The Classic Mousepad Gets Innovations

I started work on a product review video today focused on fabric-topped mousepads, so I've been thinking about that industry.

Mousepads are in the top ten of most popular promotional products, because they position logos so visibly, they get used rather than thrown out, and logos can be displayed in attractive full color.

But just because mousepads are classic advertising product doesn't mean that industry has stayed stagnant. A new technology has emerged making the Original Fabric Mousepad with antimicrobial technology! I think that is just genius. I even have a motto for it:

Mousepads: Carrying your message, not your diseases.

I don't know, should I copyright that? ;) ;)

On a more serious note, another step forward that the Mousepad  Industry has taken is in the new "mouse paper." It's not paper made from mice or even shaped like mice. Mouse paper is combining mousepads with notepaper!!! It is a second genius idea and proves that innovation is possible in every industry.

One of our computers uses Mousepaper as its mousepad. The top layer has notes scribbled on it and we are about half way through the pad of paper. VERY USEFUL idea! Paper is right where we need it, and no one  runs off with it because it is a mousepad under a mouse.

Do you have a mousepad next to your computer? What does it say on it?

Parade and Promotions

I watched two parades in the last two weeks, and while I enjoyed the bands, the glittering floats, and the fantastic cars driving by, I pondered parades and promotions.

Parades bring lots of people together who sit and watch each other. This makes parades a perfect place for promotions. As we wove our way to an empty spot to sit and watch, I counted three of these umbrella hats.

Immensely practical umbrella hats! They shade, they keep off rain, and...they advertise. There were enough hats to recognize that people will wear them. And a logo imprinted on the side would have advertised to hundreds of people and be cheaper than a billboard.

Add to that, beach umbrellas at a parade.

Beach Umbrellas for Parade Shade

Easier to carry than a canopy, yet providing shade, as I melted in a mere straw hat, I suppressed my shade envy toward the beach umbrella people.

As more people filled in the empty areas of the sidewalk, I noticed the group in front of me brought stadium chairs.

The two seats, exactly like our Tote Stadium Seats promoted a piano teacher! There, on the back of the stadium chairs (that looked comfortable to sit in and easy to carry, both of which make parade goers universally jealous) was the website address of a piano teacher. She should've made her text logo a bit bigger, I had to squint, but I applaud her for choosing those stadium seats as a promotion. Great memorable and usable marketing!

Now a word about t-shirts. T-shirts are classic promotions, and at a parade they show group solidarity as well as "talk" to the audience.

Multiple times I watched groups of people wearing the same logoed t-shirts holding together huge balloon floats. I even saw a band dressed in identical logoed shirts (although they used polos). One balloon-float group caught my eye because all the t-shirts were printed on the side. This meant that the people watching the parade could read the t-shirts more easily as they walked by. I sent mental kudos to whomever created that design.

Hope you enjoy your next parade. What promotions do you think that shine at parades?

Staying Cool and Sweet and Dancing To your Own Beat

I love summer! I will get tired of it, around August, and long for the cool nights of fall. But right now, I am enjoying the hot sun, warm water, fireworks, parades and outdoor picnics. The scent of sunscreen and lemonade are filling my nose.

It's now July, so I've been looking around for some fun promotions to go along with summer and The Fourth.

My first pick---I love these motorized fans! An outdoor concert or an evening of fireworks would be the perfect place to light up these fans and bring a bit of a breeze. Just bring an extra, you know people will want to borrow yours.

Patriotic Lighted Fans

 Or for the daytime, check out a more inexpensive fan for summer parades and sports games:

Promotional Stars and Stripes Hand Fan

I can see us all now, sitting in camp chairs at the parade, or as fans on a bench at a sports event yelling "USA, USA" to the beat of maracas. I'd dance to that beat!

USA Maraca

And ending on a sweet note, how about Patriotic Mints?

Patriotic Mints

Happy July to you! May you stay cool and sweet and dance to your own beat.

Favorite Water Bottles Picks

Today I worked two videos about the white and clear Visstun cups.  As I was analyzing them, deciding features which to highlight, I realized I like how comfortable they are to drink from.  Some plastic cups have a sharp edge on their rim. The Visstun cups have a rolled, rounded rim. This realization led to some drinking introspection.

Like lots of people, I try to drink the healthy 8 cups of water a day. Something that helps me drink more liquid is a comfortable drinking experience. It's not something I've thought much about. But, I realize that I have some drinking-comfort-opinions.

At home, I prefer glasses over plastic cups, the bigger the glass the better. Especially if I'm at the home computer, because I'll drink a lot of water without realizing it if it's next to me (but I get too busy on the computer to get up and refill it).

