April is National Stress Awareness Month, so it's good timing that these self-care kits will be ready to ship out in March! This revolutionary kit goes beyond typical promotional products by creating a unique experience for each and every user as they create their own lip balm. Foster a moment of ever-important self-care that leaves a lasting impression with an experiential, fun, and creative product. Some suggested applications? Welcoming attendees to a conference, a gift in their room Birthday or work anniversaries - as part of a program for employees Teachers, Nurses, Doctors, Volunteer Appreciation "Thank you for your loyalty" Employee stress management gift This kit includes everything needed to make five lip balm tins: ingredients (natural beeswax pellets, sunflower oil, peppermint essential oil, vanilla flavoring), utensils (plastic beaker, pipette, spatulas), empty lip balm tins, and instructions. Branding space includes customized labels for the tins, and a customized label for the inside box lid. Our partner at Raining Rose Promo, will donate 1% of their annual profits to support honeybees and beekeeping families. That's going to create a buzz! Learn more about how these kits help support people and the planet here. Ask how this kit can qualify to be part of our annual Promotional Partners Cares Campaign. Double the impact this month. Have a heart. Bee the difference.

This weekend's Superbowl will be a reason for many to gather for fun. Celebrations are the perfect setting for branded promotional products. From popular charcuterie boards to hot pads, pepper mills, wine or beer totes, cheese graters, spoon rest, pint glasses, or avocado slicers to a pizza cutter. Introducing your brand in a party environment sparks conversation about your brand. Using popular national date throughout the year will add some personality to your brand. A pizza party is the perfect fit for more engagement. Looking for some inspiration for dates? Check out this PDF of national dates to add more spice to your promotions this year. By the way, what's your favorite party accessory or food?

Umbrellas are the perfect promo item - one size fits all, it rains just about everywhere, and everybody uses them. If you're not taking advantage of umbrellas as a promotional product, you're missing out on a whole lot of brand impressions. We are asking you to forget what you think you know about umbrellas and listen while we put some common misconceptions to rest. Myth #1: Umbrellas are boring. Truth: Thanks to a big selection of fashion-forward looks with fun colors, cool patterns, and new fabrics, umbrellas help you make a splash without jumping in any puddles! And if it's a trendy style in retail, we have brands like Totes, Cutter & Buck, and Stromberg. Myth #2: Umbrella design innovation stopped years ago. Truth: Exciting developments are happening all the time. The all-new, super-cool inversion umbrellas close so that the outside of the canopy is pulled inward, trapping them inside and making it easier to close from a car seat or doorway. Windproof umbrellas feature vented canopies and special flexible frames. Myth #3: Umbrellas are too traditional to make an impact. Truth: Umbrellas leave a big impression. The average promotional umbrella generates 1,100 impressions during its lifespan. Plus, umbrellas give you more for your money. The cost-per-impression is less than one cent.* Myth #4: People won't hold on to them. Truth: A promotional umbrella is definitely a keeper - a promo umbrella is kept on average for over a year - 14 months, to be exact. They're often kept in the car and at the office "just in case." Myth #5: You're on your own finding a good promotional umbrella. Truth: We've got you covered. Umbrellas keep us dry on rainy days, but that big round canopy is also the perfect canvas for a brand. Golf umbrellas, inversion umbrellas, fashion umbrellas - no matter what you need, Promotional Partners has the right umbrellas at the right price. *Data compiled by Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI)

Create Gifts That Make A Big Impression Gift season is in full swing, and retail brands always make a big impression. In fact, they’ve become so popular in the promotional channel that we’ve experienced record-breaking sales among our top brands in both 2020 and 2021. The takeaway: Brands will be a big trend this holiday season and beyond – and with names like Herschel, Skullcandy®, Bose®, CamelBak®, tentree® and more, we’re your one-stop shop. Brands: Bigger Than Ever There’s been an interesting shift during the past year or so. Gift giving has become more common, and people are being more thoughtful about it. Along with premium quality, style and performance, retail brands have a distinct identity people know and trust. Whether they’re for clients or employees, you know people will use gifts from retail brands, creating a connection that lasts. From a promotional products perspective, the uncertainty creates a practical challenge: how to deliver gifts for distribution when recipients aren’t at a central location, like a workplace or a hotel hosting a conference. The Brands You Want, When You Want Them We’re always introducing new retail brands – in fact, we’ll be bringing you more new brands in the final months of the year than some suppliers have in their entire portfolio. So you’re getting the trendiest retail looks, innovative designs and cutting-edge tech in real time, not a year (or more!) later. Which brands are trending? Find out here. Get A Head Start On The Holidays Beat the rush while the selection is strong – our most popular gifts from retail brands are in stock now. No matter who your gift is for, we’ve got a brand to match. Trendsetters Modern Professionals Everyday Adventurers Weekend Warriors Don't delay, lead times are extending and stock continues to be an issue. Make sure you're getting a head start and make this holiday season one to remember!

