Just like technology itself, tech-related swag items are a constantly evolving category. Mousepads used to be a staple swag item for all sort of companies because it was assumed that anyone who used a computer needed a mousepad. The optical mouse killed the mousepad... then the tablet computer killed the mouse!
In fact many of the high-tech swag items that were a big deal a few years ago are less likely to impress these days. Everyone now has a USB hub, a screen duster, a laser pointer and probably more USB flash drives than they can use in a lifetime.
While your budget may not allow you to give away iPads or Kindles, the next best thing is the accessories that go with these popular new gadgets. Here are a few of my new favorites in the iPad Swag category:
iPad Stylus Pens are a new breed of pen, specially designed to work on all capacitive touch screens. One end is a regular ballpoint pen, the other is for use on touch-screen devices. You don't have to own a tablet computer to appreciate one of these - keep one handy to avoid germy touch-screens on ATMs and other public computers.
iPad Stands are another handy accessory that iPad or iPhone users will appreciate and use. Simple, functional and in the $10 range, they're a great swag idea if you want to keep your company logo visible on your recipient's desktop. iPad Stand (item TMDGB-HMMEL)
iPad/Kindle Sleeves and Cases come in a wide variety of styles and materials with custom logo decoration. We offer a wide variety of iPad cases that are logo customized - too many to show here. Simply go to www.swagconnection.com and type "iPad Case" (no quote marks) in the Quick Search field for about 3 dozen choices.
Between cases and SLEEVES, I like sleeves better as a swag idea. Most devices come with cases, but sleeves are an accessory most people have to go out and buy. Sleeves are great for travel, and unlike cases they can be used with many different devices. iPad Neoprene Sleeve (item ESUMI-HFVEG)
Griffin Elan iPad Sleeve (item JKWFF-HRRGN)
Ear Buds are one more tech-savvy swag idea to consider, especially if your budget doesn't allow for some of these higher priced items. Earbuds can be used with every mobile device out there and most people can use an extra pair or two (especially if they're cool!). Here are three I like in particular: Volume-Adjusting Earbuds (item ZSZIJ-FQICD)
I hope that gives you some good ideas. If you want more like this, simply type the word IPAD into the Swag Connection search field for lots more to choose from... or contact me for ideas that will meet your specifications. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you're interested in ordering any of these items for your organization:
The PowerDecal is a brand new swag idea I just discovered today and had to share with you:
The PowerDecal adheres to the inside of a car window, and in daylight it looks much like a window cling decal. It really shines after dark (pun intended) because it contains an LED backlight that makes it glow. This high-tech version of the bumper sticker has a built-in sensor that causes it to light up and stay lit while the car is in motion. The sensor also automatically turns it off two minutes after the car is parked!
At about $22 each they're not a going to be a mass-giveaway item, but I can see lots of potential uses for these unique auto accessories. If I owned a casino or nightclub in Las Vegas (or any other major city) I would put them in every taxi in town! They would make great VIP car passes that would be instantly recognizable day or night. Also a great idea for after-dark identification of emergency response or other official vehicles. Ditto for pizza or take-out delivery vehicles, company fleet vehicles, airport shuttles or private security firm cars.
These can be customized with your company's full-color process design, with a low setup charge of $48.00 and a minimum of a dozen decals. They come gift-boxed with battery included.
They're also available with a variety of licensed college, fraternity, sorority and sports team logos.
INTERESTED IN THIS UNIQUE SWAG ITEM FOR YOUR BRAND?
When looking for inspiration in any area of life, it can often be found in art.
Today I'm turning to the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) collection, which is one of the coolest gift lines we offer (as well as one that many people don't even know exists!).
These are swag ideas that truly fulfill our brand promise of "Cool Stuff + Your Logo"
This functional and whimsical Pencil Cup, designed by Paul Koh, was inspired by the classic drinking straw dispenser. Lift the red ball & the pencils rise and fan out for easy access. Your logo appears on the cup as shown, the MoMA logo and designer name are molded on the bottom of the stainless steel holder.
These X-shaped rubber bands are simply genius, everyone should have a box of these! Featured in the museum's design collection, the X-Bands come in an assortment of four sizes and colors in a custom plastic container. The container is MoMA branded on top as shown, with your company logo custom screen-printed on the side of the container.
Sleek and simple, unique and personal, this is an excellent swag idea for brands that market to the female audience. This highly polished stainless steel compact mirror is unbreakable and comes in a citrus-colored leather like case. MoMA logo is die stamped on handle. This mirror also comes in a rectangular version (lime green or black case choice on that one). We customize this with a laser-engraved or screen printed logo on the back of the mirror.
If you're looking for a functional gift to impress even a C-level executive, consider these brushed nickel MoMA coasters. This set of six coasters features easy-to-grab handles & felt bottoms to protect furniture. Attractively presented in a laser-engraved tabletop holder. A discreet MoMA logo is laser engraved as shown next to the handle slot.
This is not your ordinary wall clock. Designed by Noriyuki Shirasu, the black dots draw your eye to the numbers that display the current time, while the rest of the numbers on the clock face fade into the background. This clock is neutral enough to accent any office decor and subtly keeps your brand top-of-mind with daily logo exposure... in a very classy way.
I hope these ideas not only inspire you, but also show you that promotional swag can be so much more than the same old stuff. While I'm the first to admit these items are priced at a premium, they're also more impressive to your recipients. These are the kind of branded items that stand out and get your brand noticed, which is what really good swag is all about!
Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more swag ideas!
Diane Nudelman - "The Swag Queen" of Swag Connection
Anymore it seems everyone I know has an iPhone. If you're looking for the next cool swag idea, iPhone accessories should be on your hotlist. With Verizon and other carriers rolling out their own iPhone service, there's going to be an ever-growing audience out there that can use tastefully branded iPhone accessories... like this new myPhone Case:
Up til now the silicone iPhone cases have been the only choice offered in the promotional products industry, and to me the translucency and sleek design of this new style is a welcome change. It's made of tough TPU plastic that protects their phone while subtly promoting your brand.