At restaurants, I prefer a straw with my ice water rather than drinking it from the glass. Probably because those glasses typically have so much ice. Ever taken a sip of water and have the ice suddenly shift, sploshing water down your front? Dislike. I prefer straws when I have ice. So if I want ice in my water bottle, I'd choose this H2Go Aqua water bottle (with its large opening) and use this H2Go Athans water bottle if I'm drinking liquid ice-less.

At the office, I prefer to drink from a water bottle--if I accidentally knock it over, a water bottle won't spill and ruin my computer or papers. I like a BPA free water bottle, so I don't drink any toxins..

And I just decided while writing this that I prefer spouts to open lids. I drink more water if I suck it up through a straw or spout than sipping with a rimmed cup. My current personal favorites (my co-workers have their own favs) are the Spirit Tumbler (it has a permanent straw and can used with hot cocoa or ice water)...

Spirit Tumbler 16 oz.

 And the H2Go Soho water bottle (it's BPA free).

I know, the SoHo doesn't have a spout. It's not a hard and fast rule. And I like the feel of the SoHo lid.

But I won't leave you hanging. My current favorite water bottle with a spout is the H2Go Hydra:

H2Go Hydra

One of the benefits of working for a promotional product company is that I can try out all kinds of water bottles!

ADDED LATER:
My Visstun video is now edited and ready, so here it is:

Enjoy the Sun and Beach

Beach Buddy Mat

The sun is out hot today, the local water park and outdoor pool have opened, and since I am in the office and not out in the sun, I am going to talk about something beachy.

Today we had a client order 150 of these Beach Buddy Mats. They are made of a tubular polypropylene material, which means they are water and sand resistant. Totally tubular. Sorry, couldn't help myself. 

I like the pocket, I like the inflatable pillow, but most of all, I like how the mat zips into a bag. Love that feature, actually. Whenever we go to a water play area (sadly, I don't live by an actual beach) I am loaded with stuff: Sunscreen, towels, snacks, water bottles, and more snacks, all in a humungous bag. The Beach Buddy takes that bag and doubles its use.

And I like the bright summer colors too. Hope you're catchin' some rays for me today!

Looking Up Tonight?

Sunshine Stress Ball

Tonight is the Transit of Venus. Venus will visibly move in front of the Sun, like a grape in front of a watermelon. Are you going to watch it? It won't come around again until 2117. I suspect you and I won't be here for that.

Unlike this sunny stress toy, I don't have special solar eclipse glasses. I heard I could make some out of paper towel tubes...but I think I will try and figure something else out. It sounded complicated and I am at work until the Transit begins. But I am not without ideas. A couple weeks ago, a friend of mine watched the solar eclipse through  two open car doors with tinted windows. I'm going to try that--double tinted windows.

Are you looking up at the skies tonight?

Frisbee, Disk or Flyer?

There's a new ultimate frisbee course going in near my neighborhood. That place was a weedy eyesore, so I'm glad it'll be better used space. It reminds me of my college days, when I played a game of ultimate frisbee.

I had imagined the game to be a friendly throw and catch game. I was wrong. The males on both teams were out for blood. And I was a disk thrower on the wobbly side and a disk catcher on the, well, occasional side. I didn't last long.

However, that wasn't the last time I played with a flyer. I threw for a bit with one of my sons last fall. We had a fabulous time. And we were evenly matched, my 10 year old and I.

But I have no idea where that disk ended up. With warm weather approaching, I need to get another. I was looking through our catalog and saw two disks that were 100% recyclable. One even has an "enhanced biodegradability additive." I pictured me throwing a disk into the branches of a tall tree, or having it miss my frisbee partner and ending up in a river. Yes, with my frisbee prowess, I could see the value of an "enhanced biodegradability additive."

Have you ever thrown a frisbee? Do you call it a frisbee or disk or flyer??

A Weakness for Journals

I am a writer. That means many things, including....a weakness for journals.

Confession: I currently don't keep a daily journal. I go in fits and starts, and right now is a fit. But I still have a weakness for the smell of paper and the clean white potential of a page. So when we get a couple samples of Journalbooks, I'm excited!

8 months ago I made this product video on a faux leather JournalBook called the Pedova (that journal a beaut):

 

 I didn't feel right about sniffing at the book cover in the video, but I like the smell of book. So I took a whiff off camera. 

This is a recycled cardboard Tuck Journal. It's currently on CLEARANCE!

I have one of these pocket bound Ambassador books in my purse, so I can jot down great ideas when my muse strikes. 

 

And this journal has crisp pages sandwiched between a cover of aluminum. Classy and unique!!