Schools, youth sports teams, churches, and nonprofit organizations are always looking for unique ways to raise money for various programs. Let’s take a closer look at Outdoor Coupon Magnets. Supporters detach the corner coupons to use them at the sponsor businesses, bringing in additional sales, and keep the center for their refrigerator, toolbox, or vehicle to promote or endorse the school, team, cause, or organization. From purchasing new school uniforms to buying groceries for a food bank, fundraising efforts with outdoor coupon magnets are endless. A Fundraising Example- Let’s say your customer, a high school football booster club, needs to raise funds to purchase new equipment. The members of the booster club are confident they can sell 1000 magnets to families and the local community for a reasonable price, say $5 each. They find four local businesses that are willing to buy coupon space to advertise their business and support the team. To determine the corner cost for each sponsor, simply divide the total cost of the magnet into four to cover the magnet printing and shipping cost. When the coupon magnets arrive, the booster club can divide them up and sell them at 100% profit. The buyers support their team with a magnet to display and four detachable coupons to save money at sponsoring businesses. The sponsors gain additional sales and potentially new customers. And the booster club raises the money for the new equipment. It’s a win-win opportunity! We have three templates to choose from giving you the flexibility you need. Simply ask and we'd be more than happy to share! Source: Stouse

You might recall our post earlier this year featuring a man on a box- we suggested he'd overlooked the possibilities of that box. The modern consumer wants more visual and sensory stimulation and packaging has become an essential element to those experiences. Packaging delivers one more brand message to consumers in the final stage before purchasing. A quality product is table stakes for repeat buying, but how much weight do you think packaging holds in that equation? More than you know. To break through the clutter of hundreds of other competing products, it pays to be different. We’re talking about being innovative and unique in order to get a product noticed. Packaging builds brands and gives a product personality. First impressions count. Grab attention Let’s first look at ways to capture the eye's attention. Stand out with innovative printing and finishing methods and don't under estimate sensory touch. Quality matters and provides a higher perceived value- no cutting corners. Be recognizable Consumers form an opinion about a brand the moment they see the packaging. Make it count. Consider adding suspense to your story by the shape or design work of the packaging, making the recipient want to open it. Elicit emotion and action Create awareness and excitement while showcasing elements significant to the brand and its mission. Quality matters, not just in the feel and appearance but the ease to open, crispness of the folds, perfect sizing to the contents all make a brand statement. For those with low impact initiatives, ask us about certified recyclable materials, such as those endorsed by the FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) or SFI® (Sustainable Forestry Initiative), which are sourced from the highest available percentage of post-consumer recycled content from local mills. Don't overlook a little extra! Custom finishes and coatings add pizazz & pop to packaging. Processes like debossing, embossing, foil stamping and spot color printing transform the appearance of boxes. Finishing processes such as UV gloss coating, spot UV, soft-touch lamination, aqueous satin, and gloss coatings, intricate die-cutting, and raised UV give it a snazzy, polished look too. These extras highlight design elements, elevate the tactile experience, and add dimension. Set yourself apart It’s not the complete package until it’s the complete package. Including related products such as labels, inserts, bottle-neck cards and hang tags round create a comprehensive, thoughtful package solution. Tapping into our creative team, we can provide inspiration, comprehensive solutions and apply our certified marketing savvy to your packaging program challenges. Make design the focus of the packaging Better packaging design sells your message. The packaging and unboxing presents an experience for the consumer that adds to the product’s appeal. The design of their packaging creates magical moment to the recipient from when the package first arrives or is picked up to their unboxing experience. Key takeaway's Opportunities for packaging innovation can be driven by pivots in consumer behaviors, attitudes, and interests, as well as other macro trends in the marketplace. However, true innovation comes from blending consumer desire and product usability with production feasibility and brand voice. Sprinkle in cool packaging options and embellishments to ultimately connect brands with consumers and create moments that matter. Our expertise, your value-add We’re here to walk you options, compare products in our showroom and make the design process simple with our experienced graphic team.