The minimum order quantity on this item with custom logo is 50 pieces, and they start at $4.50/ea + setup & shipping.
As someone who loves to travel I love this new foldable 24oz. water bottle. This takes up almost no room in a carry-on or gym bag, but it expands to hold as much as a good-size sport bottle.
This exclusive new travel water bottle comes pre-printed with the design around the edges as shown. Your logo is custom printed in the center. For now this is the only color scheme. Hopefully if the item catches on they'll start offering it in a wider variety of colors.
While the fold-flat design is handy for the recipients, it's also a space and money saver for the company that orders them to hand out. They take up MUCH less storage area than regular water bottles and also cost significantly less to ship.
If you're thinking about trade show giveaways, these are a fantastic choice. They're a brand-new item most people don't already own, they're inexpensive and useful - and they don't take up a lot of room at your booth.
Priced between $2.39-$3.29 with a minimum order of just 100 bottles, this is one of my favorite new swag ideas for 2011.
*******UPDATE: ADDED 1/20/11******* I found another, similar fold-flat water bottle today from another vendor. It's solid color and doesn't have the pre-printed design, plus it's a little lower in price: Click Here for more details & pricing on this one
Here's a brand new swag idea I just ran across today & had to share with you. This customized high-tech gadget turns a box (or other hollow object) into a Portable Speaker:
This has to be one of the more innovative swag ideas I've come across in recent months, and just in time for the holiday season. This little gadget, called a Groovy Stick-On Portable Speaker, is a pocket sized amplifier designed to work with portable audio players like iPods and MP3 music players.
One end plugs in to the headphone jack of the audio device. The other end has a sticky silicone-backed speaker that be stuck on to any hollow object (like a box or a cup) to instantly create an audio speaker with surprisingly good sound quality.
When not in use, it all tucks nicely together into a travel-sized unit that has a nicely sized area for your custom logo imprint. This promotional sound system can be powered via your computer's USB port or by 2 AAA batteries (included).
Priced at around $20 (with a minimum order quantity of 50 units) this box speaker creator is an interesting swag idea for marketers seeking to reach a hip, music-loving and technically savvy audience.
While corporate buyers of this item would naturally include companies in the music or entertainment industries, this item would also make a great employee gift or incentive item... especially for software, internet or gaming companies which typically have a younger work force. I could also see this as a great "Wrap Gift" for the cast and crew of movies or television productions.
INTERESTED IN ORDERING THIS SWAG ITEM WITH YOUR LOGO?
That's what we do & we'd be stoked to help you out. Lots of our clients find us through this blog. We can answer questions about this item, help you order a sample or suggest other swag ideas if you're looking for just the right thing.
High Tech meets Happy Hour: USB Bottle Openers from Swag Connection
The iClick Milwaukee Drive
Here's a brand-new swag idea that just crossed my desk today, and what a fun item for summer! These all metal, heavy-duty USB Bottle Openers are fully-functioning USB Drives with your choice of 2GB, 4GB or 8GB of memory capacity.
While this isn't a drive for the extremely price-conscious, it has a lot going for it. Bottle openers have always been a very popular addition to people's keyrings, and this is designed for that. As most people handle their keys several times each day, the keyring is a prime location for your brand.
Usefulness is another huge factor when it comes to swag that is kept versus swag that's passed along. This USB Bottle opener serves two functions, making it superior to ordinary flash drives that can only be used for data storage. Plus it's got that 'fun factor' that sets it apart from ordinary flashdrives.
Not so long ago it was a big deal to get a promotional USB drive, as they were relatively expensive and few companies could afford to give them away. That's no longer the case. Today you can't assume that people are going to keep, use (or even remember) your ordinary custom-logo flashdrives - they've become ubiquitous. Stepping up to a cool drive like these is what smart marketers are doing to keep their branding fresh, memorable and top-of-mind (not to mention top-of-bottle!)
While this is an obvious choice for beer or soda companies, they're also a great swag idea for:
FAMILY REUNIONS GRAND OPENINGS (get it?) WEDDINGS COLLEGES RESORTS & HOTELS GOLF TOURNAMENTS SOFTWARE COMPANIES EVENT PLANNERS
The minimum order is 50 drives, with turnaround time of betwen 2-3 weeks.
USB Memory Prices change weekly, so please contact us for a current quote: Toll-Free - 866-247-4320 Diane@Swagconnection.com
Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more new & unique swag ideas :)
There's nothing like fresh flowers to brighten up someone's day, which is why I love this new Folding Vase. Introduced to the promotional industry early in 2010, this product won top place in two categories at this year's ASI Orlando Tradeshow - "Best Bang for Your Buck" and "Most Likely to Build A Buzz".
These clever little bud vases are made of soft, flexible PVC plastic. They fold flat for easy storage and form a vase when filled with water. They stand about 10-1/2" tall with a 5" bottom diameter when filled, and come with your choice of Black, Blue, Green, Red or yellow trim.
These folding vases are an ideal swag idea for: Nursing or Retirement Homes Florists & Nurseries Real Estate or Insurance Agents Hospitals & Clinics Cruise Lines Restaurants Hotels, Spas & Resorts Special Event Table Decoration
These would also be a fun swag idea for tradeshows- set up a few of these folding vases on the table at your booth, then add water & flowers to demonstrate how they work. They'll add a festive springtime look to your display and make your booth seem more inviting to attendees.
These Flexi-Vases come packaged in a self-mailer envelope and would also be a great swag idea for direct mail campaigns. Priced at under $2/ea with a minimum order of 200 pieces, this is a unique and memorable way to promote your brand in a classy way.
INTERESTED IN FOLDING FLOWER VASES WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO?
Feel free to email me (sales@swagconnection.com) or give me a call toll-free (866-247-4320) if you have questions or would like to talk about ordering this item with your custom logo. I love to hear from my blog readers!
Thanks for reading - and if you know other people who are always looking for interesting swag ideas for their marketing, please tell them about my blog.
According to data provided by the Humane Society of the US, there are over 77.5 million dogs owned in the USA, with 39% of all households owning at least one dog. As a dog lover myself, I was tickled to come across this fun, dog-themed swag idea - Doggie Water Bottles. If the way to a pet owner's heart is through their dog, these are sure to make them fall in love with your brand.
