The Promotional Idea Showcase - Fall 2000 - Updated
Quarterly
| Here’s
Lookin’ Through You, Kid! by Joe Haley
|
| August 1998: Apple Computers unveiled the newest
look in home computers, the iMac. It had all the graphics, bells and whistles Apple’s
known for, and it also came with the requisite gigs of bytes. But what really caught the
public’s eye was the funky translucent color. The first one off the production line
was called Bondi blue, and you could see through it. Too cool! So why translucent promotional products? First, if you’re going with the latest hot look, see-through items reflect that. In addition, any promotion geared toward people who use iMacs at work or home would be a natural tie-in. Finally, as most of the products are just flat-out different because of their colors, they’ll likely go a long way toward generating name recognition. |
 Light The Way Fumbling for your car’s keyhole at night
isn’t fun. And if that’s not frustrating enough, you’ll probably find a new
scratch or two the next morning. Help’s here. This dual function flashlight/keytag is
small enough to fit in any purse, pocket or briefcase. It holds a number of keys thanks to
the classic split ring and it’s bright enough to clearly illuminate most surfaces.
Comes in a nice selection of colors, too. With more employees leaving work in the dark,
this could be a nice token of appreciation for working hard through the summer. Available
from asi/51203. |
 Sounds Sketchy We all need a little stress relief in our lives,
right? Look no further than your counselor. Here’s one suggestion: from asi/33264, it
combines a smaller-sized genuine Etch A Sketch, a classic toy, with several popular
translucent shades. As it will fit on any desktop, it’s a neat gift not only for the executive, but anybody feeling pressure from the daily grind. |
 The Write Stuff As you’ll find out elsewhere in this issue
(as if you didn’t know already), logoed pens are one of the old standby promotional
products. Here’s one that’s as functional as the click pen you gave out last
year but as current as any of the translucent products on these pages. They come in a
number of colors and carry a crisp imprint. Available from asi/79688 . |
 An Open And Shut Case Those with iMacs – or any other
computer for that matter – likely have their share of CDs. To keep them organized,
try this disc holder from asi/79530. It’s a great complement piece when sitting next
to a new iMac. It can work as an employee or client gift, and is especially suited to
electronics stores that sell iMacs. Don’t have a computer, or don’t use CD-ROMS?
No problema; the case also holds standard music CDs. |
 Yo-Yo-Yo! And speaking of stress relief, here’s something
else that should appeal to kids of all ages. This translucent yo-yo comes in its own
custom-fitted tin. Available from asi/37658, it’d be an intriguing item for your
firm’s next “Bring Your Child To Work” day, or for any one of 100 other
occasions. |
 Pen Hang-Up When you think wearables, you probably think
imprinted shirts and caps. But if you’ve ever had contact with a nurse or someone in
a similar “people” profession, you’re aware that wearables can also
technically include pens. Here’s something that’ll definitely be appreciated by
such recipients. This translucent pen holder (pen not included) is from asi/77040. Fun and
fashionable, the “egg” holds any standard pen, and yes, a matching pen is
available. |
 Fan-tastic Now that summer is over, you’re probably
thinking, “What would anyone want with a portable fan?” Fair question. But with
the number of health-conscious people out there proliferating, a personal fan is a
likely gift for spas or gyms. Companies with inhouse gyms could also recognize active
employees with one. And the truth is, cubicle air can get stale in the winter, too.
Available from asi/35841, this fan has soft vinyl blades, comes in several colors,
operates on two “AA” batteries and also features a tiny light to boot. |
 About Time With the amount of traveling many businesspeople do
these days, it’s no surprise that many use a portable travel alarm as a failsafe
instead of depending solely on a hotel’s wake-up service. Here’s a translucent
version from asi/91330. Small enough to fit in a Dopp kit, briefcase or pocket, the
product features a clear spring-loaded face that pops up into a stand. A nice promotional
gift for anyone who travels – on business or otherwise. |