Most students are currently enjoying some well-deserved time off, but they’ll be returning to the classroom before you know it. And as August draws closer, it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school season. One big opportunity you can take advantage of right now: back-to-school kits. They’re a great way to set students up for a successful year, and we’ve got five must-have items every kit should contain. A Stylish Backpack Every student needs one. Whether they’re carrying their books to class or packing clothes for a weekend away, you can be sure they’ll use it every day. Notebooks Are Popular Again Taking notes by hand is linked to improved memory and retention of the subject matter (Sage). That’s why it’s important for every student to have a notebook and a pen handy in the classroom. Can’t Miss With Drinkware Sustainability is a big focus on campuses, and everyone's more conscientious about using their own insulated bottles every day rather than buying drinks in single-use plastics or paper cups. And even with the pandemic largely behind us, attitudes about spreading germs have changed: Refill stations are replacing water fountains in many public places. Cozy Fleece All Day Comfort is key when it comes to students’ wardrobe choices. That’s why a super-soft fleece hoody makes a great addition to any back-to-school kit. Decorate it with their school’s emblem and let them show off that school spirit. Let’s Do Lunch Bringing food from home is the new normal, so a lunch cooler is a no-brainer. Add it to your kit for a gift they’ll use all the time. Need more ideas on some fun ways to welcome back students after an unusual school year? Just ask! We're here to help!

If 2020 taught us anything it's that a bit of flexibility to your habits can open up an entirely new way of thinking! In a tech driven word, flexibility is critical, yet each of us uses technology differently as part of our daily routine. In our quest to share "quirky enough to work" products, we enjoy highlighting products with strong message potential through physical attributes and of course word play. These gel mounts will literally take your brand anywhere your recipient cares to travel. Let your branding live a little; adapt & embrace change. How about a non- tipping can cooler? Yes! Stay connected anywhere! Setting up your office space for maximizing organization and efficiency? This desk gift set is a perfect welcome back to work gift. Ever played with bubble wrap? Of course, a push-pop game is a great stress reducer and plenty of fun for kids of all ages. Play reduces stress and games build camaraderie. From tic tac toe to giant yard games. Ready to use soap in the great outdoors? According to our partner's at ASI, the top 3 reasons a consumer will keep and use your gift include: attractive, quality, useful! We hope these quirky, products will be a hit for your next branding campaign. * Source 2020 Advertising Specialty Institute Global Study

Mountain biking, camping, climbing or kayaking – or even a Sunday picnic in the park, there are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors. This summer, having discovered how much fun it can be as an escape from pandemic-related lockdowns, adventure will continue to take center stage. Popular retail brands deliver a combination of style and performance people love. Like what? Bike racks to backpacks, Thule® has always been about active lifestyles. The brand also partners with bluesign®, meaning it meets strict criteria for safer and more sustainable manufacturing and production. Along with bottles and backpacks built for adventure, the brand’s Got Your Bak™ Lifetime Guarantee is good for the lifetime of your product. Hiking the hills or biking down the mountain, you can count on CamelBak®. The brand’s hashtag is #CuriousByNature, which pretty much sums up its adventurous spirit. And High Sierra® has the products to back it up, everything from backpacks and lanterns to Bluetooth® speakers and camping chairs. Arctic Zone® delivers top-of-the-line performance. The brand’s insulated coolers and drinkware keep food and drinks cold for long summer days spent outdoors – hiking trail, fishing lake, campsite or kicking back on the beach. Just as the name suggests, Roots73, founded near Toronto in 1973, is inspired by the wilderness of nearby Algonquin Provincial Park, combining comfort and style for everyday adventures. Ready to compare there popular brands- sure you can look at links on our website but enjoy the freedom of visiting our newly expanded showroom to touch options again! By the way, what's your favorite outdoor escape?

While mortgage rates are super low and people are rapidly buying up homes, one thing is clear: The housing market is scorching hot right now. Whether it’s to spruce up an open house, celebrate a housewarming party or promote your real estate business, there are tons of gifting opportunities within the industry. Take a look at our favorite ways to say “welcome home!” No matter the occasion, a cheese plate adds a classy touch. This cutting board was crafted from black marble and acacia wood, and the included cutting tools fit neatly into the slide-out drawer beneath. Buying a home means lots of paperwork, so they’ll need a good pen. The Calais is sleek and lightweight with chrome accents and smooth black ink that makes writing effortless. It comes in a signature Cross® gift box, and even includes a lifetime mechanical guarantee. A cozy blanket that brings new meaning to the term “housewarming.” This super soft Sherpa throw is perfect for cuddling up on the couch with a good book. What's the perfect companion for porch parties? This trendy speaker is made from FSC-certified bamboo and delivers up to eight hours of playback. Plus, the built-in microphone allows hands-free calls. It even comes in a premium gift box! For those in the real estate and financial markets, we have options for signature, personalized closing gifts and program pieces for your community & social media engagement. We love designing award winning programs for our partners, after-all it's #YourStoryOurWhy that keeps us motivated each day. Let's ignite your brand!