Custom Logo Metal Water Bottles... For Dogs!
ETS Express "K-9" Collection Doggie Water Bottles
At first glance this looks like any ordinary stainless steel promo water bottle, but it has a very special feature specially designed for our furry friends... a roller-ball dispenser lid! Awww, isn't he cute??
This is a great solution for packing water along for dogs on walks or during travel. Unlike collapsible pet bowls, it's a self-contained, spillproof unit that fits easily in a backpack or ice chest. It's important for pets to stay hydrated during hot summer months, and this makes it so easy for pet owners to always have fresh water at hand in an easy-to-drink-from container.
Those who read my blog know I'm always saying you need to think outside the box when searching for swag ideas because the most popular items have been "done to death" and don't get people excited. That's becoming the case with metal water bottles for humans - by now, nearly everyone has at least one. This is a great way to jump on the metal bottle craze, but with a cool twist. Even if you give these to non-dog owners, chances are they'll pass one of these along to a pet-owning friend or relative.
These K-9 Collection Dog Water Bottles range in price between $8-$10/ea with a low minimum order of just 36 pieces. For even more branding fun, let us combine your logo with cool dog-themed wraparound graphics for a custom designed look!
INTERESTED IN K-9 DOG WATER BOTTLES WITH YOUR LOGO?
Swag Connection offers this item on our swagconnection.com website, just click the link for more details and pricing, or to request a quote with your custom logo.
Feel free to call us toll free at 866-247-4320 or email me directly: diane@swagconnection.com. I love to hear from our blog readers, many of whom become clients!
Have a great day & keep coming back for more swag ideas!
Just in time for your spring golf events, the Swag Queen is here to save you from the same old boring golf giveaways. After all, how many custom logo divot fixers and ball markers can one golfer really use?
Give them the one golf swag gift that will actually help them IMPROVE their game. The BirdieBall has been written up in Golf Magazine and featured on Good Morning America as one of the best golf gifts available. Now available with your custom logo, Swag Connection offers the entire line of custom logo BirdieBall products including the single-ball clamshell pack shown here.
How does BirdieBall work?
The Birdie Ball uses wiffle ball technology - it feels and flies like a real golf ball but only travels about 40 yards so it's easily retrieved. The reverse spin around BirdieBall's center of gravity created with the loft of the club is similar to that of a golf ball. It flies just far enough to show ball flight, but the non-dimpled surface and straight sides give it a short flight, long hang-time and a distinctive "turbine" sound. It's a favorite teaching aid of golf professionals around the globe.
Options, Pricing & How To Order BirdieBall from Swag Connection
The single BirdieBall clamshell shown above is the lowest-priced custom logo BirdieBall product we offer. These are available with your custom logo and come packaged as shown with instructions. Minimum order quantity starts at 150 pieces, and catalog pricing is around $2-$4/ea depending on quantity.
We also offer other BirdieBall kits including 3-piece clear tube packages and boxes of one dozen. We also offer the new BirdieBall Strike Pad Kit with Custom logo. All of these options, with pricing, can be viewed by clicking this link to Gold Bond Inc (our BirdieBall supplier partner).
TO ORDER, simply call Swag Connection at 866-247-4320 or drop us an email. We will be more than happy to provide more information or quote your BirdieBall project.
Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more great swag ideas!
Spring is just around the corner and everyone is getting back on their bikes.
Promote your brand this spring in a truly unique (and useful) way with these custom-logo Bicycle Tire Levers from Swag Connection:
As you can see, your logo or message really jumps out on this item! An essential item for every cyclist, these are an inexpensive swag idea that's really quite unique. I don't know about where you live, but here in Portland Oregon it seems EVERYONE is a bike commuter these days (including me when it's not raining TOO hard). Bicycle-themed swag is still fairly uncommon outside of bike-themed events, so this is one of those swag ideas I'm always looking for that hasn't been "done to death".
These are a no-brainer if your target audience is bicyclists or if you're in a bicycle-related industry, but I'd also say this item could be used to creatively market outside that small niche. For example, these would be a great way for HR to promote a "Bike To Work Day" to employees in a large company. Financial planners or business consultants could also tie in the idea of "leverage" with this item to promote their services.
This is also a swag item that could be used for a 'guessing game' promotion at tradeshows... basically you hand them out and have people guess what they're supposed to be used for. It's a fun way to get people engaged in conversation in a non-intimidating way, and the best guesses could be posted on your website for all to see!
Last but not least, these would be great swag for bike shops to give out for test rides or with the purchase of a new bike. This is just one of our bicycle-themed swag ideas - give me a call or send me an email if you're interested in finding out about other bike swag ideas.
INTERESTED IN ORDERING THESE CUSTOMIZED WITH YOUR LOGO?
Give me a call at 866-247-4320 and I'll be more than happy to help you out! I love hearing from my blog readers :)
Thanks for reading & please tell others about my blog. Keep coming back for more unique swag ideas!
Now you can promote your brand with one of America's most trusted products...
Introducing the WD-40 Pen with Your Custom Label (available March 31, 2010)
If you're searching for new giveaway swag ideas this one should be at the top of your list. These handy WD-40 Pens have hundreds of uses and are sure to be a big hit at your next tradeshow or marketing event.
WD-40 stops sqeaks, loosens rusted parts, protects against corrosion and removes grease, gum, crayon and dirt from surfaces safely and easily with a low-odor formulation. The precision dispensing tip ensures no-mess application and makes this a handy item for glovebox, toolkit, desk drawer or backpack.
These authentic, name-brand WD-40 pens are brand new to the promotional market - in fact they're not even available until the end of this month... but as a Swag Connection blog reader I wanted you to be the very first to know about them.
Minimum order quantity with custom label is 250 pieces. The WD-40 Pen is priced between $1.99-$2.58/each depending on quantity ordered.
INTERESTED IN WD-40 PENS WITH YOUR CUSTOM LABEL?