Do you keep a journal? What kinds of things do you jot down?

Tangerine: Color of the Year for 2012

I'm always on the lookout for trends that affect promotional products. I stumbled on this article that announced the color Tangerine as the Color of the Year 2012. After reading that article, I've run into tangerine (in various shades) throughout the promotional products industry.

These tumblers and H2Go water bottles:

Logoed Tangerine Drinkware

I spotted tangerine on these imprint-able Rally Bands with hidden Flash Drive.

Logoed Rally Band and Flash Drive

  And I found tangerine among these Dulcine Click pens.

Dulcine Click Pens

Tangerine is a bright, happy color that grabs attention, which makes it promotional color well-suited to snag impressions for business logos.And tangerines are tasty too!

Spirit Acrylic Tumblers are Popular Promotions

Over the course of the last week, our landing page for the Spirit Acrylic Tumbler has been driving considerable interest for these excellent double wall acrylic 16 oz tumblers and for our Sedici Tumblers. People like the 11 available colors, the option to have of color lids on the clear tumblers, the choice of straws, and the expanding options in lid styles. The Spirit Tumbler is coming out within the next month with a hot cold lid option.

We even had a call from a company who was seeking to buy these acrylic tumblers in the 24 oz. size blank for the purposes of decorating them with vinyl graphics for their own clients. That was a first. The innovation of small business even in small variations always energizes and amazes me.

I enjoy reading other entrepreneurial successes, and recently, I've really taken to enjoying a little downtime browsing Kickstarter.com which is a great home for innovation on the web. More on that in later posts.

Upscale your brand with the Pedova iPad Case

If your organization or customers are among the millions of people who have made the iPad an indispensable  part of their lives, you may consider gifting the Pedova iPad Stand and Case. This refined and elegant case also features a pen loop and a ruled pad for notes. The organizational panel built into iPad stand features three ports for pen, stylus or USB memory, five business card pockets and a receipt or memo pocket. As a promotion, it will not break the budget either as it is crafted from UltraHyde as opposed to spendier leather.

If you are simply looking for a nice non-promotional case with a unique flare, I really like the Twelve South BookBook iPad Case and if you are looking for something rugged, try the Gumdrop Cases Military Edition in the rugged military green. 

AP Video: Travel Sentry Tag and Lock Promotional Product

This American Promotions video demonstrates how to use the Travel Sentry Luggage Tag and Lock promotional tool.

This imprinted Travel Sentry Luggage Lock is tiny, but that's just what you want in a luggage lock. It's TSA compliant, so you know it's strong, and the handy personal information label on the lock helps you keep track of your bag. This video shows how to use the simple combination lock. 

For more luggage tags and accessories or some imprinted luggage, check out this page on our website.

For product and ordering information, and for samples, contact us at American Promotions 1-877-604-5646.

What accessories to you use when you travel?

AP Video: JournalBooks Pedova Custom Printed Journals

This American Promotions video showcases a JournalBook from the Pedova line of promotional journals.

These Pedova JournalBooks are made from faux leather that looks real and feels very soft. The Italian style covers have a thread sewn binding, a high quality detail.

The imprinting is blind deboss. You can deboss your logo, or can choose a full cover design, from four stock designs, to complement your logo. Watch the video to see the difference between the two logo options. The Pedova JournalBooks come in five different colors and they include two satin ribbon bookmarks and an elastic pen holder. To complete your promotional package, choose an imprinted pen (we have hundreds of different pen choices).

Click here to see more JournalBooks on the American Promotions website.

To take a look at some of the pen options from American Promotions, click here.

For product and ordering information, and for samples, go to our website or feel free to call us toll-free at 1-877-604-5646.

Do you write in a journal? Would you like a gift like this from your employer?

AP Video: H2Go Stealth Promotional Water Bottle

This American Promotions video displays the H2Go Stealth promotional water bottle.

Designed for cold liquids, the H2GO Stealth promotional water bottle has a large opening for easy cleaning and for adding ice easily. It is BPA free and comes in nine translucent colors.

The H2Go Stealth has a large imprint area and its clean, modern lines make it a standout in promotional drinkware.

For samples or more product information, contact us at American Promotions 1-877-604-5646.

To see a similar promotional water bottle, the H2Go Vornado, click here.

What is your favorite type of water bottle and why?

AP Video: H2GO Aluminum Classic Promotional Water Bottles

This American Promotions video showcases the H2Go Aluminum Classic promotional water bottle.

The H2GO Aluminum Classic promotional water bottles come with carabiners and are BPA FREE. They're manufactured in ten vivid colors and are designed for cold liquids. They're available with your imprint or with full wrap stock designs that cover the whole bottle and can be color changed to match your logo.

