If you are like me, rainy days often seem to dampen my spirits! Making someone smile on a rainy day is simple with inversion umbrellas, which shed the rain away from you as they open and close; pretty smart right? Due to the longevity of use, numerous colors, styles and price points umbrellas make a useful promotion. From a marketing standpoint, umbrellas are perfect for associating your brand with coverage, safety, innovation, protection and comfort. Looking for more reasons to consider an umbrella? Let's shower you with some compelling facts. In our recent rainy weather and high winds, a windproof umbrella would have been an ideal gift for an employee, business partner or to keep on hand to escort shoppers to their car. Take a look at one of our favorite large arc styles.

What gets hairy if you have a dog or a cat? Everything! Pets shed and unwanted hair is an issue for every pet owner. Connecting to consumers within their home reminding them of mortgage solutions, home renovation projects, home services or an upcoming desire to move pets might be the purrrfect fit! Do you offer vacation rental that include furry friends? Pet containers that store both food and water in the same container make road trips, hikes or the commute to doggie daycare easier. Products that solve challenges for your target markets doesn't have to be difficult. Planning ahead for pet related promotions might include selecting a community event to sponsor, such as pet day in the park or building a promotion around one of these coming 2020 calendar dates: February Pet Dental Health Month Dog Training Education Month National Cat Health Month Responsible Pet Owners Month February 22: National Walk Your Dog Day February 23: International Dog Biscuit Day March Poison Prevention Awareness Month March 1-8: Professional Pet Sitters Week March 13: K9 Veterans Day March 23: National Puppy Day March 23: Cuddly Kitten Day March 28: Respect Your Cat Day Ask us to send you a complete list of pet related dates for your yearly planning!

The first Friday of February, every year, is National Wear Red Day. Created by the American Heart Association to raise awareness of the number one killer among women of all ages - cardiovascular disease. There is a common misconception that this only occurs in "older" women, when in fact it is on the rise in younger women as well. As a result, it is important for all women to take charge of their heart health (source: American Heart Association) February is also American Heart Month. How can your brand message connect with the effort to reduce heart disease? Heart Shaped Reminders Show your audience you care by giving them a heart shaped stress reliever they can squeeze, or a heart shaped magnetic clip, or even a heart shaped hot/cold gel pack. Include your logo and a reminder message to get their heart checked regularly. Wellness Programs Encourage employees to be active during the week! 150 minutes a week is recommended for a healthy heart; that is 30 minutes a day for 5 days. A walking meeting is an easy way to take a break and get some exercise or even a walk during lunch. Gift employees with a set of wireless earbuds, an activity tracker or a pedometer to encourage participation! Red Ribbon A simple way to show support as a group for awareness days is to purchase assorted stock ribbon colors of instant embroidery ribbons. NC manufacturer, Suntex has a huge collection of colors and will create custom ribbons; be ready for any awareness date this year. Peel and stick for the day on your apparel and then apply to another surface in your work space for the remainder of the year to serve as a reminder to love your heart!

Thank you. Saying thanks with a special customer gift keeps you top of mind and lets them know that you not only value their business, but also your relationship. Customer appreciation is also good for the bottom line. A recent LinkedIn study estimates that acquiring a new customer can be up to 10 times more expensive than keeping a current one. Do your customers feel the love? February has a traditional focus on love. While some individuals may be focused only on romance, showing some love to your customer base is likely to be appreciated and inspire loyalty. Don't be stuck in a rut for gifting, there are numerous ways to show appreciation. Watch Trends, Mix It Up Food is the perfect shareable for a crowd, but do you pick the same basket or box every year? Step away from the status quo, we can help you select something trendy with your recipient's taste in mind. How about the gift of high-quality apparel? Just make sure it's something they'll actually want to wear. Look for something current, and stylish. Replace the plain cotton tee with a cozy, tri-blend fabric. Tees are also a great way to combine healthcare messages, as February has many heart related dates to tie into your business message. The tee will keep you remembered while they're wearing your gift to the gym, to walk the dog or hike in the park all year long. Be Thoughtful, Make Life Easier How well do you know your customers? While you might not be connected on social media or gathering socially, conversations with them have likely yielded some valuable information that you can apply when selecting gifts. Look for thoughtful gifts that makes their day-to-day lives a little easier or a little more fun. For example, if your customers are road warriors, consider some gifts that make living out of a suitcase or running through airports a little easier. A compact, folding Bluetooth keyboard can make answering emails a breeze without having to take your laptop out of your bag. An new underseat suitcase that helps you avoid baggage claim area and overhead bins is a lifesaver. If their company allows employees to bring dogs to the office a large canopy umbrellas that sheds the rain away from them when it's closed would be nice to own. Give Back, Share A Story Consider making your gift about more than a product with your logo. We often advise you consider reducing the size of your logo, placing your logo in a unique location or tone on tone if it's embroidered. A gift with a positive story is also a great way to add impact to your message. Products that are eco-friendly or socially-conscious products have become seriously popular gifts. There are tons of options when looking for a a gift that gives back. A Welly Copper Vacuum Insulated Tumbler, is more than an awesome bottle. Welly sales support efforts to build wells in areas without clean water. In addition, the EcoSmart program has everything from backpacks made with recycled water bottles, to recycled cotton totes that make perfect gift bags. The Bottom Line No matter what gift you choose, if it's on-trend, thoughtful and useful, it's sure to deliver the thanks and appreciation your customer deserves. How can products become part of your strategic marketing plan? Take a look at these upcoming dates for inspiration. We have ideas for how to use each of these dates to show appreciation and add personality to your brand. Ask us! February American Heart Month National Embroidery Month 7th – Send a Card to a Friend Day (print material-any industry) 10th – Umbrella Day 11th – White T-shirt Day 18th – National Battery Day 20th – Love Your Pet Day 22nd – Walking The Dog Day 28th – Skip the Straw Day March National Nutrition Month 6th – Employee Appreciation Day 8th – International (Working) Women's Day 12th – Plant a Flower Day 20th – International Earth Day 30th – National Pencil Day

