -- we've even seen law firms give this item out. You can't miss with this lip balm. It not only is a wonderful promotional item, but it just might help to save a life.

Bag It Now

Goodie bags aren't just for kids anymore. The party bags chock full of candy, pencil toppers, temporary tattoos, and stickers have given way to adult-designated giveaway bags for corporate parties, new location openings, vendor showcases, conventions, annual meetings, and conferences. Forget the skimpy bags with crayons and bubble gum, but don't forget the concept of the giveaway bag altogether because adults enjoy receiving them. First, start with the frosted die-cut bag, an attractive yet inexpensive base to hold all of the great things your recipient will be tossing inside. Now that you've ordered that lovely gift bag, fill it with appropriate items to distribute to your recipients at your next big event. Offer a few items or many. Stick to a basic theme (coffee pods, mug, coaster, etc.) or go wild with an array of different products that you know will excite while conveying your message. Whether you include a simple pen with your company name on it or something a little more exotic, keep this quote from the ancient philosopher Seneca in mind. "A gift consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer."

Keep Cool and Scoop On!

If there's one thing everyone loves in the summertime it's ice cream (or frozen yogurt, gelato, or water ice). Nothing is as heavenly as a cold scoop of this frozen treat on a hot, sticky July afternoon. Even when the mint chocolate chip or rum raisin is being enjoyed, your trademark or corporate identity can be proudly represented on the main tool used to sustain that cooling pleasure. The ice cream scoop! It's the ideal promotional item for restaurants, new businesses, dessert manufacturers, ice cream vendors, kitchen remodelers, and summer camps to use to market themselves. But don't let those suggestions steer you away if you're in another field of business. The ice cream scoop is great for any company to use as a promotional tool even if you're a nursing facility, a real estate agency, or a law firm. Think about it. Just about everyone loves ice cream. So, don't you want a promotional item that will be used by the masses? If so, this is it! Now, get scooping!

Tell Your Prospects that They Are BEARy Amazing

Everyone needs a little pick me up now and then. A warm smile and a kind word can do wonders for the spirit. However, you can't always be there to provide that compassion. But your corporate name can. The Plush Big Paw Bear With Shirt brings a smile to the face of each and every person who sees it -- from two-year-olds to grandpas, preschoolers to senior vice presidents. Who wouldn't love this adorable bear? Think of the youngster receiving a scary vaccine at her annual pediatric well visit. How about the buyer who finished that quote before the 5:00 PM deadline? Our bear offers a simple yet thoughtful way to convey your message at any time whether he's perched on that executive cabinet or in the arms of a hospital patient. He's cute, soft, and bears a great message -- yours! And wouldn't he be a great giveaway at your next big tradeshow or conference? Let your message stand tall on the bear's t-shirt, making this thoughtful yet visible giveaway perfect for any industry or organization.

Kalm, Kool, and Koozie -- For Everyone!

Who wants to drink a warm beverage? That's simple. No one! Yet, gripping a can of soda, juice, or beer in the heat of the summer will turn that yummy refreshment into lukewarm ilk in a matter of a few minutes. Who needs a Collapsible Koozie Can Kooler with Carabiner? That's simple, too. Everyone! Now, imagine if you were to give this item out to every adult who attended a sporting event, concert, festival, block party, or -- well, you get the picture. That would mean that each recipient would see your message across this can kooler. But actually, everyone who sees the recipient with the kooler in hand ALSO has a great view of your message. Think about how many spectators at a concert or NASCAR event could potentially see your message. That could number into the thousands and that's just one event. Even at a smaller gathering, say a barbecue or block party, your corporate name is identified by guests. Maybe your brand is spotted at a party of 50 guests and one of those guests contacts you to do business. Message accomplished! You just nailed down a new lead!

Mister, Could You Spare Some Coolness?