Last year taught many of us to love and enjoy being outdoors.. It's a place to gather and enjoy the simpler things in life away from all the screens. These Luci lights bring bright, warm light to the palm of your hand. These compact and durable lanterns can withstand up to 150 lbs of pressure, while providing a soft light that lasts long into the night. Completely solar. Just add sun. Lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge, and recharges fully in 7 hours. Not sure how you can tie this into your brand message? What about "being the guiding light"? or maybe "brightening up your day".. the word play is endless and we're here to help! Giving back part of your brand mission? For every 10 Luci Lanterns purchased, 1 light will be donated to people in need. As a certified B Corp, MPOWERD is on a mission to transform lives with thoughtfully designed, clean technology. Luci® lights have impacted the lives of over 3 million people in more than 90 countries who still live without access to electricity. Want to see one in person? Sign up to come to our September 22 show today!

Snowflakes in the middle of August in North Carolina? Why not. North Carolina is known for quirky weather patterns, besides this quirky product is truly a unique snowflake. You've heard it said each snowflake is unique. Continuing our efforts to highlight unique product solutions, with a twist, this snowflake tool delivers. 17 tools in one! A uniquely-shaped stainless-steel keychain device. The snowflake design allows for tons of tools in a compact tool featuring: Slotted screwdriver, box cutter, rope cutter, bottle opener, key hole, Phillips screwdriver, multiple wrenches, and multiple Hex wrenches. Do you offer multiple solutions to common problems? Are you adaptable in any situation? Prepared for unforeseen challenges? Perhaps you streamline series. Word play is an effective memory tool for your brand message. Watch a video demonstration of it's potential here.

HidrateSpark It’s estimated that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, contributing to problems with everything from high blood pressure to decreased cognition (HidrateSpark.com). HidrateSpark® is here to help with some seriously smart water bottles. They connect with the free Hidratespark app to monitor intake throughout the day, lighting up and glowing when it’s time to drink water. The app produces a Hydration Equation, which calculates your unique daily goal based on personal factors including age, height, weight, sex, altitude and more. We have five great-looking styles launching, which means there is you can find one that’s right for you. Stojo Stojo believes sustainability shouldn’t mean sacrifice. Stojo’s mission is simple: replace single-use containers with well-designed, reusable alternatives that turn heads and start conversations. Stojo cups are collapsible and compact, so you can easily take them anywhere you go. BottleKeeper BottleKeeper® creates innovative products that protect the world from a lukewarm drinking experience. Designed from the ground up based on feedback from tens of thousands of customers, BottleKeeper® products use vacuum insulation to keep enclosed beverages cold from the first sip to the last drop – whether you’re grilling at the tailgate, hanging at the beach or working at your desk. Which one will be your new favorite? During the month of August, these brands are part of our annual Give Back Campaign with The Poe Center. Ask us how to qualify.

When you need a unique gift, it usually helps to think outside the box. But in this case, what you’re looking for is squarely inside the box – the Sprigbox. A Sprigbox is a small, self-contained indoor garden kit. The soil and seeds are in a pine box that can be engraved with branding – just add water and watch the plant grow. The nurturing is what sets Sprigbox apart as a promotional gift. It creates a different kind of connection with the person receiving it – depending on the circumstances, a Sprigbox can be fun, thoughtful or symbolic. But whatever the reason, it’s a gift people will remember. With kits ranging from cilantro and basil to sunflower and aloe vera, a Sprigbox works as a standalone gift or an add-on to a multi-item gift package. Either way, it’s a natural fit for our Perfectly Packaged service, which includes decorative paper, a message card and a custom branded sticker for the shipping box. Better For The Planet Featuring an all natural, biodegradable pine box for the plant, Sprigbox is part of our EcoSmart® collection, which includes 150+ eco-friendly and sustainable gift options. That means it’s a gift that gives back: One percent of sales are donated to environmental nonprofits. How's that for a smart product choice. During August, this product is part of our annual give back to Poe. Ask us how to become part of this initiative.