As promised, we are back to explain a few of our favorite drinkware options we found at yesterday's event! We mentioned that there was everything from brand name to different shapes and sizes and even different decoration methods - instead of overwhelming you, we found it best to break them up into categories. Brand names versus Non-brand names. This beautifully designed bottle is made of glasses and features a silicone sleeve for easy handling and a bamboo lid which gives it a natural flair (a 2020 trend). One of the key comments we heard yesterday was people wanting a bottle that was effortless to hold yet chic - this is that bottle. While it doesn't hold a brand name, the look and feel gives you the same feeling for those not looking to spend extra for the name. Just imagine you and your recipients enjoying a nice cold sip of water in style! Another chic water bottle is this Corkcicle 20 oz Hybrid Canteen. Very similar in design to the previously mentioned, however, this glass water bottle also has the cooling power of insulated stainless steel! While the main portion is made of hypoallergenic glass, the base is made of stainless steel to keep your drinks nice and cold. Nice water bottles are a perfect fix when you are in need of a quality item to gift, whether it be for a company wellness program, employee on-boarding, or just as a thank you. Water is a necessity but isn't always fun, why not give a gift that will be useful and add a splash of fun. Let us know, do having brand names matter to you?

Our family watches football, so we are familiar with the term a Hail Mary. For those of you that are not football fans, it's a reference to a last ditch effort - aka a long shot attempt to throw a deep pass into the end zone to win the game. The upcoming Super Bowl will generate plenty of hype. In the days leading up to the event, images of rings and trophy's will be broadcast to serve as publicity to the coveted win. In the work place, as in sports, decorative awards serve a necessary role in motivating and shaping employee behavior. Recognizing performance for goals achieved engages your workforce and sends a message that goals matter. In fact, a 2016 Gallup survey showed that organizations that focus on employee engagement have: 41% lower absenteeism 42% lower turnover 70% fewer employee safety incidents 17% higher productivity 20% higher sales 21% higher profitability Your business or organization does not have to have a program in place as large as the NFL to create an iconic award. Designing a custom award is a very achievable goal. Here is a desk piece for a client that was seeing a way to allow for additional benchmark dates to be added into the stack over time with minimal desk space lost (these are also Made in USA). We can even create rings with the very same partner that created this ring! Creative recognition is one of our favorite design tasks!

We briefly talked about these custom coloring books that we created for the Kraft YMCA 10 year anniversary in our recent throwback post. The ability to create a book that fully captures your brand and while highlighting programs you offer members was a story captured in color! Well, in color once each individual added their own vision. A custom project like this one fits the Y mission to play, while creating positive vibes and embedding a memory in your recipient's mind. We can create custom monthly planners, coloring journals and more. Ask us about it! Lets talk about how you could use coloring for your brand! Healthcare Improve memory and brain function Activity for patients and visitors Academia Student recruitment Donor appeals Large Organizations Conferences Trade show materials Local & Federal Governments Community events City and town promotion Entertainment & Travel Destination promotion Guest Activities Did we mention these products are printed and produced using solar power, are made from 100% post consumer recycled paper and USA made? Just another great way to tie into the values of your brand!

According to Perception Research Services International, 4 out of 5 consumers noticed Made in USA labels on packaging. Seeing the USA made label reports an impressive response, making consumers three quarters more likely to purchase that product over a non USA made product. Additionally, 78% of those making purchases for USA made goods will still make the purchase even if the products cost as much as 10% more. What are 7 reasons to buy American Made? No Tariffs! No Stock Issues - reliable, available inventory! Production Time - Rapid delivery, even for custom development, no waiting for Chinese New Year to be over! Sharing Core Values - political, government, automotive, military, union, university or privately held company’s often seek USA Made partnerships. Strict Safety Standards Fair Treatment & Compensation of Labor Keeping Jobs In USA! What does the label really mean? Did you know that imported products must identify the country where products were manufactured? Products entirely made in the USA must denote "Made in USA". Many products use the certified Made in USA emblem registered trademark with the US Patent and Trademark Office. In 2008 USA Certification Inc became the leading independent source for Made in USA certification. Companies with the USA-C seal have adhered to a rigorous supply chain. If you support Shop Local Programs, USA Made promotions might be a fit for your marketing efforts. Aligning your brand with USA Made might be what sets your growth apart from your competition. Did you realize in the event planner section of our home page is a category for Made in USA?