It's getting hot in here. Which is why the personal mister is just such a great item for today's post. And no, this is NOT a personal mister as in the one and only man in your life! It's a little giveaway that is perfect for the looming hot summer months (unless you're in Australia where winter is coming), women who experience hot flashes, kids who are overheated at softball tournaments in July, the elderly living in homes without air conditioning, and for those who simply don't have the luxury of cooling off in a swimming pool. This item has a lot of potential for doctors' offices, heating and air conditioning companies, organizations who provide relief to those without air conditioning, schools, and sports organizations. These misters are not at all expensive and they don't need batteries, yet they are super effective in bringing much needed relief on a hot day. Got a company picnic coming up? An outdoor event in the park? A baseball tournament over the Fourth of July? Here's your next promotional item! And as with all of Gimmees' great marketing products, you can customize this personal mister with your logo, corporate name, Web site address, or whatever you choose.

You Can Nail It!

A recent trip to the doctor's office gave me an idea for this blog post. When leaving my appointment, I spotted a table set up with various takeaway items for patients and included among the products were nail files in sleeves. All of the items on the table were pink to remind women to get regular mammograms for breast cancer. The nail file is now in my purse and I realize that every single time I reach for it, I'll be reminded of the importance of mammograms and I'll recall where I picked it up. Hmmm. This simple nail file becomes a very powerful marketing tool for whatever message you wish to promote -- breast cancer awareness, diabetes, or any health topic, really. But it also is an easy item to hand out at tradeshows and events because it's thin and compact. It also comes in various colors, perfect for tailoring to your message or corporate colors. Oh, and the nail file isn't just for disease prevention. Health and wellness spas, salons, gyms and fitness centers, groceries, pharmacies, and grand opening events all could find great value in this nail file. Imagine the possibilities! They are endless.

A Tote for Anyone, for Anything

There's always a need for a quality tote bag and the 100% Recycled PET Lake Convention Tote fits the bill. Here's a great item for that workshop/convention/tradeshow/event you'll be holding/setting up a booth at/participating in. At the event, the tote, which will be given to visitors, holds various materials as they walk around. Afterwards, the tote's value continues as it will be used by every recipient for different things, marketing your business. Think of the mom at the soccer game bringing drinks for the team, the family at the beach with sunscreen and magazines, the gentleman toting along crossword puzzles, a book, and his iPad while traveling overseas. It sounds like this tote bag really gets around! And if you needed a reason why this is a nice giveaway, here's one more. This bag is made from 100% post-consumer recycled material. Oh, and one more thing. It holds up to 40 pounds. Not a bad gift! This is something you'll feel good about giving and your recipients will feel great about getting. Now, get busy and order this tote. Call Gimmees. It's the best item around!

If It Looks Like a Duck and Sounds Like a Duck...

So many graduations. So little time. It's a time of great achievements, of milestones reached, of proud families, a few tears, and looking forward to whatever the future holds. And it's a time of ducks. Yes, that's right. I said ducks. Think about how many smiled you'll bring with the Graduate Duck. He's cute, festive, and completely demonstrates the appropriate message without saying anything. This adorable duck would be great as a decoration on cakes and tables, but would also be a thoughtful gift for the graduate of anything -- high school, college, nursing school, advanced degree programs, even workshops and conferences. Imagine your new class of 400 sales reps receiving this duck upon their completion of their two-week training? After their 3 month probationary period? It might seem that this item is for kids, but really, it's not. It's for the kid in all of us and it's a kind way to say to people, you did a great job and I'm proud of you. Here's a little something that will never let you forget what you accomplished. Give out this duck and you'll see him pop up on desks and in offices. He might even make his way into your recipient's bathroom at home. And months later, his message will still ring clear.

Don't Leave Anyone in the Dark with This Giveaway!