The push for eco-friendly products shows no signs of stopping. People everywhere are making an effort to support environmentally conscious companies, and two-thirds of consumers feel it’s important for a brand to be sustainable (IBM). We couldn’t agree more, and we’re more focused than ever on bringing more eco-friendly products to you. We’re pleased to introduce Ekobo, our newest retail brand partner. Let’s get to know Ekobo and what it’s doing to make a difference. Designed For Good Ekobo was founded in France in 2003 by a family who recognized a need for reusable, non-toxic dishware for kids. The mission would soon become to improve the way we engage with people and our planet. While bamboo started as the center of Ekobo’s work, it evolved over the years to introduce other sustainable materials like cork, rePET fabric, food-grade silicone and GOTS-certified organic cotton. After years of expertise in Fairtrade bamboo handicraft and a background in product design, founders Boo and Bruno developed what is now Ekobo’s signature BIOBU® bamboo fiber eco-composite. Nearly two decades later, the brand is known for its style as well as its sustainability and forward-thinking design. Check out some of our favorite new styles: Ekobo Store From table, to fridge, then off to work. This store-and-go container takes you full-circle. Featuring Ekobo’s signature FSC-certified bamboo fiber base and a 100% leakproof, premium food-grade silicone lid. Use it to serve up a saucy side or salad, then pop the lid on any left-overs and pack the same bowl for lunch the next day! While using, suction the lid on the bottom of the cup - it won't get lost in the mix, but it also doubles as a non-slip surface. Ekobo Rectangular Bento Box Goodbye plastic baggies, hello bamboo fiber! This roomy bento box features a removable divider so you can customize your bento to your lunch, not vice versa. Its top doubles as a plate, and it's all held together by a sturdy, black silicone band. Ekobo products comply with food safety standards around the world, including FDA, LFGB and REACH. They’re free of BPA, PVC, Phthalates, Lead, Cadmium and Mercury. It Gets Better Ekobo is also a part of our EcoSmart® collection, which means one percent of all sales are donated to environmental nonprofits through a partnership with 1% For The Planet. Are environmentally conscious products important to you? Ask us how your purchase can qualify for our annual Poe Center Give Back campaign during the month of August.

The holidays are a busy time of year, but they don’t have to be stressful. Getting an early start on your shopping can save you a ton of hassle. It lets you beat the rush, and why wait when our most popular gifts are in stock now? We’ve stocked up on some of our top-selling products for the season, so you can find the right gift for everyone on your list. Sherpa Blanket A gift that says “get comfy and relax.” This super soft sherpa blanket is extra warm and cozy. Perfect for curling up on the couch with a good book or movie. Artic Zone Titan Thermal HP Copper Tumbler 20oz. Copper insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours (or hot for eight). The double-wall construction prevents condensation, and the on-trend powder-spray finish makes it extra durable. The press-on lid features slide closure for easy sipping. It even comes in a premium gift box. Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds Five hours of playback on a single charge – and a 10-minute rapid charge provides a couple hours more. Built-in touch sensors let you answer calls, change songs, adjust the volume or activate a voice assistant – all without touching your phone. On top of all that, they have an IP55 waterproof rating, making them perfect for long hikes and tough workouts. Micro Coral Plush Blanket One of our most popular styles. This super soft, cozy plush blanket is just right for kicking back and relaxing. And it’s eligible for free embroidery, so no run charges up to 10,000 stitches. Tremblant Knit Jacket Between the cozy fleece and eye-catching heathered fabric, there’s a lot to love about this jacket. It’s perfect for layering or keeping warm on early morning walks with the dogs. With unlimited drop shipments, our Perfectly Packaged™ service lets you send gifts directly to people at their home or office. And it comes with decorative packaging, too – so no matter where you’re sending it, it’s sure to make a big impression.