Swag Connection is happy to help - just contact us for a quote, sample or more information on this product from our Natural Trends catalog:
Phone: 503-281-6420 (In Oregon ) 866-247-4320 (Toll-Free)
Seriously. A rugged, full size computer keyboard you can put your logo on... and PUT THROUGH THE DISHWASHER:
The Seal Shield dishwasher-safe line of keyboards was originally developed for use in the medical industry as a way to help stop the spread of germs in hospital settings. This is not a gimmick - they're full size, full function computer keyboards that are 100% waterproof.
I recently discovered these "dishwasher keyboards" are now available with custom corporate logo decoration in the promotional products industry. This is a great swag idea!
If you have any inkling at all of how germy and nasty the average office keyboard is (hint: much worse than a public toilet seat), your company should JUMP at the chance to convert your employee workstations to custom logo Seal Shield keyboards from Swag Connection. Not only do they cost about the same as ordinary keyboards ($35-$59 depending on style & quantity), they're a tangible way your company can prove it cares about employee health and well-being.
As a promotional business gift or incentive, this is a swag idea that's simply brilliant. Talk about a branded promotional gift that people will use and keep for years and years with daily logo exposure. If your company sells any sort of high-tech software or computer systems, thanking your customers for a nice order with a custom Seal Shield keyboard or two is a no-brainer.
We currently offer 3 styles of name-brand Seal Shield dishwasher-safe keyboards through industry supplier Logomark, as well as the waterproof, dishwasher-safe Seal Shield mouse. They can be ordered with or without your company's custom logo imprint.
INTERESTED IN ORDERING DISHWASHER SAFE SEAL SHIELD KEYBOARDS WITH YOUR LOGO?
Simply contact us here at Swag Connection to get started. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have and get your project started!
This is an innovative and useful idea for anyone who plans or hosts large-scale events where food and wine is served. The CaterPlate is a clear plastic plate with a built-in wineglass holder AND re-attachable plastic utensils:
Your guests will love these plates because they can easily hold their plate, utensils and wineglass with one hand, leaving the other one free to select their food or shake the hands of other guests. You'll love them because they look sharp and professional with your custom logo - plus they stack flat and eliminate the need for messy piles of plastic eating utensils at your event.
The CaterPlate is Great For:
Convention Centers Wedding & Event Planners Hotels Charity Events Chambers of Commerce Corporate Hospitality Caterers Theme Parks Company Picnics
The CaterPlate is available with custom logo at quantities of 50 or more. It's MADE and PRINTED IN THE USA. The CaterPlate can be custom printed with up to 5 colors. There is no extra charge for metallic, neon or Pantone-matched inks. Made of #6 Polystyrene plastic, the CaterPlate is also recyclable.
INTERESTED IN CATERPLATES FOR YOUR EVENTS?
You can find many of the items on our blog on www.swagconnection.com. For current pricing, quotes or samples please contact us by phone (866) 247-4320 or email us: sales@swagconnection.com.
The CaterPlate is a patented design from American Accents.
Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more great swag ideas!
This is definitely one of those items you really need to see in person to fully appreciate. While fan-type jotter notepads like this are nothing new, this one is cooler than the rest. It's made of recycled material, with a sturdy, smooth cover that looks great with a black logo imprint as shown. The first page has a 3-year calendar, followed by 76 pages in 4 color-coded sections. The pages are thicker than a regular notepad, in fact they're more like index cards. Each card is lined and perforated along the left-hand side to tear out neatly. You can't see it in the photo, but there's an attached orange elastic privacy band that keeps the jotter neatly closed when not in use.
This particular item currently only comes with the citrus-orange cover, but it really looks sharp and has a hip & modern vibe. Priced at under $4.00 this is a great swag idea to leave behind after sales calls or to give as a gift to clients or prospects.
Next, here's a similar item for keeping cards or photos:
This is a smaller sized "wheel" with a recycled paperboard cover that contains 10 durable vinyl sleeves. It's perfect for keeping business cards, credit cards or even wallet-size photos! It can be hard to find swag ideas that will appeal to such a wide range of people, but this one works equally well for senior citizens, soccer moms or business people. You can barely see it, but this one also has an elastic band to keep it neatly closed when not in use.
Priced at $3 or less, this is one of my favorite "giveaway-priced" swag ideas for spring events and trade shows. This one does come in a choice of colors - Royal Blue, Black, Chocolate Brown or Orange.
For those who have too many logins and passwords to keep track of, this recycled Password Pad is a swag idea whose time has come. It's arranged in alphabetical order with sections for recording account names, password hints and passwords. Made of recycled material with a metal spiral binding & elastic privacy strap, this is a fantastic swag idea for creatively marketing your high tech company at events and conferences.
This item comes in Black, Brown or Royal Blue as shown. Also in the $3.00 and under price range, this is a unique and useful promotional item that many people have not yet seen.
INTERESTED IN THESE RECYCLED SWAG IDEAS FOR YOUR COMPANY?
Clicking the links below the photos will take you to these items on our ecoswag.com website where you'll find details and pricing. You can request a quote from the website, or simply call or email us for more information or to order a sample. (Ecoswag.com is a web division of Swag Connection).
If you're in the business of creative marketing you may already be familiar with Brandelopes, which were used by (and feaatured on) the Ellen Degeneres Show during her 12 Days of Giveaways over the holiday season.
For those who haven't heard of them yet, a Brandelope is really just a customized version of a FedEx or Priority Mail envelope. Printed on both sides with full-color graphics, Brandelopes are a great way to create visual excitement for your direct mailings & increase your open/response rate. However, it's not the traditional Brandelope that I'm excited about today - it's their new product - the TABELOPE - which is a Brandelope with one very important feature... a tab that turns it into a file folder:
While this is pretty much identical to the Brandelope, it's the tab feature that I think is genius. Hardly anyone would hang on to a Brandelope after opening it up, but a Tabelope has the extra functionality of a file folder that makes it much more likely to be kept, possibly even for years after it's opened. This is especially true if it's used to deliver information or documents that need to be kept or referred to over time, such as tax returns or insurance policies. Since it's printed with your contact information, a Tabelope is a great way to keep that info literally at your recipient's fingertips in their file drawer.