Springtime's weather can be volatile, but there is simply never a good time for the power to go out. Yet, at the most inopportune times, we find ourselves sitting in the dark. Enter the mini aluminum LED flashlight. This is perfect for stashing away in the glove compartment (for road emergencies), keeping in your kitchen cabinet (for when the power fails), in your purse (in case you are in a strange location and need light), and in your night table drawer (for anything that happens in the wee hours). Knowing that these beams of light are only a simple reach away is a simple protection mechanism. Listen up, all companies, organizations, and places of business: this is the giveaway item for YOU. While some products cater to a specific industry, this flashlight crosses all demographics and types of companies. It doesn't matter if you're work is in real estate, a physician's office, an insurance firm, or a sports organization. Gimmees recommends that you have this flashlight tailored with your corporate name as a giveaway at your next seminar or tradeshow. It's a marketing message that will be used for years to come and isn't that what marketing campaigns are all about?

Those Rays of Light Are Damaging and Deadly without Today's Product

While speaking with a dermatologist recently, I learned some intriguing facts. First, the best way to prevent skin aging is to you use sunscreen. Second, most of us humans apply sunscreen once and think we are good to go for the entire day, which is a fallacy. Third, the face alone needs approximately one teaspoon of sunscreen. Fourth, a shot glass-sized amount of sunscreen is needed to properly coat most bodies. So, if you're like me, you've been applying sunscreen the wrong way all these years. But with Gimmees, we have you covered. If you're a doctor, medical practice, real estate agent near the beach, travel agent, or anyone else in the travel industry, the SPF 30 Lotion 8 oz. White Pump is the perfect item for you to give to your customers, patients, and clients. This SPF lotion demonstrates that you care about your recipient's health while also marketing your name, your practice, or your business. The pump makes dispensing sunscreen easy while the large bottle lasts through the next vacation. A great gift all in one bottle and this is a gift that can save lives!

Promoting Child Safety and Your Business in One Neat Package

No parent can imagine the horror of his or her child going missing. It's too painful, frightening, and upsetting to even think about… until the unimaginable happens. Law enforcement personnel know that the first minutes are critical in finding a missing child and that as the hours go by, things become grim. But we don't want to talk about the grim today. Instead, we'll discuss one very important preventative that's a must for every Mom, Dad, and guardian to have on hand -- updated information on each child. The Deluxe Child I.D. Kit is typically given out by local authorities at demonstrations, National Night Outs, school presentations, and other events. The police, fire department, teachers, and even lifeguards (think pools and beaches) can hand these kits out to parents at events, encouraging them to keep updated, accurate information on each of their children. Each kit is a record keeper of physical description (freckles, anyone?) and offers a spot to keep updated photos while also providing an ink strip for fingerprinting. It might be upsetting to think about, but every parent needs this information on hand, whether at home or while traveling.

Don't Set Sail or Board the Plane Unless You Have This!

Attention travel agencies, hotels and resorts, tour operators, cruise lines, tourism services, and transportation services. Are you looking for something simple to promote your business and get your name and brand noticed? Consider the Whatever Bottle Travel Set. Today's travelers -- whether for business or pleasure -- know federal regulations don't allow for large bottles of liquids to be transported within carry-on bags. Not to mention, the thought of bringing bulky bottles onboard is inconvenient and messy. This travel set enables your customers, partners, and potential customers to fill each bottle with the products he/she needs. Some travelers might bring facial cleansers and shampoo while others need witch hazel and liquid hand soap. The choice is up to the recipient, but the travel set can be used over and over again. The bottles are also approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) so that travelers know they are okay to use. This travel set makes it so much easier when packing and prepping for a trip. Your recipients will thank you for this gift, but really, you'll be more thankful since your message will be front and center for all to see.

