Just over the past couple of days, the weather has turned rainy. It is a comfortable rain, the type that quietly patters on the streets and sidewalks and windshields of cars. It grays the skies, and the fall colors take on subtle hues like those found in a soothing and subdued watercolor painting. The weather induces a certain nesting desire - to curl up with a good read or make a good cup of hot chocolate. I had my first cup of hot chocolate the other day.

I've been thinking about seasonal promotional items, fit for Thanksgiving and Christmas giving. Our clients over the years have given everything from food to nice jackets to their customers and employees over the years. One of the more popular gifts is the promotional coffee mug. However, it seems that everyone's cupboards and dextops are full of such mugs.

In order to stand out and be memorable, you have to do something a little extra. When a mug is given as a gift, one way to enhance its appeal is to add a mug stuffer. This is a foil bag of hot chocolate mix or coffee decorated with your company's logo or message. It gives a real polished feel to the gift.

Another important consideration is to select a mug that stands out - one that is a different shape or finish will get noticed before the classic "C" handled mug. I particularly like this one.

It is called the Seattle Mug. It has sharp contrasting white interior and hip color choices for the exterior.

I also really like the look of this elegant acrylic tumbler called the Monaco Tumbler.

Over the years, I have seen or sold hundreds of variations of drinkware. I love the strong selection at The Creative Source. They are very innovative in styling and will get a company noticed.