With the entire front of the 9 x 11-3/4" sized Tabelope available for your custom graphics and message, this is a great vehicle for delivering your brand image with eye-popping full color impact. Priced at around $2/each (with a low minimum order of 200 pieces) this is creative direct marketing that even small companies with a modest budget can afford.
Here's how the tab feature works:
This is a GREAT swag idea for: Tax Preparers Insurance Agents Realtors Finance Companies Mortgage Brokers HR Departments Appraisers Property Managers Banks & Credit Unions Attorneys Senior Living Communities
INTERESTED IN BRANDELOPES OR TABELOPES FOR YOUR COMPANY OR NON-PROFIT?
We'd be more than happy to send you a sample of either the Brandelope or the Tabelope at your request. We can also quote your custom Brandelope or Tabelope project and help you with artwork development if needed.
I'm back in the office after attending the promotional product industry's biggest tradeshow last week (the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas). With over 2,000 catalog lines on display on the show floor, it was a great place to pick up new swag ideas to share with you for the year ahead. Here's one of my new favorite things:
Flexible Silicone Calculators
Bullet Line Item #SM3122
First of all, you need to know this is one of those swag items that is MUCH cooler in real life than it looks in the picture here. Much of this calculator's appeal is tactile, and I honestly didn't think it was all that cool when I first looked at it... until I picked it up and started playing with it!
The body of this silicone calculator is flat, and the number and function keys are raised to give it a 3-D effect. It's floppy and flexible, similar to those roll-up silicone computer keyboards you may have seen (but at a much lower price point). I ordered a sample so I could try it out & I'm hooked - it works perfectly and it's so much cooler looking and more fun to use than my old traditional calculator. It's a great example of how the promotional product industry continues to innovate by putting a fresh new twist on items that have been around forever.
Here's the thing with promotional swag - and this especially applies to traditional swag ideas in the lower price ranges - you have to assume that most people already have a similar item at their home or office. Therefore, the name of the game is to give people something that's somehow better and more appealing so it will replace the item they already own... and become their new favorite. Once I got this silicone calculator, my old one (which I've used for years and works just fine) went straight to the back of the desk drawer. This is exactly what you want to happen, and I think this is one of those items that has a high probability of landing (and staying) on the desktop to give your logo daily exposure. Priced at under $4, with a minimum order of 150 pieces, this is a fun swag idea that can be handed out at events or easily mailed out.
Although similar silicone calculators can be found elsewhere, we source ours from the Bullet Line catalog. Their pricing is better AND they custom-imprint your order in 24 hours at no extra charge. Since they also offer shipping anywhere in the US in 3 days at ground rates, you can order these on Monday and have them in your hands by Friday... without paying expensive rush charges or expedited shipping costs. So if you tend to wait til the last minute to order your trade show swag, this (or anything from Bullet Line) is an excellent choice!
INTERESTED IN THIS SILICONE CALCULATOR WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO?
We love to hear from our blog readers, many of whom turn into clients. Please also feel free to post comments if you like this swag idea and want to share your thoughts on how it could be used in a creative marketing campaign.
Thanks for reading and keep coming back for more new swag ideas for 2010!
It's the time of year when the new 2010 catalogs start arriving in the Swag Connection mailbox, and they're a great source for new swag ideas to share with my blog readers. As soon as I saw this Capri Computer Bag, I couldn't wait to tell you about it. Classy, feminine, affordable and airport-ready, this is my new favorite computer bag for the female executive:
This bag is the perfect size for travel - 16.25" x 12.5" - and it features eye-catching design as well as great functionality. It's made of easy to clean microfiber with simulated leather accents and features Gemline's "Viewpoint System" sleeve (shown in the photo below) with a detachable buckle for easy laptop security scanning.
This handy sleeve accomodates a laptop up to 14" and tucks easily into the main compartment:
Additionally, you'll find a zippered, padded compartment with a multi-function organizer to keep business accessories organized and protected. The 25" handles make it easy to carry this bag on your shoulder if needed, and the metal feet keep the bag stabilized when upright.
This bag is available from Swag Connection with your custom-embroidered logo in quantities of 12 or more. Priced at a little over $50, this would be a great incentive or reward for the high-performing women on your company's team.
INTERESTED IN THIS BAG WITH YOUR COMPANY LOGO? Simply give us a call or start with an email for more details or an itemized price quote from Swag Connection:
I read somewhere once that the average office keyboard is covered with more germs than the a public toilet seat. If that's true, it's really gross, but it sure makes one think about the spread of germs in an office environment - especially now during cold and flu season.
Happily, I've found a great new swag idea that can help stop the spread of germs while inexpensively promoting your brand at the same time:
We recently got a sample of this soft-surface mouse pad and have been using it for a few weeks. It's comfortable, durable and grippy, which are the 3 things we like in a promotional mouse pad. This pad gets bonus points for also being made from recycled rubber, which is why we added it to our Ecoswag.com website. Given the combination of low price, full-color graphics, recycled material and anti-microbial protection, this may be the best promotional mouse pad on the market!
More about that Anti-Microbial Protection and how it works: Dirty desk surfaces create ideal conditions for harmful microbes to grow and reproduce. To fight these microbes, our supplier (HandStands®) uses built-in antimicrobial technology to provide an added level of cleanliness.
Here's how it works: when microbes (bacteria, mold and mildew) come in contact with the product surface, the antimicrobial protection penetrates the cell wall of the microbe and disrupts key cell functions so the microbe cannot function, grow or reproduce. In simple terms, this HandStands® mouse pad featuring antimicrobial treatment is designed to:
? Last the life of the product ? Leave the mouse pad looking great and odor free ? Withstand over 75 washings in hot water
Why The Swag Queen LOVES Mouse Pads as a Promotional Item: I think with or without the germ-killing angle, promotional mouse pads are one of the best things you can put your company logo on. They're the quintessential desktop advertiser, literally putting your information at the fingertips of your recipients. Because they're printed from edge to edge in full color, feel free to go crazy with your artwork design. Add the facts that they're small, lightweight, inexpensive, easy to store and easy to distribute (including via mail) and I think you can see why I think they're a great staple swag item for practically every business or non-profit.