Keep Your Business from Getting Stale with a Simple Promotional Item

My family is constantly opening various food products from marshmallows and candy to cereal and pretzels. Before I realize it, the kids have moved on to another product and the torn open bag of marshmallows has quickly become stale. No worries though. I have that recycled 6" bag clip that I picked up at a tradeshow a few years back to save those snacks. Here is an item that has made its rounds -- keeping potato chips sand-free at the beach and closing cookie bags at soccer tournaments -- with my family. While in transit, this simple clip has been seen by probably hundreds of people as I passed around bags of goodies. Hmmmm…. This sounds like a really great marketing tool. It's simple yet it clearly shows off that marketing message. You could spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new marketing campaign, and that is fine. But you could also integrate a small promotional item into that same campaign, giving it out at product launches, tradeshows, client meetings, and an array of other events. It's one more step that keeps your brand in the mind of those who have met you and know your image and offerings and even those who haven't.

You Gotta Shake, Rattle, and Get Business

The clocks have been turned ahead. The calendar has hit the vernal equinox. Kids are taking to the fields for softball and baseball practice. The daffodils are beginning to raise their yellow heads. What this means is that springtime has arrived and summer won't be far behind. You can easily bet money on the fact that men and women will be hitting the gym or the pavement -- or both -- in an effort to get in shape and work off the pounds that the stews, cupcakes, and countless high carb foods of winter tacked onto our derrieres and thighs. It's time for salads and smoothies. The 20 oz. Plastic Fitness Shaker with Measurements makes whipping up a protein shake or smoothie as simple as a cakewalk -- or rather as simple as can be. Gyms and fitness centers, physicians, and health insurance companies have used this promo item to market their businesses while giving clients and potential customers a product that they can really use to get in shape and feel good. Now's the time for your logo to splashed across these shakers as so many people are looking to improve their overall health. You'll help them get in shape. Your recipients will help to market you.

The Pencil Takes the Lead!

While sharpening pencils for my kids the other night, I realized something. Expensive, top-notch pens seemingly have taken over the world, providing the ink necessary for the signatures that grace laws, bills, and contracts. Everything from sending a nephew a check for his 18th birthday to the President penning a signature on a new law, is left to the mighty pen. Thus, the well-promoted pen appears to be leaving the lowly pencil in the (lead) dust. But actually, that's not the case. Take a look at all the schoolchildren who learn to write with pencils. Even college students choose pencils over pens for their high level math classes. Accountants and librarians are two professions also known to have pencils in hand. The Buy Write Pencil is a promo item for any industry: hotels, insurance firms, electricians, retail businesses, schools, IT companies, dentists, etc. Although the pen would have you believe it's conquered the world, we all need our pencils. And one simple pencil can market your business for months, even years to come. Each time it is used or sharpened, or even just sitting on the counter or desk, it's marketing your company.

Well, By George, I'm Feeling a Lot Less Stressed

Oh, the stress! There are so many reasons why anxiety can build up and take over, leaving us sleepless, hesitant, and worried. Health issues for ourselves and loved ones, the increase in the cost of living, the looming tax season crunch, and paying off those holiday bills are just a few scenarios that we can all relate to in terms of anxiety. So, what do we do about it? How about squeezing the dickens out of our first President? Would that help you to feel better? If so, take a look at the George Washington Bust Stress Reliever. Imagine the fun of clutching old Georgie boy and squeezing him to your heart's content. Now, imagine all of your customers doing the same thing! Sure, George can't offer you a fat check to pay off that heating bill or make sure that your tax return is filed correctly to make the deadline, but he can alleviate some of the worry in your life while bringing a little smile to your face. Hand these George stress relievers out at your next business conference, meeting, or tradeshow and listen for the chuckles. The question isn't who could I give these to but who wouldn't love this great promo item?

Extending Your Business Reach to Animal Loving Peeps

Know how to capitalize on a market that you never considered critical to your business? Today's tip shows you how! Pets are a huge part of many of our lives. According to the Humane Society, the US was home to 164 million pets in 2012 -- a whopping 62 percent of US households had a furry, fluffy, or scaly baby living under its roof. What does this mean to your business? Your business -- whether it is pet-oriented or not -- should cater to pet owners. You need to capitalize on these statistics. You could be a veterinarian or a pediatrician. A dog walker or an office cleaning service. An accounting firm or a convenience store. Whatever your business entails, you probably cross paths with pet owners, if not daily, then almost daily. Why not pitch your business directly to these people? It doesn't mean you have to stand up and give a speech. A simple smile, quick introduction, and customized promo item are all the tools you need. The pet food scoop n' clip is one suggestion. It's a small token gift that is inexpensive for you but completely necessary for dog and cat owners who will be feeding their beloved babies daily.

