The Promotional Idea Showcase -
Spring 2001 - Updated
Quarterly
| Seeking something a little different for a promotional product, incentive or award? Check out optics.
It’s a product category that’s not only larger in scope (pun intentional) than you’d imagine, but one many don’t immediately think about. Optics offer a feast for the eyes or visual assistance – both qualities print images can’t fully capture. Kaleidoscopes, telescopes, magnifiers, binoculars, microscopes, prisms and more are available at many price points for all sorts of promotional needs. For example ...  |
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 ROSE-COLORED LENSES. For real.
These BauerOptics binoculars, from asi/31550, feature 8 x 22 magnification and a ruby-coated lens for less reflection and distortion. The unit
folds inward to make it more compact, making it convenient to carry wherever needed. Imprinting can be done on the colorful case or the product
itself. Or both. Of course, beyond sports, binoculars can be used to promote travel, resorts, wildlife preservation societies and more. Not bad as
high-ticket prizes for sweepstakes and contests, either. |
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 SPIN IT. The “Centurion,” from asi/35530,
is an elegant kaleidoscope with gold-plated parts and a solid walnut base and tube. The (faux) jewel-encrusted table turns when the mechanism is
wound up, providing a, well, kaleidoscope of ever-changing images. Another surprise; the item also contains a music box. It’s suitable for an
award/recognition, business or holiday gift. Some companies who’ve used it saw it as a symbol of “looking into the future” or an award for
creative thinking. |
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 CLOSE INSPECTION. Magnifiers come
in all shapes and styles to suit many needs. The “MagniPop,” from asi/44120, provides 2x magnification with a 6x bifocal spot. It comes in a
protective case. The “MagniTop” is a lighted table-top magnifier (see switch on the handle). It also has a bifocal spot lens. Magnifiers are
often popular among collectors and crafters, but also make reading newspapers, maps, small print books and other close viewing situations a little
easier for everyone.
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 BY LAND AND SEA. A recipient need not be out
at sea to enjoy the “Admiral’s Telescope.” This version, in brass, from asi/35530, comes with a tripod and oak case. It weights close to 3
pounds, and is sized to sit on a desk or shelf, making it an effective choice for an award/recognition gift. |
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 THE RIGHT ANGLE. The polemoscope can
inspire many a promotional slogan and theme because it’s sneaky. The “Private Eye,” from asi/93350, provides a view 90 degrees to the side
of the direction you point it at. According to the manufacturer, patrons of French opera houses used to use polemoscopes to discreetly check out
people sitting with them in the audience. Interesting concept ... |
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 OLD-FASHIONED SCENE. Back in Victorian
times, they were called viewing jars – actually a jar topped with a magnified eyepiece, allowing the viewer a close-up of whatever was placed
inside. This accurate reproduction stands 3 1/2 inches tall. An attention-grabbing method for firms to promote any small, tangible products, like
cereal, components, fibers, seeds, etc. From asi/93350, the jar can also hold keepsakes to commemorate a special event.
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 BY THE BOOK. The “MagniMark,”
from asi/44120, is a versatile product because it covers several categories – it’s a magnifier, bookmark and ruler. Firms can customize the
color of the ruler markings, ribbon and case to match a logo. Given the book tie-in, the item could promote publishers, bookstores (online and
real live), libraries and a good bit more. It can also serve to promote virtually any company or organization that wants to “measure up,”
“rule out the competition” or “think big.” |
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 WATCH YOUR WEIGHT. This
dome-shaped, full lead crystal paper weight/magnifier from asi/39700 comes complete with gift box. It can support silkscreened, engraved,
sand-etched, laser-engraved and four-color process imprints, which can make it pretty versatile in appearance. Possible uses might be a gift at an
award banquet or party or an employee thank you gift. It’s also available in other shapes, such as a computer mouse. |
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 FUN AND GAMES. When closed,
they look like sports balls; opened, they become binoculars. These products, from asi/77075, are good for corporate outings, picnics and sporting
events. Interesting giveaways at minor league games and track-and-field competitions. They can be imprinted via silkscreening, and will get any
company’s name out and about. |
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This online version of IMPRINT MAGAZINE is updated regularly along with the printed version. |