IDEAS FOR USING THIS SWAG IDEA EFFECTIVELY:
Include useful information on them for your target audience. For example, the HR Department of a large corporation could put frequently-called numbers for benefits questions on these pads and distibute them to all employees
Include them in your press kits or information packets
Mail them out to your clients and/or prospects with a special offer
INTERESTED IN THIS SWAG IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS? We'd be happy to help you! You can order this item online through our Ecoswag.com website, or contact us by phone if you prefer. We will gladly answer any questions, send you a sample or quote your custom mouse pad project.
Our Phone: 503-281-6420 in Oregon, or 866-247-4320 Toll-Free Our Email: Sales@Swagconnection.com
Thanks for reading my blog & keep coming back for more timely swag ideas!
Looking for a tasteful, customized holiday business gift that's appropriate for EVERYONE?
We now offer CUSTOM-ETCHED BOTTLES of premium Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar:
Custom Labeled Olive Oil
If you're the person in charge of deciding on your company's holiday gifts, you know how hard it can be to find something that's appropriate for everyone on your list. Wine is a popular gift, but problematic because some people don't drink for personal or religious reasons. Plus it can be a real hassle to ship due to state liquor laws. Since people's taste in wine varys greatly, even a very expensive bottle may not be appreciated by everyone who receives it.
Nuts, popcorn, candies and gift baskets of food are other popular choices, but they can be a problem for diabetics, folks on sodium-restricted diets (or those who are simply watching their weight). Also, the sheer popularity of food gifts makes it likely yours will be one of several your recipients will get this holiday season, which makes it hard to stand out from the crowd.
That's why I really like this new swag idea I came across recently - CUSTOM ETCHED bottles of premium Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar for the holidays. These quality, all-purpose condiments come with your choice of a custom-printed label as shown above, or a deep-etched bottle like this:
Custom Etched Balsamic Vinegar
Both olive oil and balsamic vinegar are natural, healthful, all-purpose gifts that are different enough to stand out from the crowd. The custom-etched bottles have a high-end look and feel, as well as plenty of room for your logo or artwork. Olive oil and vinegar are also consumed over time compared to snack-type gifts, which keeps your logo around long after the holiday season is over.
These custom etched bottles are from Etching Wines and Spirits, and sold exclusively through promotional products companies like Swag Connection. The minimum order quantity is a low 12 bottles, with prices in the $30-$40 range. To see a PDF with more information and pricing, click here.
For an extra-special touch, laser-branded wooden gift crates are a beautiful way to package your gift and make a lasting impression:
While this is a great swag idea for the holidays, it's also good for other times of year as well. These would be nice gifts to reward clients, donors or employees in nearly any type of business!
INTERESTED IN CUSTOM-ETCHED OIL & VINEGAR FOR YOUR COMPANY?
Simply contact us with questions or to get started on your project: Sales@SwagConnection.com Toll Free: 866-247-4320
Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more timely & appropriate swag ideas!
If the answer is "yes", you'll be stoked to see the latest addition to the Sharpie family of permanent markers... the brand new Sharpie Pen, customized with YOUR logo:
Unlike any other brand of pen I can think of, Sharpies have an almost cult-like following. What started with the original Sharpie Permanent Marker years ago has morphed into an entire Sharpie product line, including Sharpie markers in mini sizes, retractable styles and fine-point models. While most Sharpies are sold at retail, the entire product line is also available with custom logo decoration through promotional product distributors like Swag Connection.
The Sharpie PEN is the newest addition to the Sharpie product line, which makes it a timely swag idea for the fall trade show & conference season. We ordered a few samples to try out, and the best thing about the pen compared to other Sharpies is it doesn't bleed through paper like other Sharpies do. It has asuper fine-tip point that writes really nicely, with a good-sized area for your logo, phone number, URL, etc.
Available with Black or Blue ink, the new Sharpie Pen is priced at under $2.00 and available with your custom imprint in quantities of 200 or more. This is a great giveaway swag idea for all sorts of companies because it has such wide appeal.
INTERESTED IN MORE INFO? Click here to view this item on the Sanford B2B Webite
INTERESTED IN ORDERING SHARPIE PENS WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO? We'd be happy to help you out! Give us a call at 866-247-4320, or email us: Sales@SwagConnection.com to get your order started.
Thanks for reading & keep coming back for new swag ideas!
Here at Swag Connection we're always on the prowl for new, unusual and unique swag ideas for the blog... and this one is definitely out of the ordinary. Cindy (one of my vegetarian co-workers) ordered a sample of this Aladdin Chill-N-Go to try out since she often brings salad for lunch. After trying it out, we decided to show it to you...
Aladdin Brand Chill-n-Go Salad Container
This could be used for other things too, but it's really quite perfect for salads. The insulated, dual-wall design keeps your greens fresh and crispy - plus there's a special compartment built into the lid for storing your salad dressing separately. Made of sturdy, safe & odor-resistant polycarbonate plastic, this unique patent-pending container keeps food cold for up to 4 hours without refrigeration.
This is a perfect swag idea for promoting healthy eating habits. Offer it to employees, clients or patients who reach fitness goals, or to attendees of onsite health & wellness workshops. This would also be great swag for weight-loss centers, fitness clubs, health spas or companies that produce salad dressings or pre-packed greens sold in grocery stores.
If your company targets a female audience - especially at woman-themed conferences, expos and conventions - this would be a great premium swag gift for those kinds of events!
This is also an appropriate business gift for times when many more people are brown-bagging their lunches instead of going out to eat. While I doubt many people would go out and buy this for themselves, as a gift it is both unexpected and memorable. I mean, how many people do YOU know with their own personal salad caddy??
I'll be the first to admit this swag idea isn't for everyone... but if it's perfect for YOUR company here's a link to more information and pricing: Click Here for More Info on Leeds Website (any item on the Leedsworld website can be ordered through Swag Connection).
If you're interested in ordering these for your company or non-profit simply give us a call (866-247-4320) or shoot me an email.
Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more new & unique swag ideas!
Here's a BRAND NEW swag item I guarantee you've NEVER seen before:
One Simple Strap solves one of modern life's more annoying problems.... unruly cords!
Before One Simple Strap:
After One Simple Strap:
If your target customers are people who travel with electronic devices (and who doesn't these days?) you can become their hero with this deceptively simple (but extremely useful) new swag item.
Developed by the brother of a friend of mine in response to his frustration with wily, tangly cords, the Simple Strap is exactly that - a simple but effective Velcro strap that adheres to pretty much any corded device. Custom-printed with your 1-color logo and packaged with instructions for use, this item sells for $2.49/ea - a great price point for corporate giveaways. Minimum order: 500 pieces
As far as I know I'm the first person in the promotional products industry to offer this item to my clients... so here's your big chance to be among the VERY FIRST to promote your brand with a unique and useful item that will be kept, talked about and appreciated by those who receive it.
There are some types of companies for whom this is an obvious fit - great "gift with purchase" item for any retailer who sells cellphones, chargers or electronic devices. Here are a few not-so-obvious ideas for using One Simple Strap in a marketing campaign:
-Financial Planners, CPAs, Attorneys or Insurance Companies: You're in the business of untangling your clients problems and simplifying complex problems. The Simple Strap is emblematic of what you offer your clients. Why not use it in a direct mail marketing campaign to promote your services?
-Hotels, Restaurants & Rental Car Companies: Your target market is travelers, and every traveler can use a Simple Strap or two. It's a great way to keep your brand top-of-mind when your clients are on the road. -Roadside Assistance or RV/Boat/Car Repair Services: Giving out One Simple Straps with your phone number or URL makes perfect sense. Your clients can tame their tangly cords - and keep your contact information handy when they're on the move and most likely to need your services.
INTERESTED IN ONE SIMPLE STRAP WITH YOUR CUSTOM IMPRINT?
This is one item you WON'T find anywhere else... so give us a call or shoot us an email if you're interested in getting a sample to try out or if you're interested in ordering this unique new item for your creative branding:
Here's a swag item that recently caught my eye - The Essential Accordion Jotter:
OK, I know what you're thinking... she's showing me just another one of those fancy Journal Books, which are nice, but certainly nothing new.
Wrong! Open it up and you'll see this is new, different & quite useful:
If you're looking for a fresh alternative to custom journals and notebooks, this Essential Accordion Jotter is a great choice. It's in the same price range, and it's an item that many people haven't seen before. Now don't get me wrong, I love journals and notebooks as business giveaway items. The problem with them is they're such a popular swag item that most people already have one (or more) already.
This accordion jotter is a nice size for taking notes (3.5" x 5.5") and comes with a refillable/removable jotter pad as shown. The 3 accordion pockets are great for all sorts of uses - keeping coupons, receipts, business cards or notes to self. There's an elastic pen loop built in to the middle (hard to see in the photo) and these can be ordered with the optional Modern Pen as shown. Extra refills are also available.
The cover is turned leatherette on a rigid paperboard backing, which combined with the flat elastic band closure gives this jotter a high-end, modern appeal. These are priced between $4-$6 depending on quantity, with a minimum order of 100 pieces with custom logo decoration.
IDEAS FOR USING THIS SWAG ITEM TO PROMOTE YOUR COMPANY OR CAUSE:
Accounting Firms: Perfect client gift for business owners who need to keep receipts & mileage logs
Banks: Great gift for new accounts, perfect size for keeping deposit receipts
Event Marketing: Slip a coupon, brochure or business card into the accordion pockets before the event for extra promotional power
Hospitals: This would be a great gift for new mothers - fill the accordion pockets with coupons for special offers for new moms gathered from local marketing partners.
Non-Profits: A nice gift for donors or volunteers that's classy & useful but not too spendy
Interested in The Essential Accordion Jotter with YOUR Custom Logo?
Here's a link to this item on our Supplier's website where you can see more details & pricing:
Custom Logo Hand Santizers are the #1 Selling Promo Item Right Now
This is even better:
Introducing Hand Sanitzer Lotion that Protects... and Moisturizes!
With the Swine Flu all over the news lately, custom-label hand sanitizer became our industry's hottest-selling product literally overnight. Long a staple swag item for companies in the medical fields, hand santizer is now being used as giveaway swag by companies in all sorts of industries.
As readers of my blog know, I like to be on the leading edge when it comes to new, useful and innovative promotional items. So I was stoked to discover this promo hand sanitizer last week because it's better than the others in one very important way - it moisturizes!
Anyone who is a heavy user of hand sanitzing gels can tell you - it's great stuff but it's super-drying on your hands and cuticles. Most gel and spray sanitizers have a high alcohol content, which is great for killing germs but also sucks the moisture right out of your skin. This exclusive formulation is made in the USA and was developed in conjunction with a major teaching hospital in Ohio. It's the first of it's kind. It's non-greasy, odorless, effective at killing germs... and it leaves hands feeling soft, even with frequent use!
One other thing worth mentioning. This product is made in the USA. That's not only important because it supports American jobs, but also for safety reasons. With the quality control problems in Chinese factories coming to light in the news, I think it's very important to know where your swag comes from and that the ingredients on the label are truly what's in the bottle.
This new formulation comes in 1/2 oz, 1 oz and 2 oz sized clear plastic bottles that are custom-labeled with your company logo. Priced in the $1-$2 range with low minimum orders starting at 100 bottles, this is a swag idea that would be very appropriate for:
Hospitals Daycare Providers Insurance Companies Airlines and Cruise Ships Spas and Clinics Corporate HR Departments Schools & Universities Inclusion in Event Bags
INTERESTED IN HAND SANITIZER LOTION WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO?
This is one of many styles of hand sanitizers we offer from our trusted supplier The Humphrey Line. CLICK HERE for a link to the hand sanitizer section of their website (Product Numbers for the Lotion Sanitizer: #359, #387, #388 & #311).
To order, simply contact us by email or give us a call: 866-247-4320
Thanks for reading & keep coming back for more new & timely swag ideas!