Glassware for Irish Folks and Others

"There are only two kinds of people in the world, the Irish and those who wish they were." This classic Irish proverb will draw a chuckle and so, with St. Patrick's Day not far away, look to the 16 oz Pilsner glass. This glass can be customized with a logo -- perfect for restaurants and taverns for promotional giveaways. Customers purchase a specific beer (or another specialty beverage) that is on tap for the Irish holiday and the glass is a free gift. These glasses are also ideal as gifts for groomsmen and other partygoers at bachelor parties. Consider this glass as a special remembrance for a wedding, a retirement party, or a 21st surprise birthday. Personally, I like the idea of dining establishments customizing the Pilsner glass and giving it to customers or simply using the tailored barware in their businesses. Why just use a simple clear beverage glass? Every single one of your barware items should have your restaurant's name on it. Why? This subtle marketing message sticks in your customers' minds even when they aren't in your pub. The customized glasses will become something that customers expect each time they pay a visit. And that will make you stick out from the 22 other restaurants/pubs in your town.

A Tee Shirt with a Message

It won't be too much longer before Daylight Savings Time begins, the weather warms up, and more of us will take to the outdoors for exercise and fresh air. As we say goodbye to winter, one thing becomes certain. Charities and organizations, anxious to bring attention and dollars to their coffers, begin holding events like memorial walks and fundraisers. The 5K race/fun walk is a weekend norm in the springtime and many charities use them to raise money. What's one thing these charitable organizations need? Besides money, I mean? It's a great Hanes 50/50 Cotton/Poly T-Shirt - White. These tees are easily customizable so that you can add the event name and date as well as the names for the terrific sponsors who have helped to make the run/walk/festival happen. Tee shirts are one of the most popular and also one of the most enduring of promotional items because they are simple, everyone loves them, and they can be great giveaways for nearly every person of any age. Now imagine your message being worn by the masses -- hundreds, even thousands of people. That's a marketing message that won't be missed.

Open Sesame... or Something of the Sort

We all get mail. Sure, we probably receive more email than we do snail mail, but nonetheless, envelopes containing bills, letters, junk, membership information, and thank you notes will show up in your mailbox, requiring someone to open them up. Don't let your customers and potential business partners get paper cuts! Instead, have your logo imprinted on this letter opener and distribute them in person, at tradeshows, and in promotional bags. These letter openers offer bright colors that really pop -- enabling your logo to stand out. And each time the recipient has an envelope in hand, he or she will reach for this appealing letter opener for easily and quickly cutting through even the toughest paper. Personally, I've had one these letter openers for years and it's still as sharp today as it was when I first received it. That's a true testament to a promotional item that is small, simple, and inexpensive, but still a must-have gift that solves a key problem for the masses. Now, get busy and go order a shipment of these letter openers for your next tradeshow. You'll be glad you did!

One Item, Many Uses

You might suspect that something like the 64 oz sand pail is nothing more than mere child's play but let's be honest here. This promotional item is truly something you can use to jazz up other small giveaways and corporate literature or to form the basis for a goodie basket for your clients. I personally love this pail for tradeshows and events because it looks a lot nicer than a traditional tote or plastic bag for recipients to hold materials, pens, and small items. Having a corporate meeting? Planning your next annual party? Heading out to speak with perspective clients? Tailor this pail for whatever you have going on. Stack them on your table at next month's tradeshow to distribute to interested people as they stop by. Once the tradeshow or corporate meeting is over, the pail has a multitude of uses. Sure, you might spot a child on the beach with one. I like to stick household items (petare products, art supplies for projects, cleaning products for laundry use) and they also work well to hold tissue packs, hand sanitizer, and CDs in the car. So many uses for just one simple item. And don't forget. Your marketing message goes far beyond that show or meeting.

