NEW PRODUCTS

Wear it on the fly ... What do a T-shirt and boomerang have in common? Absolutely nothing – which is what probably makes the “Boomerang Tee” so intriguing. It starts out with an authentic (hand-made in Australia), nine-inch, custom-imprinted wood boomerang. Then, an imprinted all-cotton T-shirt, of any preferred brand/color, is compressed into the shape of the ’rang. Finally, the two are packaged together via shrink-wrap. The result is an easy-to-mail, unique promotional package that’s definitely not something you’ll see arriving by the dozen at your clients’ offices. Also available: genuine coconuts containing compressed towels! asi/42375

Get a grip, wouldya? ... We won’t go into all kinds of details, but for one reason or another, some things can be difficult to get a good solid grip on – doorknobs, tools, faucets, bike locks, bottle tops, etc.  This handy little item could be the answer to the problem. Of super-pliable – and comfortable – rubber, “Great grip” quickly fits over whatever’s hard to hold at the moment, providing a larger grabbing surface and added torque. The unit has a slight amount of “give” to allow it to adjust to larger objects. Further, the imprint can be molded into the rubber, assuring permanency. asi/58114

Built for speed and comfort ... Travel mugs as a promotional product? Ancient, right? Not this one. Based on a brand-new design, the “Hemisphere” mug is designed with the user’s comfort as well as style in mind. It’s dual-walled for better insulating properties, has a tapered Euro-look shape that fits most cars’ drink holders, is dishwasher safe and features the “closer” lid, which not only virtually eliminates the possibility of a spill, but allows you to vent off some steam with particularly hot beverages. The ergonomically designed handle is rubber-coated, assuring a solid, comfortable grip, and hollow, to keep the mug as light as possible. The slightly oval shape also allows for a larger imprint area. asi/80330

Totally arresting ... Among the many excellent mid-range logoed timepieces available, the Fossil name’s one that’s been well-known for years – not only because of its eye-catching designs, but its innovative packaging as well. Almost a decade ago it began offering up watches and more in graphically attractive tins at the retail level. Consumers took to them so well, the tins were soon made available at the promotional level, too. This latest generation features retro graphics for various products reminiscent of the 1930s or ’40s. What really makes them appealing, though, is that, through the imprinting process, the tins are made to appear as well-worn as if they really were 50 or 60 years old. The scrapes, nicks and rust spots look so authentic, you literally have to touch them to realize it’s an illusion. Several stock designs, with foam liners if desired, and custom work is available. asi/55145

Sailing through ... Flying discs were first introduced in the 1950s and have remained essentially the same, with minor modifications. However, concepts can often be tinkered with. One result is the “Aerobie” flying rings, which can go much farther due to aerodynamics. The original model holds the Guinness Book world record for the farthest throw – 1,257 feet. These two new models, the “Pro” and “Sprint,” might not sail that far, but can still cover impressive distances. They’re made of a lightweight flexible material coated with soft rubber for an added safety factor. And, unlike discs, they can be lightly adjusted to correct any curving or banking. Completely imprintable, the rings are flat enough for most mailings, too. asi/90232

Pretty neat ... We’ll be the first to admit that even when you’re eating lobster or ribs, wearing a bib isn’t the most fashionable thing to do in a restaurant. But you also have to consider that even a small amount of stray oil or sauce can mean, at best, a costly dry-cleaning bill and, at worst, a completely ruined tie, blouse or shirt. Adding that to the equation, sometimes being fashionable isn’t as important as being spot-free. That’s where “DripClips” come in handy any time there’s a potential for splashing. Easily carried in pocket or purse, they feature plastic jaws that grab a napkin very securely in seconds. Once that’s done, the metal hook on the unit’s back can be slipped over a collar or buttonhole, offering a fully protected front. In several colors, including metallic, and fully imprintable. asi/40290

Heavy illumination ... Here’s a flashlight that combines a moderate price with heavy-duty construction and executive-level looks to boot. The inner workings and end-caps are of thick plastic, but the body is all stainless steel, which not only gives it some decent “heft,” but also eliminates the possibility of cracking it should it fall on a hard surface. The handle features a nonslip pattern and the rubber button isn’t only easy to find, but water-resistant as well. It also features a spare bulb and adjustable cloth carry loop. Available in several sizes, the units operate on AA or D batteries (included), depending on the model. asi/55980

Ready when you are ... Just when you thought desktop robotics were starting to wane, along comes the “Live-Action Press-Up Mirror.” Most of us can occasionally use a small mirror at the office or when traveling, and this one has an element of fun as well as a few extra features. To use, simply place on a flat surface and push the button. The mirror automatically unfolds itself. Need more light? Just slide the switch on the back to “on.” When finished, simply fold up again. The light can also function as a mini-flashlight when the product’s closed, which is kind of handy. Comes with batteries and gift-boxed. asi/91320

Tote N’ Glow ... Still another example of appearances being deceiving. “Firewire” bags look like your basic ordinary nylon multicompartmented numbers. But thanks to technology initially developed by scientists from the NASA space program, the bags’ molding lights up in bright blue for up to 45 hours on two AA batteries. Want more? OK. There’s also an on/off button and blink option built into each unit. In five different styles. asi/53409