Can't you hear the Beetle's? It's my birthday too yeah! Regardless of your preferences to brands or style, gifts are always appreciated; even if it's not your birthday. Perhaps your birthday is not the most noteworthy date on your calendar, but image if you received a perpetual calendar with a significant date such as your birthday, the date of your annual meeting or upcoming conference; would it build momentum? Despite being in a technology age, calendars are still relevant. There are many industries that "count days". Our industry is one, we count days of production or days to deliver a shipment when comparing options for products. Our goal is to match the best option for quality, features, decoration method and price with the supplier who is closest to your destination and able to meet your firm date for delivery without additional fees. Whenever you're puzzled by how to develop a campaign, our team jumps into creative mode with ideas that will connect with your vertical markets! If you'd like to start a fun promotion, like a birthday gift for each employee we've got some unique ideas to fulfill those needs or national calendar dates to suggest for inserting some personality into your marketing efforts.

Nearly 70% of US households own pets, according to the American Pet Products Association. As a dog lover, one of the pleasures of owning a business in a busy downtown area are all the fur friends that visit during the day. Whether it’s residents walking their dogs along downtown streets, dogs resting by the tables while the adults talk or canine officers engage with crowds at local festivals, its clear people love pets. Beyond dogs, cats, birds and reptiles are members of our family. Offering treats to pets that frequent your business or introducing point of purchase products that can be used by one’s favorite pet are ways to increase the reach and engagement of your brand with consumers. If a college student is looking for a bank, a mortgage, a car or a place to rent - offering them pet products when they sign the dotted line are a perk! Pet products are also a natural way to start real conversation at a festival style event. Does a consumer really want to talk to you about an achy back, gutters, windows or bathtubs? Maybe, but a consumer with an achy back might love a better dog harness, someone with full gutters might appreciate a new outdoor dog bowl, a window cling reminding 1st responders of indoor pets or a hose to connect to the tub to wash Fido might start a conversation that leads other places. Don't miss an opportunity to attract a pet parent by offering them a chance to spoil their furry friend!

There are lots of ways to show gratitude to your client base. Thanksgiving is an often overlooked day to express your appreciation for individuals and business partners that have supported your business. Custom greeting cards and branded calendars are an affordable and easy to mailer to send out ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. What are some key reasons to consider a gratitude promotion program? 1. Black Friday is coming! Stay top of mind by inserting a special offer, coupon or freebie that they can redeem on Black Friday. 2. Cyber Monday is coming! Planning a Cyber Monday promotion can help drive traffic to your website. Use a special landing page, a UTM code, and Google Analytics to measure and track ROI driven from your promo campaign. 3. Express your gratitude- Give thanks with a thoughtful sentiment, a personal gift or card. A hand sign your note — which is a small detail that is thoughtful and genuine. 4. Beat the holiday rush. Consumers will be inundated with offers, emails, mailers as the winter holiday season ramps up. It may be harder to capture their attention in December. 5. Spread the gratitude! The world needs more positive vibes. Host a contest or giveaway asking your customers and social followers to share reasons they are thankful. Those who participate can be entered to win a gift card, complimentary service or another awesome prize. Select several winners to send promotional gifts to as a thank you for participating. Bonus: Sponsor a food drive or a “Giving Tuesday” fundraiser for a local non-profit or a charitable cause that is special to you. Invite employees and clients to contribute; share your progress on your website and social media. This is a great way to give back to those in need, spread awareness and have fun! Don’t miss the chance to leverage overlooked holidays as an opportunity to connect with others!

They've been around since the early 1970s, many of us can remember using these pencils as children and now they're making a comeback! Imagine all the possibilities that can be created with this throwback pencil! Add these vibrant & colorful pencils to a custom coloring book or custom color calendar for additional value to the recipient. This custom coloring book included memories from the last 10 years of the Kraft YMCA, which was a fun way to recall the experiences and relationships formed through YMCA programs. A stackable colored pencil might be used: Alongside a custom coloring book or calendar marking major occasions and milestone As a giveaway at an elementary school open house During a summer festival event Pencils deliver high visibility ways to insert your personality and are budget friendly. What are a few options? Hammer head pencils Made in USA Jumbo pencils to "grow" business or cash in on savings Colorful barrels that change color, or are digitally printed with patterns Pencils constructed from recycled blue jeans or newsprint Quirky promotions are memorable, pencil in this choice for your next promotion.