Getting Noticed by Thousands of People at One Time

Recently, my kids attended an NBA game and came home with 24 oz. vista sports bottles, and this got me thinking. The item was given as a promotion by an insurance company (interesting!) at a basketball game. What a wonderful idea! Look at how many people that one simple item touched -- literally thousands. That's right, I said thousands. The item is related to sports -- heck, you need to drink fluids when you're biking, hiking, taking boot camp class, or shooting hoops. But the company distributing the item isn't affiliated or directly related to sports in any way. Yet, this particular organization used a major sporting event to promote itself in front of a hugely diverse clientele of people. This is what your business needs to do. You might think that you can only hit a tailored group, say the demographic where the majority of your income comes from. However, by not being so focused, you can touch on other demographics that you might never have even considered. Sure, my kids aren't interested in an insurance company, but the bottle came home and I might have a need for such services. See, how many pairs of eyes you reach by one small promotional product? It's amazing!

Sharpen the Brain's Potential While Increasing Your Business Potential

The mind is a terrible thing to waste. This is why I'm showing off the Perplexia Master Pyramid Puzzle today. It's a wooden puzzle that looks sharp and sophisticated sitting on your desk. Yet, in a moment of stress or when you need to kill time, this product gets the hands working while occupying your brain on a new task. It is great for those who love a good puzzle -- teachers, accountants, programmers, and scientists are just a few professionals that come to mind (no pun intended). Ideal to be given as a gift to your customers or as a giveaway at a tradeshow, this pyramid puzzle will be enjoyed by every recipient. It's unique and memorable, just like your business! Don't forget that Gimmees will gladly add your company name or tagline to this item so that it continues to market your business in the months and years to come. Give your customers a reason to enjoy a little fun in the middle of a workday with this amazing, beautiful puzzle that looks like a work of art when it's completed.

Work It, Baby

Too many cookies. Too much nog. Way too much wine and champagne. Entirely too much partying and socializing. Not enough exercise. Too few vegetables. Not enough glasses of water. In January the bane of the holiday season hits us full force as we once again pull out the scale and try to zip up our jeans. The decorations are packed away and we tend to feel depressed due to the glum, cold weather and the winter that has only just begun. This is the reason why many flock to gyms and fitness centers at the start of the month with the best of intentions only to find that within a few weeks, their desires for good health seem too distant to be effective. Calling all fitness centers, doctors’ offices, senior centers, and nutritionists. Encourage your clients and patients to start out small with the 7" Wooden Handle Jump Rope. Rather than enrolling in six spinning classes a week or turning to crash dieting to lose those holiday pounds, it is best to start out slowly so that better eating and added exercise aren’t overwhelming or too difficult. This jump rope lets recipients start out small and each time they decide to use it, they will think of your company.

Getting to the Heart of Your Business

There’s nothing better than freshly baked cookies, which is why today’s pick for a promotional item is the heart cookie cutter. You might think this is something that can only be a giveaway option for say, Valentine’s Day, but there are countless businesses that can use these for promoting themselves. Daycare centers and schools. Cooking classes. Heart disease awareness. Bakeries. Grocery stores. Greeting card stores. New restaurant openings. Cardiologists. Bridal shows. And of course, the all too familiar Valentine’s Day. See how a simple item can promote so many types of businesses and so many different themes? Of course, you can take the cookie cutter and use it to market your company, too. No matter what business you are in, just be a little creative to make this item your own. Add a catchy saying or slogan (i.e. Our customers are our heart and soul) to tie this adorable cookie cutter into what your organization does and can do for the recipient. I also find the cookie cutter to be a lovely addition to a bag of giveaways at a tradeshow or conference. It’s something that ends up being truly memorable each time it is used.