Looking for a new Giveaway Swag Idea that's Useful & Inexpensive?
This new promo bag clip has a cool new feature that makes it unique & useful... a built-in bag slitter.
One of the things I love about the promotional product industry is the constant product innovation. I'm continually amazed at how even the simplest items can be made better and more useful with little design tweaks, like the built-in safety blade in this "Cut-It Clip" that cuts bags open safely without making a mess.
Bag clips have long been one of my favorite swag giveaway items. They're useful at home or office and are an item that people tend to use and keep around for a long time. They're inexpensive (under $2) and have a fairly large imprint area for your logo. I always recommend that my clients spend a few extra cents for the optional magnet attachment because it keeps this item on the fridge - instead of in the drawer - which makes it easy to find and gives my clients more logo impressions over time.
Other things I like about this particular clip:
Made in the USA
Comes in 29 different colors
Exclusive Patented Design
Available in 5 colors of Recycled Plastic
5-day production time, with Rush Orders at no extra charge
Trade-show tip: If you use these clips as giveaway swag at tradeshows or events, they're a great for attaching to sales collateral such as brochures, flyers and special-offer coupons. If you've worked these events, you know it can be hard to put your information into the hands of attendees or have your brochures stand out when attendees get home with their bag 'o stuff. Putting your information into these clips before handing out makes it stand out from all the other paper items... and even if the sales collateral gets tossed the clip still sticks around to remind them of your company.
Other ways to use this item: These are a natural swag item for any kind of hosted business lunch that includes bags of chips such as sales meetings, company picnics or industry conferences. They'd also be a good item to promote delis and sandwich shops that cater to the business lunch crowd - distribute them to local businesses with a special-offer coupon or loyalty card.
INTERESTED IN CUT-IT CLIPS WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO?
It's just one of the many cool swag ideas we have here at Swag Connection. Just give us a call or shoot us an email if you'd like more information and pricing on this item, or any swag you happen to be looking for.
Thanks for reading & keep coming back for new swag ideas to meet any budget!
This Week's New Favorite Thing... The Convertible "Montezuma" Backpack from District Threads
The very first thing I must say is that the picture does not do it justice. This swag item is MUCH cooler in real life. I recently got a sample to try out (one advantage of being the Swag Queen) and it's the best laptop-compatible backpack I've ever owned.
Brand new for Spring 2009, this backpack's most innovative feature is that it easily converts from a backpack to a messenger bag so you can carry it whichever way is most comfortable for you. It's a nice size for travel with a padded, separate compartment specially designed for carrying a laptop computer up to 17" size. The roomy main compartment is also padded, as are the backpack straps and shoulder strap so it's super-comfy to carry, even when loaded with stuff. The bottom panel is rubberized to protect the contents from moisture. Even the hand-carry handle at the top of the bag is padded... you can tell the designers of this laptop backpack have put a lot of thought into every detail.
I especially love the multitude of organizing pockets that are built in to this pack. They're nicely sized and well-placed for easy access while keeping contents secure. It comes in basic black, or in the coffee-brown and black combo shown above (my fave). Your custom logo decoration can be added to the center front pocket with embroidery or screenprinting. My recommendation would be embroidery... it looks classier and will last longer, especially with heavy use.
The price? Around $40 each with logo embroidery, and a low minimum order quantity of a dozen packs.
These custom logo computer backpacks are a great swag idea for your company's Sales Team and Executives who travel with laptops for business. They'd be a nice addition to an employee rewards program or incentive prize to use in sales contests. Colleges could sell these in their bookstores or use them as an gift when recruiting new students or athletes to their programs. Computer retailers may want to consider these as an item to sell with a new laptop computer. I can also see these as a nice gift to express appreciation for non-profit donors, volunteers and Board members.
INTERESTED IN THE MONTEZUMA CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK AS A SWAG IDEA FOR YOUR LOGO?
You can see more specs and detailed information about this item by clicking here to view on our supplier's website. To order, contact us at Swag Connection:
Brand-New Swag Idea I Just HAD To Share.... TOWEL CAKES
Just when I think I've seen it all, a brand-new swag idea like this crosses my desk and reminds me of just how creative the promotional products industry can be.
At first glance this looks like a slice of cake... but it's actually a sweetly and cleverly packaged 13"x13" hand towel. The towel itself is unimprinted - your logo and artwork appear on the sticker affixed to the outside of the package. Here are a couple of other styles available:
Not only are these items really creative and clever, they're MEMORABLE. And isn't that really the whole idea behind creative branding and using promotional products effectively? I was just reading a marketing blog in Conde Nast Portfolio about Memorable Marketing (click here to link to the blog post) about the "POW" factor versus the 'wow' factor. The "POW" factor is truly unexpected, utterly memorable marketing that really connects with the target audience and creates brand loyalty.
This is the kind of swag idea that will make the difference between wow & POW in marketing campaigns for businesses and events such as...
Hotel & Resorts Cosmetic Surgery Centers & Med Spas Personal Trainers & Fitness Clubs Weddings & Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Hospital Maternity/Birthing Centers
Other ideas where this swag idea could tie in nicely include:
Any promotion promising a 'Sweet Deal' Inclusion in high-end Swag Bags Any promotion using the tag line 'Piece of Cake' Direct Mailer for Client or Employee Birthday Recognition
INTERESTED IN ORDERING TOWEL CAKES WITH YOUR CUSTOM LOGO? With a low minimum order quantity of 50 pieces, towel cakes are priced between $5-$8/ea depending on order quantity. For more information about ordering, please contact us at Swag Connection (866-247-4320 or email us: sales@swagconnection.com)
Thanks for reading, and keep coming back for the newest and most memorable swag ideas on the web!
Unlike any other brand of pen I can think of, Sharpies have an almost cult-like following. What started with the original Sharpie Permanent Marker years ago has morphed into an entire Sharpie product line, including Sharpie markers in mini sizes, retractable styles and fine-point models. While most Sharpies are sold at retail, the entire product line is also available with custom logo decoration through promotional product distributors like Swag Connection.