What's visually pleasing to the eye? Rest! Told 'ya it was a twist! A day of working from home typically consists of sending emails, dialing into video meetings, getting some work done on the computer and, if you’re lucky, a little TV before bed. That’s a lot of time spent in front of a screen! In fact, screen time spiked to over 13 hours a day at one point during the pandemic lockdown (eyesafe®). While remote work has its perks, it’s important to give yourself a break from the screens if you want to avoid burnout (and even improve your performance). Blue light blocking glasses make a great gift or practical welcome back to the office perk when employees return. Good old-fashioned paper and pen work for recording notes, memories or even doodling. What types of options are forward thinking when it come to the environment? The last notebook you’ll ever need. Rocketbook stores notes to the cloud using a free smartphone app, making it easy to stay organized. Using the Pilot FriXion pen, the special erasable pages can easily be wiped clean. Just think of all the trees you’ll save! (Pro Tip: Give the FriXion ink about 15 seconds to dry.) Did you know taking notes by hand is linked to improved retention of the subject matter? This is because it involves cognitive engagement in summarizing, paraphrasing and concept mapping, leading to a deeper understanding of the material than typing notes on a keyboard. So on top of giving your eyes a break from the screen, you’re giving your brain a boost too. How about an EcoSmart solution made from recycled paper or this NC- USA Made option. Besides, staring at a screen for long periods can have some serious side effects, like eye strain, blurred vision and even headaches (Forbes). Nobody likes working with a headache, so take a break from the screen – even just to jot down some notes – and give your eyes some much-needed rest.

June 14 is National Flag Day, commemorating the date in 1777 when the United States approved the design for its first national flag. Besides not letting the stars & stripes touch the ground or burning the flag, do you know rules around when to fly a flag? For example, the U.S. Flag Code addresses the rules for flying flags, rain or shine, United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, states: "The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all-weather flag is displayed." How about the hours to fly the flag? According to the US Flag Code, all American flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset every day. Lowering the flag at night is an ultimate sign of respect for Old Glory. You can keep your flag flying 24-hours if it is properly illuminated during all hours of darkness. What are the best ways to take care of your flag? Wash in warm soapy water and lay flat to dry Frequently wash your flag to remove airborne contaminants Fly it away from other objects Weather conditions will make the life of a flag vary for tears, rips and fading. Did you know when it's time to replace your flag there are rules about discarding a flag and a location in Downtown Apex in front of the fire station? In the market for an American flag? Yes- we have all types of shapes and sizes, plus we create custom flags for all types of purposes. You've seen our handwork flying over police stations, YMCA's, schools and municipality locations, as well as decorating indoor locations such as Mayor's office, First Responder training rooms, churches and businesses! Our design team can create the look you've been seeking.

If change was always easy and difficult conversations were always respectful; then bridging perspectives into a unified voice would be simple. Recently someone suggested to us that if the goal is to hold hands, we first have to be willing to gather & listen to the other side. That's bridge building. The modern workplace is diverse, so a culture that demonstrates through tone, voice and action that diverse perspectives unify is hard to simplify into a product. What properties can a product possess that suggest unity? We like to focus messages around visual properties, to create a stronger message. Plants grow and thrive with similar shaped foliage, but each leaf seeks out their own space for light to grow. Yet together the leaves contribute to a beautiful plant. Plants are also associated with "calm"- an important element in respecting another's perspective. Bags by nature collect and hold a variety of objects, but are purposeful with those united objects. A gym bag is a collection of fitness related gear or apparel. Similarly, your backpack or office brief for school or work and your luggage for traveling or specialty gear for camping, boating or heading to the beach. Each bag has a united purpose, with each product contributing- unifying the task. Sublimated products allow for photographs or colorful graphics that share words or images that help to shape stories. Our graphics team often creates new logos or designs to unify, like the design we created last year for Change the Head, Change the Heart as a iconic image around changing the mind & heart to effect change. Besides applying designs to tee shirts, think caps, bags and even journals- which make the perfect place for reflection. Adding custom pages allow books to become deeply personal to the recipients- using the content area for interactive conversation. Looking for ways to capture unifying themes? We have ideas!

Have you ever wondered what happens to all of those plastic water bottles you throw into the recycling bin? In a recent post, we explained rPET and how that process takes raw materials and transforms them. Maybe you prefer visuals over reading? We recently created and shared this video showing how your recycled water bottles get a second chance at life by becoming everyday products such as this reusable bag! The bag featured in this video is also part of our Give Back program, until June 14, benefiting The Poe Center for Health Education. We invite you to learn more about our Give Back program and why we chose the Poe Center as this year's non-profit of choice! P.S. Our video was shared by the supplier - We're kind of excited!

