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The Promotional Idea Showcase - Fall 2001 - Updated
Quarterly
NEW
PRODUCTS
By Arn Bernstein
 Desktop
coordination ... Much as they might love the game, golfers
can’t always be out on the course during the work week. The
“Globe Golf Game” can help alleviate some of the withdrawal.
It’s a liquid-filled desktop globe on a wood base that contains a
logoed golf ball and mounted tee. The object is, of course, to get
the ball on the tee. Looks easy, but it’s actually quite
challenging. The liquid magnifies the imprint by about 25%,
enhancing the general visibility of the giver. The base is available
in four colors – green, black, process blue or red. Indescribably
addictive. asi/57667 |
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 All-access
pass ... There are all types of pocket knives out there, but
this one, the “Access Card” offers a little twist on the
conventional design. Of solid cutlery grade stainless steel, it’s
a little thicker than a standard credit card, making it extremely
comfortable to carry. The knife features a 2.7-inch blade available
with an ultra-sharp straight or serrated edge that securely locks
when opened, and it can be opened single-handedly as well. The
product also features a handy hinged money clip on one side and a
second pull-out that houses a small tweezers, screwdriver and
toothpick. A lot in a small package, with a cool futuristic look to
boot. asi/88144
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 For
the explorer in all of us ... The original of this compass was
produced by Thomas Whitney of Philadelphia. The price was $5, a
pretty hefty sum for the early 19th century. But considering that
Lewis and Clarke needed a highly precise instrument for their
historic 1804-06 expedition, they gladly paid it. This is an exact
replica of that compass. It’s crafted of mahogany with solid brass
hardware and a silver-plated brass chapter ring marked in single
degrees every quarter. The hinged cover includes brass peep sights
for survey purposes, and the North “rose” is indicated with a
fleur-de-lis. There are seven directionals, and a steel needle
that’s 2.5 inches long. When closed, the lid activates a paddle
locking mechanism. Licensed by no less an authority than the
Smithsonian. asi/93350 |
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 Keeping
a promotion on target ... Yet another executive playtoy for desk
or shelf. Since real dartboards – not to mention darts – are
hardly practical for the office, this version offers a safe yet fun
solution. It’s a miniaturized plastic dartboard, complete with
three totally safe yet powerful magnetic darts. In addition to the
play value, the base of the unit incorporates a slot that holds a
standard pad of repositionable notes. The header piece above the
board can be imprinted with a logo or name and, if desired, the
board itself and/or the notepad can be customized as well. asi/88874 |
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 Safe
at home ... or the office, too. Last issue, we featured a basic
clipboard made different by the use of bright color combinations.
This one gets even more interesting. It’s made of plastic
impregnated with Agion, an antimicrobial material that prevents the
growth/migration of bacteria, yeast, mold and fungus. In other
words, it actually helps fight germs! And it’s safe around kids or
pets, because its toxicity level is actually less than table salt.
Naturally, it’s fully imprintable. And, for those uses of a more
“pure” medical nature, the product is available with an
exclusive “Conversion Made Easy” chart that allows one to
accurately, and more important, safely determine proper doses for
most medications thanks to an incorporation of metric, apothecary
and household equivalents. asi/46475 |
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 High
perception, higher style ... Seeking something a little
different in a desk set to give your clients or employees? The
“i620” set consists of a very “now” sleek-looking
business-card holder and matching desk clock. Both feature a
titanium finish over weighty metal alloy and contrasting reflective
chrome-plated accent discs. The card holder accepts approximately 25
cards and can also be used to hold small notes. The clock features a
precision quartz movement and a third contrast element – a black
face. Both can be silkscreened or engraved and are, if necessary,
available individually as well as in a set. In either case, they
come nicely gift-boxed. asi/62820 |
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 Off
in seconds ... Let’s face it; while the sounds they contain
might be exciting, there’s nothing even a little bit thrilling
about getting the cellophane wrapper off of compact discs. Seems
like it takes forever to get a slit started so you can begin to peel
it off. The “i-Slice” looks like a tiny piece of futuristic
sculpture, but it’s actually a clever way to crack those CD
wrappers. A minuscule but razor-edged blade built into the unit’s
side cuts right through the cello-wrap without damaging the jewel
case underneath. Great for cassettes, too. And by exerting just a
little more pressure, the product is also a handy way to cut a
single sheet of paper – a coupon, for example. Easily imprintable,
it also comes in an amusing foam and plastic package. Light enough
to mail, too. asi/79653 |
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 Touch
of difference ... You’ve seen them with certain PCs in retail
stores. Now they’re available as a promotional product. This
standard-in-every-way computer mouse tends to stand out because of
two things: first, the simple utilization of colored translucent
plastic that gives users a peek at the inside works, and second, a
transparent wire cover paired with a bright silver inner wrap.
Either way, it manages to catch its fair share of attention. asi/77965 |
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 Notable
notifications ... If you or your customers are like most folks,
you probably forget to check your e-mail as often as you should.
Sure, you can program your computer to let you know, but if you’re
not there before the pop-up disappears, that often doesn’t help
either. “ActiveBox” offers a different solution. A desktop item
that works in tandem with ActiveMail software, it’s a miniature of
a British mailbox that lets you know you have new e-mail when the
“letter” pops out. There are several other software-associated
bells and whistles that can involve screen animation or sound, and
the unit can be programmed to a degree, too. Don’t really care for
a mailbox shape? The product can be completely customized, too. asi/95734 |
This online version of IMPRINT MAGAZINE is updated regularly along with the printed
version.
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