These full wrap stock designs are very attractive! Simply choose a full wrap stock design out of many choices, click colors to match your logo, and then your logo is printed nestled in a full coverage design that maximizes the water bottle's promotional capability.

To see a line of stainless steel promotional water bottles, click on the names below:

• H2Go Bolt promotional water bottle
• H2Go Athans promotional water bottle
• H2Go Stainless Steel Classic promotional water bottle

For more product information, visit our American Promotions website by clicking here. For samples or answers to your questions, call us toll-free at American Promotions 1-877-604-5646.

Do you own a metal water bottle, or a water bottle made of some other material? What's your favorite?

AP Video: High Sierra Multi-Tool Promotional Product

This American Promotions video showcases the High Sierra 15-Function Multi-Tool promotional product.

The advertising specialty High Sierra Multi-Tool is made from stainless steel and comes with a whopping 15 functions. This video shows where they are, helpful since a couple of the tools have multiple function. This tool is so useful and durable recipients will use them for years, giving your logo long term visibility. This product has two locations where logos can be imprinted.

Go to our American Promotions website for product and ordering information, or for  samples and answers to your questions just call us toll-free at 1-877-604-5646.

Do you own a multi-tool? What are its most useful functions? 

AP Video: H2Go Vornado Promotional Waterbottles

This American Promotions video shows the H2Go Vornado promotional waterbottle line.

The H2Go Vornado water bottles hold 32 oz. of cold liquid and are BPA FREE. They come in 9 translucent colors. They display a large imprint area of 7 x 3 inches, although if you want more, ask us about the full wrap option. Their large opening makes cleaning or adding ice easy to do.

To see a similar water bottle, called the H2Go Stealth, click here.

For product and ordering information, or for samples, contact us at American Promotions 1-877-604-5646.

What's your favorite type of water bottle?

Product Review: Promotional Stuffed Animals, A Beaver

We got an order for 250 of these stuffed animal beavers. They're so soft and cute!

 Here is a picture of the beaver with the t-shirt. The logoed tiny t-shirts are on their way here from the printer, the one this beaver is wearing is blank. Both blank and logoed tiny t-shirts are available.

Stuffed animals are a growing promotional category. Probably because there are so many animals to choose from, all of them appealing, and animals advertise well---almost everyone loves them.

These beavers are for an organization that fights wildfires. They're going to give them away to their people.

American Promotions carries a large line of stuffed promotional animals. Go here to see a stuffed Bull for a financial company her for a stuffed Bear that was ordered for a bank, and here to see a stuffed promotional cow that was ordered for a pharmaceutical company.

What's your favorite animal? What company do you think should use a stuffed animal promotion?

AP Video: SS Classic Promotional Water Bottle

This American Promotions video displays the H2Go Stainless Steel Classic promotional water bottle.

The H2Go Stainless Steel Classic water bottles are made from 18/8 stainless steel and hold 24 oz. of cold liquids. Their screw-on black lids come with a hole for the add-on carabiners. They're manufactured in 7 colors. Imprint area is 5 1/4 x 3 inches, but be sure to ask us about the full wrap option (using color coordinated stock art to design a fully covered water bottle).

Go to our American Promotions webpage for product and ordering information of the H2Go SS Classic. 

To see similar stainless steel promotional water bottles, click on their names:

• The Stainless Steel H2Go Bolt promotional water bottle
• The Stainless Steel H2Go Athans promotional water bottle

For an aluminum version, the H2Go Aluminum Classic promotional water bottle, take a look at this video by clicking here.

For samples and answers to your questions feel free to contact us with a toll-free call at American Promotions 1-877-604-5646.

Do you prefer a water bottle made of stainless steel, or a different material?

Real Promotions: Mousepad

We had an order recently of full color mousepads. Mousepads are a classic promotional product because of their low cost and high logo visibility.They have a soft fabric top layer on top of a rubber circle, and come in different thicknesses.

I'm using one of these mousepads under my computer mouse at this very moment. It works great, even at the thinner size, which is key to a successful promotion. The product must work well! I think the colors on the mousepad make it a successful promotion as well. What isn't as successful, to me at least, are the five initials printed at the bottom of the pad. I assume it has something to do with the company, but it doesn't tell me what the company does or how to contact them. Including that information would take the promotion to a higher advertising level--even if the phone number or website were tiny on the pad. However, this company still gets high points for choosing long lasting mousepads and for the bright full color logo that catches the eye.

Thanks for your order, and best promoting wishes to you, WPAFB.

What's under your computer mouse?