It's Pride Month, and colorful products take center stage. Inclusive products can celebrate diversity & individuality by their properties, construction or range of color. A recycled crossbody tote incorporates the theme of re-thinking a traditional product & the rainbow strap adds a visual element of fun. Similarly a collapsible tie dye water bottle also adds a new twist on a classic product, with a swirl of color. We've had a number of posts within the blog featuring products like the ones in this image that capture diversity themes such as: Colorful pens or pencils, with rainbow tips Sunglasses- that are vibrant tie dye Cotopaxi- a truly one of a kind bag Candy- assorted flavors and colors of candies and mints Phone grip- with a full color imprint Microfiber cleaning cloth- with photographs Sublimated products! What's your favorite product for themes of diversity and inclusiveness?

Summer is here, and people are excited to get out and enjoy the weather. As they spend more time outside, there are big opportunities in products that make the outdoors more fun and convenient. Whether they’re going to the beach, the lake or the pool, these items are perfect for a day of fun in the sun. Microfiber Beach Blanket with Drawstring Pouch: This 57.75” x 28” beach blanket gives you space to lie back and relax. When you’re ready to go, fold it up into its included drawstring bag for compact carrying. Utility Beach Tote: A stylish tote with plenty of room for a beach towel, sunscreen, Bluetooth® speaker and a good book. Its mesh body makes it easy to shake out the sand, so it’s perfect for a day at the beach. Sun Ray Sunglasses: A classic look that stays in style. These shades feature UV 400 lenses to protect your eyes from the sun. Available in 12 great colors. 1oz Link SPF30 Sunscreen: No one likes a sun burn. Keep this portable sunscreen in your bag and stay safe from the sun’s rays. Swirl Beach Ball: A ball always comes in handy at the beach or the pool. This classic 12” inflatable ball is a good toy to keep in your beach tote. Arctic Zone® Titan Deep Freeze® Rolling Cooler: When you’re heading to the beach, snacks and drinks are a must. This cooler features Deep Freeze® insulation that keeps ice solid for three days, and the easy-access lid lets you quickly grab what you need. Unisex Incite Chino Twill Ballcap: A hat is a great way to protect your face when the sun gets too hot. This classic ballcap has a pre-curved bill and Velcro closure. Available in 11 colors. Ready to hit the beach? Check out more great ideas here

Safety first! Workplaces everywhere are familiar with the phrase – many even have it printed on signs – but how do you encourage employees to prioritize safety? Easy answer: Reward it with great gifts. There’s no better way to incentivize employees to meet safety goals, and there’s no better time to motivate them than during Safety Awareness Month. It comes around every June. A Cause For Celebration Whether you’re rewarding them for 365 accident-free days or passing the annual safety inspection, it’s important to celebrate milestones. These versatile gifts can be used anywhere, so they’re a great way to recognize a job well done. Safety program essentials should include, signage on doors, trucks, breakroom, lockers, even hard hats! Developing a theme that captures attention is one of the ways our graphic experience can help shape behavior. Just like a catchy jingle gets stuck in your head, concise but high impact graphic design is a constant reminder to goals. Beyond the visual and verbal cues, incentives work. Who doesn't like a reward? What are some of our favorites? Name brand items such as: A popular bag from a brand they trust. This durable backpack from Thule, features two full-sized storage compartments, protective sleeves for a laptop and tablet, plus a rigid SafeZone pocket for small valuables. The padded shoulder straps and back panel with airflow channels for ventilation make it super comfy to carry. Six hours of playback on a single charge – and a 10-minute rapid charge provides a couple hours more is part of what makes Skullcandy such a popular brand with consumers. These wireless earbuds have features like built-in touch sensors let you answer calls, change songs, adjust the volume or activate the 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. And they’re integrated with the Tile app, so they’re easy to find if they’re ever misplaced. Many jobs that focus on safety programs put employees out in the field, which means in the elements - both hot and cold. Essential items to tame the weather include quality coolers and copper insulated drinkware. Here are a couple of favorites Trust a COB light for safety. This auto-safety tool features a magnetic base, a seatbelt cutter, a window breaker and a two-function COB light that includes solid white and blinking red (batteries included). We hope you never need to use it! Stay Safe Out There! When you need more ideas- check this store for inspiration.

You've heard it said, that to get somewhere in life, you need to know where you are going first. Planning. For some of us it's second nature and for others, we might as well be holding a compass and throwing a dart towards any unknown destination. Being prepared means securing items that allow your location to be flexible. Like what? Click & Go Commands -Secure a link to your target audience with this Click+ quad pack! Featuring Bluetooth 4.0 technology, users can set up three customizable commands with a single or double click or click and hold. Whether they want to find a phone, take a photo, control music, share location or another simple task, once the device is paired to their phone or tablet with he click of button. Once you set up your task with a single push button response, you will have more time to set up your yoga mat in your favorite location. Take a look at this quality gift set for the yoga enthusiast in your life. No matter which direction you plan to travel, we can develop a solid plan for your campaign.